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Introduction to Hebrews

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Hebrews

  1. Jesus is superior to Gods prophets and angels (1:1-4:13)
  2. Jesus is superior to the priests who serve in the temple in Jerusalem (4:14-7:28)
  3. Jesus ministry is superior to the old covenant that God made with his people (8:1-10:39)
  4. What faith is like (11:1-40)
  5. Encouragement to be faithful to God (12:1-29)
  6. Concluding encouragements and greetings (13:1-25)

Who wrote the Book of Hebrews?

No one knows who wrote Hebrews. Scholars have suggested several different people who could possibly be the author. Possible authors are Paul, Luke, and Barnabas. The date of writing is also not known. Most scholars think it was written before A.D. 70. Jerusalem was destroyed in A.D. 70, but the writer of this letter spoke about Jerusalem as if it had not yet been destroyed.

What is the Book of Hebrews about?

In the Book of Hebrews, the author shows that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. The author did this in order to encourage the Jewish Christians and to explain that Jesus is better than anything that the old covenant had to offer. Jesus is the perfect High Priest. Jesus was also the perfect sacrifice. Animal sacrifices became useless because Jesus sacrifice was once and for all time. Therefore, Jesus is the one and only way for people to be accepted by God.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Hebrews.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “The Letter to the Hebrews” or “A Letter to the Jewish Christians.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Can readers understand this book without knowing about the sacrifices and the work of the priests required in the Old Testament?

It would be very difficult for readers to understand this book without understanding these matters. Translators might consider explaining some of these Old Testament concepts in notes or in an introduction to this book.

How is the idea of blood used in the Book of Hebrews?

Beginning in Hebrews 9:7, the idea of blood is often used as metonymy to represent the death of any animal that was sacrificed according to Gods covenant with Israel. The author also used blood to represent the death of Jesus Christ. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice so that God would forgive people for sinning against him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

Beginning in Hebrews 9:19, the author used the idea of sprinkling as a symbolic action. Old Testament priests sprinkled the blood of the animals sacrificed. This was a symbol of the benefits of the animals death being applied to the people or to an object. This showed that the people or the object was acceptable to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

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

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

  • Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God views Christians as sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless, faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones,” or “holy people.”
  • Sometimes the meaning indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 6:10; 13:24)
  • Sometimes the meaning implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “sanctify,” “set apart,” “dedicated to,” or “reserved for.” (See: 2:11: 9:13; 10:10, 14, 29; 13:12)

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

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Hebrews?

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

  • “you crowned him with glory and honor” (2:7). Some older versions read, “you crowned him with glory and honor and you have put him over the works of your hands.”
  • “those who did not unite in faith with those who obeyed” (4:2). Some older versions read, “those who heard it without joining faith to it.”
  • “Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come” (9:11). Some modern versions and older versions read, “Christ came as a high priest of the good things that are to come.”
  • “on those who were prisoners” (10:34). Some older versions read, “of me in my chains.”
  • “They were stoned. They were sawn in two. They were killed with the sword” (11:37). Some older versions read, “They were stoned. They were sawn in two. They were tempted. They were killed with the sword.”
  • “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned” (12:20). Some older versions read, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned or shot with an arrow.”

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

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Hebrews 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter describes how Jesus is more important to us than the angels are.

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 1:5, 7-13, which are words from the Old Testament.

“Our ancestors”

The writer wrote this letter to Christians who had grown up as Jews. This is why the letter is called “Hebrews.”

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

The author uses rhetorical questions as a way of proving Jesus is better than the angels. Both he and the readers know the answers to the questions, and the writer knows that as the readers think about the answers to the questions, they will realize that Gods Son is more important than any of the angels.

Poetry

Jewish teachers, like the Old Testament prophets, would put their most important teachings in the form of poetry so that the hearers would be able to learn and remember them.

4HEB11c5f30General Information:

Although this letter does not mention the recipients to whom it was sent, the author wrote particularly to Hebrews (Jews), who would have understood the many Old Testament references.

5HEB11c5f40General Information:

This prologue lays the background for the whole book: the unsurpassing greatness of the Son — the Son is greater than all. The book begins with emphasizing that the Son is better than the prophets and the angels.

6HEB12scr8ἐπ’ ἐσχάτου τῶν ἡμερῶν τούτων1in these last days

“in these final days.” This phrase refers to the time when Jesus began his ministry, extending until God establishes his complete rule in his creation.

7HEB12d386guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesἐν Υἱῷ1through a Son

“Son” here is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

8HEB12i93zfigs-metaphorἔθηκεν κληρονόμον πάντων1to be the heir of all things

The author speaks of the Son as if he will inherit wealth and property from his Father. Alternate translation: “to possess all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

9HEB12gqj8δι’ οὗ καὶ ἐποίησεν τοὺς αἰῶνας;1It is through him that God also made the universe

“It is through the Son that God also made all things”

10HEB13hn4qἀπαύγασμα τῆς δόξης1the brightness of Gods glory

“the light of his glory.” Gods glory is associated with a very bright light. The author is saying that the Son embodies that light and fully represents Gods glory.

11HEB13b7jcτῆς δόξης καὶ χαρακτὴρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως αὐτοῦ1glory, the exact representation of his being

“glory, the image of Gods being.” The “the exact representation of his being” is similar in meaning to “the brightness of Gods glory.” The Son embodies the character and essence of God and fully represents everything that God is. Alternate translation: “glory and is just like God” or “glory, and what is true about God is true about the Son”

12HEB13ms8zfigs-metonymyτῷ ῥήματι τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ1the word of his power

“his powerful word.” Here “word” refers to a message or command. Alternate translation: “his powerful command” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

13HEB13l1pgfigs-abstractnounsκαθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος1After he had made cleansing for sins

The abstract noun “cleansing” can be expressed as a verb: “making clean.” Alternate translation: “After he had finished making us clean from sins” or “After he had finished purifying us from our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

14HEB13f729figs-metaphorκαθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος1he had made cleansing for sins

The author speaks of forgiving sins as if it were making a person clean. Alternate translation: “he had made it possible for God to forgive our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

15HEB13xij7translate-symactionἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς Μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς1he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high

To sit at the “right hand of God” is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “he sat down at the place of honor and authority beside the Majesty on high” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

16HEB13ir7xfigs-metonymyδεξιᾷ τῆς Μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς1the Majesty on high

Here “Majesty” refers to God. Alternate translation: “God Most High” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

17HEB14mn1p0General Information:

The first prophetic quotation (You are my son) comes from the Psalms. The prophet Samuel wrote the second one (I will be a father to him). All occurrences of “he” refer to Jesus, the Son. The word “You” refers to Jesus, and the words “I” and “me” refer to God the Father.

18HEB14x4bhγενόμενος1He has become

“The Son has become”

19HEB14fzg3figs-metonymyὅσῳ διαφορώτερον παρ’ αὐτοὺς, κεκληρονόμηκεν ὄνομα1as the name he has inherited is more excellent than their name

Here “name” refers to honor and authority. Alternate translation: “as the honor and authority he has inherited is superior to their honor and authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

20HEB14qt7qfigs-metaphorκεκληρονόμηκεν1he has inherited

The author speaks of receiving honor and authority as if he were inheriting wealth and property from his father. Alternate translation: “he has received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

21HEB15ww5hfigs-rquestionτίνι γὰρ εἶπέν ποτε τῶν ἀγγέλων, Υἱός μου εἶ σύ…μοι εἰς Υἱόν?1For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my son…a son to me”?

This question emphasizes that God does not call any angel his son. Alternate translation: “For God never said to any of the angels You are my son…a son to me.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

22HEB15t48efigs-parallelismΥἱός μου εἶ σύ…ἐγὼ…γεγέννηκά σε1You are my son…I have become your father

These two phrases mean essentially the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

23HEB16b6dy0General Information:

The first quotation in this section, “All Gods angels…him,” comes from one of the books that Moses wrote. The second quotation, “He is the one who makes…fire,” is from the Psalms.

24HEB16b4s2figs-metaphorτὸν πρωτότοκον1the firstborn

This means Jesus. The author refers to him as the “firstborn” to emphasize the Sons importance and authority over everyone else. It does not imply that there was a time before Jesus existed or that God has other sons like Jesus. Alternate translation: “his honored Son, his only Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

25HEB16n7phλέγει1he says

“God says”

26HEB17isd8figs-metaphorὁ ποιῶν τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ πνεύματα, καὶ τοὺς λειτουργοὺς αὐτοῦ πυρὸς φλόγα1He is the one who makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire

Possible meanings are (1) “God has made his angels to be spirits who serve him with power like flames of fire” or (2) God makes the wind and flames of fire his messengers and servants. In the original language the word for “angel” is the same as “messenger,” and the word for “spirits” is the same as “wind.” With either possible meaning, the point is that the angels serve the Son because he is superior. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

27HEB18vl1n0General Information:

This scriptual quotation comes from the Psalms.

28HEB18p1xxπρὸς δὲ τὸν Υἱόν1But to the Son he says

“But God says this to the Son”

29HEB18b155guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Υἱόν1Son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

30HEB18ewm4figs-metonymyὁ θρόνος σου, ὁ Θεὸς, εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος1Your throne, God, is forever and ever

The Sons throne represents his rule. Alternate translation: “You are God, and your reign will last forever and ever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

31HEB18k4cffigs-metonymyἡ ῥάβδος τῆς εὐθύτητος ῥάβδος τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ1The scepter of your kingdom is the scepter of justice

Here “scepter” refers to the Sons rule. Alternate translation: “And you will rule over the people of your kingdom with justice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

32HEB19t9ywfigs-metaphorἔχρισέν σε…ἔλαιον ἀγαλλιάσεως παρὰ τοὺς μετόχους σου1has anointed you with the oil of joy more than your companions

Here “oil of joy” refers to the joy that the Son felt when God honored him. Alternate translation: “has honored you and made you more joyful than anyone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

33HEB110nsd40General Information:

This quotation comes from another Psalm.

34HEB110zp5r0Connecting Statement:

The author continues explaining that Jesus is superior to the angels.

35HEB110tmu5κατ’ ἀρχάς1In the beginning

“Before anything existed”

36HEB110j64kfigs-metaphorτὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας1you laid the earths foundation

The author speaks of God creating the earth as if he built a building on a foundation. Alternate translation: “you created the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

37HEB110r19vfigs-metonymyἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί1The heavens are the work of your hands

Here “hands” refer to Gods power and action. Alternate translation: “You made the heavens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

38HEB111a6leαὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται1They will perish

“The heavens and earth will disappear” or “The heavens and earth will no longer exist”

39HEB111qy4efigs-simileὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται1wear out like a piece of clothing

The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were a piece of clothing that will get old and eventually become useless. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

40HEB112n4hlfigs-simileὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτούς1roll them up like a cloak

The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were a robe or another kind of outer garment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

41HEB112iv4rfigs-simileὡς ἱμάτιον καὶ ἀλλαγήσονται1they will be changed like a piece of clothing

The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were clothing that could be exchanged for other clothing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

42HEB112i761figs-activepassiveἀλλαγήσονται1they will be changed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you will change them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

43HEB112v5mffigs-metaphorἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσιν1your years do not end

Periods of time are used to represent Gods eternal existence. Alternate translation: “your life will never end” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

44HEB113pqs90General Information:

This quotation comes from another Psalm.

45HEB113kz68figs-rquestionπρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέν ποτε…τῶν ποδῶν σου?1But to which of the angels has God said at any time…feet”?

The author uses a question to emphasize that God has never said this to an angel. Alternate translation: “But God has never said to an angel at any time…feet.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

46HEB113s6k7translate-symactionκάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου1Sit at my right hand

To sit at the “right hand of God” is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “Sit in the place of honor beside me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

47HEB113ulp5figs-metaphorἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου, ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου1until I make your enemies a stool for your feet

Christs enemies are spoken of as if they will become an object on which a king rests his feet. This image represents defeat and dishonor for his enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

48HEB114fk5vfigs-rquestionοὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα…κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν?1Are not all angels spirits…inherit salvation?

The author uses this question to remind the readers that angels are not as powerful as Christ, but they have a different role. Alternate translation: “All angels are spirits who…inherit salvation.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

49HEB114v541figs-metaphorδιὰ τοὺς μέλλοντας κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν1for those who will inherit salvation

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: “for those whom God will save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

50HEB2intros2gd0

Hebrews 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is about how Jesus is better than Moses, the greatest Israelite.

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 2:6-8, 12-13, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Brothers

The author probably uses the term “brothers” to refer to Christians who grew up as Jews.

51HEB21x7px0Connecting Statement:

This is the first of five urgent warnings the author gives.

52HEB21c72ffigs-inclusiveδεῖ…ἡμᾶς1we must

Here “we” refers to the author and includes his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

53HEB21ayd1figs-metaphorμήποτε παραρυῶμεν1so that we do not drift away from it

Possible meanings for this metaphor are (1) people who stop believing in Gods word are spoken of as if they were drifting away, like a boat drifts from its position in the water. Alternate translation: “so that we do not stop believing it” or (2) people who stop obeying Gods words are spoken of as if they were drifting away, like a boat drifts from its position in the water. Alternate translation: “so that we do not stop obeying it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

54HEB22j4fafigs-explicitεἰ γὰρ ὁ δι’ ἀγγέλων λαληθεὶς λόγος1For if the message that was spoken through the angels

The Jews believed that God spoke his law to Moses through angels. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For if the message that God spoke through the angels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

55HEB22k5kbεἰ γὰρ ὁ…λόγος1For if the message

The author is certain that these things are true. Alternate translation: “Because the message”

56HEB22u52ifigs-metonymyπᾶσα παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ ἔλαβεν ἔνδικον μισθαποδοσίαν1every trespass and disobedience receives just punishment

Here “trespass” and “disobedience” stand for the people who are guilty of these sins. Alternate translation: “every person who sins and disobeys will receive just punishment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

57HEB22y2y7figs-doubletπαράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ1trespass and disobedience

These two words mean basically the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

58HEB23fv4qfigs-rquestionπῶς ἡμεῖς ἐκφευξόμεθα τηλικαύτης ἀμελήσαντες σωτηρίας?1how then can we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?

The author uses a question to emphasize that the people will certainly receive punishment if they refuse Gods salvation through Christ. Alternate translation: “then God will certainly punish us if we do not pay attention to his message about how God will save us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

59HEB23i2zvἀμελήσαντες1ignore

“pay no attention to” or “consider unimportant”

60HEB23gm6vfigs-activepassiveἥτις ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα, λαλεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου, ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐβεβαιώθη1This is salvation that was first announced by the Lord and confirmed to us by those who heard it

This can be stated in active form. The abstract noun “salvation” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “The Lord himself first announced the message about how God will save us and then those who heard the message confirmed it to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

61HEB24m2p8κατὰ τὴν αὐτοῦ θέλησιν1according to his will

“in just the way he wanted to do it”

62HEB25jh560General Information:

The quotation here is from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament. It continues on through the next section.

63HEB25v7qf0Connecting Statement:

The writer reminds these Hebrew believers that the earth will one day be under the rule of the Lord Jesus.

64HEB25i3bhοὐ γὰρ ἀγγέλοις ὑπέταξεν1For it was not to the angels that God subjected

“For God did not make the angels rulers over”

65HEB25rqr9figs-metonymyτὴν οἰκουμένην τὴν μέλλουσαν1the world to come

Here “world” refers to the people who live there. And “to come” means that this is the world in the next age after Christ returns. Alternate translation: “the people who will live in the new world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

66HEB26df5afigs-rquestionτί ἐστιν ἄνθρωπος, ὅτι μιμνῄσκῃ αὐτοῦ1What is man, that you are mindful of him?

This rhetorical question emphasizes the insignificance of humans and expresses surprise that God would pay attention to them. Alternate translation: “Humans are insignificant, and yet you are mindful of them!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

67HEB26wkd9figs-idiomἢ υἱὸς ἀνθρώπου, ὅτι ἐπισκέπτῃ αὐτόν?1Or a son of man, that you care for him?

The idiom “son of man” refers to human beings. This rhetorical question means basically the same thing as the first question. It expresses surprise that God would care for humans, who are insignificant. Alternate translation: “Human beings are of little importance, and yet you care for them!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

68HEB26e47vfigs-ellipsisἢ υἱὸς ἀνθρώπου1Or a son of man

The verb may be supplied from the previous question. Alternate translation: “Or what is a son of man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

69HEB27ka5afigs-metaphorἠλάττωσας αὐτὸν, βραχύ τι παρ’ ἀγγέλους1a little lower than the angels

The author speaks of people being less important than angels as if the people are standing in a position that is lower than the angels position. Alternate translation: “less important than the angels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

70HEB27tjn6figs-genericnounἠλάττωσας αὐτὸν…ἐστεφάνωσας αὐτόν1made man…crowned him

Here, these phrases do not refer to a specific person but to humans in general, including both males and females. Alternate translation: “made humans…crowned them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

71HEB27s85xfigs-metaphorδόξῃ καὶ τιμῇ ἐστεφάνωσας αὐτόν1you crowned him with glory and honor

The gifts of glory and honor are spoken of as if they were a wreath of leaves placed on the head of a victorious athlete. Alternate translation: “you have given them great glory and honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

72HEB28ac9ffigs-genericnounτῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ…αὐτῷ1his feet…to him

Here, these phrases do not refer to a specific person but to humans in general, including both males and females. Alternate translation: “their feet…to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

73HEB28k5j2figs-metaphorπάντα ὑπέταξας ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ1You put everything in subjection under his feet

The author speaks of humans having control over everything as if they have stepped on everything with their feet. Alternate translation: “You have given them control over everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

74HEB28rf44figs-doublenegativesοὐδὲν ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ ἀνυπότακτον1He did not leave anything not subjected to him

This double negative means that all things will be subject to Christ. Alternate translation: “God made everything subject to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

75HEB28xy7cοὔπω ὁρῶμεν αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα ὑποτεταγμένα1we do not yet see everything subjected to him

“we know that humans are not in control of everything yet”

76HEB29ijd10Connecting Statement:

The writer reminds these Hebrew believers that Christ became lower than the angels when he came to earth to suffer death for forgiveness of sins, and that he became a merciful high priest to believers.

77HEB29gi12βλέπομεν Ἰησοῦν1we see him

“we know there is one”

78HEB29ma4jfigs-activepassiveἠλαττωμένον1who was made

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God made” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

79HEB29i4fcπαρ’ ἀγγέλους ἠλαττωμένον…δόξῃ καὶ τιμῇ ἐστεφανωμένον1lower than the angels…crowned with glory and honor

See how you translated these words in Hebrews 2:7.

80HEB29bil4figs-metaphorγεύσηται θανάτου1he might taste death

The experience of death is spoken of as if it were food that people can taste. Alternate translation: “he might experience death” or “he might die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

81HEB210r899figs-metaphorπολλοὺς υἱοὺς εἰς δόξαν ἀγαγόντα1bring many sons to glory

The gift of glory is spoken of here as if it were a place to which people could be brought. Alternate translation: “save many sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

82HEB210l95yfigs-gendernotationsπολλοὺς υἱοὺς1many sons

Here this refers to believers in Christ, including males and females. Alternate translation: “many believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

83HEB210sw9tfigs-metaphorτὸν ἀρχηγὸν τῆς σωτηρίας αὐτῶν1the leader of their salvation

Possible meanings are (1) this is a metaphor in which the writer speaks of salvation as if it were a destination and of Jesus as the person who goes before the people on the road and leads them to salvation. Alternate translation: “the one who leads people to salvation” or (2) the word translated here as “leader” can mean “founder” and the author speaks of Jesus as the one who establishes salvation, or makes it possible for God to save people. Alternate translation: “the one who makes their salvation possible” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

84HEB210l321figs-metaphorτελειῶσαι1complete

Becoming mature and completely trained is spoken of as if a person were made complete, perhaps complete in all his body parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

85HEB211jy9p0General Information:

This prophetic quotation comes from a Psalm of King David.

86HEB211ky9vὅ…ἁγιάζων1the one who sanctifies

“the one who makes others holy” or “the one who makes others pure from sin”

87HEB211jzw3figs-activepassiveοἱ ἁγιαζόμενοι1those who are sanctified

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom he makes holy” or “those whom he makes pure from sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

88HEB211bj7ifigs-explicitἐξ ἑνὸς1have one source

Who that source is can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “have one source, God himself” or “have the same Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

89HEB211ul23οὐκ ἐπαισχύνεται1he is not ashamed

“Jesus is not ashamed”

90HEB211k1q5figs-doublenegativesοὐκ ἐπαισχύνεται ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοὺς καλεῖν1is not ashamed to call them brothers

This double negative means that he will claim them as his brothers. Alternate translation: “is pleased to call them his brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

91HEB211a8h9figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοὺς1brothers

Here this refers to all who have believed in Jesus, including both men and women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

92HEB212e88pfigs-metonymyἀπαγγελῶ τὸ ὄνομά σου τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου1I will proclaim your name to my brothers

Here “name” refers to the persons reputation and what they have done. Alternate translation: “I will proclaim to my brothers the great things you have done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

93HEB212tn8nἐν μέσῳ ἐκκλησίας1from inside the assembly

“when believers come together to worship God”

94HEB213dx1q0General Information:

The prophet Isaiah wrote these quotations.

95HEB213s1fpκαὶ πάλιν,1And again,

“And a prophet wrote in another scripture passage what Christ said about God:”

96HEB213xap9figs-metaphorτὰ παιδία1the children

This speaks about those who believe in Christ as if they were children. Alternate translation: “those who are like my children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

97HEB214qj3dfigs-metaphorτὰ παιδία1the children

This speaks about those who believe in Christ as if they were children. Alternate translation: “those who are like my children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

98HEB214ndv2figs-idiomκεκοινώνηκεν αἵματος καὶ σαρκός1share in flesh and blood

The phrase “flesh and blood” refers to peoples human nature. Alternate translation: “are all human beings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

99HEB214fy7aαὐτὸς παραπλησίως μετέσχεν τῶν αὐτῶν1he likewise shared in the same

“Jesus in the same way shared in flesh and blood” or “Jesus became human in the same way they did”

100HEB214p878figs-abstractnounsδιὰ τοῦ θανάτου1through death

Here “death” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “by dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

101HEB214ij54figs-abstractnounsτὸ κράτος ἔχοντα τοῦ θανάτου1has the power of death

Here “death” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “has the power to cause people to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

102HEB215w3crfigs-metaphorἀπαλλάξῃ τούτους, ὅσοι φόβῳ θανάτου, διὰ παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν, ἔνοχοι ἦσαν δουλείας1This was so that he would free all those who through fear of death lived all their lives in slavery

The fear of death is spoken of as if it were slavery. Taking away someones fear is spoken of as it were freeing that person from slavery. Alternate translation: “This was so he might free all people. For we lived like slaves because we were afraid of dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

103HEB216d4ccfigs-metaphorσπέρματος Ἀβραὰμ1the seed of Abraham

Descendants of Abraham are spoken of as if they were his seed. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

104HEB217agw2ὤφειλεν1it was necessary for him

“it was necessary for Jesus”

105HEB217v3pwτοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ὁμοιωθῆναι1like his brothers

Here “brothers” refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “like human beings”

106HEB217u6chεἰς τὸ ἱλάσκεσθαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας τοῦ λαοῦ1he would bring about the pardon of the peoples sins

Christs death on the cross means that God can forgive sins. Alternate translation: “he would make it possible for God to forgive peoples sins”

107HEB218xde4figs-activepassiveπειρασθείς1was tempted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Satan tempted him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

108HEB218a3a6figs-activepassiveπειραζομένοις1who are tempted

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom Satan is tempting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

109HEB3intromu260

Hebrews 03 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 3:7-11,15, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Brothers

The author probably uses the term “brothers” to refer to Christians who grew up as Jews.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Harden your hearts

A person who hardens his heart is a person who will not listen to or obey God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Rhetorical questions

The author uses rhetorical questions as a way of warning his readers. Both he and the readers know the answers to the questions, and the writer knows that as the readers think about the answers to the questions, they will realize that they need to listen to God and obey him.

110HEB31m1cv0Connecting Statement:

This second warning is longer and more detailed and includes chapters 3 and 4. The writer begins by showing that Christ is better than his servant Moses.

111HEB31tp7efigs-metaphorἀδελφοὶ ἅγιοι1holy brothers

Here “brothers” refer to fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “holy brothers and sisters” or “my holy fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

112HEB31af15figs-metonymyκλήσεως ἐπουρανίου, μέτοχοι1you share in a heavenly calling

Here “heavenly” represents God. Alternate translation: “God has called us together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

113HEB31zma3τὸν ἀπόστολον καὶ ἀρχιερέα τῆς1the apostle and high priest

Here the word “apostle” means someone who has been sent. In this passage, it does not refer to any of the twelve apostles. Alternate translation: “the one whom God sent and is the high priest”

114HEB31mnd4figs-abstractnounsτῆς ὁμολογίας ἡμῶν1of our confession

This can be reworded so that the abstract noun “confession” is expressed as the verb “confess.” Alternate translation: “whom we confess” or “in whom we believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

115HEB32eqp7figs-metaphorἐν τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ1in Gods house

The Hebrew people to whom God revealed himself are spoken of as if they were a literal house. Alternate translation: “to all of Gods people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

116HEB33py5nfigs-activepassiveοὗτος…ἠξίωται1Jesus has been considered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has considered Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

117HEB34f8n8figs-metaphorὁ…πάντα κατασκευάσας1the one who built everything

Gods acts of creating the world are spoken of as if he had built a house. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

118HEB34wvw1figs-activepassiveπᾶς…οἶκος κατασκευάζεται ὑπό τινος1every house is built by someone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “every house has someone who built it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

119HEB35d57qfigs-metaphorἐν ὅλῳ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ1in Gods entire house

The Hebrew people to whom God revealed himself are spoken of as if they were a literal house. See how you translated this in Hebrews 3:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

120HEB35m4xrfigs-metonymyεἰς μαρτύριον τῶν1bearing witness about the things

This phrase probably refers to all of Moses work. Alternate translation: “Moses life and work pointed to the things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

121HEB35gt8cfigs-activepassiveλαληθησομένων1were to be spoken of in the future

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus would say in the future” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

122HEB36dgt5guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς1Son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

123HEB36djm7figs-metaphorἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ1in charge of Gods house

This speaks about Gods people as if they were a literal house. Alternate translation: “who rules over Gods people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

124HEB36ly4xfigs-metaphorοὗ οἶκός ἐσμεν ἡμεῖς1We are his house

This speaks of Gods people as if they are a literal house. Alternate translation: “We are Gods people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

125HEB36kp9yfigs-abstractnounsἐὰν τὴν παρρησίαν καὶ τὸ καύχημα τῆς ἐλπίδος κατάσχωμεν1if we hold fast to our courage and the hope of which we boast

Here “courage” and “hope” are abstract and can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “if we continue to be courageous and joyfully expect God to do what he has promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

126HEB37c4sl0General Information:

This quotation comes from the Old Testament in the book of Psalms.

127HEB37z2uk0Connecting Statement:

The warning here is a reminder that the Israelites unbelief kept almost all of them from entering into the land that God had promised them.

128HEB37u66qfigs-metonymyἐὰν τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ ἀκούσητε1if you hear his voice

Gods “voice” represents him speaking. Alternate translation: “when you hear God speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

129HEB38gl2kfigs-metonymyμὴ σκληρύνητε τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν1do not harden your hearts

Here “hearts” is a metonym for a persons mind. The phrase “harden your hearts” is a metaphor for being stubborn. Alternate translation: “do not be stubborn” or “do not refuse to listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

130HEB38lik3figs-abstractnounsὡς ἐν τῷ παραπικρασμῷ, κατὰ τὴν ἡμέραν τοῦ πειρασμοῦ, ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ1as in the rebellion, in the time of testing in the wilderness

Here “rebellion” and “testing” can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “as when your ancestors rebelled against God and tested him in the wilderness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

131HEB39e6n70General Information:

This quotation is from the Psalms.

132HEB39i3wbfigs-youοἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν1your ancestors

Here “your” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

133HEB39q7c2ἐν δοκιμασίᾳ1by testing me

Here “me” refers to God.

134HEB310we42translate-numbersτεσσεράκοντα ἔτη1forty years

“40 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

135HEB310upb8προσώχθισα1I was displeased

“I was angry” or “I was greatly unhappy”

136HEB310kh4vfigs-metaphorἀεὶ πλανῶνται τῇ καρδίᾳ1They have always gone astray in their hearts

Here “gone astray in their hearts” is a metaphor for not being loyal to God. Here “hearts” is a metonym for minds or desires. Alternate translation: “They have always rejected me” or “They have always refused to obey me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

137HEB310l5t7figs-metaphorοὐκ ἔγνωσαν τὰς ὁδούς μου1They have not known my ways

This speaks of a manner of conducting ones life as if it were a way or a path. Alternate translation: “They have not understood how I want them to conduct their lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

138HEB311tz3lfigs-metaphorεἰ εἰσελεύσονται εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσίν μου1They will never enter my rest

The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: “They will never enter the place of rest” or “I will never allow them to experience my blessings of rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

139HEB312gv84figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1brothers

Here this refers to fellow Christians including males and females. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

140HEB312lma5figs-metonymyμήποτε ἔσται ἔν τινι ὑμῶν καρδία πονηρὰ ἀπιστίας, ἐν τῷ ἀποστῆναι ἀπὸ Θεοῦ ζῶντος1there will not be anyone with an evil heart of unbelief, a heart that turns away from the living God

Here “heart” is a metonym that represents a persons mind or will. Refusing to believe and obey God is spoken of as if the heart did not believe and it physically turned away from God. Alternate translation: “there will not be any of you who refuse to believe the truth and who stop obeying the living God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

141HEB312kjm7Θεοῦ ζῶντος1the living God

“the true God who is really alive”

142HEB313d3k2ἄχρις οὗ, τὸ σήμερον, καλεῖται1as long as it is called “today,”

“while there is still opportunity,”

143HEB313m1e7figs-activepassiveμὴ σκληρυνθῇ τις ἐξ ὑμῶν ἀπάτῃ τῆς ἁμαρτίας1no one among you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the deceitfulness of sin will not harden any of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

144HEB313b198figs-abstractnounsμὴ σκληρυνθῇ τις ἐξ ὑμῶν ἀπάτῃ τῆς ἁμαρτίας1no one among you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin

Being stubborn is spoken of as being hard or having a hard heart. The hardness is a result of being deceived by sin. This can be reworded so that the abstract noun “deceitfulness” is expressed as the verb “deceive.” Alternate translation: “no one among you will be deceived by sin and become stubborn” or “you do not sin, deceiving yourselves so that you become stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

145HEB314znu50General Information:

This continues the quotation from the same psalm that was also quoted in Hebrews 3:7.

146HEB314f52jfigs-inclusiveγὰρ…γεγόναμεν1For we have become

Here “we” refers to both the writer and the readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

147HEB314e753ἐάνπερ…τῆς ὑποστάσεως…βεβαίαν κατάσχωμεν1if we firmly hold to our confidence in him

“if we continue to confidently trust in him”

148HEB314j3aqτὴν ἀρχὴν1from the beginning

“from when we first begin to believe in him”

149HEB314l9enfigs-euphemismμέχρι τέλους1to the end

This is a polite way of referring to when a person dies. Alternate translation: “until we die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

150HEB315bym1figs-activepassiveλέγεσθαι1it has been said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the writer wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

151HEB315wa11figs-metonymyἐὰν τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ ἀκούσητε1if you hear his voice

Gods “voice” represents him speaking. See how you translated this in Hebrews 3:7. Alternate translation: “when you hear God speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

152HEB315j8dhfigs-abstractnounsὡς ἐν τῷ παραπικρασμῷ1as in the rebellion

Here “rebellion” can be stated as a verb. See how you translated this in Hebrews 3:8. Alternate translation: “as when your ancestors rebelled against God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

153HEB316b4jyfigs-inclusive0General Information:

The word “they” refers to the disobedient Israelites, and “we” refers to the author and readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

154HEB316pwl2figs-rquestionτίνες γὰρ ἀκούσαντες παρεπίκραναν? ἀλλ’ οὐ πάντες οἱ ἐξελθόντες ἐξ Αἰγύπτου διὰ Μωϋσέως?1Who was it who heard God and rebelled? Was it not all those who came out of Egypt through Moses?

The author uses questions to teach his readers. These two questions can be joined as one statement, if needed. Alternate translation: “All those who came out of Egypt with Moses heard God, yet they still rebelled.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

155HEB317swy4figs-rquestionτίσιν δὲ προσώχθισεν τεσσεράκοντα ἔτη? οὐχὶ τοῖς ἁμαρτήσασιν, ὧν τὰ κῶλα ἔπεσεν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ?1With whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dead bodies fell in the wilderness?

The author uses questions to teach his readers. These two questions can be joined as one statement, if needed. Alternate translation: “For forty years, God was angry with those who sinned, and he let them die in the wilderness.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

156HEB317aha2translate-numbersτεσσεράκοντα ἔτη1forty years

“40 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

157HEB318l1gcfigs-rquestionτίσιν δὲ ὤμοσεν μὴ εἰσελεύσεσθαι εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσιν αὐτοῦ, εἰ μὴ τοῖς ἀπειθήσασιν?1To whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if it was not to those who disobeyed him?

The author uses this question to teach his readers. Alternate translation: “And it was to those who disobeyed that he swore they would not enter his rest.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

158HEB318q16ufigs-metaphorμὴ εἰσελεύσεσθαι εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσιν αὐτοῦ1they would not enter his rest

The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: “they would not enter the place of rest” or “they would not experience his blessings of rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

159HEB319x18zfigs-abstractnounsδι’ ἀπιστίαν1because of unbelief

The abstract noun “unbelief” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “because they did not believe him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

160HEB4introu72n0

Hebrews 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter tells why Jesus is the greatest high priest.

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 4:3-4, 7, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gods rest

The word “rest” seems to refer to at least two things in this chapter. It refers to a place or time when God will allow his people to rest from their work (Hebrews 4:3), and it refers to God resting on the seventh day (Hebrews 4:4).

161HEB41n98m0Connecting Statement:

Chapter 4 continues the warning to believers starting in Hebrews 3:7. God, through the writer, gives believers a rest of which Gods rest in the creation of the world is a picture.

162HEB41ay25οὖν1Therefore

“Because what I have just said is true” or “Since God will certainly punish those who do not obey”

163HEB41zta2figs-metaphorμήποτε καταλειπομένης ἐπαγγελίας εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσιν αὐτοῦ, δοκῇ τις ἐξ ὑμῶν ὑστερηκέναι1none of you might seem to have failed to reach the promise left behind for you to enter Gods rest

Gods promise is spoken of as if it were a gift that God left behind when he visited the people. Alternate translation: “none of you fail to enter into Gods rest, which he promised to us” or “God will allow you all to enter into his rest as he promised us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

164HEB41ev85figs-metaphorεἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσιν αὐτοῦ1to enter Gods rest

The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: “to enter the place of rest” or “to experience Gods blessings of rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

165HEB42m74hfigs-activepassiveγάρ ἐσμεν εὐηγγελισμένοι καθάπερ κἀκεῖνοι1For we were told the good news just as they were

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For we heard the good news just as they did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

166HEB42znk9καθάπερ κἀκεῖνοι1as they were

Here “they” refers to the Hebrews ancestors who were alive during the time of Moses.

167HEB42zza4figs-doublenegativesἀλλ’ οὐκ ὠφέλησεν ὁ λόγος τῆς ἀκοῆς ἐκείνους, μὴ συνκεκερασμένους τῇ πίστει τοῖς ἀκούσασιν1But that message did not benefit those who did not unite in faith with those who obeyed

“But that message did not benefit those who did not join with the people who believed and obeyed.” The author is talking about two groups of people, those who received Gods covenant with faith, and those who heard it but did not believe. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “But that message benefited only those who believed and obeyed it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

168HEB43v4q41General Information:

Here the first quotation, “As I swore…rest,” is from a psalm. The second quotation, “God rested on…deeds,” is from Moses writings. The third quotation, “They will never enter…rest,” is again from the same psalm.

169HEB43u5yhοἱ πιστεύσαντες1we who have believed

“we who believe”

170HEB43w6t4figs-metaphorεἰσερχόμεθα…εἰς κατάπαυσιν, οἱ πιστεύσαντες1we who have believed enter that rest

The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: “we who have believed will enter the place of rest” or “we who have believed will experience Gods blessings of rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

171HEB43x2kqκαθὼς εἴρηκεν1just as he said

“just as God said”

172HEB43qfs8ὡς ὤμοσα ἐν τῇ ὀργῇ μου1As I swore in my wrath

“As I swore when I was very angry”

173HEB43k1ldfigs-metaphorεἰ εἰσελεύσονται εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσίν μου1They will never enter my rest

The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: “They will never enter the place of rest” or “They will never experience my blessings of rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

174HEB43x8zvfigs-activepassiveτῶν ἔργων…γενηθέντων1his works were finished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he finished creating” or “he finished his works of creation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

175HEB43vym3figs-metaphorἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1from the foundation of the world

The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: “at the beginning of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

176HEB44hbm5translate-ordinalτῆς ἑβδόμης1the seventh day

This is the ordinal number for “seven.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

177HEB46zq16figs-activepassiveἀπολείπεται τινὰς εἰσελθεῖν εἰς αὐτήν1it still remains that some will enter his rest

The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God still allows some people to enter his place of rest” or “God still allows some people to experience his blessings of rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

178HEB47y2tm0General Information:

Here we find out that this quotation from the Psalms was written by David (Hebrews 3:7-8).

179HEB47bp6ufigs-metaphorἐὰν τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ ἀκούσητε1if you hear his voice

Gods commands to Israel are spoken of as if he had given them in an audible voice. See how you translated this in Hebrews 3:7. Alternate translation: “if you hear God speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

180HEB47lsp6figs-metonymyμὴ σκληρύνητε τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν1do not harden your hearts

Here “hearts” is a metonym for a persons mind. The phrase “harden your hearts” is a metaphor for being stubborn. See how you translated this in Hebrews 3:8. Alternate translation: “do not be stubborn” or “do not refuse to listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

181HEB48r56z0Connecting Statement:

Here the writer warns believers not to disobey but to enter into the rest God offers. He reminds them that Gods word will convict them and that they can come in prayer with the confidence that God will help them.

182HEB48mdq9figs-metaphorεἰ…αὐτοὺς Ἰησοῦς κατέπαυσεν1if Joshua had given them rest

The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that Joshua could give. Alternate translation: “if Joshua had brought the Israelites to the place where God would give them rest” or “if the Israelites during the time of Joshua had experienced Gods blessings of rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

183HEB49vhx9figs-activepassiveἀπολείπεται σαββατισμὸς τῷ λαῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ1there is still a Sabbath rest reserved for Gods people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there is still a Sabbath rest that God has reserved for his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

184HEB49qe6xfigs-metaphorσαββατισμὸς1a Sabbath rest

Eternal peace and security are spoken of as if they were the Sabbath day, the Jewish day of worship and rest from working. Alternate translation: “an eternal rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

185HEB410ej9yfigs-metaphorὁ…εἰσελθὼν εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσιν αὐτοῦ1he who enters into Gods rest

The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they are a place to enter. Alternate translation: “the person who enters into Gods place of rest” or “the person who experiences Gods blessings of rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

186HEB411bmg5figs-metaphorσπουδάσωμεν…εἰσελθεῖν εἰς ἐκείνην τὴν κατάπαυσιν1let us be eager to enter that rest

The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were a place to enter. Alternate translation: “we should also do everything we can to rest with God where he is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

187HEB411rtj7figs-metaphorἐν τῷ αὐτῷ τις ὑποδείγματι πέσῃ τῆς ἀπειθείας1will fall into the kind of disobedience that they did

Disobedience is spoken of as if it were a hole that a person could physically fall into by accident. This passage can be reworded so that the abstract noun “disobedience” is expressed as the verb “disobey.” Alternate translation: “will disobey in the same way as they did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

188HEB412h5d2ζῶν…ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ1the word of God is living

Here “word of God” refers to anything that God has communicated to humanity, whether through speech or through written messages. Alternate translation: “the words of God are living”

189HEB412j9qyfigs-personificationζῶν…καὶ ἐνεργὴς1living and active

This speaks about Gods word as if it were alive. It means when God speaks, it is powerful and effective. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

190HEB412g4tcfigs-metaphorτομώτερος, ὑπὲρ πᾶσαν μάχαιραν δίστομον1sharper than any two-edged sword

A two-edged sword can easily cut through a persons flesh. Gods word is very effective in showing what is in a persons heart and thoughts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

191HEB412lv6yμάχαιραν δίστομον1two-edged sword

a sword with a blade that is sharp on both edges

192HEB412e7kvfigs-metaphorκαὶ διϊκνούμενος ἄχρι μερισμοῦ ψυχῆς καὶ πνεύματος, ἁρμῶν τε καὶ μυελῶν1It pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow

This continues speaking about Gods word as if it were a sword. Here the sword is so sharp that it can cut through and divide parts of the human that are very difficult or even impossible to divide. This means that there is nothing inside us that we can hide from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

193HEB412m6f2ψυχῆς καὶ πνεύματος1soul and spirit

These are two different but closely related nonphysical parts of a human. The “soul” is what causes a person to be alive. The “spirit” is the part of a person that causes him to be able to know and believe in God.

194HEB412sc3mἁρμῶν τε καὶ μυελῶν1joints and marrow

The “joint” is what holds two bones together. The “marrow” is the center part of the bone.

195HEB412n6n5figs-personificationκριτικὸς1is able to discern

This speaks about Gods word as if it were a person who could know something. Alternate translation: “exposes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

196HEB412xdu4figs-metonymyἐνθυμήσεων καὶ ἐννοιῶν καρδίας1the thoughts and intentions of the heart

“Heart” here is a metonym for “inner self.” Alternate translation: “what a person is thinking and intends to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

197HEB413nx6nfigs-activepassiveοὐκ ἔστιν κτίσις ἀφανὴς ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ1Nothing created is hidden before God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Nothing that God has created can hide from him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

198HEB413f3h1figs-metaphorπάντα…γυμνὰ καὶ τετραχηλισμένα1everything is bare and open

This speaks about all things as if they were a person standing bare, or a box that is open. Alternate translation: “everything is completely exposed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

199HEB413yk64figs-doubletγυμνὰ καὶ τετραχηλισμένα1bare and open

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that nothing is hidden from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

200HEB413i9hhfigs-metaphorτοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς αὐτοῦ, πρὸς ὃν ἡμῖν ὁ λόγος1to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account

God is spoken of as if he had eyes. Alternate translation: “to God, who will judge how we have lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

201HEB414a51pδιεληλυθότα τοὺς οὐρανούς1who has passed through the heavens

“who has entered where God is”

202HEB414ph6zguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

203HEB414vt4vfigs-metaphorκρατῶμεν τῆς ὁμολογίας1let us firmly hold to our beliefs

Belief and trust are spoken of as if they were objects that a person could grasp firmly. Alternate translation: “let us continue to believe confidently in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

204HEB415i2fwfigs-doublenegativesοὐ…ἔχομεν ἀρχιερέα μὴ δυνάμενον συνπαθῆσαι…δὲ1we do not have a high priest who cannot feel sympathy…Instead, we have

This double negative means that, in fact, Jesus does feel sympathy with people. Alternate translation: “we have a high priest who can feel sympathy…Indeed, we have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

205HEB415d26hfigs-activepassiveπεπειρασμένον…κατὰ πάντα καθ’ ὁμοιότητ1who has in all ways been tempted as we are

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “who has endured temptation in every way that we have” or “whom the devil has tempted in every way that he tempts us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

206HEB415fve3χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας1he is without sin

“he did not sin”

207HEB416aj1pfigs-metonymyτῷ θρόνῳ τῆς χάριτος1to the throne of grace

“to Gods throne, where there is grace.” Here “throne” refers to God ruling as king. Alternate translation: “to where our gracious God is sitting on his throne” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

208HEB416py6dfigs-metaphorλάβωμεν ἔλεος, καὶ χάριν εὕρωμεν, εἰς εὔκαιρον βοήθειαν1we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need

Here “mercy” and “grace” are spoken of as if they were objects that can be given or can be found. Alternate translation: “God may be merciful and gracious and help us in time of need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

209HEB5introb67j0

Hebrews 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the teaching of the previous chapter.

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 5:5-6.

Special concepts in this chapter

High priest

Only a high priest could offer sacrifices so that God could forgive sins, so Jesus had to be a high priest. The law of Moses commanded that the high priest be from the tribe of Levi, but Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. God made him a priest like the priest Melchizedek, who lived at the time of Abraham, before there was a tribe of Levi.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Milk and solid food

The writer speaks of Christians who are only able to understand simple things about Jesus as if they were babies, who drink only milk and cannot eat solid food. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

210HEB51dn180Connecting Statement:

The writer describes the sinfulness of the Old Testament priests, then he shows that Christ has a better kind of priesthood, not based on Aarons priesthood but on the priesthood of Melchizedek.

211HEB51whq1figs-activepassiveἐξ ἀνθρώπων λαμβανόμενος1chosen from among people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God chooses from among the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

212HEB51ndz7figs-activepassiveκαθίσταται1is appointed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God appoints” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

213HEB51mzd9ὑπὲρ ἀνθρώπων καθίσταται1to act on the behalf of people

“to represent the people”

214HEB52gt9jfigs-activepassiveτοῖς…πλανωμένοις1those…who have been deceived

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those…whom others have deceived” or “those…who believe what is false” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

215HEB52f781πλανωμένοις1who have been deceived

“who believe false things and so behave badly”

216HEB52ny8ufigs-metaphorπερίκειται ἀσθένειαν1is subject to weakness

The high priests own weakness is spoken of as if it were a another person who rules over him. Alternate translation: “is spiritually weak” or “is weak against sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

217HEB52ihs9ἀσθένειαν1weakness

the desire to sin

218HEB53q5xifigs-activepassiveὀφείλει1he also is required

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God also requires him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

219HEB54c45n0General Information:

This quotation is from the Psalms in the Old Testament.

220HEB54c336figs-metaphorλαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν1takes this honor

Honor is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could grasp in his hands. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

221HEB54n2e1figs-metonymyλαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν1takes this honor

The “honor” or praise and respect that people gave to the high priest stand for his task. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

222HEB54p6hcfigs-activepassiveκαλούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, καθώσπερ καὶ Ἀαρών1he is called by God, just as Aaron was

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God called him, just as he called Aaron” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

223HEB55pr3fὁ λαλήσας πρὸς αὐτόν1the one speaking to him said

“God said to him”

224HEB55i694figs-parallelismΥἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε1You are my Son; today I have become your Father

These two phrases mean essentially the same thing. See how you translated this in Hebrews 1:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

225HEB55mfa8guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱός1Son…Father

These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God the Father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

226HEB56bce60General Information:

This prophecy is from a Psalm of David.

227HEB56ds6vfigs-ellipsisκαὶ…λέγει1he also says

To whom God is speaking can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “he also says to Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

228HEB56k5uwἐν ἑτέρῳ1in another place

“in another place in the scriptures”

229HEB56ede5κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ1after the manner of Melchizedek

This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: “in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest”

230HEB57mv2cfigs-metonymyἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ1During the days of his flesh

Here “the days” stands for a period of time. And, “flesh” stand for Jesuss earthly life. Alternate translation: “While he lived on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

231HEB57iel9figs-doubletδεήσεις…καὶ ἱκετηρίας1prayers and requests

Both of these words mean basically the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

232HEB57p6zmτὸν δυνάμενον σῴζειν αὐτὸν ἐκ θανάτου1the one able to save him from death

Possible meanings are (1) God was able to save Christ so that he would not die. Alternate translation: to save him from dying” or (2) God was able to save Christ after Christs death by making him alive again. If possible, translate this in a way that allows both interpretations.

233HEB57e75afigs-activepassiveεἰσακουσθεὶς1he was heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God heard him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

234HEB58mk8zguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesυἱός1a son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

235HEB59z2bv0Connecting Statement:

In verse 11 the writer begins his third warning. He warns these believers that they are still not mature and encourages them to learn Gods word so they can understand right from wrong.

236HEB59i29cfigs-activepassiveτελειωθεὶς1He was made perfect

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God made him perfect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

237HEB59n5qtτελειωθεὶς1made perfect

Here this means being made mature, able to honor God in all aspects of life.

238HEB59p9ugfigs-abstractnounsἐγένετο πᾶσιν τοῖς ὑπακούουσιν αὐτῷ αἴτιος σωτηρίας αἰωνίου1became, for everyone who obeys him, the cause of eternal salvation

The abstract noun “salvation” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “now he saves all who obey him and causes them to live forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

239HEB510b9sufigs-activepassiveπροσαγορευθεὶς ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1He was designated by God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God designated him” or “God appointed him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

240HEB510hd47κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ1after the manner of Melchizedek

This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: “to be the sort of high priest that Melchizedek was”

241HEB511cm78figs-pronounsπολὺς ἡμῖν ὁ λόγος1We have much to say

Even though the author uses the plural pronoun “we,” he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: “I have much to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

242HEB511r2u2figs-metaphorνωθροὶ γεγόνατε ταῖς ἀκοαῖς1you have become dull in hearing

The ability to understand and obey is spoken of as if it were the ability to listen. And the ability to listen is spoken of as if it were a metal tool that becomes dull with use. Alternate translation: “you have trouble understanding it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

243HEB512lw1aστοιχεῖα τῆς ἀρχῆς1basic principles

Here “principles” means a guideline or standard for making decisions. Alternate translation: “basic truths”

244HEB512wy2hfigs-metaphorγεγόνατε χρείαν ἔχοντες γάλακτος1You need milk

Teaching about God that is easy to understand is spoken of as if it were milk, the only food that infants can take. Alternate translation: “You have become like babies and can drink only milk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

245HEB512yk1qfigs-metaphorγάλακτος, οὐ στερεᾶς τροφῆς1milk, not solid food

Teaching about God that is difficult to understand is spoken of as if it were solid food, suitable for adults. Alternate translation: “milk instead of solid food that adults can eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

246HEB513nhx3figs-metonymyμετέχων γάλακτος1takes milk

Here “takes” stands for “drinks.” Alternate translation: “drinks milk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

247HEB513vl7kfigs-metaphorνήπιος γάρ ἐστιν1because he is still a little child

Spiritual maturity is compared with the kind of food that a growing child eats. Solid food is not for a tiny baby, and that is a figure describing a young Christian who only learns simple truths; but later, more solid food is given to the little child, just as when a person matures he can learn about matters that are more difficult. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

248HEB514e3yhfigs-metonymyτῶν διὰ τὴν ἕξιν τὰ αἰσθητήρια γεγυμνασμένα, ἐχόντων πρὸς διάκρισιν, καλοῦ τε καὶ κακοῦ1who because of their maturity have their understanding trained for distinguishing good from evil

People trained to understand something are spoken of as if their ability to understand had been trained. Alternate translation: “who are mature and can distinguish between good and evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

249HEB6intronz5i0

Hebrews 06 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Abrahamic Covenant

In the covenant that God made with Abraham, God promised to make Abrahams descendants into a great nation. He also promised to protect Abrahams descendants and to give them land of their own. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

250HEB61f1nk0Connecting Statement:

The writer continues with what immature Hebrew believers need to do to become mature Christians. He reminds them of the foundational teachings.

251HEB61i4xrfigs-metaphorἀφέντες τὸν τῆς ἀρχῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ λόγον, ἐπὶ τὴν τελειότητα φερώμεθα1let us leave the beginning of the message of Christ and move forward to maturity

This speaks about the basic teachings as if they were the beginning of a journey and the mature teachings as if they were the end of a journey. Alternate translation: “let us stop only discussing what we first learned and start understanding more mature teachings as well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

252HEB61thw8figs-metaphorμὴ πάλιν θεμέλιον καταβαλλόμενοι…πίστεως ἐπὶ Θεόν1Let us not lay again the foundation…of faith in God

Basic teachings are spoken of as if they were a building whose construction begins by laying a foundation. Alternate translation: “Let us not repeat the basic teachings…of faith in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

253HEB61d5q3figs-metaphorνεκρῶν ἔργων1dead works

Sinful deeds are spoken of as if they belonged to the world of the dead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

254HEB62s1cvfigs-metaphorδιδαχὴν…κρίματος αἰωνίου1nor the foundation of teaching…eternal judgment

Basic teachings are spoken of as if they were a building whose construction begins by laying a foundation. Alternate translation: “nor the basic teachings…eternal judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

255HEB62xww5ἐπιθέσεώς τε χειρῶν1laying on of hands

This practice was done to set someone apart for special service or position.

256HEB64e7pxfigs-metaphorτοὺς ἅπαξ φωτισθέντας1those who were once enlightened

Understanding is spoken of as if it were illumination. Alternate translation: “those who once understood the message about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

257HEB64l5mcfigs-metaphorγευσαμένους…τῆς δωρεᾶς τῆς ἐπουρανίου1who tasted the heavenly gift

Experiencing salvation is spoken of as if it were tasting food. Alternate translation: “who experienced Gods saving power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

258HEB64d2lpfigs-metaphorμετόχους γενηθέντας Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1who were sharers of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, who comes to believers, is spoken of as if he were an object that people could share. Alternate translation: “who received the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

259HEB65vp46figs-metaphorκαλὸν γευσαμένους Θεοῦ ῥῆμα1who tasted Gods good word

Learning Gods message is spoken of as if it were tasting food. Alternate translation: “who learned Gods good message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

260HEB65tw1ufigs-metonymyδυνάμεις…μέλλοντος αἰῶνος1the powers of the age to come

This means the power of God when his kingdom is fully present in all the world. In this sense, “the powers” refer to God himself, who holds all power. Alternate translation: “learned how God will work powerfully in the future” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

261HEB66l8nxπάλιν ἀνακαινίζειν εἰς μετάνοιαν1it is impossible to restore them again to repentance

“it is impossible to bring them back to repent again”

262HEB66dj3gfigs-metaphorἀνασταυροῦντας ἑαυτοῖς τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1they crucify the Son of God for themselves again

When people turn away from God, it is as though they crucify Jesus again. Alternate translation: “it is like they crucify for themselves the very Son of God again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

263HEB66y47bguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

264HEB67p4tffigs-personificationγῆ…ἡ πιοῦσα τὸν…ὑετόν1the land that drinks in the rain

Farmland that benefits from much rain is spoken of as if it were a person who drinks in the rainwater. Alternate translation: “the land that absorbs the rain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

265HEB67r32nfigs-personificationτίκτουσα βοτάνην1that gives birth to the plants

Farmland that produces crops is spoken of as if it gives birth to them. Alternate translation: “that produces plants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

266HEB67da68figs-personificationμεταλαμβάνει εὐλογίας ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1the land that receives a blessing from God

Rain and crops are seen as proof that God has helped the farmland. The farmland is spoken of as if it were a person who could receive Gods blessing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

267HEB67qq1xεὐλογίας ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1a blessing from God

Here “blessing” means help from God, not spoken words.

268HEB68pp48figs-metaphorκατάρας ἐγγύς1is near to a curse

This speaks of “curse” as if it were a place to which a person could draw near. Alternate translation: “is in danger of God cursing it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

269HEB68a2bkἧς τὸ τέλος εἰς καῦσιν1Its end is in burning

The farmer will burn everything in the field.

270HEB69sb4afigs-pronounsπεπείσμεθα1we are convinced

Even though the author uses the plural pronoun “we,” he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: “I am convinced” or “I am certain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

271HEB69jt3kπερὶ ὑμῶν…τὰ κρείσσονα1about better things concerning you

This means they are doing better than those who have rejected God, disobeyed him, and now can no longer repent so that God will forgive them (Hebrews 6:4-6). Alternate translation: “that you are doing better things than what I have mentioned”

272HEB69npu2figs-abstractnounsἐχόμενα σωτηρίας1things that concern salvation

The abstract noun “salvation” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “things that concern God saving you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

273HEB610t2hbfigs-doublenegativesοὐ γὰρ ἄδικος ὁ Θεὸς, ἐπιλαθέσθαι1For God is not so unjust that he would forget

This double negative can mean that God in his justice will remember what good things his people have done. Alternate translation: “For God is just and therefore will certainly remember” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

274HEB610r9xxfigs-metonymyεἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1for his name

Gods “name” is a metonym that stands for God himself. Alternate translation: “for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

275HEB611j7f5figs-pronounsἐπιθυμοῦμεν1We greatly desire

Even though the author uses the plural pronoun “we,” he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: “I greatly desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

276HEB611k4siσπουδὴν1diligence

careful, hard work

277HEB611xfy1figs-explicitἄχρι τέλους1to the end

The implicit meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “to the end of your lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

278HEB611i2ycπρὸς τὴν πληροφορίαν τῆς ἐλπίδος1in order to make your hope certain

“in order to have complete certainty that you will receive what God has promised you”

279HEB612yrh2μιμηταὶ1imitators

An “imitator” is someone who copies the behavior of someone else.

280HEB612q8ryfigs-metaphorκληρονομούντων τὰς ἐπαγγελίας1inherit the promises

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: “receive what God promised them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

281HEB614ymh2λέγων1He said

God said

282HEB614n47afigs-metonymyπληθύνων, πληθυνῶ σε1I will greatly increase you

Here “increase” stands for give descendants. Alternate translation: “I will give you many descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

283HEB615x5zsfigs-activepassiveτῆς ἐπαγγελίας1what was promised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what God promised him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

284HEB617rpv9figs-metaphorτοῖς κληρονόμοις τῆς ἐπαγγελίας1to the heirs of the promise

The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: “to those who would receive what he promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

285HEB617ug6jτὸ ἀμετάθετον τῆς βουλῆς αὐτοῦ1the unchangeable quality of his purpose

“that his purpose would never change” or “that he would always do what he said he would do”

286HEB618gjw3figs-metaphorοἱ καταφυγόντες1we, who have fled for refuge

Believers, who trust in God for him to protect them, are spoken of as if they were running to a safe place. Alternate translation: “we, who have trusted him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

287HEB618gk6nfigs-metaphorἰσχυρὰν παράκλησιν ἔχωμεν…κρατῆσαι τῆς προκειμένης ἐλπίδος1will have a strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope set before us

Trust in God is spoken of as if encouragement were an object that could be presented to a person and that person could hold on to it. Alternate translation: “will continue to trust in God just has he encouraged us to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

288HEB618hs84figs-activepassiveπροκειμένης1set before us

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God has placed before us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

289HEB619w66k0Connecting Statement:

Having finished his third warning and encouragement to the believers, the writer of Hebrews continues his comparison of Jesus as priest to Melchizedek as priest.

290HEB619ng9ifigs-metaphorὡς ἄγκυραν…τῆς ψυχῆς, ἀσφαλῆ τε καὶ βεβαίαν1as a secure and reliable anchor for the soul

Just as an anchor keeps a boat from drifting in the water, Jesus keeps us secure in Gods presence. Alternate translation: “that causes us to live securely in Gods presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

291HEB619vdt3figs-doubletἄγκυραν…ἀσφαλῆ…καὶ βεβαίαν1a secure and reliable anchor

Here the words “secure” and “reliable” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the complete reliability of the anchor. Alternate translation: “a completely reliable anchor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

292HEB619d223figs-personificationἣν…καὶ εἰσερχομένην εἰς τὸ ἐσώτερον τοῦ καταπετάσματος1hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain

Confidence is spoken of as if it were a person who could go into the most holy place of the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

293HEB619aj2mfigs-metaphorτὸ ἐσώτερον1the inner place

This was the most holy place in the temple. It was thought to be the place where God was most intensely present among his people. In this passage, this place stands for heaven and Gods throne room. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

294HEB620zgj6κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ1after the order of Melchizedek

This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: “in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest”

295HEB7introy8j30

Hebrews 07 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 7:17, 21, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

High priest

Only a high priest could offer sacrifices so that God could forgive sins, so Jesus had to be a high priest. The law of Moses commanded that the high priest be from the tribe of Levi, but Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. God made him a priest like the priest Melchizedek, who lived at the time of Abraham, before there was a tribe of Levi.

296HEB71mwy80Connecting Statement:

The writer of Hebrews continues his comparison of Jesus as priest to Melchizedek as priest.

297HEB71rfc9translate-namesΣαλήμ1Salem

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

298HEB71rx36figs-explicitἈβραὰμ ὑποστρέφοντι ἀπὸ τῆς κοπῆς τῶν βασιλέων1Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings

This is refers to when Abraham and his men went and defeated the armies of four kings in order to rescue his nephew, Lot, and his family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

299HEB72q87x1It was to him

“It was to Melchizedek”

300HEB72abh4βασιλεὺς δικαιοσύνης…βασιλεὺς εἰρήνης1king of righteousness…king of peace

“righteous king…peaceful king”

301HEB73q4ehἀπάτωρ, ἀμήτωρ, ἀγενεαλόγητος, μήτε ἀρχὴν ἡμερῶν, μήτε ζωῆς τέλος ἔχων1He is without father, without mother, without ancestors, with neither beginning of days nor end of life

It is possible to think from this passage that Melchizedek was neither born nor did he die. However, it is likely that all the writer means is that the Scriptures provide no information about Melchizedeks ancestry, birth, or death.

302HEB74h2bg0Connecting Statement:

The writer states that the priesthood of Melchizedek is better than Aarons priesthood and then reminds them that the priesthood of Aaron did not make anything perfect.

303HEB74w2ggοὗτος1this man was

“Melchizedek was”

304HEB75l9zqfigs-distinguishτῶν υἱῶν Λευεὶ τὴν ἱερατείαν λαμβάνοντες1The sons of Levi who receive the priesthood

The author says this because not all of Levis sons became priests. Alternate translation: “The descendants of Levi who became priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

305HEB75hn3kτὸν λαὸν1from the people

“from the people of Israel”

306HEB75ri2yτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτῶν1from their brothers

Here “brothers” means they are all related to each other through Abraham. Alternate translation: “from their relatives”

307HEB75x4zafigs-metaphorἐξεληλυθότας ἐκ τῆς ὀσφύος Ἀβραάμ1they, too, have come from Abrahams body

This is a way of saying that they were descendants of Abraham. Alternate translation: “they, too, are descendants of Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

308HEB76r2rsὁ…μὴ γενεαλογούμενος ἐξ αὐτῶν1whose descent was not traced from them

“who was not a descendant of Levi”

309HEB76d2hqfigs-metaphorτὸν ἔχοντα τὰς ἐπαγγελίας1the one who had the promises

The things that God promised to do for Abraham are spoken of as if they were objects that he could possess. Alternate translation: the one to whom God had spoken his promises” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

310HEB77k6pcfigs-activepassiveτὸ ἔλαττον ὑπὸ τοῦ κρείττονος εὐλογεῖται1the lesser person is blessed by the greater person

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the more important person blesses the less important person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

311HEB78sf79ὧδε μὲν…ἐκεῖ1In this case…in that case

These phrases are used to compare the Levite priests with Melchizedek. Your language may have a way to emphasize that the author is making a comparison.

312HEB78c9zzfigs-metaphorμαρτυρούμενος ὅτι ζῇ1is testified that he lives on

It is never explicitly written in scripture that Melchizedek dies. The author of Hebrews speaks of this absence of information about Melchizedeks death in scripture as if it were a positive statement that he is still alive. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “scripture shows that he lives on” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

313HEB79v1yufigs-metaphorδι’ Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ Λευεὶς, ὁ δεκάτας λαμβάνων, δεδεκάτωται1Levi, who received tithes, also paid tithes through Abraham

Since Levi had not been born yet, the author speaks of him as still being in Abrahams body. In this way, the author argues that Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

314HEB710g26sfigs-metaphorἐν τῇ ὀσφύϊ τοῦ πατρὸς ἦν1Levi was in the body of his ancestor

Since Levi had not been born yet, the author speaks of him as still being in Abrahams body. In this way, the author argues that Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

315HEB711kdb8μὲν οὖν1Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

316HEB711wgp5figs-rquestionτίς ἔτι χρεία κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ, ἕτερον ἀνίστασθαι ἱερέα, καὶ οὐ κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Ἀαρὼν λέγεσθαι?1what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the manner of Melchizedek, and not be considered to be after the manner of Aaron?

This question emphasizes that it was unexpected that priests come after the order of Melchizedek. Alternate translation: “no one would have needed another priest, one who was like Melchizedek and not like Aaron, to arise.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

317HEB711hi4eἀνίστασθαι1to arise

“to come” or “to appear”

318HEB711cc5fκατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ1after the manner of Melchizedek

This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: “in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest”

319HEB711kt3afigs-activepassiveοὐ κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Ἀαρὼν λέγεσθαι1not be considered to be after the manner of Aaron

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “not be after the manner of Aaron” or “who is not a priest like Aaron” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

320HEB712c7f1figs-activepassiveμετατιθεμένης γὰρ τῆς ἱερωσύνης, ἐξ ἀνάγκης καὶ νόμου μετάθεσις γίνεται1For when the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For when God changed the priesthood, he also had to change the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

321HEB713k9ziὃν γὰρ1For the one

This refers to Jesus.

322HEB713m9mmfigs-activepassiveἐφ’ ὃν…λέγεται ταῦτα1about whom these things are said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “about whom I am speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

323HEB714t3dmγὰρ1Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

324HEB714qsk5ἐξ Ἰούδα ἀνατέταλκεν ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν1it is from Judah that our Lord was born

The words “our Lord” refer to Jesus.

325HEB714ln94ἐξ Ἰούδα1from Judah

“from the tribe of Judah”

326HEB715i17g0General Information:

This quote comes from a psalm of King David.

327HEB715jn1pfigs-inclusiveπερισσότερον ἔτι κατάδηλόν ἐστιν1What we say is clearer yet

“We can understand even more clearly.” Here “we” refers to the author and his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

328HEB715md9iεἰ…ἀνίσταται ἱερεὺς ἕτερος1if another priest arises

“if another priest comes”

329HEB715z1ylκατὰ τὴν ὁμοιότητα Μελχισέδεκ1in the likeness of Melchizedek

This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: “in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest”

330HEB716fr4aὃς οὐ κατὰ νόμον1It was not based on the law

“His becoming priest was not based on the law”

331HEB716erq7figs-metonymyνόμον ἐντολῆς σαρκίνης1the law of fleshly descent

The idea of human descent is spoken of as if it had only to do with the flesh of ones body. Alternate translation: “the law of human descent” or “the law about priests descendants becoming priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

332HEB717xmj8figs-personificationμαρτυρεῖται γὰρ1For scripture witnesses about him

This speaks about scripture as if it were a person who could witness about something. Alternate translation: “For God witnesses about him through the scriptures” or “For this is what was written about him in the scripture” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

333HEB717g6zdκατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ1according to the order of Melchizedek

There were two groups of priests. One was made up of the descendants of Levi. The other was made up of Melchizedek and Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “according to the line of Melchizedek” or “according to the priesthood of Melchizedek”

334HEB718d6vnfigs-metaphorἀθέτησις μὲν…γίνεται προαγούσης ἐντολῆς1the former regulation is set aside

Here “set aside” is a metaphor for making something invalid. This can be stated in active form. AT “God made the commandment invalid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

335HEB719ia8jfigs-personificationοὐδὲν…ἐτελείωσεν ὁ νόμος1the law made nothing perfect

The law is spoken of as if it were a person who could act. Alternate translation: “no one could become perfect by obeying the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

336HEB719stc2figs-activepassiveἐπεισαγωγὴ…κρείττονος ἐλπίδος1a better hope is introduced

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has introduced a better hope” or “God has given us reason for a more confident hope (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

337HEB719c9tzfigs-metaphorδι’ ἧς ἐγγίζομεν τῷ Θεῷ1through which we come near to God

Worshiping God and having his favor are spoken of coming near to him. Alternate translation: “and because of this hope we approach God” or “and because of this hope we worship God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

338HEB720f3cd0General Information:

This quote comes from the same psalm of David as Hebrews 7:17.

339HEB720vf69figs-explicitκαὶ καθ’ ὅσον οὐ χωρὶς ὁρκωμοσίας1And it was not without an oath!

The word “it” refers to Jesus becoming the eternal priest. It can be stated clearly who made the oath. Alternate translation: “And God did not choose this new priest without swearing an oath!” or “And it was because God swore an oath that the Lord became the new priest!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

340HEB722h4620Connecting Statement:

The writer then assures these Jewish believers that Christ has the better priesthood because he lives forever and the priests that descended from Aaron all died.

341HEB722e23dκρείττονος διαθήκης, γέγονεν ἔγγυος1has given the guarantee of a better covenant

“has told us that we can be sure that there will be a better covenant”

342HEB724u941figs-abstractnounsἀπαράβατον ἔχει τὴν ἱερωσύνην1he has a permanent priesthood

A priests work is spoken of as if it were an object that Jesus possesses. This can be worded to avoid the abstract noun. Alternate translation: “he is a priest permanently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

343HEB725a4ggfigs-explicitὅθεν…δύναται1Therefore he

You can make explicit what “Therefore” implies. Alternate translation: “Because Christ is our high priest who lives forever, he” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

344HEB725b182τοὺς προσερχομένους δι’ αὐτοῦ τῷ Θεῷ1those who approach God through him

“those who come to God because of what Jesus has done”

345HEB726cmq1figs-metaphorὑψηλότερος τῶν οὐρανῶν γενόμενος1has become higher than the heavens

“God has raised him up to the highest heavens.” The author speaks of possessing more honor and power than anyone else as if it were position that is up above all things. Alternate translation: “God has given him more honor and power than anyone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

346HEB727b6nv0General Information:

Here the words “He,” “his,” and “himself” refer to Christ.

347HEB728n693figs-metonymyὁ νόμος…ἀνθρώπους καθίστησιν ἀρχιερεῖς ἔχοντας ἀσθένειαν1the law appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses

Here “the law” is a metonym for the men who appointed the high priests according to the law of Moses. The focus is not on the men who did this, but on the fact that they did this according to the law. Alternate translation: “according to the law, men appoint as high priests men who have weaknesses” or “for according to the law, men who have weaknesses are appointed as high priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

348HEB728u5nyἀνθρώπους…ἔχοντας ἀσθένειαν1men who have weaknesses

“men who are spiritually weak” or “men who are weak against sin”

349HEB728yez2figs-metonymyὁ λόγος…τῆς ὁρκωμοσίας, τῆς μετὰ τὸν νόμον, Υἱόν1the word of the oath, which came after the law, appointed a Son

The “word of the oath” represents God who made the oath. Alternate translation: “God appointed a Son by his oath, which he made after he gave the law” or “after he had given the law, God swore an oath and appointed his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

350HEB728msa4guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱόν1Son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

351HEB728fkl3figs-activepassiveτετελειωμένον1who has been made perfect

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “who has completely obeyed God and become mature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

352HEB8introks940

Hebrews 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The author finishes describing how and why Jesus is the most important high priest. Then he begins to speak about how the new covenant is better to the covenant God made with Moses. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

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 8:8-12, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

New covenant

The author tells how Jesus has established a new covenant that is better than the covenant that God established with the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

353HEB81nb8q0Connecting Statement:

The writer, having shown that Christs priesthood is better than the earthly priesthood, shows that the earthly priesthood was a pattern of heavenly things. Christ has a superior ministry, a superior covenant.

354HEB81tw7lδὲ1Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

355HEB81z4dhfigs-exclusiveλεγομένοις1we are saying

Even though the author uses the plural pronoun “we,” he is most likely referring only to himself. Because the writer does not include his readers here, the word “we” is exclusive. Alternate translation: “I am saying” or “I am writing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

356HEB81m2b4figs-inclusiveἔχομεν ἀρχιερέα1We have a high priest

The author is including the readers here, so the word “we” is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

357HEB81b8qytranslate-symactionἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θρόνου τῆς Μεγαλωσύνης1sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty

To sit at the “right hand of God” is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Hebrews 1:3. Alternate translation: “sat down at the place of honor and authority beside the throne of the Majesty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

358HEB82lrb7τῆς σκηνῆς τῆς ἀληθινῆς, ἣν ἔπηξεν ὁ Κύριος, οὐκ ἄνθρωπος1the true tabernacle that the Lord, not a man, set up

People built the earthly tabernacle out of animal skins fastened to a wooden framework, and they set it up in the manner of a tent. Here “true tabernacle” means the heavenly tabernacle that God created.

359HEB83su9jfigs-activepassiveπᾶς γὰρ ἀρχιερεὺς…καθίσταται1For every high priest is appointed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For God appoints every priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

360HEB84p2v6οὖν1Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

361HEB84gfz1κατὰ νόμον1according to the law

“as God requires in the law”

362HEB85t3i8figs-metaphorοἵτινες ὑποδείγματι καὶ σκιᾷ λατρεύουσιν τῶν ἐπουρανίων1They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things

The words “copy” and “shadow” have similar meanings and are metaphors meaning that something is not the real thing but it is similar to the real thing. These words emphasize that the priesthood and the earthly temple were images of Christ, the true high priest, and the heavenly temple. Alternate translation: “They serve what is a vague image of the heavenly things” or “They serve what is only similar to the heavenly things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

363HEB85k5r1figs-activepassiveκαθὼς κεχρημάτισται Μωϋσῆς, μέλλων1It is just as Moses was warned by God when he was

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It is just as God warned Moses when Moses was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

364HEB85qb7gfigs-explicitμέλλων ἐπιτελεῖν τὴν σκηνήν1was about to construct the tabernacle

Moses did not construct the tabernacle himself. He ordered the people to construct it. Alternate translation: “was about to command the people to construct the tabernacle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

365HEB85jk6iὅρα1See that

“Make sure that”

366HEB85wf1pκατὰ τὸν τύπον1to the pattern

“to the design”

367HEB85s9xefigs-activepassiveτὸν δειχθέντα σοι1that was shown to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that I showed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

368HEB85j3tzfigs-explicitἐν τῷ ὄρει1on the mountain

You can make explicit that “mountain” refers to Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: “on Mount Sinai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

369HEB86qdj60Connecting Statement:

This section begins to show that the new covenant is better than the old covenant with Israel and Judah.

370HEB86rt2aδιαφορωτέρας1Christ has received

“God has given Christ”

371HEB86spy1κρείττονός…διαθήκης μεσίτης1mediator of a better covenant

This means Christ caused a better covenant between God and humans to exist.

372HEB86aw58figs-activepassiveδιαθήκης…ἥτις ἐπὶ κρείττοσιν ἐπαγγελίαις νενομοθέτηται1covenant, which is based on better promises

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “covenant. It was this covenant that God made based on better promises” or “covenant. God promised better things when he made this covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

373HEB87wb9dtranslate-ordinalἡ πρώτη ἐκείνη…δευτέρας1first covenant…second covenant

The words “first” and “second” are ordinal numbers. Alternate translation: “old covenant…new covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

374HEB87gig6ἦν ἄμεμπτος1had been faultless

“had been perfect”

375HEB88ya4n0General Information:

In this quotation the prophet Jeremiah foretold of a new covenant that God would make.

376HEB88sqb4αὐτοῖς1with the people

“with the people of Israel”

377HEB88xhp8ἰδοὺ1See

“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

378HEB88c6zmfigs-metaphorτὸν οἶκον Ἰσραὴλ, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον Ἰούδα1the house of Israel and with the house of Judah

The people of Israel and Judah are spoken of as if they were houses. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel and with the people of Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

379HEB89dde5figs-metaphorἐπιλαβομένου μου τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῶν, ἐξαγαγεῖν αὐτοὺς ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου1I took them by their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt

This metaphor represents Gods great love and concern. Alternate translation: “I led them out of Egypt like a father leads his young child” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

380HEB810fh1c0General Information:

This is a quotation from the prophet Jeremiah.

381HEB810k2ewfigs-metaphorτῷ οἴκῳ Ἰσραὴλ1the house of Israel

The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a house. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

382HEB810q78uμετὰ τὰς ἡμέρας ἐκείνας1after those days

“after that time”

383HEB810gbw3figs-metaphorδιδοὺς νόμους μου εἰς τὴν διάνοιαν αὐτῶν1I will put my laws into their minds

Gods requirements are spoken of as if they were objects that could be placed somewhere. Peoples ability to think is spoken of as if it were a place. Alternate translation: “I will enable them to understand my laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

384HEB810e45gfigs-metonymyἐπὶ καρδίας αὐτῶν ἐπιγράψω αὐτούς1I will also write them on their hearts

Here “hearts” is a metonym for a persons inner being. The phrase “write them on their hearts” is a metaphor for enabling people to obey the law. Alternate translation: “I will also put them in their hearts” or “I will enable them to obey my law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

385HEB810hs53ἔσομαι αὐτοῖς εἰς Θεόν1I will be their God

“I will be the God they worship”

386HEB810xgm3αὐτοὶ ἔσονταί μοι εἰς λαόν1they will be my people

“they will be the people for whom I care”

387HEB811lsq60General Information:

This continues the quotation from the prophet Jeremiah.

388HEB811jl1hfigs-quotationsοὐ μὴ διδάξωσιν ἕκαστος τὸν πολίτην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἕκαστος τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ λέγων, γνῶθι τὸν Κύριον1They will not teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, Know the Lord.

This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “They will not need to teach their neighbors or brothers to know me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

389HEB811wne2figs-doubletτὸν πολίτην…τὸν ἀδελφὸν1neighbor…brother

Both of these refer to fellow Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

390HEB811q5kifigs-metonymyγνῶθι τὸν Κύριον…πάντες εἰδήσουσίν με1Know the Lord…will all know me

“Know” here stands for acknowledge. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

391HEB812cu1bfigs-metonymyταῖς ἀδικίαις αὐτῶν1toward their evil deeds

This stands for the people who committed these evil deeds. Alternate translation: “to those who did evil deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

392HEB812a1xrfigs-metonymyτῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν οὐ μὴ μνησθῶ ἔτι1their sins I will not remember any longer

Here “remember” stands for “think about.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

393HEB9introp8vy0

Hebrews 09 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter describes how Jesus is better than the temple and all its laws and rules. This chapter will be difficult to understand if the first five books of the Old Testament have not yet been translated.

Special concepts in this chapter

Will

A will is a legal document that describes what will happen to a persons property after he dies.

Blood

In the Old Testament, God had commanded the Israelites to offer sacrifices so that he would forgive their sins. Before they could offer these sacrifices, they had to kill animals and then offer not only the animals body but also its blood. Shedding blood is a metaphor for killing an animal or person. Jesus offered his life, his blood, as a sacrifice when he allowed men to kill him. The writer of the Book of Hebrews is saying in this chapter that this sacrifice is better than the sacrifices of the Old Testament. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

Return of Christ

Jesus will return to finish the work that he began when he died so that God would forgive his peoples sins. He will finish saving those people who are waiting for him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

First covenant

This refers to the covenant that God made with Moses. However, before he made this covenant, God had made a covenant with Abraham. But this was the first covenant that God had made with the people of Israel. You may decide to translate “the first covenant” as “the earlier covenant.”

394HEB91af6x0Connecting Statement:

The writer makes clear to these Jewish believers that the laws and the tabernacle of the old covenant were only pictures of the better, new covenant.

395HEB91av9iοὖν1Now

This word marks a new part of the teaching.

396HEB91d3vsἡ πρώτη1first covenant

See how you translated this in Hebrews 8:7.

397HEB91pw63εἶχε…δικαιώματα1had regulations

“had detailed instructions” or “had rules”

398HEB92e3emγὰρ1For

The author is continuing the discussion from Hebrews 8:7.

399HEB92f6k7figs-activepassiveσκηνὴ…κατεσκευάσθη1a tabernacle was prepared

A tabernacle was constructed and made ready for use. This idea can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Israelites prepared a tabernacle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

400HEB92t13aἥ τε λυχνία καὶ ἡ τράπεζα, καὶ ἡ Πρόθεσις τῶν ἄρτων1the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the presence

These objects are all accompanied by the definite article “the,” because the author assumes that his readers already know about these things.

401HEB92gw3pfigs-abstractnounsἡ Πρόθεσις τῶν ἄρτων1bread of the presence

This can be reworded so that the abstract noun “presence” is expressed as the verb “display” or “present.” Alternate translation: “bread on display before God” or “bread the priests presented to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

402HEB93j7w3μετὰ…τὸ δεύτερον καταπέτασμα1Behind the second curtain

The first curtain was the outer wall of the tabernacle, so the “second curtain” was the curtain between the “holy place” and the “most holy place.”

403HEB93ssr9translate-ordinalδεύτερον1second

This is the ordinal word for number two. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

404HEB94kt3uἐν1Inside it

“Inside the ark of the covenant”

405HEB94jj9yfigs-explicitἡ ῥάβδος Ἀαρὼν ἡ βλαστήσασα1Aarons rod that budded

This was the rod Aaron had when God proved to the people of Israel that he had chosen Aaron as his priest by making Aarons rod bud. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

406HEB94md1fἡ βλαστήσασα1that budded

“from which leaves and flowers had grown”

407HEB94q9w3αἱ πλάκες τῆς διαθήκης1tablets of the covenant

Here “tablets” are flat pieces of stone that had writing on them. This refers to the stone tablets on which the ten commandments were written.

408HEB95ue5qΧερουβεὶν δόξης κατασκιάζοντα τὸ ἱλαστήριον1glorious cherubim overshadowed the atonement lid

When the Israelites were making the ark of the covenant, God commanded them to carve two cherubim facing each other, with their wings touching, over the atonement lid of the ark of the covenant. Here they are spoken of as providing shade for the ark of the covenant. Alternate translation: “glorious cherubim covered the atonement lid with their wings”

409HEB95fh6gfigs-metonymyΧερουβεὶν1cherubim

Here “cherubim” means figures of two cherubim. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

410HEB95f1jefigs-pronounsπερὶ ὧν οὐκ ἔστιν1which we cannot

Even though the author uses the plural pronoun “we,” he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: “which I cannot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

411HEB96mra7figs-activepassiveτούτων…οὕτως κατεσκευασμένων1After these things were prepared

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After the priests prepared these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

412HEB97xs9lfigs-doublenegativesοὐ χωρὶς αἵματος1not without blood

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “he always brought blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

413HEB97xtk5αἵματος1blood

This is the blood of the bull and goat that the high priest had to sacrifice on the Day of Atonement.

414HEB98a26fτῶν ἁγίων1the most holy place

Possible meanings are (1) the inner room of the tabernacle on earth or (2) Gods presence in heaven.

415HEB98e14cfigs-metonymyἔτι τῆς πρώτης σκηνῆς ἐχούσης στάσιν1the first tabernacle was still standing

Possible meanings are (1) “the outer room of the tabernacle was still standing” or (2) “the earthly tabernacle and the sacrificial system still existed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

416HEB99cu76ἥτις παραβολὴ1This was an illustration

“This was a picture” or “This was a symbol”

417HEB99fl6iεἰς τὸν καιρὸν τὸν ἐνεστηκότα1for the present time

“for now”

418HEB99g16ufigs-activepassiveπροσφέρονται1that are now being offered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the priests now offer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

419HEB99qsa1figs-metaphorμὴ δυνάμεναι κατὰ συνείδησιν τελειῶσαι τὸν λατρεύοντα1are not able to perfect the worshipers conscience

The writer speaks of a persons conscience as if it were an object that could be made better and better until it was without fault. A persons conscience is his knowledge of right and wrong. It is also his awareness of whether or not he has done wrong. If he knows he has done wrong, we say that he feels guilty. Alternate translation: “are not able to make the worshiper free from guilt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

420HEB99c31dfigs-genericnounσυνείδησιν…τὸν λατρεύοντα1the worshipers conscience

The writer appears to refer to only one worshiper, but he means all those who came to worship God at the tabernacle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

421HEB910hqs8μέχρι καιροῦ διορθώσεως1until the time of the new order

“until God created the new order”

422HEB910kqc1διορθώσεως1new order

“new covenant”

423HEB911bnc60Connecting Statement:

Having described the service of the tabernacle under Gods law, the writer makes clear that Christs service under the new covenant is better because it is sealed with his blood. It is better also because Christ has entered the true “tabernacle,” that is, Gods own presence in heaven, instead of entering, as other high priests, into the earthly tabernacle, which was only an imperfect copy.

424HEB911da2iἀγαθῶν1good things

This does not refer to material things. It means the good things that God promised in his new covenant.

425HEB911czx6τῆς μείζονος καὶ τελειοτέρας σκηνῆς1the greater and more perfect tabernacle

This refers to the heavenly tent or tabernacle, which is more important and more perfect than the earthly tabernacle.

426HEB911lxw8figs-activepassiveοὐ χειροποιήτου1that was not made by human hands

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that humans hands did not make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

427HEB911mtj9figs-synecdocheχειροποιήτου1human hands

Here “hands” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “humans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

428HEB912wp9nfigs-metaphorἅγια1most holy place

Gods presence in heaven is spoken of as if it were the most holy place, the innermost room in the tabernacle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

429HEB913ch3cσποδὸς δαμάλεως, ῥαντίζουσα τοὺς κεκοινωμένους1sprinkling of a heifers ashes on those who have become unclean

The priest would drop small amounts of the ashes on the unclean people.

430HEB913seb3figs-metonymyπρὸς τὴν τῆς σαρκὸς καθαρότητα1for the cleansing of their flesh

Here “flesh” refers to the entire body. Alternate translation: “for the cleansing of their bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

431HEB914t58wfigs-rquestionπόσῳ μᾶλλον τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς διὰ Πνεύματος αἰωνίου, ἑαυτὸν προσήνεγκεν ἄμωμον τῷ Θεῷ, καθαριεῖ τὴν συνείδησιν ὑμῶν ἀπὸ νεκρῶν ἔργων, εἰς τὸ λατρεύειν Θεῷ ζῶντι!1how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The author uses this question to emphasize that Christs sacrifice was the most powerful. Alternate translation: “then certainly Christs blood will cleanse our conscience even more from dead works to serve the living God! Because, through the eternal Spirit, he offered himself without blemish to God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

432HEB914r22pfigs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ1the blood of Christ

The “blood” of Christ stands for his death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

433HEB914xj6gfigs-metaphorἄμωμον1without blemish

This is a small sin or moral fault spoken of here as if it were a small, unusual spot or defect on Christs body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

434HEB914rkh4figs-metonymyκαθαριεῖ τὴν συνείδησιν ὑμῶν1cleanse our conscience

Here “conscience” refers to a persons feeling of guilt. Believers no longer have to feel guilty for the sins they have committed because Jesus sacrificed himself and has forgiven them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

435HEB914suu7figs-metaphorκαθαριεῖ1cleanse

Here “cleanse” stands for the action of relieving our consciences from guilt for the sins we have committed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

436HEB914zbj1figs-metaphorνεκρῶν ἔργων1dead works

Sinful deeds are spoken of as if they belonged to the world of the dead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

437HEB915x3xrδιὰ τοῦτο1For this reason

“As a result” or “Because of this”

438HEB915p2kgδιαθήκης καινῆς μεσίτης ἐστίν1he is the mediator of a new covenant

This means Christ caused the new covenant between God and humans to exist.

439HEB915q3x3τῇ πρώτῃ διαθήκῃ1first covenant

See how you translated this in Hebrews 8:7.

440HEB915z29afigs-metonymyεἰς ἀπολύτρωσιν τῶν ἐπὶ τῇ πρώτῃ διαθήκῃ παραβάσεων1to free those under the first covenant from their sins

“to take away the sins of those who were under the first covenant.” Possible meanings are (1) here “their sins” is a metonym for the guilt of their sins. Alternate translation: “to take away the guilt of those who were under the first covenant” or (2) here “their sins” is a metonym for the punishment for their sins. Alternate translation: “to take away the punisment for sins of those who were under the first covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

441HEB915ve3vfigs-activepassiveοἱ κεκλημένοι1those who are called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God has chosen to be his children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

442HEB915xb9ffigs-metaphorκληρονομίας1inheritance

Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

443HEB916rng2διαθήκη1a will

a legal document in which a person states who should receive his possessions when he himself dies

444HEB916um9aθάνατον ἀνάγκη φέρεσθαι τοῦ διαθεμένου1the death of the person who made it must be proven

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone must prove that the person who made the will has died”

445HEB918wpf1figs-activepassiveὅθεν οὐδ’ ἡ πρώτη χωρὶς αἵματος ἐνκεκαίνισται1So not even the first covenant was established without blood

This can be stated in active and positive form. Alternate translation: “So God established even the first covenant with blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

446HEB918kq87πρώτη1first covenant

See how you translated this in Hebrews 8:7.

447HEB918v838figs-metonymyαἵματος1blood

The death of animals sacrificed to God is spoken of as if it were nothing but blood. Alternate translation: “the death of animals sacrificed to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

448HEB919zl2ntranslate-symactionλαβὼν τὸ αἷμα…μετὰ ὕδατος…τὸ βιβλίον…πάντα τὸν λαὸν, ἐράντισεν1took the blood…with water…and sprinkled…the scroll…and all the people

The priest dipped the hyssop in the blood and the water and then shook the hyssop so drops of blood and water would fall on the scroll and on the people. Sprinkling was a symbolic action done by the priests by which they applied the benefits of the covenant to people and to objects. Here the scroll and the peoples acceptability to God are renewed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

449HEB919tgc2ὑσσώπου1hyssop

a woody shrub with flowers in summer, used in ceremonial sprinkling

450HEB920j7enfigs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα τῆς διαθήκης1the blood of the covenant

Here “blood” refers to the death of the animals sacrificed to carry out the covenants requirements. Alternate translation: “the blood that brings into effect the covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

451HEB921k6dmἐράντισεν1he sprinkled

“Moses sprinkled”

452HEB921l27vtranslate-symactionἐράντισεν1sprinkled

Sprinkling was a symbolic action done by the priests by which they applied the benefits of the covenant to people and to objects. See how you translated this in Hebrews 9:19. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

453HEB921xa9qπάντα τὰ σκεύη τῆς λειτουργίας1all the containers used in the service

A container is an object that can hold things. Here it may refer to any kind of utensil or tool. Alternate translation: “all the utensils used in the service”

454HEB921ec4hfigs-activepassiveτῆς λειτουργίας1used in the service

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the priests used in their work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

455HEB921cl3vfigs-metonymyτῷ αἵματι1blood

Here the animal “blood” is talking about the animals death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

456HEB922g3effigs-metaphorσχεδὸν ἐν αἵματι πάντα καθαρίζεται1almost everything is cleansed with blood

Making something acceptable to God is spoken of as if it were cleansing that thing. This idea can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the priests use blood to cleanse almost everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

457HEB922v8bjfigs-metonymyχωρὶς αἱματεκχυσίας, οὐ γίνεται ἄφεσις1Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness

Here “shedding of blood” refers to something dying as a sacrifice to God. This double negative can mean that all forgiveness comes through the shedding of blood. Alternate translation: “Forgiveness only comes when something dies as a sacrifice” or “God only forgives when something dies as a sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

458HEB922v1trfigs-explicitἄφεσις1forgiveness

You can state explicitly the implied meaning. Alternate translation: “forgiveness of the sins of the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

459HEB923nh150Connecting Statement:

The writer emphasizes that Christ (now in heaven interceding for us) had to die only once for sins and that he will return to earth a second time.

460HEB923q79nfigs-activepassiveτὰ μὲν ὑποδείγματα τῶν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς τούτοις καθαρίζεσθαι1the copies of the things in heaven should be cleansed with these animal sacrifices

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the priests should use these animal sacrifices to cleanse what are copies of things that are in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

461HEB923y9b7figs-activepassiveαὐτὰ δὲ τὰ ἐπουράνια κρείττοσι θυσίαις παρὰ ταύτας1the heavenly things themselves had to be cleansed with much better sacrifices

That is, better than the sacrifices used to cleanse the earthly copies. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as for the heavenly things themselves, God had to cleanse them with much better sacrifices” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

462HEB924cy2xfigs-synecdocheχειροποίητα…ἅγια1the most holy place made with hands, which

Here “with hands” means “by humans.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the most holy place, which humans made, and which” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

463HEB924g5lpτῶν ἀληθινῶν1of the true one

“of the true most holy place”

464HEB925f17aοὐδ’1He did not go there

“He did not enter heaven”

465HEB925rnh3κατ’ ἐνιαυτὸν1year by year

“every year” or “each year”

466HEB925zpf3ἐν αἵματι ἀλλοτρίῳ1with the blood of another

This means with the blood of an animal victim, not with his own blood.

467HEB926lhi3ἐπεὶ1If that had been the case

“If he had to offer himself often”

468HEB926dq7mfigs-metaphorεἰς ἀθέτησιν ἁμαρτίας διὰ τῆς θυσίας αὐτοῦ1to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself

Doing away with sin represents having God forgive it. Alternate translation: “to cause God to forgive sins by sacrificing himself” or “to sacrifice himself so that God can forgive sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

469HEB928p8b6figs-activepassiveὁ Χριστός ἅπαξ προσενεχθεὶς1Christ was offered once

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Christ offered himself once” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

470HEB928hv2tfigs-metaphorεἰς τὸ…ἀνενεγκεῖν ἁμαρτίας1to take away the sins

The act of making us innocent rather than guilty for our sins is spoken of as if our sins were physical objects that Christ could carry away from us. Alternate translation: “so that God would forgive the sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

471HEB928p6thfigs-metonymyτὸ…ἁμαρτίας1the sins

Here “sins” mean the guilt that people have before God because of the sins they committed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

472HEB10intronev10

Hebrews 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, the writer finishes describing how Jesus sacrifice was better than the sacrifices offered in the Temple. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

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 10:5-7, 15-17, 37-38, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gods judgment and reward

Holy living is important for Christians. God will hold people accountable for how they lived their Christian life. Even though there will not be eternal condemnation for Christians, ungodly actions do and will have consequences. In addition, faithful living will be rewarded. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/reward]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins”

The sacrifices themselves had no redeeming power. They were effective because they were a display of faith, which was credited to the person offering the sacrifice. It was ultimately the sacrifice of Jesus which then makes these sacrifices “take away sins.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/redeem]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

“The covenant that I will make”

It is unclear whether this prophecy was being fulfilled as the author was writing or whether it was to occur later. The translator should try to avoid making a claim about the time this covenant begins. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

473HEB101kwq10Connecting Statement:

The writer shows the weakness of the law and its sacrifices, why God gave the law, and the perfection of the new priesthood and Christs sacrifice.

474HEB101kj83figs-metaphorσκιὰν…ἔχων ὁ νόμος τῶν μελλόντων ἀγαθῶν1the law is only a shadow of the good things to come

This speaks about the law as if it were a shadow. The author means the law is not the good things that God had promised. It only hints at the good things that God is going to do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

475HEB101r6lyοὐκ αὐτὴν τὴν εἰκόνα τῶν πραγμάτων1not the real forms of those things themselves

“not the real things themselves”

476HEB101at4vκατ’ ἐνιαυτὸν1year after year

“every year”

477HEB102aw6gfigs-rquestionοὐκ ἂν ἐπαύσαντο προσφερόμεναι1would the sacrifices not have ceased to be offered?

The author uses a question to state that the sacrifices were limited in their power. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they would have ceased offering those sacrifices.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

478HEB102zc3dἐπαύσαντο1ceased

“stopped being”

479HEB102mu42figs-metaphorτοὺς λατρεύοντας…κεκαθαρισμένους1the worshipers would have been cleansed

Here being cleansed represents no longer being guilty of sin. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the sacrifices would have taken away their sin” or “God would have made them no longer guilty of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

480HEB102m9tjτὸ μηδεμίαν ἔχειν ἔτι συνείδησιν ἁμαρτιῶν1would no longer have any consciousness of sin

“would no longer think that they are guilty of sin” or “would know that they are no longer guilty of sin”

481HEB104di8ifigs-metaphorἀδύνατον γὰρ αἷμα ταύρων καὶ τράγων ἀφαιρεῖν ἁμαρτίας1For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins

Sins are spoken of as if they were objects that animal blood could sweep away as it flowed. Alternate translation: “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to cause God to forgive sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

482HEB104bvu5figs-metonymyαἷμα ταύρων καὶ τράγων1the blood of bulls and goats

Here “blood” refers to these animals dying as sacrifices to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

483HEB105q4ye0General Information:

Christs words when he was on earth were foretold in this quotation from a psalm of David.

484HEB105ml8efigs-youοὐκ ἠθέλησας1you did not desire

Here “you” is singular and refers to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

485HEB105cu51σῶμα…κατηρτίσω1a body you have prepared

“you have made a body ready”

486HEB107zn6cτότε εἶπον1Then I said

Here “I” refers to Christ.

487HEB108c8eb0General Information:

Though changing the wording slightly, the author repeats these quotations from a psalm of David for emphasis.

488HEB108rlv8θυσίας…προσφορὰς1sacrifices…offerings

See how you translated these words in Hebrews 10:5.

489HEB108n7kcὁλοκαυτώματα…περὶ ἁμαρτίας1whole burnt offerings…sacrifices for sin

See how you translated similar words in Hebrews 10:6.

490HEB108d3ekfigs-activepassiveαἵτινες…προσφέρονται1that are offered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that priests offer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

491HEB109k5kvἰδοὺ1See

“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

492HEB109n29vfigs-abstractnounsἀναιρεῖ τὸ πρῶτον, ἵνα τὸ δεύτερον στήσῃ1He takes away the first practice in order to establish the second practice

The abstract noun “practice” here refers to a way of atoning for sins. Stopping doing it is spoken of as if it were an object that could be taken away. Starting the second way of atoning for sins is spoken of as establishing that practice. Alternate translation: “He stops people atoning for sins the first way in order to atone for sins the second way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

493HEB109ja8ntranslate-ordinalτὸ πρῶτον…τὸ δεύτερον1first practice…the second practice

The words “first” and “second” are ordinal numbers. Alternate translation: “old practice…the new practice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

494HEB1010xj9ifigs-activepassiveἡγιασμένοι ἐσμὲν1we have been sanctified

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has sanctified us” or “God has dedicated us to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

495HEB1010xk24figs-abstractnounsδιὰ τῆς προσφορᾶς τοῦ σώματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ

The abstract noun “offering” can be expressed with the verb “offer” or “sacrifice.” Alternate translation: “because Jesus Christ offered his body as a sacrifice” or “because Jesus Christ sacrificed his body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

496HEB1011f4wdκαθ’ ἡμέραν1Day after day

“day by day” or “every day”

497HEB1011jq4ifigs-metaphorοὐδέποτε δύνανται περιελεῖν ἁμαρτίας1can never take away sins

This speaks of “sins” as if they are an object that a person can take away. Alternate translation: “can never cause God to forgive sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

498HEB1012fy8wtranslate-symactionἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Θεοῦ1he sat down at the right hand of God

To sit at the “right hand of God” is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Hebrews 1:3. Alternate translation: “he sat down at the place of honor and authority beside God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

499HEB1013s6snfigs-metaphorἕως τεθῶσιν οἱ ἐχθροὶ αὐτοῦ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ1until his enemies are made a stool for his feet

The humiliation of Christs enemies is spoken of as if they were made a place for him to rest his feet. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “until God humiliates Christs enemies and they become like a stool for his feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

500HEB1014dz9nfigs-activepassiveτοὺς ἁγιαζομένους1those who are being sanctified

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God is sanctifying” or “those whom God has dedicated to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

501HEB1015qk8j0General Information:

This is a quotation from the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament.

502HEB1016czh3πρὸς αὐτοὺς1with them

“with my people”

503HEB1016s783μετὰ τὰς ἡμέρας ἐκείνας1after those days

“when the time of the first covenant with my people has finished”

504HEB1016xx53figs-metonymyδιδοὺς νόμους μου ἐπὶ καρδίας αὐτῶν1I will put my laws in their hearts

Here “hearts” is a metonym for a persons inner being. The phrase “put them in their hearts” is a metaphor for enabling people to obey the law. Alternate translation: “I will enable them to obey my laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

505HEB1017vkw40General Information:

This continues the quotation from the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament.

506HEB1017qn7wfigs-explicitτῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν, καὶ τῶν ἀνομιῶν αὐτῶν, οὐ μὴ μνησθήσομαι ἔτι1Their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no longer.”

“I will no longer remember their sins and lawless deeds.’” or “I will no longer think about their sins and lawless deeds.’” This is the second part of the Holy Spirits testimony (Hebrews 10:15-16). You can make this explicit in the translation by ending the quotation at the end of verse 16 and starting a new quotation here. Alternate translation: “Then next he said, Their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no longer.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

507HEB1017pql9figs-doubletτῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν, καὶ τῶν ἀνομιῶν αὐτῶν1Their sins and lawless deeds

The words “sins” and “lawless deeds” mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize how bad the sin is. Alternate translation: “The things they did that were forbidden and how they broke the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

508HEB1018pje1δὲ1Now

This is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. It does not mean “at this moment.”

509HEB1018pjh5figs-abstractnounsὅπου…ἄφεσις1where there is forgiveness for these

This can be reworded so that the abstract noun “forgiveness” is expressed as the verb “forgive.” Alternate translation: “when God has forgiven these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

510HEB1018z351figs-abstractnounsοὐκέτι προσφορὰ περὶ ἁμαρτίας1there is no longer any sacrifice for sin

This can be reworded so that the abstract noun “sacrifice” is expressed as the verb “make offerings.” Alternate translation: “people no longer need to make offerings for sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

511HEB1019ih5u0Connecting Statement:

Having made it clear that there is only one sacrifice for sin, the writer continues with the picture of the most holy place in the temple, where only the high priest could enter each year with the blood of the sacrifice for sins. He reminds the believers that they now worship God in his presence as if they were standing in the most holy place.

512HEB1019f6g3figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1brothers

Here this means all believers in Christ whether male or female. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

513HEB1019fii7figs-metaphorτῶν ἁγίων1the most holy place

This means the presence of God, not the most holy place in the old tabernacle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

514HEB1019zl87figs-metonymyἐν τῷ αἵματι Ἰησοῦ1by the blood of Jesus

Here “blood of Jesus” refers to the death of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

515HEB1020l7whὁδὸν…ζῶσαν1living way

Possible meanings are (1) this new way to God that Jesus has provided results in believers living forever or (2) Jesus is alive, and he is the way believers enter into the presence of God.

516HEB1020c3vefigs-metaphorδιὰ τοῦ καταπετάσματος1through the curtain

The curtain in the earthly temple represents the separation between people and Gods true presence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

517HEB1020ega9figs-metonymyτῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ1his flesh

Here “flesh” stands for the body of Jesus, and his body stands for his sacrificial death. Alternate translation: “by means of his death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

518HEB1021uh6iκαὶ ἱερέα μέγαν ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ1we have a great priest over the house of God

This must be translated in such a way as to make it clear that Jesus is this “great priest.”

519HEB1021bmh1ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον1over the house

“in charge of the house”

520HEB1021d1u1figs-metaphorτὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ1the house of God

This speaks about Gods people as if they were a literal house. Alternate translation: “all the people of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

521HEB1022l4ikfigs-metonymyπροσερχώμεθα1let us approach

Here “approach” stands for worshiping God, as a priest would go up to Gods altar to sacrifice animals to him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

522HEB1022wez1figs-metonymyμετὰ ἀληθινῆς καρδίας1with true hearts

“with faithful hearts” or “with honest hearts.” Here “hearts” stands for the genuine will and motivation of the believers. Alternate translation: “with sincerity” or “sincerely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

523HEB1022i7tiἐν πληροφορίᾳ πίστεως1in the full assurance of faith

“and with a confident faith” or “and trusting completely in Jesus”

524HEB1022zkg5figs-activepassiveῥεραντισμένοι τὰς καρδίας1having our hearts sprinkled clean

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as if had he made our hearts clean with his blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

525HEB1022w775figs-metonymyῥεραντισμένοι τὰς καρδίας1hearts sprinkled clean

Here “hearts” is a metonym for the conscience, the awareness of right and wrong. Being made clean is a metaphor for being forgiven and being given the status of righteousness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

526HEB1022pc1atranslate-symactionῥεραντισμένοι1sprinkled

Sprinkling was a symbolic action done by the priests by which they applied the benefits of the covenant to people and to objects. See how you translated this in Hebrews 9:19. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

527HEB1022p2skfigs-activepassiveλελουμένοι τὸ σῶμα ὕδατι καθαρῷ1having our bodies washed with pure water

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as if he had washed our bodies in pure water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

528HEB1022tk9pfigs-metonymyλελουμένοι τὸ σῶμα ὕδατι καθαρῷ1our bodies washed with pure water

If the translator understands this phrase as referring to Christian baptism, then “water” is literal, not figurative. But if water is taken as literal, then “pure” is figurative, standing for the spiritual purity that baptism is said here to accomplish. The “washing” stands for the believer being made acceptable to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

529HEB1023k5uifigs-metaphorκατέχωμεν τὴν ὁμολογίαν τῆς ἐλπίδος1Let us also hold tightly to the confession of our hope

Here “hold tightly” is a metaphor that refers to a person determining to do something and refusing to stop. The abstract nouns “confession” and “expectation” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “Let us be determined to continue confessing the things that we confidently expect from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

530HEB1023jy4tfigs-metaphorἀκλινῆ1without wavering

Being uncertain about something is spoken of as if he were wavering or leaning from side to side. Alternate translation: “without being unsure” or “without doubting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

531HEB1025v4fafigs-explicitμὴ ἐγκαταλείποντες τὴν ἐπισυναγωγὴν ἑαυτῶν1Let us not stop meeting together

You can make explicit that the people met to worship. Alternate translation: “Let us not stop coming together to worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

532HEB1025k9c7figs-metaphorὅσῳ βλέπετε ἐγγίζουσαν τὴν ἡμέραν1as you see the day coming closer

A future time is spoken of as if it were an object coming closer to the speaker. Here “the day” refers to when Jesus will return. Alternate translation: “as you know that Christ will return soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

533HEB1026gm7l0Connecting Statement:

The writer now gives his fourth warning.

534HEB1026byv6ἑκουσίως…ἁμαρτανόντων ἡμῶν1we deliberately go on sinning

“we know we are sinning but we do it again and again”

535HEB1026hj5sfigs-metaphorμετὰ τὸ λαβεῖν τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τῆς ἀληθείας1after we have received the knowledge of the truth

Knowledge of the truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be given by one person to another. Alternate translation: “after we have learned the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

536HEB1026b1r7figs-explicitτῆς ἀληθείας1the truth

The truth about God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

537HEB1026l7svfigs-explicitοὐκέτι περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν ἀπολείπεται θυσία1a sacrifice for sins no longer exists

No one is able to give a new sacrifice because Christs sacrifice is the only one that works. Alternate translation: “no one can offer a sacrifice for which God will forgive our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

538HEB1026sil4περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν…θυσία1a sacrifice for sins

Here “sacrifice for sins” stands for “an effective way to sacrifice animals to take away sins”

539HEB1027fza4figs-explicitκρίσεως1of judgment

Of Gods judgment, that is, that God will judge. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

540HEB1027t6dafigs-metaphorπυρὸς ζῆλος ἐσθίειν μέλλοντος τοὺς ὑπεναντίους1a fury of fire that will consume Gods enemies

Gods fury is spoken of as if it were fire that would burn up his enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

541HEB1028c1ajfigs-explicitδυσὶν ἢ τρισὶν μάρτυσιν1two or three witnesses

It is implied that this means “of at least two or three witness.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

542HEB1029gv5zfigs-rquestionπόσῳ δοκεῖτε χείρονος, ἀξιωθήσεται τιμωρίας, ὁ…τῆς χάριτος ἐνυβρίσας!1How much worse punishment do you think one deserves…grace?

The author is emphasizing the greatness of the punishment for those who reject Christ. Alternate translation: “This was severe punishment. But the punishment will be even greater for anyone…grace!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

543HEB1029jd69figs-metaphorτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ καταπατήσας1has trampled underfoot the Son of God

Disregarding Christ and scorning him are spoken of as if someone had walked on him. Alternate translation: “has rejected the Son of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

544HEB1029d2z9guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1the Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

545HEB1029m7lwτὸ αἷμα τῆς διαθήκης κοινὸν ἡγησάμενος1who treated the blood of the covenant as unholy

This shows how the person has trampled the Son of God. Alternate translation: “by treating the blood of the covenant as unholy”

546HEB1029el74figs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα τῆς διαθήκης1the blood of the covenant

Here “blood” stands for Christs death, by which God established the new covenant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

547HEB1029wj2pfigs-activepassiveτὸ αἷμα…ἐν ᾧ ἡγιάσθη1the blood by which he was sanctified

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the blood by which God sanctified him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

548HEB1029qr6cτὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς χάριτος1the Spirit of grace

“the Spirit of God, who provides grace”

549HEB1030ynr1figs-inclusive0General Information:

The word “we” here refers to the writer and all believers. These two quotations come from the law that Moses gave in the Old Testament. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

550HEB1030v8adfigs-metaphorἐμοὶ ἐκδίκησις1Vengeance belongs to me

Vengeance is spoken of as if it were an object that belongs to God, who has the right to do as he wishes with what he owns. God has the right to take vengeance on his enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

551HEB1030pdw9figs-metaphorἐγὼ ἀνταποδώσω1I will pay back

God taking vengeance is spoken of as if he were paying back the harmful things that someone has done to others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

552HEB1031hhu7figs-metaphorτὸ ἐμπεσεῖν εἰς χεῖρας1to fall into the hands

Receiving Gods full punishment is spoken of as if the person falls into Gods hands. Here “hands” refers to Gods power to judge. Alternate translation: “to receive Gods full punishment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

553HEB1032tlh3τὰς πρότερον ἡμέρας1the former days

“the time in the past”

554HEB1032p3q3figs-metaphorφωτισθέντες1after you were enlightened

Learning the truth is spoken of as if God shined a light on the person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “after you learned the truth about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

555HEB1032v25jπολλὴν ἄθλησιν ὑπεμείνατε παθημάτων1how you endured a great struggle in suffering

“how much suffering you had to endure”

556HEB1033cig1figs-activepassiveὀνειδισμοῖς…καὶ θλίψεσιν θεατριζόμενοι1You were exposed to public ridicule by insults and persecution

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People ridiculed you by insulting and persecuting you in public” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

557HEB1033u1gkκοινωνοὶ τῶν…γενηθέντες1you were sharing with those

“you joined those”

558HEB1034cjr6figs-metaphorκρείσσονα ὕπαρξιν, καὶ μένουσαν1a better and everlasting possession

Gods eternal blessings are spoken of as a “possession.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

559HEB1035xh640General Information:

In 10:37 is a quotation from the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament.

560HEB1035m35cfigs-metaphorμὴ ἀποβάλητε οὖν τὴν παρρησίαν ὑμῶν, ἥτις ἔχει μεγάλην μισθαποδοσίαν1do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward

A person no longer having confidence is spoken of as if the person were to throw confidence away, like a person would discard something worthless. The abstract noun “confidence” can be translated with the adjective “confident” or the adverb “confidently.” Alternate translation: “do not stop being confident, because you will receive a great reward for being confident” or “do not stop confidently trusting in God, who will reward you greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

561HEB1037st8vfigs-explicitἔτι γὰρ μικρὸν ὅσον, ὅσον1For in a very little while

You can make this explicit. Alternate translation: “As God said in the scriptures, For in a very little while” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

562HEB1037cna2ἔτι…μικρὸν ὅσον, ὅσον1in a very little while

“very soon”

563HEB1038j2ck0General Information:

In 10:38 the author quotes from the prophet Habakkuk, which directly follows the quotation from the prophet Isaiah in 10:37.

564HEB1038j6d1figs-genericnounὁ…δίκαιός μου…ἐὰν ὑποστείληται…ἐν αὐτῷ1My righteous one…If he shrinks…with him

These refer to any of Gods people in general. Alternate translation: “My faithful people…If any one of them shrinks…with that person” or “My faithful people…If they shrink…with them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

565HEB1038r8mhὁ…δίκαιός μου…εὐδοκεῖ1My righteous…I will

Here “My” and “I” refer to God.

566HEB1038h5bwὑποστείληται1shrinks back

stops doing the good thing he is doing

567HEB1039i9zhfigs-metaphorὑποστολῆς εἰς ἀπώλειαν1who turn back to destruction

A person who loses courage and faith are spoken of as if he were stepping back in fear from something. And “destruction” is spoken of as if it were a destination. Alternate translation: “who stop trusting God, which will cause him to destroy us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

568HEB1039dv8yfigs-metaphorεἰς περιποίησιν ψυχῆς1for keeping our soul

Living eternally with God is spoken of as if it were keeping ones soul. Here “soul” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “, which will result in us living with God forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

569HEB11introg4cc0

Hebrews 11 General Notes

Structure

The writer begins this chapter by telling what faith is. Then he gives many examples of people who had faith and how they lived.

Important concepts in this chapter

Faith

In both the old and new covenants, God required faith. Some people with faith performed miracles and were very powerful. Other people with faith suffered greatly.

570HEB111a3710Connecting Statement:

The author tells three things about faith in this brief introduction.

571HEB111d95iδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here the author starts to explain the meaning of “faith.”

572HEB111dne9ἔστιν…πίστις ἐλπιζομένων ὑπόστασις1faith is being sure of the things hoped for

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when we have faith, we are sure of the things we hope for” or “faith is what allows a person to confidently expect certain things”

573HEB111hiq2ἐλπιζομένων1hoped for

Here this refers specifically to the sure promises of God, especially the certainty that all believers in Jesus will live with God forever in heaven.

574HEB111ybd8figs-activepassiveπραγμάτων ἔλεγχος οὐ βλεπομένων1certain of things that are not seen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that we still have not seen” or “that still have not happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

575HEB112smr4ἐν ταύτῃ γὰρ1For because of this

“Because they were certain about events that had not happened”

576HEB112kmq6figs-activepassiveἐμαρτυρήθησαν οἱ πρεσβύτεροι1the ancestors were approved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God approved of our ancestors because they had faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

577HEB112u66cfigs-explicitοἱ πρεσβύτεροι1the ancestors

The author is speaking to the Hebrews about Hebrew ancestors. Alternate translation: “our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

578HEB113u5i9figs-activepassiveκατηρτίσθαι τοὺς αἰῶνας ῥήματι Θεοῦ1the universe was created by Gods command

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God created the universe by commanding it to exist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

579HEB113e7fsτὸ μὴ ἐκ φαινομένων, τὸ βλεπόμενον γεγονέναι1what is visible was not made out of things that were visible

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God did not create what we see out of things that were visible”

580HEB114w5de0Connecting Statement:

The writer then gives many examples (mostly from Old Testament writings) of people who lived by faith even though they did not receive what God had promised while they lived on the earth.

581HEB114r2m8figs-activepassiveἐμαρτυρήθη εἶναι δίκαιος1he was attested to be righteous

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God declared him to be righteous” or “God declared that Abel was righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

582HEB114g52jfigs-metaphorἔτι λαλεῖ1Abel still speaks

Reading the scriptures and learning about Abels faith is spoken of as if Abel himself were still speaking. Alternate translation: “we still learn from what Abel did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

583HEB115r3ylfigs-activepassiveπίστει Ἑνὼχ μετετέθη, τοῦ μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον1It was by faith that Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “It was by faith that Enoch did not die because God took him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

584HEB115ki2tfigs-metaphorἰδεῖν θάνατον1see death

This speaks of death as if it were an object that people can see. It means to experience death. Alternate translation: “die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

585HEB115kb5lfigs-activepassiveπρὸ…τῆς μεταθέσεως1before he was taken up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “before God took him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

586HEB115jbx2figs-activepassiveμεμαρτύρηται εὐηρεστηκέναι τῷ Θεῷ1it was testified that he had pleased God

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are (1) “God said that Enoch had pleased him” or (2) “people said that Enoch pleased God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

587HEB116hd94χωρὶς δὲ πίστεως1Now without faith

Here “Now” does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

588HEB116r9nbfigs-doublenegativesχωρὶς…πίστεως, ἀδύνατον εὐαρεστῆσαι1without faith it is impossible to please him

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “a person can please God only if he has faith in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

589HEB116b438figs-metaphorτὸν προσερχόμενον τῷ Θεῷ1that anyone coming to God

Wanting to worship God and belong to his people is spoken of as if the person is literally coming to God. Alternate translation: “that anyone who wants to belong to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

590HEB116xl5vτοῖς ἐκζητοῦσιν…μισθαποδότης γίνεται1he is a rewarder of those

“he rewards those”

591HEB116i8e9figs-metaphorτοῖς ἐκζητοῦσιν αὐτὸν1those who seek him

Those who learn about God and make an effort to obey him are spoken of as if they were seeking to find him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

592HEB117r67bfigs-activepassiveχρηματισθεὶς1having been given a divine message

This can be stated in active form and in other terms. Alternate translation: “because God told him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

593HEB117p3pnfigs-activepassiveπερὶ τῶν μηδέπω βλεπομένων1about things not yet seen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “about things no one had ever seen before” or “about events that had not happened yet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

594HEB117pf7bfigs-metonymyτὸν κόσμον1the world

Here “world” refers to the worlds human population. Alternate translation: “the people living in the world at that time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

595HEB117c9ycfigs-metaphorτῆς…δικαιοσύνης, ἐγένετο κληρονόμος1became an heir of the righteousness

Noah is spoken of as if he were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: “received from God the righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

596HEB117et9lκατὰ πίστιν1that is according to faith

“that God gives to those who have faith in him”

597HEB118a7c2figs-activepassiveκαλούμενος1when he was called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when God called him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

598HEB118kkt5ἐξελθεῖν εἰς τόπον1went out to the place

“left his home to go to the place”

599HEB118d1zffigs-metaphorὃν ἤμελλεν λαμβάνειν εἰς κληρονομίαν1that he was to receive as an inheritance

The land that God promised to give Abrahams descendants is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Abraham was to receive. Alternate translation: “that God would give him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

600HEB118sq21ἐξῆλθεν1He went out

“He left his home”

601HEB119pmb6figs-abstractnounsπαρῴκησεν εἰς γῆν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας ὡς ἀλλοτρίαν1he lived in the land of promise as a foreigner

This can be reworded so that the abstract noun “promise” is expressed as the verb “promised.” Alternate translation: “he lived as a foreigner in the land God had promised to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

602HEB119s5fwfigs-metaphorτῶν συνκληρονόμων1fellow heirs

“heirs together.” This speaks about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as if they were heirs that would receive an inheritance from their father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

603HEB1110f3z8figs-metonymyτὴν τοὺς θεμελίους ἔχουσαν πόλιν1the city with foundations

“the city that has foundations.” Having foundations indicates that the city is permanent. Alternate translation: “the eternal city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

604HEB1110fd98ἧς τεχνίτης καὶ δημιουργὸς ὁ Θεός1whose architect and builder is God

“which is designed and built by God” or “which God would design and build”

605HEB1110ufe6τεχνίτης1architect

a person who designs buildings and cities

606HEB1111ks440General Information:

Many versions interpret this verse as referring to Sarah, and others interpret it as referring to Abraham.

607HEB1111mk6iπίστει καὶ αὐτῇ Σάρρᾳ δύναμιν εἰς καταβολὴν σπέρματος ἔλαβεν, καὶ παρὰ καιρὸν ἡλικίας, ἐπεὶ…ἡγήσατο1It was by faith, even though Sarah herself was barren, that Abraham received ability to father a child. This happened even though he was too old, since he considered

Some versions interpret this verse as referring to Sarah. “By faith Sarah, herself also barren, received power to bear children even beyond the time of maturity, since she considered”

608HEB1111mtf2figs-abstractnounsπίστει1It was by faith

The abstract noun “faith” can be expressed with the verb “believe.” Possible meanings are (1) it was by Abrahams faith. Alternate translation: “It was because Abraham believed God” or (2) it was by Sarahs faith. Alternate translation: “It was because Sarah believed God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

609HEB1111dgu6δύναμιν εἰς καταβολὴν σπέρματος ἔλαβεν1received ability to father a child

“received ability to become a father” or “received ability to have a child”

610HEB1111wgp6ἐπεὶ πιστὸν ἡγήσατο τὸν ἐπαγγειλάμενον1since she considered as faithful the one who had given the promise

“because he believed God, who had give the promise, to be faithful”

611HEB1112x8b2figs-simileἐγεννήθησαν…καθὼς τὰ ἄστρα τοῦ οὐρανοῦ τῷ πλήθει, καὶ ὡς ἡ ἄμμος, ἡ παρὰ τὸ χεῖλος τῆς θαλάσσης, ἡ ἀναρίθμητος1descendants as many as the stars in the sky and as countless as sand by the seashore

This simile means Abraham had very many descendants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

612HEB1112mu4eὡς ἡ ἄμμος, ἡ παρὰ τὸ χεῖλος τῆς θαλάσσης, ἡ ἀναρίθμητος1as countless as sand by the seashore

This means that just as there are so many grains of sand on the seashore that no one can count them all, Abraham had so many descendants that no one can count them all.

613HEB1113yin6figs-metaphorμὴ λαβόντες τὰς ἐπαγγελίας1without receiving the promises

This speaks of promises as if they are objects that a person receives. Alternate translation: “without receiving what God had promised them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

614HEB1113g5utfigs-metaphorπόρρωθεν αὐτὰς ἰδόντες καὶ ἀσπασάμενοι1after seeing and greeting them from far off

Future promised events are spoken of as if they were travelers arriving from far away. Alternate translation: “after learning what God will do in the future” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

615HEB1113n71bὁμολογήσαντες1they admitted

“they acknowledged” or “they accepted”

616HEB1113q1nqfigs-doubletξένοι καὶ παρεπίδημοί εἰσιν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1they were foreigners and exiles on earth

Here “foreigners” and “exiles” mean basically the same thing. This emphasizes that this earth was not their true home. They were waiting for their true home that God would make for them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

617HEB1114xwa4πατρίδα1a homeland

“a country for them to belong to”

618HEB1116ea1aἐπουρανίου1heavenly one

“heavenly country” or “country in heaven”

619HEB1116cvh1figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἐπαισχύνεται αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς, Θεὸς ἐπικαλεῖσθαι αὐτῶν1God is not ashamed to be called their God

This can be expressed in active and positive form. Alternate translation: “God is happy to have them call him their God” or “God is proud to have them say that he is their God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

620HEB1117bk7afigs-activepassiveπειραζόμενος1when he was tested

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when God tested him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

621HEB1118wy2jfigs-activepassiveπρὸς ὃν ἐλαλήθη1to whom it had been said

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to whom God said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

622HEB1118c23zfigs-activepassiveκληθήσεταί σοι σπέρμα1your descendants will be named

Here “named” means assigned or designated. This sentence can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that I will designate your descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

623HEB1119p43uἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγείρειν δυνατὸς ὁ Θεός1God was able to raise up Isaac from the dead

“God was able to cause Isaac to live again”

624HEB1119sar1ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγείρειν1to raise up…from the dead

In this verse, “to raise up” is to make alive again. The words “from the dead” speak of all dead people together in the underworld.

625HEB1119aea3ἐν παραβολῇ1figuratively speaking

“in a manner of speaking.” This means that what the author says next is not to be understood literally. God did not bring Isaac back from death literally. But because Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac when God stopped him, it was as if God brought him back from the dead.

626HEB1119k7u3ὅθεν αὐτὸν1from there

“it was from the dead”

627HEB1119g19xαὐτὸν…ἐκομίσατο1he received him back

“Abraham received Isaac back”

628HEB1121sg26Ἰακὼβ…προσεκύνησεν1Jacob worshiped

“Jacob worshiped God”

629HEB1122lkp6figs-euphemismτελευτῶν1when his end was near

Here “his end” is a polite way of referring to death. Alternate translation: “when he was about to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

630HEB1122hhs3περὶ τῆς ἐξόδου τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραὴλ ἐμνημόνευσεν1spoke of the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt

“spoke of when the children of Israel would leave Egypt”

631HEB1122t6i5τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραὴλ1the sons of Israel

“the Israelites” or “the descendants of Israel”

632HEB1122nl1ifigs-explicitπερὶ τῶν ὀστέων αὐτοῦ ἐνετείλατο1instructed them about his bones

Joseph died while in Egypt. He wanted his people to take his bones with them when they left Egypt so they could bury his bones in the land that God promised them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

633HEB1123g2wxfigs-activepassiveΜωϋσῆς, γεννηθεὶς, ἐκρύβη τρίμηνον ὑπὸ τῶν πατέρων αὐτοῦ1Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Moses parents hid him for three months after he was born” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

634HEB1124h5wzμέγας γενόμενος1had grown up

“had become an adult”

635HEB1124mq2xfigs-activepassiveἠρνήσατο λέγεσθαι1refused to be called

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “refused to allow people to call him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

636HEB1126i9scfigs-abstractnounsτὸν ὀνειδισμὸν τοῦ Χριστοῦ1the disgrace of following Christ

This can be reworded so that the abstract noun “disgrace” is express as the verb “disrespect.” Alternate translation: “the experience of people disrespecting him because he did what Christ would want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

637HEB1126xq6tfigs-metaphorτοῦ Χριστοῦ1following Christ

Obeying Christ is spoken of as if it were following him down a path. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

638HEB1126t588figs-metaphorἀπέβλεπεν…εἰς τὴν μισθαποδοσίαν1fixing his eyes on his reward

Fully concentrating on achieving a goal is spoken of as if a person were staring at an object and refusing to look away. Alternate translation: “doing what he knew would earn him a reward in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

639HEB1127rc43figs-simileτὸν…ἀόρατον ὡς ὁρῶν, ἐκαρτέρησεν1he endured as if he were seeing the one who is invisible

Moses is spoken of as if he saw God, who is invisible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

640HEB1127cc8wτὸν…ἀόρατον1the one who is invisible

“the one no one can see”

641HEB1128tz7kπεποίηκεν τὸ Πάσχα καὶ τὴν πρόσχυσιν τοῦ αἵματος1he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood

This was the first Passover. Moses kept it by obeying Gods commands concerning the Passover and by commanding the people to obey them every year. Alternate translation: “he commanded the people to obey Gods commands concerning the Passover and to sprinkle blood on their doors” or “he established the Passover and the sprinkling of blood”

642HEB1128bef7figs-explicitτὴν πρόσχυσιν τοῦ αἵματος1the sprinkling of the blood

This refers to Gods command to the Israelites to kill a lamb and spread its blood on the doorposts of every house where Israelites lived. This would prevent the destroyer from harming their firstborn sons. This was one of the Passover commands. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

643HEB1128bm2ffigs-metonymyμὴ…θίγῃ1should not touch

Here “touch” refers to harming or to killing someone. Alternate translation: “would not harm” or “would not kill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

644HEB1129z2yj0General Information:

Here the first word “they” refers to the Israelites, the second “they” refers to the Egyptians, the third “they” refers to the walls of Jericho.

645HEB1129a67hδιέβησαν τὴν Ἐρυθρὰν Θάλασσαν1they passed through the Sea of Reeds

“the Israelites passed through the Sea of Reeds”

646HEB1129hq2yfigs-activepassiveκατεπόθησαν1they were swallowed up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the water swallowed up the Egyptians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

647HEB1129kmy8figs-personificationκατεπόθησαν1they were swallowed up

The water is spoken of as if it were an animal. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians drowned in the water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

648HEB1130lnw4figs-activepassiveκυκλωθέντα ἐπὶ ἑπτὰ ἡμέρας1they had been circled around for seven days

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Israelites had marched around them for seven days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

649HEB1130dw7vtranslate-numbersἑπτὰ ἡμέρας1seven days

“7 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

650HEB1131ftc8δεξαμένη τοὺς κατασκόπους μετ’ εἰρήνης1had received the spies in peace

“had peacefully received the spies”

651HEB1132f7ip0Connecting Statement:

The writer continues to speak of what God did for the ancestors of the people of Israel.

652HEB1132rh6yfigs-rquestionτί ἔτι λέγω?1What more can I say?

The author uses a question to emphasize that there are many examples that he could have quoted. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “And there are many more examples.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

653HEB1132bs7hἐπιλείψει…με…ὁ χρόνος1the time will fail me

“I will not have enough time”

654HEB1132ni55translate-namesΒαράκ1Barak

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

655HEB1133f3jxοἳ διὰ πίστεως1It was through faith

Here “they” does not mean that each person listed in 11:32 did all the things the author is about to mention. The author means in general these are the kinds of things that those with faith were able to do. Alternate translation: “It was through faith that men like these”

656HEB1133v5w8οἳ…κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας1they conquered kingdoms

Here “kingdoms” refers to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “they defeated the people of foreign kingdoms”

657HEB1133u2sufigs-metaphorἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων1They stopped the mouths of lions

These words begin a list of some of the ways God saved believers from death. Alternate translation: “They kept lions from eating them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

658HEB1134j6svfigs-metaphorἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρης1extinguished the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword

These are some of the ways God saved believers from death. Alternate translation: “they kept fire from burning them, they kept their enemies from killing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

659HEB1134iri4figs-activepassiveἐδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας1were healed of illnesses

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “received healing from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

660HEB1134sy63ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ…ἔκλιναν1became mighty in battle, and defeated

“and they became mighty in battle and defeated”

661HEB1135t9spfigs-abstractnounsἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν1Women received back their dead by resurrection

This can be restated to remove the abstract noun “resurrection.” The word “dead” is a nominal adjective. It can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “Women received back alive those who had died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

662HEB1135ne1ufigs-activepassiveἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν1Others were tortured, not accepting release

It is implied that their enemies would have released them from prison under certain conditions. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Others accepted torture rather than release from prison” or “Others allowed their enemies to torture them rather than doing what their enemies required of them in order to release them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

663HEB1135faq3ἐτυμπανίσθησαν1tortured

made to suffer great mental or physical pain

664HEB1135jyw7κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως1a better resurrection

Possible meanings are (1) these people will experience a better life in heaven than what they experienced in this world or (2) these people will have a better resurrection than those who did not have faith. Those with faith will live forever with God. Those without faith will live forever separated from God.

665HEB1136e9alfigs-activepassiveἕτεροι…ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον1Others had testing in mocking and whippings

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People mocked and whipped others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

666HEB1136nx7ufigs-abstractnounsἕτεροι…ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς1Others had testing in mocking and whippings, and even chains and imprisonment

This can be reworded so that the abstract nouns are expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: “God tested others by allowing their enemies to mock and whip them and even put them in chains and imprison them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

667HEB1137fg8cfigs-activepassiveἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρης ἀπέθανον1They were stoned. They were sawn in two. They were killed with the sword

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People mocked and whipped others…People threw stones at others. People sawed others in two. People killed others with the sword” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

668HEB1137r3gxπεριῆλθον1went about

“went from place to place” or “lived all the time”

669HEB1137qf89ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγίοις δέρμασιν1in sheepskins and goatskins

“wearing only the skins of sheep and goats”

670HEB1137x2jfὑστερούμενοι1destitute

“They had nothing” or “They were very poor”

671HEB1138a721figs-metonymyοὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος1The world was not worthy

Here “world” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “The people of this world were not worthy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

672HEB1138j9lpπλανώμενοι1They wandered about

This was because they had no place to live.

673HEB1138li8jσπηλαίοις, καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς1caves and holes in the ground

“caves, and some lived in holes in the ground”

674HEB1139l5wdfigs-activepassiveοὗτοι πάντες μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως, οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν1Although all these people were approved by God because of their faith, they did not receive the promise

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God honored all these because of their faith, but they did not themselves receive what God had promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

675HEB1139vgw2figs-metonymyτὴν ἐπαγγελίαν1the promise

This expression stands for “what God had promised them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

676HEB1140p9uufigs-activepassiveἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσιν1so that without us, they would not be made perfect

This can be stated in positive and active form. Alternate translation: “in order that God would perfect us and them together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

677HEB12introh1qb0

Hebrews 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

After telling of the value discipline, the author begins a series of exhortations. (See; [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/exhort]])

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 12:5-6, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Discipline

God wants his people to do what is right. When they do what is wrong, he needs to correct or punish them. He does this just as earthly fathers correct and punish children whom they love. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/discipline]])

678HEB121jg6wfigs-inclusive0General Information:

The words “we” and “us” refer to the author and his readers. The word “you” is plural and here refers to the readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

679HEB121k8mr0Connecting Statement:

Because of this great number of Old Testament believers, the author talks of the life of faith that believers should live with Jesus as their example.

680HEB121f6u9figs-metaphorἡμεῖς, τοσοῦτον ἔχοντες περικείμενον ἡμῖν νέφος μαρτύρων1we are surrounded by such a large cloud of witnesses

The writer speaks about the Old Testament believers as if they were a cloud that surrounded the present-day believers. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “such a large cloud of witnesses surrounds us” or “there are so many examples of faithful people about whom we learn in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

681HEB121hf97μαρτύρων1witnesses

Here “witnesses” refers to the Old Testament believers in chapter 11 who lived before the race of faith that believers now run.

682HEB121yw1tfigs-metaphorὄγκον ἀποθέμενοι πάντα καὶ τὴν εὐπερίστατον ἁμαρτίαν1let us lay aside every weight and easily entangling sin

Here “weight” and “easily entangling sin” are spoken of as if a person could take them off himself and put them down. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

683HEB121zln7figs-metaphorὄγκον…πάντα1every weight

Attitudes or habits that keep believers from trusting and obeying God are spoken of as if they were loads that would make it difficult for a person to carry while running. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

684HEB121t6wufigs-metaphorτὴν εὐπερίστατον ἁμαρτίαν1easily entangling sin

Sin is spoken of as if it were a net or something else that can trip people up and make them fall. Alternate translation: “sin that makes obeying God difficult” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

685HEB121g5dnfigs-metaphorτρέχωμεν τὸν προκείμενον ἡμῖν ἀγῶνα1Let us patiently run the race that is placed before us

Following Jesus is spoken of as if it were running a race. Alternate translation: “Let us continue obeying what God has commanded us, just like a runner keeps going until the race is over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

686HEB122a946τὸν τῆς πίστεως ἀρχηγὸν καὶ τελειωτὴν1the founder and perfecter of the faith

Jesus gives us faith and makes our faith perfect by causing us to reach our goal. Alternate translation: “creator and finisher of our faith” or “the one who enables us to have faith from beginning to end”

687HEB122za14figs-metaphorἀντὶ τῆς προκειμένης αὐτῷ χαρᾶς1For the joy that was placed before him

The joy that Jesus would experience is spoken of as if God the Father had placed it before him as a goal to reach. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

688HEB122y7meαἰσχύνης καταφρονήσας1despised its shame

This means he was not concerned about the shame of dying on a cross.

689HEB122vm9btranslate-symactionἐν δεξιᾷ τε τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ Θεοῦ κεκάθικεν1sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

To sit at the “right hand of God” is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in Hebrews 1:3. Alternate translation: “sat down at the place of honor and authority beside the throne of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

690HEB123i1xlfigs-metonymyκάμητε, ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν1weary in your hearts

Here “hearts” represents a persons thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “discouraged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

691HEB124q1w80Connecting Statement:

The author of Hebrews has been comparing the Christian life to a race.

692HEB124b9b7figs-personificationοὔπω…ἀντικατέστητε, πρὸς τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ἀνταγωνιζόμενοι1You have not yet resisted or struggled against sin

Here “sin” is spoken of as if it were a person whom someone fights in a battle. Alternate translation: “You have not yet had to endure attacks of sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

693HEB124i4ipfigs-metaphorμέχρις αἵματος1to the point of blood

Resisting opposition so much that one dies for it is spoken of as if one reached a certain place where he would die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

694HEB124uwg6figs-metonymyαἵματος1of blood

Here “blood” refers to death. Alternate translation: “of death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

695HEB125y6cvfigs-personificationτῆς παρακλήσεως, ἥτις ὑμῖν…διαλέγεται1the encouragement that instructs you

Old Testament scripture is spoken of as if it were a person who could encourage others. Alternate translation: “what God has instructed you in the scriptures to encourage you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

696HEB125e6a9figs-gendernotationsὡς υἱοῖς…υἱέ μου1as sons…My son

The word translated “sons” and “son” is specifically the word for a male child. In that culture the family line continued through the sons, not normally through the daughters. However, as stated by the UST and some English versions, the author is directing his words to both males and females. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

697HEB125a7vfυἱέ μου…ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ ἐλεγχόμενος1My son…corrected by him

Here the author is quoting from the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament, which was the words of Solomon to his male children.

698HEB125cxe9figs-litotesμὴ ὀλιγώρει παιδείας Κυρίου, μηδὲ ἐκλύου1do not think lightly of the Lords discipline, nor grow weary

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “take it very seriously when the Lord disciplines you, and do not grow weary” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

699HEB125cjq5μηδὲ ἐκλύου1nor grow weary

“and do not become discouraged”

700HEB125i1a6figs-activepassiveὑπ’ αὐτοῦ ἐλεγχόμενος1you are corrected by him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he corrects you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

701HEB126zu3cπάντα υἱὸν ὃν παραδέχεται1every son whom he receives

The word translated “son” is specifically the word for a male child. In that culture the family line continued through the sons, not normally through the daughters. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations)

702HEB127y3z3εἰς παιδείαν ὑπομένετε1Endure suffering as discipline

“Understand that during suffering God teaches us discipline”

703HEB127v1gufigs-simileὡς υἱοῖς ὑμῖν προσφέρεται ὁ Θεός1God deals with you as with sons

This compares God disciplining his people to a father disciplining his sons. You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: “God deals with you the same way a father deals with his sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

704HEB127i3k4figs-gendernotationsὑμῖν…υἱὸς1sons…son

All occurrences of these words may be stated to include males and females. Alternate translation: “children…child” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

705HEB127jb38figs-rquestionτίς γὰρ υἱὸς ὃν οὐ παιδεύει πατήρ?1what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

The author makes the point throught this question that every good father disciplines his children. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “every father disciplines his children!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

706HEB128kwc6figs-abstractnounsεἰ δὲ χωρίς ἐστε παιδείας, ἧς μέτοχοι γεγόνασι πάντες1But if you are without discipline, which all people share in

You can restate the abstract noun “discipline” as the verb “disciplining.” Alternate translation: “So if you have not experienced God disciplining you like he disciplines all his children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

707HEB128s5u9figs-metaphorἄρα νόθοι καὶ οὐχ υἱοί ἐστε1then you are illegitimate and not his sons

Those whom God does not discipline are spoken of as if they are sons born to a man and a woman who are not married each other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

708HEB129r4lbfigs-exclamationsπολὺ…μᾶλλον ὑποταγησόμεθα τῷ Πατρὶ τῶν πνευμάτων, καὶ ζήσομεν?1How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!

The author uses an exclamation to emphasize that we should obey God the Father. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “Therefore even more so, we should obey the Father of spirits and live.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

709HEB129cl95figs-idiomτῷ Πατρὶ τῶν πνευμάτων1the Father of spirits

This idiom contrasts with “fathers in the flesh.” Alternate translation: “our spiritual Father” or “our Father in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

710HEB129pem8καὶ ζήσομεν1and live

“so that we will live”

711HEB1210l1a3figs-metaphorεἰς τὸ μεταλαβεῖν τῆς ἁγιότητος αὐτοῦ1so that we can share in his holiness

This metaphor speaks of “holiness” as if it were an object that can be shared among people. Alternate translation: “so that we may become holy as God is holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

712HEB1211g13efigs-metaphorκαρπὸν εἰρηνικὸν…ἀποδίδωσιν δικαιοσύνης1it produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness

“Fruit” here is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “it produces the peaceful result of righteousness” or “it produces righteousness, which results in peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

713HEB1211xbg8figs-personificationτοῖς δι’ αὐτῆς γεγυμνασμένοις1who have been trained by it

“who have been trained by discipline.” The discipline or correction done by the Lord is spoken of as if it were the Lord himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God has trained by disciplining them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

714HEB1212cvp9figs-metaphorτὰς παρειμένας χεῖρας, καὶ τὰ παραλελυμένα γόνατα, ἀνορθώσατε1strengthen your hands that hang down and your weak knees.

Possibly this continues the metaphor about the race in Hebrews 12:1. It is in this way that the author speaks about living as Christians and helping others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

715HEB1213yi9nfigs-metaphorτροχιὰς ὀρθὰς ποιεῖτε τοῖς ποσὶν ὑμῶν1Make straight paths for your feet

Possibly this continues the metaphor about the race in Hebrews 12:1. It is in this way that the author speaks about living as Christians and helping others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

716HEB1213qmq7figs-metaphorτροχιὰς ὀρθὰς1straight paths

Living so as to honor and please God is spoken of as if it were a straight path to follow. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

717HEB1213i19dfigs-metaphorμὴ τὸ χωλὸν ἐκτραπῇ1what is lame will not be sprained

In this metaphor of running a race, “lame” represents another person in the race who is hurt and wants to quit. This, in turn, represent the Christians themselves. Alternate translation: “whoever is weak and wants to quit will not sprain his ankle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

718HEB1213euf9figs-metaphorμὴ…ἐκτραπῇ1will not be sprained

Someone who stops obeying God is spoken of as if he injured his foot or ankle on a path. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “will not sprain his ankle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

719HEB1213wq18figs-metaphorἰαθῇ…μᾶλλον1rather be healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “instead become strong” or “instead God will heal him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

720HEB1214b6ef0General Information:

The man Esau, who was told about in the writings of Moses, refers to Isaacs first son and Jacobs brother.

721HEB1214h45rfigs-metaphorεἰρήνην διώκετε μετὰ πάντων1Pursue peace with everyone

Here the abstract noun “peace” is spoken of as if it were something that a person must chase after and can be translated with an adverb. Alternate translation: “Try to live peacefully with everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

722HEB1214pa9afigs-doublenegativesκαὶ τὸν ἁγιασμόν, οὗ χωρὶς οὐδεὶς ὄψεται τὸν Κύριον1also the holiness without which no one will see the Lord

This can be expressed as a positive encouragement. Alternate translation: “also work hard to be holy, because only holy people will see the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

723HEB1214v9z7figs-ellipsisκαὶ τὸν ἁγιασμόν1also the holiness

You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: “also pursue the holiness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

724HEB1215at8jμή τις ὑστερῶν ἀπὸ τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ1no one lacks Gods grace

“no one receives Gods grace and then lets go of it” or “no one rejects Gods grace after first trusting in him”

725HEB1215nh7gfigs-metaphorμή τις ῥίζα πικρίας ἄνω φύουσα ἐνοχλῇ, καὶ δι’ αὐτῆς μιανθῶσιν πολλοί1that no root of bitterness grows up to cause trouble, so that many do not become polluted by it

Hateful or resentful attitudes are spoken of as if they were a plant bitter to the taste. Alternate translation: “that no one becomes like a bitter root, which when it grows causes trouble and harms many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

726HEB1217j6x8figs-activepassiveἀπεδοκιμάσθη1he was rejected

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “his father, Isaac, refused to bless him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

727HEB1217d6hefigs-abstractnounsμετανοίας γὰρ τόπον οὐχ εὗρεν1because he found no opportunity for repentance

The abstract noun “repentance” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “because it was not possible for him to repent” or “because it was not possible for him to change his decision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

728HEB1217b7k3καίπερ μετὰ δακρύων ἐκζητήσας αὐτήν1even though he sought it with tears

Here “he” refers to Esau.

729HEB1218y1ed0General Information:

The words “you” and “You” refer to the Hebrew believers to whom the author wrote. The word “they” refers to people of Israel after Moses led them out of Egypt. The first quotation comes from the writings of Moses. God reveals in this passage in Hebrews that Moses said he shook at seeing the mountain.

730HEB1218xti40Connecting Statement:

The author gives a contrast between what believers in Moses time had while living under the law and what present day believers have after coming to Jesus under the new covenant. He illustrates the experience of the Israelites by describing how God appeared to them at Mount Sinai.

731HEB1218a43lfigs-explicitοὐ γὰρ προσεληλύθατε, ψηλαφωμένῳ1For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched

The implicit information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “For you have not come, as the people of Israel came, to a mountain that can be touched” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

732HEB1218w6j6figs-activepassiveπροσεληλύθατε1that can be touched

This means that believers in Christ have not come to a physical mountain like Mount Sinai that a person can touch or see. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that a person can touch” or “that people can perceive with their senses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

733HEB1219s3x2σάλπιγγος ἤχῳ1You have not come to a trumpet blast

“You have not come to a place where there is the loud sound of a trumpet”

734HEB1219x2qkfigs-metonymyκαὶ φωνῇ ῥημάτων, ἧς οἱ ἀκούσαντες παρῃτήσαντο, μὴ προστεθῆναι αὐτοῖς λόγον1nor to a voice that speaks words whose hearers begged that not another word be spoken to them

Here “voice” refers to someone speaking. The phrase “be spoken” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “or where God was speaking in such a way that those who heard him begged him not to speak another word to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

735HEB1220p7qufigs-activepassiveτὸ διαστελλόμενον1what was commanded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what God commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

736HEB1220x31xfigs-activepassiveλιθοβοληθήσεται1it must be stoned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must stone it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

737HEB1222w9jj0General Information:

The man Abel was the son of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. Cain, also their son, murdered Abel.

738HEB1222r9dzfigs-metaphorΣιὼν Ὄρει1Mount Zion

The writer speaks of Mount Zion, the temple mount in Jerusalem, as if it were heaven itself, the residence of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

739HEB1222k1kvμυριάσιν ἀγγέλων1tens of thousands of angels

“an uncountable number of angels”

740HEB1223j94efigs-metaphorπρωτοτόκων1the firstborn

This speaks of believers in Christ as if they were firstborn sons. This emphasizes their special place and privilege as Gods people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

741HEB1223km4afigs-activepassiveἀπογεγραμμένων ἐν οὐρανοῖς1registered in heaven

“whose names are written in heaven.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whose names God has written in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

742HEB1223i7qbfigs-activepassiveτετελειωμένων1who have been made perfect

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God has made perfect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

743HEB1224kq1vδιαθήκης νέας μεσίτῃ1the mediator of a new covenant

This means Jesus caused the new covenant between God and humans to exist. See how you translated this phrase in Hebrews 9:15.

744HEB1224nz8lfigs-personificationαἵματι ῥαντισμοῦ, κρεῖττον λαλοῦντι παρὰ τὸν Ἂβελ1the sprinkled blood that speaks better than Abels blood

The blood of Jesus and the blood of Abel are spoken of as if they were people calling out. Alternate translation: “the sprinkled blood of Jesus that says better things than the blood of Abel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

745HEB1224z7uqfigs-metonymyαἵματι1blood

Here “blood” stands for Jesus death, as Abels blood stands for his death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

746HEB1225pnn5figs-you0General Information:

This quotation is from the prophet Haggai in the Old Testament. The word “you” continues to refer to believers. The word “we” continues to refer to the writer and the readers who are believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

747HEB1225c9cn0Connecting Statement:

Having contrasted the Israelites experience at Mount Sinai with the believers experience after Christ died, the writer reminds believers that they have the same God who warns them today. This is the fifth main warning given to believers.

748HEB1225nnk9figs-doublenegativesμὴ παραιτήσησθε τὸν λαλοῦντα1you do not refuse the one who is speaking

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you pay attention to the one who is speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

749HEB1225gkn1figs-explicitεἰ…ἐκεῖνοι οὐκ ἐξέφυγον1if they did not escape

The implicit information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “if the people of Israel did not escape judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

750HEB1225fy9uἐπὶ γῆς…τὸν χρηματίζοντα1the one who warned them on earth

Possible meanings are (1) “Moses, who warned them here on earth” or (2) “God, who warned them at Mount Sinai”

751HEB1225s5ljfigs-metaphorἡμεῖς οἱ τὸν ἀπ’ οὐρανῶν ἀποστρεφόμενοι1if we turn away from the one who is warning

Disobeying God is spoken of as if a person were changing direction and walking away from him. Alternate translation: “if we disobey the one who is warning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

752HEB1226rf4eοὗ ἡ φωνὴ τὴν γῆν ἐσάλευσεν1his voice shook the earth

“when God spoke, the sound of his voice caused the earth to shake”

753HEB1226i1c8ἐσάλευσεν…σείσω1shook…shake

Use the word for what an earthquake does in moving the ground. This refers back to Hebrews 12:18-21 and what happened when the people saw the mountain where Moses received the law from God.

754HEB1227ylq90General Information:

Here the quotation from the prophet Haggai is repeated from the previous verse.

755HEB1227z6ysfigs-abstractnounsδηλοῖ τῶν σαλευομένων μετάθεσιν, ὡς πεποιημένων1mean the removal of those things that can be shaken, that is, of the things

The abstract noun “removal” can be translated with the verb “remove.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “mean that God will remove the things that he can shake, that is, the things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

756HEB1227l29rτῶν σαλευομένων1shaken

Use the word for what an earthquake does in moving the ground. This refers back to Hebrews 12:18-21 and what happened when the people saw the mountain where Moses received the law from God. See how you translated “shook” and “shake” in Hebrews 12:26.

757HEB1227s3xtfigs-activepassiveπεποιημένων1that have been created

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God has created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

758HEB1227ta84figs-activepassiveτὰ μὴ σαλευόμενα1the things that cannot be shaken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the things that do not shake” or “the things that cannot shake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

759HEB1227zr9xfigs-activepassiveτὰ μὴ σαλευόμενα1that cannot be shaken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that does not shake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

760HEB1228m44cgrammar-connect-words-phrasesβασιλείαν…παραλαμβάνοντες1receiving a kingdom

You can add the words “because we are” to make clear the logical connection between this statement and the next statement. Alternate translation: “because we are receiving a kingdom” or “because God is making us members of his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

761HEB1228btf6ἔχωμεν χάριν1let us be grateful

“let us give thanks”

762HEB1228f382figs-doubletμετὰ εὐλαβείας καὶ δέους1with reverence and awe

The words “reverence” and “awe” share similar meanings and emphasize the greatness of reverence due to God. Alternate translation: “with great respect and dread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

763HEB1229f899figs-metaphorὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν πῦρ καταναλίσκον1our God is a consuming fire

God is spoken of here as if he were a fire that can burn up anything. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

764HEB13introc8gg0

Hebrews 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The author finishes the list of exhortations he began in chapter 12. Then he asks the readers to pray for him and ends the letter.

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 13:6, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Hospitality

God wants his people to invite other people to come to their homes to eat food and even to sleep. His people should do this even if they do not know well the people they are inviting. In the Old Testament, Abraham and his nephew Lot both showed hospitality to people they did not know. Abraham served a costly meal to them, and then Lot invited them to sleep in his house. They learned later that those people were actually angels.

765HEB131sf1n0Connecting Statement:

In this closing section, the author gives specific instructions to believers on how they are supposed to live.

766HEB131g819ἡ φιλαδελφία μενέτω1Let brotherly love continue

“Continue to show your love for other believers as you would for a member of your family”

767HEB132rh7rfigs-litotesμὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε1Do not forget

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Be sure to remember” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

768HEB132y7cdφιλοξενίας1hospitality

“to welcome and show kindness to strangers”

769HEB133mx5rfigs-activepassiveὡς συνδεδεμένοι1as if you were bound with them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as if you were tied up along with them” or “as if you were in prison with them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

770HEB133d3zefigs-activepassiveτῶν κακουχουμένων1who are mistreated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom others are mistreating” or “who are suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

771HEB133g4apfigs-activepassiveὡς καὶ αὐτοὶ ὄντες ἐν σώματι1as if you also were them in the body

This phrase encourages believers to think about other peoples suffering as they would think about their own suffering. Alternate translation: “as if you were the one suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

772HEB134ix27figs-activepassiveτίμιος ὁ γάμος ἐν πᾶσιν1Let marriage be respected by everyone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Men and women who are married to each other must respect each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

773HEB134ix79figs-euphemismἡ κοίτη ἀμίαντος1Let the marriage bed be pure

This refers to the act of sexual union as if it were only the bed of a married couple. Alternate translation: “Let husbands and wives honor their marriage relationship to one another and not sleep with other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

774HEB135sz35ἀφιλάργυρος ὁ τρόπος1Let your conduct be free from the love of money

Here “conduct” refers to a persons character or the way he lives, and “free from the love of money” refers to not greatly desiring to have more money. A person who loves money is not content with the amount of money he has. Alternate translation: “Let your conduct not be affected by the love of money” or “Do not greatly wish to have more money”

775HEB135n19cἀρκούμενοι1Be content

“Be satisfied”

776HEB136c8w6figs-explicitΚύριος ἐμοὶ βοηθός…ποιήσει μοι ἄνθρωπος1The Lord is my helper…do to me

This is a quotation from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

777HEB136q8iefigs-rquestionοὐ φοβηθήσομαι; τί ποιήσει μοι ἄνθρωπος?1I will not be afraid. What can a man do to me?

The author uses a question to emphasize that he does not fear people because God is helping him. Here “man” means any person in general. Alternate translation: “I will not fear what any person can do to me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

778HEB137e6b5τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Gods word

“what God has said”

779HEB137ym9mτὴν ἔκβασιν τῆς ἀναστροφῆς1the result of their conduct

“the outcome of the way they behave”

780HEB137tvu6figs-metonymyμιμεῖσθε τὴν πίστιν1Imitate their faith

Here the trust in God and the way of life led by these leaders are spoken of as “their faith.” Alternate translation: “Trust and obey God in the same way they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

781HEB138dv5gfigs-metonymyἐχθὲς καὶ σήμερον, ὁ αὐτός, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας1is the same yesterday, today, and forever

Here “yesterday” means all times in the past. Alternate translation: “is the same in the past, the present, and in the future forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

782HEB139y92c0General Information:

This section refers to animal sacrifices made by believers in God in Old Testament times, which covered their sins temporarily until the death of Christ came about.

783HEB139dp5wfigs-metaphorδιδαχαῖς ποικίλαις καὶ ξέναις, μὴ παραφέρεσθε1Do not be carried away by various strange teachings

Being persuaded by various teachings is spoken of as if a person were being carried away by a force. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Do not let others persuade you to believe their various strange teachings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

784HEB139fe6iδιδαχαῖς ποικίλαις καὶ ξέναις1various strange teachings

“many, different teachings that are not the good news we told you”

785HEB139tmt1figs-metaphorκαλὸν…χάριτι βεβαιοῦσθαι τὴν καρδίαν, οὐ βρώμασιν, ἐν οἷς οὐκ ὠφελήθησαν οἱ περιπατοῦντες1it is good that the heart should be strengthened by grace, not by foods that do not help those who walk by them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we become stronger when we think of how God has been kind to us, but we do not become stronger by obeying rules about food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

786HEB139t28ufigs-metonymyβεβαιοῦσθαι τὴν καρδίαν1the heart should be strengthened

Here “heart” is a metonym for the “inner being.” Alternate translation: “we should be strengthened inwardly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

787HEB139ar93figs-metonymyβρώμασιν1foods

Here “foods” stands for rules about food. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

788HEB139kf3bfigs-metaphorοἱ περιπατοῦντες1those who walk by them

Living is spoken of as if it were walking. Alternate translation: “those who live by them” or “those who regulate their lives by them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

789HEB1310jjy3figs-metonymyἔχομεν θυσιαστήριον1We have an altar

Here “altar” stands for “place of worship.” It also stands for the animals that the priests in the old covenant sacrificed, from which they took meat for themselves and their families. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

790HEB1311luf7figs-activepassiveὧν…εἰσφέρεται ζῴων τὸ αἷμα περὶ ἁμαρτίας εἰς τὰ ἅγια διὰ τοῦ ἀρχιερέως1the blood of the animals killed for sins is brought by the high priest into the holy place

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the high priest brings into the holy place the blood of the animals that the priests killed for sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

791HEB1311iv19figs-activepassiveτούτων τὰ σώματα κατακαίεται1while their bodies are burned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “while the priests burn the animals bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

792HEB1311f7nbἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς1outside the camp

“away from where the people lived”

793HEB1312x48h0Connecting Statement:

There is a comparison here between Jesus sacrifice and the tabernacle sacrifices of the Old Testament.

794HEB1312fw9gδιὸ1So

“In the same way” or “Because the bodies of the sacrifices were burned outside the camp” (Hebrews 13:11)

795HEB1312eq6tfigs-metonymyἔξω τῆς πύλης1outside the city gate

This stands for “outside the city.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

796HEB1313zf8vfigs-metaphorτοίνυν ἐξερχώμεθα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς1Let us therefore go to him outside the camp

Obeying Jesus is spoken of as if a person were leaving the camp to go out where Jesus is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

797HEB1313h3j4figs-metaphorτὸν ὀνειδισμὸν αὐτοῦ φέροντες1bearing his shame

Disgrace is spoken of as if it were an object that had to be carried in ones hands or on ones back. Alternate translation: “while allowing others to insult us just like people insulted him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

798HEB1314u2wnἐπιζητοῦμεν1looking for

“waiting for”

799HEB1315zfy9figs-metaphorθυσίαν αἰνέσεως1a sacrifice of praise

Praise is spoken of as if it were a sacrifice of animals or incense. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

800HEB1315b4p1figs-metaphorαἰνέσεως…τοῦτ’ ἔστιν καρπὸν χειλέων1praise that is the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name

Praise is spoken of as if it were fruit produced by the lips of people. Alternate translation: “praise that is produced by the lips of those who acknowledge his name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

801HEB1315zr2dfigs-synecdocheχειλέων ὁμολογούντων τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ1lips that acknowledge his name

Here “lips” represents people who speak. Alternate translation: “the lips of those who acknowledge his name” or “those who acknowledge his name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

802HEB1315v52xfigs-metonymyτῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ1his name

A persons name represents that person. Alternate translation: “him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

803HEB1316ma8cfigs-litotesτῆς…εὐποιΐας καὶ κοινωνίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε1Let us not forget doing good and helping one another

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Let us always remember to do good and help others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

804HEB1316kp76figs-metaphorτοιαύταις…θυσίαις1with such sacrifices

Doing good and helping others is spoken of as if they were sacrifices on an altar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

805HEB1317n5e8figs-metaphorἀγρυπνοῦσιν ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν1keep watch over your souls

The believers souls, that is, the believers spiritual well-being, are spoken of as if they were objects or animals that guards could keep watch over. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

806HEB1317z2ypfigs-metonymyμὴ στενάζοντες1not with groaning

Here “groaning” stands for sadness or grief. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

807HEB1318d5hf0Connecting Statement:

The author closes with a blessing and greetings.

808HEB1318xmh1figs-exclusiveπροσεύχεσθε περὶ ἡμῶν1Pray for us

Here “us” refers to the author and his companions, but not to the readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

809HEB1318n6gbfigs-metaphorπειθόμεθα…ὅτι καλὴν συνείδησιν ἔχομεν1we are persuaded that we have a clean conscience

Here “clean” stands for being free from guilt. Alternate translation: “we are certain that we have no guilt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

810HEB1319cg4lfigs-activepassiveἵνα τάχειον ἀποκατασταθῶ ὑμῖν1that I will be returned to you sooner

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God will quickly remove the things that stop my coming to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

811HEB1320n66eδὲ1Now

This marks a new section of the letter. Here the author praises God and gives a final prayer for his readers.

812HEB1320d8yqὁ ἀναγαγὼν ἐκ νεκρῶν τὸν Ποιμένα τῶν προβάτων τὸν μέγαν…τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ1brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus

“raised the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, to life”

813HEB1320k6n6ἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To raise someone from among them speaks of causing that person to become alive again.

814HEB1320gn9wfigs-metaphorτὸν Ποιμένα τῶν προβάτων τὸν μέγαν1the great shepherd of the sheep

Christ in his role of leader and protector of those who believe in him is spoken of as if he were a shepherd of sheep. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

815HEB1320qxb8figs-metonymyἐν αἵματι διαθήκης αἰωνίου1by the blood of the eternal covenant

Here “blood” stands for the death of Jesus, which is the basis for the covenant that will last forever between God and all believers in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

816HEB1321qj79καταρτίσαι ὑμᾶς ἐν παντὶ ἀγαθῷ, εἰς τὸ ποιῆσαι τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ1equip you with everything good to do his will

“give you every good thing you need in order to do his will “make you capable of doing every good thing according to his will”

817HEB1321r3mifigs-inclusiveποιῶν ἐν ἡμῖν1working in us

The word “us” refers to the author and the readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])

818HEB1321u6iqᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1to whom be the glory forever

“whom all people will praise forever”

819HEB1322wa9rδὲ1Now

This marks a new section of the letter. Here the author gives his final comments to his audience.

820HEB1322b27jfigs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

This refers to all the believers to whom he is writing whether male or female. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

821HEB1322d5e6ἀνέχεσθε τοῦ λόγου τῆς παρακλήσεως1bear with the word of encouragement

“patiently consider what I have just written to encourage you”

822HEB1322l8b3figs-metonymyτοῦ λόγου τῆς παρακλήσεως1the word of encouragement

Here “word” stands for a message. Alternate translation: “the encouraging message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

823HEB1323w3m2figs-activepassiveἀπολελυμένον1has been set free

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “is no longer in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

824HEB1324r7knἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰταλίας1Those from Italy greet you

Possible meanings are (1) the author is not in Italy, but there is a group of believers with him who have come from Italy or (2) the author is in Italy while writing this letter.

825HEB1324kk9ctranslate-namesτῆς Ἰταλίας1Italy

This is the name of a region at that time. Rome was the then-capital city of Italy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])