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Introduction to Revelation

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Revelation

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

Who wrote the Book of Revelation?

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

What is the Book of Revelation about?

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

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

What type of writing is the Book of Revelation?

John used a special style of writing to describe his visions. John described what he saw by using many symbols. This style of writing is called symbolic prophecy or apocalyptic literature. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Are the events of Revelation past or future?

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

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

Are there any other books in the Bible like Revelation?

No other book of the Bible is like the Book of Revelation. But, passages in Ezekiel, Zechariah, and especially Daniel are similar in content and style to Revelation. It may be beneficial to translate Revelation at the same time as Daniel since they have some imagery and style in common.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

Periods of time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3REV1introu1e20

Revelation 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Outline of Chapter One of Revelation

I. The Introduction to Revelation

A. The Prologue (1:1-8)

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

II. Johns Vision of Christ

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

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

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

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULT does this with the quoted words in verse 7.

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven churches

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

White

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

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

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Blood

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“He is coming with the clouds”

Jesus went into the clouds when he went up to heaven after God raised him from the dead. When Jesus returns, he will also be “with the clouds.” It is not clear whether he will be sitting or riding on clouds or coming in the clouds or “with the clouds” in some other way. Your translation should express this in a way that is natural in your language.

“One like a son of man”

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

“The angels of the seven churches”

The word “angels” here can also mean “messengers.” This might refer to heavenly beings, or to the messengers or leaders of these seven churches. John uses the same word “angel” (singular) in verse 1 and in many other places throughout the book. Your translation should also use the same word.

4REV11rkh9figs-abstractnounsἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of revelation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “What God disclosed to Jesus Christ” or “The matters that God revealed to Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

5REV11kv41figs-possessionἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1General Information:

This phrase could mean: (1) this book is revelation that came to Jesus from God. Alternate translation: “revelation to Jesus Christ” (2) this book is revelation that came from Jesus to the author of the book, namely John. Alternate translation: “revelation from Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

6REV11ik5vfigs-explicitτοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ1his servants

Here, his servants refers to people who believe in Jesus Christ and serve him as their Lord. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternative translation: “those who serve him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

7REV11x8buἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι ἐν τάχει1what must soon take place

Alternate translation: “the events that must happen soon”

8REV11kez4writing-pronounsἐσήμανεν1made it known

The pronoun he here refers to Jesus Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus communicated it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

9REV11hz2wtranslate-namesἸωάννῃ1

John is the name of a man who was Jesus disciple and one of the original twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

10REV11pb4ufigs-123personτῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ, Ἰωάννῃ1to his servant John

The Apostle John is referring to himself in the third person here. If this is confusing in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “to me, John, his servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

11REV12tgtswriting-pronounsὃς ἐμαρτύρησεν1

The subject of this sentence is the author John. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “John testified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

12REV12va4cfigs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1the word of God

Here, John uses word figuratively to refer to the message that God said by using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the message that God spoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

13REV12wb7zfigs-abstractnounsτὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what Jesus Christ testified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

14REV12b5sefigs-possessionτὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1the testimony of Jesus Christ

John is using the possessive form to describe the testimony that Jesus Christ has given about the personal revelation received directly from God and then given in prophecy by the books author, John. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that Jesus Christ has given him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

15REV13le65figs-genericnounὁ ἀναγινώσκων1the one who reads aloud

Here, the one who reads does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who readsthe words of the prophecy aloud or in public. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “anyone who reads aloud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

16REV13t0q3τῆς προφητείας1

Here, this prophecy refers to this whole book that John is writing. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “of this book of prophecy”

17REV13h37bfigs-activepassiveτηροῦντες τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ γεγραμμένα1obey what is written in it

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “who keep what John has written in it” or “who obey what they read in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

18REV13dwt8figs-explicitὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς1the time is near

Here, the time refers specifically to the appointed time when God will make the prophecies in this book come true. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the time for the fulfillment of what is written in this book is near” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

19REV13myemfigs-metaphorὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς1

Here, John speaks figuratively of time as if it could be near something. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time will be soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

20REV14vw1tfigs-123personἸωάννης1General Information:

In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the first person. If your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, you could also use that. Alternate translation: “I, John, am writing this letter” or “From John” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

21REV14apl8figs-123personταῖς ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησίαις ταῖς ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ1

In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would then say to whom they were writing, naming those people in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “to you who are members of the seven churches that are in Asia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

22REV14y9yhtranslate-blessingχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος1May grace be to you and peace from the one who is … and from the seven spirits

In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing. Alternate translation: “May the one who is, and who was, and who is coming give you grace and peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])

23REV14lsunfigs-abstractnounsχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of grace and peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May the one who is, and who was, and who is coming treat you kindly and give you peaceful relationships” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

24REV14unulfigs-explicitὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος1

These three phrases all refer to God. If this might confuse your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the God who is, and who was, and who is coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

25REV14qsu6figs-metaphorὁ ἐρχόμενος1who is to come

Here, is coming has two possible connotations. The expression could refer to the the physical act of coming, when God will be present on earth for a final judgment. Alternatively, the phrase indicates the future tense, which seems more likely given the prior context describing the past and present times of Gods existence. In other words, John uses is coming figuratively to state that God will exist in the future. If this would confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who will still exist in the future” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

26REV14x38pwriting-symlanguageἑπτὰ πνευμάτων1seven spirits

The number seven is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection. Here, the seven spirits could refer to: (1) the Spirit of God, which is described with seven attributes in Isaiah 11:2. Alternate translation: “the sevenfold Holy Spirit” (2) seven individual spirits who serve God, which might be the “seven angels” in 8:2. Alternate translation: “the seven spirit beings” or “the seven angelic spirits” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

27REV15w24xκαὶ ἀπὸ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1and from Jesus Christ

The first half of this verse continues the sentence from the previous verse. If you make this a new sentence, then you will need to repeat some of the information from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “And may grace be to you and peace also from Jesus Christ”

28REV15gz2nὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστός1

This phrase the faithful witness is a title describing Jesus Christ. The expression is probably an allusion to Psalm 89, specifically to Psalm 89:37. Likewise, every title that is describing Jesus Christ in this verse alludes to a portion of Psalm 89, including: the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. All the titles in this verse describe Jesus Christ as the one who completes Gods promises given to David in 2 Samuel 7 and then affirmed again within Psalm 89 later. Therefore, the translator can indicate the presence of an Old Testament quotation or allusion here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

29REV15l3h8figs-idiomὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν1the firstborn from the dead

This phrase the firstborn from the dead is an idiom meaning “the first person to die and become alive again”. The term firstborn commonly refers to the first child actually to be born to parents and, therefore, the primary recipient of the parents inheritance. The idiomatic expression apparently alludes to Psalm 89:27. However, every title describing Jesus Christ in this verse alludes to portions of Psalm 89, including: the faithful witness and the ruler of the kings of the earth. If your readers would not understand the phrase the firstborn from the dead, you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “the first person to be raised from death” or “the first person to come back to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

30REV15j1xpgrammar-collectivenounsτῶν νεκρῶν1from the dead

The word dead is a singular noun that refers to a group of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “from those who are dead” or “from those who have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

31REV15gqw8grammar-collectivenounsκαὶ ὁ ἄρχων τῶν βασιλέων τῆς γῆς1

This phrase the ruler of the kings of the earth is a title of Jesus Christ that describes his future dominion over the earth. The expression the ruler of the kings of the earth alludes to Psalm 89:27. However, every title describing Jesus Christ in this verse alludes to portions of Psalm 89, including: the faithful witness and the firstborn from the dead. All the titles in this verse describe Jesus Christ as the one who completes Gods promises given to David in 2 Samuel 7, which are then affirmed again in Psalm 89 later. Therefore, the translator can indicate the presence of an Old Testament quotation or allusion here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

32REV15ttqnτῷ ἀγαπῶντι ἡμᾶς1

The second half of this verse begins a doxology that continues through the rest of this verse and all of the next verse. The doxology directly praises Jesus Christ personally. If you make this a new sentence, then you will need to state some of the information from the following verse that will then be repeated in verse 1:6 once again. Alternate translation: “May Jesus Christ, who loves us, receive glory and power always”

33REV15u6v7figs-metaphorλύσαντι ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν1has released us

Here John uses released figuratively of forgiving people for their sins. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “has forgiven us for our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

34REV15jpnqfigs-metonymyἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν1

John uses sins figuratively to refer to the punishment for sins. He means that Jesus causes people who believe in him to escape eternal punishment for their sins. If this would confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “has released us from the punishment for our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

35REV15q64ffigs-metonymyτῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ1

Here, blood figuratively represents the death of Christ on the cross. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a comparable word that stands for death or express the idea in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “his death on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

36REV16jszowriting-pronounsκαὶ ἐποίησεν ἡμᾶς βασιλείαν, ἱερεῖς1

The subject of the sentence, as well as of the contents of this entire verse, is Jesus Christ. Thus, the UST makes the subject of Jesus explicit throughout the entire verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

37REV16nhfbfigs-metaphorβασιλείαν1

Here, a kingdom functions as a metaphor for the service that believers give to God. Believers in Jesus Christ serve God like citizens serve their ruling king in a kingdom. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the meaning of kingdom explicitly. Alternate translation: “the citizens that God rules over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

38REV16iq7jfigs-metaphorἱερεῖς1

Here, priests represent people that God chose to offer sacrifices on behalf of others. The language here functions as a metaphor for the service that believers give to God. Believers in Jesus Christ benefit God like priests attended to God in the temple or the tabernacle of the Old Testament. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the meaning of the office of priest explicitly. Alternate translation: “people that offer sacrifices” or “people that serve in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

39REV16nesyfigs-abstractnounsβασιλείαν, ἱερεῖς τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ— αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns kingdom, priests, glory, and power in other ways. Alternate translation: “he has created us to aid him in his program and to be household custodians serving God, his Father. May Jesus have proper honor and recognized authority always” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

40REV16ne7xguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ1his God and Father

Here, God and Father refers to two persons of the Godhead, who exists in essence as a trinity of individual persons. The name Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Alternate translation: “for God, his Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

41REV16qd74figs-abstractnounsαὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος1to him be the glory and the power

This is a wish or prayer. This could mean: (1) John prays that people honor Jesus Christ in light of or with respect to hisglory and power. Alternate translation: “May all honor Jesus with glory and power.” (2) John prays that Jesus Christ will be honored and will be able to rule completely over everyone and everything. Alternate translation: May Jesus accept glory and power throughout eternity.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

42REV16vc5gτὸ κράτος1the power

Here, the power probably refers to Jesus Christs authority as king. Thus, the power is a metonym that describes the rule of Jesus in his kingdom. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the dominion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

43REV17ldv8figs-quotemarksἰδοὺ, ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν, καὶ ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς, καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς1General Information:

The clauses Behold, he is coming with the clouds, every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and will mourn because of him are quotations from the Old Testament. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

44REV17mx1cfigs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

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

45REV17bbqjwriting-pronounsἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν1

The pronoun he here refers to Jesus Christ. Jesus will come to the earth from above, or from the sky above, as seen originally in Daniel 7:14 and Daniel 7:27. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus is coming with the clouds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

46REV17k0qoἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν1

Alternate translation: “He approaches on the clouds”

47REV17hb4ifigs-synecdocheπᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς1every eye

Since people see with their eyes, the word eye is used to refer to people. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every person” or “everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

48REV17ndf6figs-metonymyκαὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν1pierced him

Jesus hands and feet were pierced when he was nailed to the cross. Here it refers to the people who killed him. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even those who bore a hole in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

49REV17ewtlfigs-ellipsisκαὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν1

John is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “even those who pierced him will see him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

50REV17enuzgrammar-collectivenounsπᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς1

The phrase all the tribes of the earth describes all types of the earths peoples by the category of every single tribe. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “every ethnicity of the earth” or “every racial type of the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

51REV17s0rdfigs-doubletναί! ἀμήν!1

Here, the phrase Yes, Amen has two words that mean basically the same thing. Yes affirms, emphasizes, and strengthens the following word, Amen. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Certainly it shall be thus!” or “Yes indeed, may this truly be so!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

52REV18c96pἐγώ εἰμι τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος, ὁ Θεός, ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ὁ Παντοκράτωρ1says the Lord God

Here, says the Lord God indicates that the clauses that comes before and after this phrase are quotations. If this might confuse your readers, you could move this phrase to the beginning or end of the verse. Alternate translation: “The Lord God says, I am the alpha and the omega, the one who is, and who was, and who is coming, the Almighty.’”

53REV18ufixτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ1

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are alpha and omega. If your readers would misunderstand this, you may consider using the first and last letters of your languages alphabet. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the first thing and the last thing”

54REV18mm9zfigs-metaphorτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ1the alpha and the omega

This could mean: (1) God the Father or Jesus Christ is the one who began all things and who will end all things. Alternate translation: “the one who began and will end all things” (2) God the Father or Jesus Christ is the one who has always lived and who always will live. Alternate translation: “the one who always existed and will always exist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

55REV18l1ssfigs-merismτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ1

Here, the alpha and the omega refers by merism to the eternal nature of God the Father or that of Jesus Christ. A merism gives a sense of a totality by a description that references two extreme parts of a concepts whole. In this case, the parts at the extremities of the concepts whole are the first (alpha) and last (omega) letters of the Greek alphabet. The Greek alphabet is a type of metaphor for eternity, which has a beginning and a end normally in time, although here the idea is that of the eternal existence of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

56REV18t0gatranslate-textvariantsτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος1

Some versions add the phrase “the Beginning and the End” after this statement. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the phrase it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of the ULT. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

57REV18in5efigs-metaphorὁ ἐρχόμενος1who is to come

See how you translated the phrase who is coming in verse 4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

58REV19qyu1figs-123personἐγὼ Ἰωάννης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν, καὶ συνκοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει, καὶ βασιλείᾳ, καὶ ὑπομονῇ, ἐν Ἰησοῦ1

The Apostle John refers to himself in the third person here in this verse. If this is confusing in your language, you could translate this in the first person primarily or predominantly. Alternate translation: “I … am experiencing affliction with you …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

59REV19mg1kfigs-youὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν1your

Here, your is plural and refers to the believers assembled among the seven churches mentioned in chapters 13 of this book. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the brother of you believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

60REV19ikekfigs-abstractnounsβασιλείᾳ1

Here, kingdom expresses the idea that Christ rules and will rule over the lives of believers. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of kingdom, you could express the same idea in some phrase that uses the verb “rule.” Alternate translation: “realm where Christ rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

61REV19c1a9figs-metonymyδιὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1because of the word of God

John uses word of God figuratively to describe the gospel message that came from God and that John proclaimed by using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of the message from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

62REV19sim8figs-possessionτὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ1the testimony about Jesus

John is using the possessive form to describe the testimony about Jesus that John proclaimed. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that I proclaimed about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

63REV110s2swfigs-idiomἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι1I was in the Spirit

Here, in the Spirit could mean: (1) Gods Spirit (the Holy Spirit) took control of John in order to influence John to receive divine revelation. Alternate translation: “I was influenced by the Spirit of God” or “Gods Spirit took control of me” (2) God caused Johns spirit to be in a state so that he could perceive revelation. Alternate translation: “God influenced my spirit” or “God took control of my spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

64REV110lnj2τῇ Κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ1the Lords day

Here, the Lords day refers specifically to Sunday, which was the day of the week when believers gathered to worship together in Johns time. Some scholars think that the Lords day here refers to the future time of Gods judgment called “the day of the Lord” throughout the Bible. However, this exact phrase is not used anywhere else in the Bible. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Sunday, the Lords day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

65REV110fa68figs-simileφωνὴν μεγάλην ὡς σάλπιγγος1loud voice like a trumpet

The voice was very loud so that the noise sounded like a trumpet. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a voice as loud as a trumpet being blown” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

66REV110ggphfigs-metonymyφωνὴν μεγάλην1

Here, a loud voice figuratively refers to the person speaking the voice, which is later revealed in the context to be the divine voice of Jesus Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a great sound of one speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

67REV111y4abwriting-pronounsλεγούσης1

Here, saying introduces a quotation. What follows is what the voice of the previous verse actually said. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “that voice said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

68REV111kq6xtranslate-namesΣμύρναν…Πέργαμον…Θυάτειρα…Σάρδεις…Φιλαδέλφιαν…Λαοδίκιαν1Smyrna … Pergamum … Thyatira … Sardis … Philadelphia … Laodicea

These are names of cities in the region of western Asia Minor that are in the modern area of southwestern Turkey today. The logic of the order seems to begin with Ephesus, the most important city at the time and then proceed to move clockwise until it reaches the city that is the furthest south at Laodicea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

69REV112r89lfigs-metonymyτὴν φωνὴν ἥτις1whose voice

Here, voice refers figuratively to the person speaking. The context indicates that Jesus Christ is the one speaking here. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

70REV112flemἑπτὰ λυχνίας χρυσᾶς1

Here, seven golden lampstands refers to seven golden lamp holders that are place holding stands for portable oil lamps. These seven lamp holders are made of gold or, at the very least, were plated with gold. Apparently these lamp holders represent the seven assemblies of believers in the seven cities mentioned in the previous verse. The number seven is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection, although the context would simply suggest that the number is required by the amount of the churches addressed in Revelation chapters two and three. Alternate translation: “seven golden portable oil lamp-holding stands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

71REV113xmx7figs-simileὅμοιον Υἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου1son of man

The expression like a son of man describes a human figure that recalls the same Aramaic phrase in Daniel 7, specifically within Daniel 7:13. The point of this comparison is that the figure John saw looked like a human. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “a being that looked like a man” or “a figure that resembled a human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

72REV113y6qkζώνην χρυσᾶν1a golden sash

A sash was a strip of cloth worn around the chest. This one may have been woven from golden threads. Clearly sash is not a belt that is worn around the waist specifically. Alternate translation: “strap” or “band”

73REV114qc12figs-simileἡ δὲ κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ αἱ τρίχες λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών1His head and hair were as white as wool—as white as snow

The point of this comparison is that the head and hair were like wool and snow, which are both very white. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Now his head and hair were very white, like the white color of wool and snow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

74REV114mg7rfigs-doubletλευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών1

John uses white as in order to emphasize how white the head and hair were. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “extremely white like wool and snow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

75REV114j9w4ἔριον1wool

The word wool refers to the hair of a sheep or goat that can often be very white. If your readers would not be familiar with this material, you could use the name of a type of fur or fabric in your area that is known to be very white, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “white fabric” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

76REV114vp4tfigs-simileοἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ ὡς φλὸξ πυρός1his eyes were like a flame of fire

The point of this comparison is that the eyes were like a flame of fire, which full of light and very bright. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “his eyes were glowing like a flame of fire” or “his eyes blazed like a flame of fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

77REV115u551figs-simileοἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ1His feet were like polished bronze

The point of this comparison is that the feet were like polished bronze, which is very shiny. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “his feet were very shiny like polished bronze” or “his feet were reflecting light like polished bronze” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

78REV115d6jefigs-eventsὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμένης1like polished bronze, like bronze that had been refined in a furnace

Here, furnace refers to a strong container for holding a very hot fire. People would put metal like bronze in it, and the hot fire would make the metal refined by melting away any impurities that were in the metal. Do not translate this verse in a way that would imply that the bronze was first polished and then refined in a furnace, which reverses the actual order of events. Alternate translation: “like bronze that has been purified in a hot furnace and then polished” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

79REV115izg6figs-simileἡ φωνὴ αὐτοῦ ὡς φωνὴ ὑδάτων πολλῶν1the sound of many rushing waters

The point of this comparison is that the sound of his voice was like the sound of a large and fast flowing river or of a large waterfall with loud waves of constant water flow, which is very loud. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “his voice was very loud like the sound of rushing waters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

80REV116qu9hκαὶ ἔχων1

Here, the subject of and having should be assumed from earlier in verse 1:13 rendered one like a son of man. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “and the one like the son of man had”

81REV116udj5writing-symlanguageκαὶ ἔχων ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ ἀστέρας ἑπτά1

Here, seven stars refer to “the angels of the seven churches” as stated explicitly in 1:20. The symbolism of Jesus Christ holding stars could refer to: (1) Christ having absolute authority over the churches symbolized by the stars. Alternate translation: “and exercising authority over the stars” (2) Christ keeping the churches symbolized by the stars secure and safe from death or evil so as to have eternal life as described in John 10:28. Alternate translation: “and keeping seven stars in his right hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

82REV116pp58writing-symlanguageκαὶ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ῥομφαία δίστομος ὀξεῖα ἐκπορευομένη1a sword … was coming out of his mouth

Here, the sword refers to a sword that is sharpened on both edges so that it can cut in both directions on both sides. Only the blade of the sword protruded from Christs mouth since the imagery is most likely a metaphor for the spoken word as being figuratively sharp and able to pierce things. The symbolism was probably inspired by the fact that Roman double-edged swords were shaped like human tongues in their forms. Thus, double-edged swords in the shape of human tongues apparently signify spoken words coming from the human mouth. The translator may wish to indicate this imagery in his translation of the symbolism. Alternate translation: “a sharp, double-edged sword was protruding from his mouth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

83REV116cb26figs-simileὡς ὁ ἥλιος φαίνει ἐν τῇ δυνάμει αὐτοῦ1

Here, the simile in the phrase shining as the sun at its strength expresses a very bright appearance. Thus, the face of Jesus Christ appeared very bright in a similar manner to the way that the sun shines in its full force during the middle of the day. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “shining as bright as the noonday sun” or “shining as bright as the mid-day sun” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

84REV117twy9translate-symactionἔπεσα πρὸς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ, ὡς νεκρός1fell at his feet like a dead man

This phrase describes John laying down with his face toward the ground in a common gesture that expresses a deferential respect for a person before whom one bows down before. This symbolic action or cultural gesture of obeisance signifies great respect, reverential awe, and maybe even some fear at the person who receives the symbolic gesture of the bow. John was probably very frightened and was showing Jesus great respect by the customary act of a dramatic bow before the presence of Jesus. If the translator has a similar symbolic action or cultural gesture to indicate obeisance in the culture of the target language, then perhaps the similar cultural action should be incorporated in the translation. Alternate translation: “fell down at his feet like a dead man to show his fear and respect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

85REV117vz4uwriting-pronounsκαὶ ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ1

Here, the subject of and he placed his right hand on me should be assumed from earlier in the context at verse 1:13. Verse 1:13 mentions one like a son of man as a description of Jesus Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could explicitly state the subject as Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus placed his right hand on me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

86REV117jw5rtranslate-symactionκαὶ ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ1He placed his right hand on me

Here, the phrase and he placed his right hand on me signifies a cultural gesture or symbolic action that expresses comfort and assurance for the person who is need of encouragement at the moment of fear. The symbolic action has the accompanying verbal expression of Do not be afraid so as to illustrate the significance and symbolism of the cultural gesture. Alternate translation: “and he touched me with his right hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

87REV117uc3dfigs-merismἐγώ εἰμι ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος1I am the first and the last

Here, the first and the last refers to the eternal nature of Jesus. He existed before anything else and he will continue to exist after everything else is gone. In this expression, first refers to what is before everything and last refers to what is after everything. This is similar to the use of alpha and omega in verse 8. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who existed before everything and will exist after everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

88REV118zm05καὶ ὁ ζῶν καὶ ἐγενόμην νεκρὸς1

Here, the one who lives refers to God. It could refer to: (1) God possessing eternal life in himself. Alternate translation: “the living one” (2) God being the source of life. Alternate translation: “the one who gives life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

89REV118cc7cfigs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

See how you translated behold in Revelation 1:7. Here, it is more natural to avoid the usual “pay attention” in the UST. The translator should probably be less literal in the translation here of behold due to the unique context (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

90REV118a4e2figs-metaphorἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου1I have the keys of death and of Hades

John uses keys here figuratively to refer to authority or power. Just as keys have the ability to control the opening or locking of a door, so Jesus has the power to control death and Hades. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have the power over death and over Hades” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

91REV118pgqlfigs-explicitἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου1

This clause implies that Jesus can give life to those who have died and let them out of Hades. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I have the power to give life to people who have died and to let them out of Hades” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

92REV118acrxtranslate-transliterateτοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου1

Hades here refers to the world of people who have died and is commonly transliterated directly from the Greek language, as in the ULT. Hades signifies the place or location where deceased individuals go after they die within the cultural world of Greek mythology. The distinction between death and Hades is not great, but there is a slight difference. Death indicates the state of being dead. However, Hades represents the place where the spirits of dead people reside. Thus, the translator might indicate the slight differences between the two words in this verse here when translating the expression. Alternate translation: “of deaths state and of deaths location” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

93REV119eupcfigs-litanyἃ εἶδες, καὶ ἃ εἰσὶν, καὶ ἃ μέλλει γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα1

Here, what you have seen and what is and what is about to happen after these things represents the three-part division of the entire Book of Revelation. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” The command to John requires John to write everything down in the book with no exceptions from what he is required to write. If it would help your readers, you could indicate the use of this verse here as a natural three-part division of the book of Revelation. Alternatively, you may wish to reflect in the translation of the three different clauses with their different verb tenses. Alternate translation: “that which you are seeing, that which exists now, and that which will happen afterwards” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

94REV120ytmkτὸ μυστήριον τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων1

Here, the mystery refers to a secret or symbolic meaning of a symbolic vision of the seven stars. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the secret meaning of the seven stars” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

95REV120d6ezwriting-symlanguageτῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων1stars

See how you translated this phrase in verse 16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

96REV120fl5dwriting-symlanguageλυχνίας1lampstands

See how you translated this word in verse 12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

97REV120eek9figs-explicitἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν1the angels of the seven churches

Here, the angels of the seven churches could refer to: (1) heavenly angels who protect the seven churches, or (2) human messengers who are sent to the seven churches. In the second case, the angels could either be representatives who lead among each of the seven churches or, alternatively, the actual messengers who went from John bearing the book of Revelation to the seven churches mentioned in verse 11. The translator should retain the literal transliteration of angel to allow for both possible interpretations, but he should give a marginal note to explain the two possible understandings. Alternate translation: “the seven messengers of the seven churches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

98REV120e25nτῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν1seven churches

See how you translated this in verse 11.

99REV2introzps20

Revelation 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Outline of Chapters Two and Three of Revelation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 27.

Special concepts in this chapter

The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches

Jesus uses the phrase I know to express his personal familiarity and knowledge at times of some of the churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. The phrase I know is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced among the various churches mentioned in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation. The idiomatic expression I know indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current conditions or circumstances in which the Christians were living. Although usually positive in a tone of assurance (see Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:8), the phrase I know sometimes expresses a critical or negative assessment that Jesus affirms (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression I know affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus, but the phrase also asserts a claim to be in a position to make a valid judgment as an impartial arbiter who might be critical at times. Therefore, the translator may wish to provide for his readership a textual note that explains the phrase I know as meaning something more than simply the awareness that Jesus has of the current religious, social, and moral conditions for the Christians which are addressed by Jesus (see Revelation chapters two and three). Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

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

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

Poverty and wealth

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

“The devil is about to”

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

Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

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

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The angel of the church”

The word angel here can also mean “messenger” or “representative.” This might refer to the messenger or a representative leader of the church. See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20.

“Says these things”

The verses with the phrase says these things can be difficult to translate. They do not make complete sentences. You may need to add “These are” to the beginning of these verses. Jesus uses these words to speak of himself as if he were speaking of another person. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking of other people. Jesus began speaking in Revelation 1:17. He continues to speak through the end of Chapter 3. The phrase says these things indicates that the words that come after this expression are a direct quotation. Use a phrase that makes this clear in your language. Alternate translation: “says this message” or “says the following words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

100REV21mn8xtranslate-namesτῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον1General Information:

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Ephesus. Ephesus is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

101REV21kq5rfigs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1the angel

Here, the angel could refer to: (1) a heavenly angel who protects the church in Ephesus, or (2) a human messenger who is sent to the church in Ephesus as a representative leader. In this case, the angel could either be a representative leader of the church in Ephesus or the actual messenger who went from John bearing the book of Revelation to the church in Ephesus. See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

102REV21mz7lwriting-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

Here, says these things indicates that the words that come after this phrase are a direct quotation. Use a phrase that makes this clear in your language. Alternate translation: “says this message” or “says the following words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

103REV21q1ckwriting-pronounsὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν1

Here, the implied subject of the two clauses is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the assumed subject from the context established in the previous chapter one. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the intended reference to Jesus explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ, the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

104REV21i92awriting-symlanguageἀστέρας1stars

These stars are symbols. The stars represent the seven angels of the seven churches. Note the translations of stars in Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 1:20. The figure of speech is that of symbolic language which is common to the Book of Revelation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

105REV21ugs3writing-symlanguageτῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν1lampstands

The golden lampstands are symbols that represent the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers. See how you translated lampstands in Revelation 1:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

106REV22mm3qοἶδα1

For the expression I know that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15), please see the explanatory note for I know in the chapter two introduction.

107REV22jg1ufigs-abstractnounsτὸν κόπον1I know … your hard labor and your patient endurance

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun labor, you can express it with the verb “to work”. Alternate translation: “that you laboured very hard” or “that you worked very hard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

108REV22iwe7figs-abstractnounsτὴν ὑπομονήν1

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun endurance, you can express it with the verb “endure.” Alternate translation: “that you patiently suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

109REV22l6mvfigs-youcrowdτὰ ἔργα σου, καὶ τὸν κόπον καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου, καὶ ὅτι οὐ δύνῃ βαστάσαι κακούς; καὶ ἐπείρασας τοὺς λέγοντας ἑαυτοὺς ἀποστόλους, καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν, καὶ εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς1

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

110REV22sxbffigs-nominaladjκακούς1

Here, evil people translates directly an adjective in the Greek that signifies simply “wicked” or evil. Thus, the translator must supply a noun that the adjective is describing through an assumed implication. The natural assumption for the noun to be supplied would be human individuals who were people in the surrounding community of those being addressed here. Alternate translation: “wayward people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

111REV22ka9eεὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς1you have found them to be false

Here, you have found them indicates the literal translation of the Greek. However, the sense of found is something like “to understand” or simply to come to the knowledge about a certain reality. The understood reality is actually the falsehood of the claim of certain people to be apostles. Alternate translation: “you have recognized those people to be false apostles”

112REV23nn01figs-explicitκαὶ ὑπομονὴν ἔχεις1

Here, and you have patient endurance implies a missing affirmation of I know from the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternative translation: “I realize that you have patient endurance” or “I recognize that you have patient endurance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

113REV23muq8figs-metonymyδιὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου1because of my name

Here, name is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ, since Jesus uses name here to refer to himself. The believers in Ephesus are suffering persecution and difficult circumstances for the sake of Jesus Christ as believers in him. The assembly in Ephesus suffers for the sake of the person and message of Jesus Christ within their society. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you believe in my name” or “because you believe in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

114REV23j46dfigs-metaphorοὐ κεκοπίακες1you have not grown weary

Being discouraged is spoken of as growing weary. The metaphor relates the notion of quitting an action with becoming tired since often people stop an action if they are tired. Alternate translation: “you have not become discouraged” or “you have not quit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

115REV23mg3zfigs-litotesοὐ κεκοπίακες1

Here, have not grown weary is a litotes expression that expresses emphasis by negating the opposite statement. In this case, Jesus emphasizes the act of persevering and not giving up despite obstacles by stating the opposite notion. The believers at Ephesus had persevered in trials but did not give up. Thus, they did not grow weary or become tired, but rather they continued to try hard. See the previous note about the metaphor in the figure of speech. Alternate translation: “you have not grown tired” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

116REV24j7gzfigs-ellipsisἔχω κατὰ σοῦ, ὅτι1I have against you the fact that

Here I have against you that indicates a negative, critical sentiment. It expresses the idea of a critical attitude in the person speaking, meaning something like: “I have something against you” or “there is something about you that I disapprove of”. Jesus is leaving out a word in the idiomatic expression that some languages would need in order for a clause to be complete. However, the following words in the context describe the matter of contention that Jesus is angry about. If your language requires an explanation of what Jesus is taking issue with the Ephesian church about, then you can supply it from the context. Alternate translation: “I disapprove of you because” or “I have a criticism to make of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

117REV24kx98figs-metaphorτὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην ἀφῆκες1you have left behind your first love

To stop doing something is spoken of as leaving it behind. Here, love represents an object that can abandoned. Here, the expression presents a metaphor expressing love as an object that can be forsaken. Alternate translation: “you have stopped loving me as you did at the beginning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

118REV25sfw2figs-metaphorπόθεν πέπτωκας1from where you have fallen

The notion of the church no longer loving as much as they used to love is spoken of as having fallen in the sense of “how far you have fallen from your original location”. Here, “falling” from a standing location is a metaphor for abandoning an earlier love and devotion for a person, in this case Jesus. Here, the metaphorical expression describes a tremendous decline in the love for Jesus among the Christians at Ephesus. Alternate translation: “how much you have changed” or “how much you once loved me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

119REV25cd8vfigs-metonymyκαὶ τὰ πρῶτα ἔργα ποίησον1

Here, the first works is a metonym that describes the behavior or way of life of the Ephesian believers earlier in their Christian practice. Earlier in the Christian way of life of the Ephesian believers they made greater efforts in their stronger devotion for Jesus. Alternate translation: “and do the first efforts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

120REV25hlyffigs-metaphorἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς1

Here, I will come to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place could refer to: (1) a special coming in judgment that Jesus would make personally for only the church of Ephesus. (2) the final, second coming of Jesus to the earth in judgment. In both interpretation options, Jesus uses a metaphor from the actual Roman destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD. In 70 AD, the Romans entered the Jerusalem temple and removed the seven-branched lampstand from inside the sanctuary. However, the translator should not make either interpretive option explicit in the translation. Alternate translation: “I will come to you and I will extract your lampstand from its place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

121REV25j8p5writing-symlanguageἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς1remove your lampstand

The lampstand is a symbol that represents one of the seven churches. See how you translated lampstand in Revelation 1:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

122REV26g8gnfigs-metaphorἀλλὰ τοῦτο ἔχεις1

But you have this is a metaphor in which this represents the fact that Jesus hates the works of the Nicolaitans. The metaphor in this idiomatic expression is that this is spoken of as if it were an object someone could have. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “But this is to your credit” or “But here is a good thing you are doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

123REV26cvi5translate-namesτῶν Νικολαϊτῶν1Nicolaitans

The Nicolaitans were people who followed the teachings or practices of a man named Nicolaus. The translator should not attempt to specify the actual teachings or practices of the Nicolaitans since there is no certainty about what Nicolaus taught or practiced. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

124REV27s3qgfigs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one who has an ear, hear

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. Here, the phrase has an ear presents a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey by association with the part of the body in which his listeners would have been receiving his teaching. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen to” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

125REV27tidgfigs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, then listen to” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

126REV27wzg1figs-metaphorτῷ νικῶντι1the one who conquers

To the one who conquers refers to anyone who conquers, or is victorious throughout obstacles and difficulties in the Christian life. The expression represents a metaphor comparing the Christian life to a military battle, in which the Christian overcomes the forces of evil and any difficult obstacles in warfare. Alternate translation: “To the one who wins the victory” or “To the one who overcomes the obstacles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

127REV27ng2dfigs-possessionἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς1

John is using the possessive form of tree to describe the tree as giving life. The imagery recalls Genesis 3:22s reference to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the tree that grants life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

128REV27rmf5translate-transliterateτῷ Παραδείσῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ1the paradise of God

Here, paradise is a Greek transliteration of a Persian word that describes a pleasure garden and zoo that Persian monarchs built at their residences. However, in the Bible paradise becomes a symbol for heaven. The symbolism for heaven might be seen in Luke 23:43 and 2 Corinthians 12:4, which both show that paradise is a name for the abode of God. Thus, paradise represents the eternal and permanent home of believers in Jesus Christ in the new heavens and the new earth of the future. Alternate translation: “the garden of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

129REV28is3wtranslate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σμύρνῃ ἐκκλησίας γράψον1General Information:

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Smyrna. Smyrna is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

130REV28ie9xfigs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1the angel

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

131REV28nvn1writing-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

132REV28huo8figs-123personὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν1

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person here. If this is confusing in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I am the first and the last and I am the one who became dead but came to life again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

133REV28k7qkfigs-merismὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος1the first and the last

Here, the first and the last refers to the eternal nature of Jesus Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

134REV28t5l1figs-merismὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν1

Here, the phrase who became dead but came to life again describes Jesus by the two extremes of his death on the cross as well as his current life after the resurrection. The figure of speech is a type of merism. See how you translated the very similar phrase in Revelation 1:18. However, note that there are slight differences between this verse and Revelation 1:18, such as in the order of the words. Alternate translation: “who became dead but lived again” or “who became dead but returned back to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

135REV29s6jafigs-youcrowdσου1

See how you translated second person pronouns and references in Revelation 2:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

136REV29p6hpfigs-abstractnounsτὴν θλῖψιν1I know your sufferings and your poverty

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun affliction, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “I know how you have suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

137REV29ch4ufigs-abstractnounsτὴν πτωχείαν1

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun poverty, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “how poor you are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

138REV29lhukfigs-metaphorἀλλὰ πλούσιος εἶ1

Here, rich is a metaphor for the spiritual condition of the Christians in Smyrna. The Christians in Smyrna were physically poor because they did not have much money. However, they were spiritually rich because God would reward them for their suffering in the future. Thus, the metaphor uses the language of physical money to describe the spiritual condition of Smyrnas Christians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

139REV29f6bpfigs-abstractnounsτὴν βλασφημίαν ἐκ τῶν λεγόντων Ἰουδαίους εἶναι ἑαυτούς1I know the slander of those who say they are Jews

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun slander, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “how people have slandered you—those who say they are Jews” or “how people have said terrible things about you—those who say they are Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

140REV29qf9pfigs-ironyκαὶ οὐκ εἰσίν1but they are not

Here, but they are not is irony in the sense of the fact that Jesus does not intend to say that the people are not literal Jews. Jesus actually means that these people are indeed Jews, although they do not behave in a manner that agrees with their ethnic identification. Jews should behave as if they were Gods people, but these people mentioned here do not act as if they were actually Gods chosen race. Alternate translation: “but they are not real Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

141REV29a4yufigs-metaphorσυναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ1a synagogue of Satan

Here, a synagogue of Satan is a metaphor describing Jewish people in Smyrna that were slandering the Christians in the local church. The metaphor uses the imagery of the word synagogue as a place to gather together Jews for both worship and for learning. However, the Jews described in this verse gather together to slander the Christians of Smyrna. Therefore, these Jews actually gather and serve Satan as a synagogue in a certain sense. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

142REV29hv3ofigs-possessionσυναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ1

Here, a synagogue of Satan signifies a synagogue that serves Satan in some metaphorical sense (see previous note). The phrase uses the possessive form to describe the fact that the synagogue of Jews serves Satan. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “a synagogue that follows Satan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

143REV210a9uefigs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

See how you translated Behold in Revelation 1:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

144REV210agx4figs-idiomμέλλει βάλλειν ὁ διάβολος ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν, ἵνα πειρασθῆτε1The devil is about to throw some of you into prison

Here, to throw is a idiomatic expression for putting someone into prison or jail. The enemies of the Christians will test them, not God himself. Translators should avoid making the impression to their readers that God is in league with Satan as an author of evil or temptation. Alternate translation: “the devil will soon cause others to put some of you in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

145REV210tlvzfigs-youcrowdἐξ ὑμῶν1

See how you translated the second person pronouns and references in Revelation 2:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

146REV210snk8figs-metaphorἡμερῶν δέκα1

Here, ten days is probably metaphorical for a short time or limited amount of time for testing. Daniel 1:14 is most likely the source of the expression for a short time of testing. The translator should not avoid, however, rendering the time as a literal length of time of ten days, in contrast to some unspecified amount of time in a metaphorical expression. Alternate translation: “for a short time of testing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

147REV210f5t1figs-metaphorγίνου πιστὸς ἄχρι θανάτου1Be faithful until death

The use of the word until does not mean that you should stop being faithful at death. Rather, the idea is to be faithful even to the point of death. Alternate translation: “Be faithful to me even if they kill you”

148REV210zhj8figs-possessionτὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς1the crown of life

Here, the crown of life refers as a metaphor to the reward of eternal life itself. Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the crown or the wreath as the prize of life itself. Eternal life is the reward in the metaphor of a crown. Alternate translation: “life as your crown” or “life as your wreath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

149REV211g7zqfigs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one who has an ear, hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

150REV211dc3nfigs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one … hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

151REV211s9d2figs-metaphorὁ νικῶν1The one who conquers

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

152REV211q6w2figs-euphemismοὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου1will not be hurt by the second death

Here, the clause will certainly not be hurt is a euphemism for experiencing the second death in actuality. The literal meaning of the clause gives the sense of mistreating or injuring someone. However, in this case, the euphemism represents the greater danger of a second, spiritual death (see next note). Alternate translation: “will not experience the second death” or “will not die the second death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

153REV211ayw1figs-metaphorἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου1

Here, by the second death is a metaphor that describes the spiritual or eternal transition from normal life that occurs after the first natural death that people suffer at the end of life. The phrase second death is further described and defined in Revelation 20:6,14: 21:8. The translator should translate the phrase the second death literally and also give an explanatory note with references to Revelation 20:6,14; 21:8. Alternate translation: “by the eternal death” or “by the spiritual death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

154REV212ll17translate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Περγάμῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον1General Information:

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Pergamum. Pergamum is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

155REV212il7cfigs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1Pergamum

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

156REV212kf91writing-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

157REV212f6s5writing-symlanguageτὴν ῥομφαίαν τὴν δίστομον τὴν ὀξεῖαν1the sword with two sharp edges

See how you translated this type of sword and its imagery in Revelation 1:16 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

158REV213ltx3figs-idiomοἶδα ποῦ κατοικεῖς1

Here, I know where you live is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present condition and difficult circumstances that the Christians in Pergamum were experiencing at that time. The idiomatic expression indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current problems and difficult conditions of the people which he addresses here. Jesus not only expresses knowledge of the city of Pergamum as a location or place, but he also expresses his familiarity with the religious, social, and moral conditions which the Christians experienced while living in Pergamum. See the explanatory note for I know in the chapter two introduction contents. Alternate translation: “I know where you dwell” or “I know where you have your home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

159REV213ryn6figs-possessionὁ θρόνος τοῦ Σατανᾶ1Satans throne

Here, the throne of Satan means the place that “Satan controls and gives power to his throne”. Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the place where Satan has power and control with a reference to a throne for describing the rule of Satan as a metonym. There is most likely a local reference to a giant altar to the god Zeus that existed in Pergamum at this time. Alternate translation: “where Satan rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

160REV213fxztfigs-idiomκρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου1

Here, you hold tightly to my name is a idiomatic expression meaning to firmly believe in the name of Jesus. Alternate translation: “you firmly believe in my name” or “you have a strong faith in my name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

161REV213tf7cfigs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομά μου1you hold on tightly to my name

Here, name is a metonym for the person of Jesus. See how you translated the phrase my name in Revelation 2:3. Alternate translation: “you hold tightly to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

162REV213x6j6figs-abstractnounsοὐκ ἠρνήσω τὴν πίστιν μου1you did not deny your faith in me

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun faith, you can express it positively with the verb “believe.” Alternate translation: “you continued to tell people that you believe in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

163REV213da1qfigs-possessionτὴν πίστιν μου1

Here, {your} faith in me means “your faith that places trust in me.” Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the faith that the Christians had in Jesus as the object of their belief. Alternate translation: “your belief in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

164REV213lu4btranslate-namesἈντιπᾶς1Antipas

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

165REV213phzkfigs-possessionὁ μάρτυς μου ὁ πιστός μου1

Here, my witness, my faithful one means that Antipas “faithfully testified of me.” Jesus is using the possessive form to describe Antipas as a faithful witness to Jesus himself. Antipas faithfully witnessed about Jesus even up to the point of death so that one can simply call Antipas a “martyr.” Alternate translation: “my faithful martyr” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

166REV213xggefigs-activepassiveὃς ἀπεκτάνθη1

Here, who was killed can be changed from the awkward passive form in some languages. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom those in your city killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

167REV213biuefigs-youcrowdπαρ’ ὑμῖν1

See how you translated second person pronouns and references in Revelation 2:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

168REV213v5lvfigs-idiomὅπου ὁ Σατανᾶς κατοικεῖ1

Here, where Satan lives is an idiomatic expression that basically means where Satan rules. For this idiom and metaphorical imagery to describe Satans rule in Pergamum, see the note above for the phrase the throne of Satan in this same verse here. Alternate translation: “where Satan has power” or “where Satan rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

169REV214wu6nfigs-ellipsisἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὀλίγα1But I have a few things against you

See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:4, although in this case there is no actual ellipsis technically speaking with the presence of the object a few things. Alternate translation: “I disapprove of you because of a few things you have done” or “I am angry with you because of a few things you did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

170REV214rd44figs-metaphorκρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ1who hold tightly to the teaching of Balaam, who

Here, hold tightly is an idiomatic expression for either: (1) people who teach what Balaam taught. (2) people who do what Balaam taught. The second option seems preferable in this context for the metaphor, as seen in the UST rendition. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “some who do the teaching of Balaam” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

171REV214j3nctranslate-namesτῷ Βαλὰκ1Balak

Balak was the name of a king in the Old Testament (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

172REV214hg4gfigs-metaphorβαλεῖν σκάνδαλον1who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel

Here, to throw a stumbling block is a metaphor for the act of leading and, thereby, causing people to sin. Therefore, this expression speaks of an action or behavior that leads people to sin as if it were a stone that sits in a road over which people stumble. The Greek word for stumbling block also can mean the trigger peg in an animal trap so that the phrase expresses the idea of setting a trap. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “to set a trap” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

173REV214mu6efigs-activepassiveφαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word food sacrificed to idols, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is sacrificed rather than the person who does the sacrificing. If you must state who does the sacrificing, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “the things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

174REV214rvjmtranslate-unknownφαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα1

Here, to eat food sacrificed to idols speaks of eating food dedicated to a pagan god so that Jews considered the food to be unclean and, thus, forbidden to eat. The phrase food sacrificed to idols describes animals that are slaughtered, offered to a god, and then eaten. If your language has a specific word or phrase for meat from an animal that has been offered to a god, you could use it here. If your language does not have such a word, you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

175REV214u19ffigs-metaphorπορνεῦσαι1be sexually immoral

Here, to be sexually immoral literally means immoral sexual activity. Yet, often people take the expression as a metaphor that signifies idolatry. If the expression is indeed a metaphor, then one should translate the word literally. However, if this might confuse the readers, one could use an equivalent expression in the target language, one could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to sin sexually” or “to commit sexual sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

176REV215jmzpfigs-metaphorκρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν1

See how you the phrase holding tightly to the teaching in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “doing the teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

177REV215hc85translate-namesΝικολαϊτῶν1Nicolaitans

See how you translated Nicolaitans in Revelation 2:6 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

178REV216f8dyfigs-ellipsisεἰ δὲ μή1If you do not,

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can supply the verb from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “If you do not repent, I” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

179REV216qictfigs-metaphorἔρχομαί1

See how you translate this word in Revelation 2:5. Alternate translation: “I will punish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

180REV216fd6ufigs-metaphorπολεμήσω1wage war against them

Here, will wage war expresses a metaphor for judgment that utilizes the imagery of a sword coming from the mouth of Jesus. The translator may wish to maintain a fairly literal rendition in order to allow the metaphor to work with the sword imagery in this verse and from the prior verses of Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 2:12. Alternate translation: “I will punish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

181REV216j52qwriting-symlanguageἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ στόματός μου1with the sword in my mouth

This refers to the sword in Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 2:12. Although symbols in apocalyptic language are not normally to be replaced with the item they represent, translators may choose whether or not to show that this is a symbol which represents the words that Jesus speaks (see the UST). This symbol indicates that Jesus will defeat his enemies by giving a simple command. Alternate translation: “with the sword that is my mouth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

182REV217lm1jfigs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one who has an ear, hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

183REV217m867figs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one … hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

184REV217i61bfigs-metaphorτῷ νικῶντι1To the one who conquers

See how you translated this in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “To the one who gains victory” or “To the one who overcomes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

185REV217ngjbfigs-activepassiveτοῦ μάννα τοῦ κεκρυμμένου1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word hidden manna, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is hidden rather than the person who does the hiding. If you must state who does the hiding, you could use an indefinite subject or Jesus himself (see the UST). Alternate translation: “manna that I have hid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

186REV217yeqttranslate-unknownψῆφον λευκήν1

Here, a white stone could signify a variety of different interpretive options which relate to the social context of Pergamum when John wrote the book of Revelation. The translator should not choose any interpretation over another in this case, but simply maintain a fairly literal translation of the phrase a white stone. Hence, this note would suggest that the translator should not attempt to render a white stone in any way that seeks to be culturally relevant, since commentators are not exactly sure what the phrase signifies first in the original context here (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

187REV217l59rfigs-activepassiveὄνομα καινὸν γεγραμμένον1

Here, a new name written could mean the name of Jesus, the name of God, or else, more likely, the new name of the person who conquers. The translator should not choose any interpretation over another in this case, but simply maintain a fairly literal translation of the phrase a new name written. If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word written, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is written rather than the person who does the writing. If you must state who does the writing, you could use an indefinite subject or Jesus himself (see the UST). Alternate translation: “a new name that I wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

188REV218b83mtranslate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Θυατείροις ἐκκλησίας γράψον1General Information:

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Thyatira. Thyatira is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

189REV218nd4mfigs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1the angel

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

190REV218j3xpwriting-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

191REV218q3w9guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of God

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

192REV218zbx5figs-simileὁ ἔχων τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ ὡς φλόγα πυρός1who has eyes like a flame of fire

Here, Jesus has eyes that are full of light so that they resemble a flame of fire. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:14. Alternate translation: “whose eyes glow like a flame of fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

193REV218p86ifigs-simileοἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ1feet like polished bronze

People create objects of bronze and have them polished in order to make them shine and reflect light. Likewise, the feet of Jesus shine and reflect light like polished bronze. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:15. Alternate translation: “whose feet are very shiny like polished bronze” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

194REV219oum6οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα1

See how you translated the clause I know your works in Revelation 2:2

195REV219vj80figs-youcrowdσου τὰ ἔργα, καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου, καὶ τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων1

See how you translated the second person pronouns and second person individuals addressed in Revelation 2:2. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

196REV219bx33figs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου1your love and faith and service and your patient endurance

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun love, faith, service, and endurance, you can express them with their corresponding verbs that describe the actions. Alternate translation: “how you have loved, trusted, served, and endured patiently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

197REV219y2mufigs-explicitτὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου1your love and faith and service and your patient endurance

If your readers would misunderstand these abstract nouns in the clause then you can state the implied objects of these terms explicitly. Alternate translation: “how you have loved me and others, trusted me, served me and others, and endured troubles patiently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

198REV219pi0kτὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων1

Here, the clause your last works {are} greater than {your} first {works} presents a comparison of previous labor or efforts to the current labor or efforts of the believers. If your readers would misunderstand the noun works, you can express it with the verb “to work” or “to do”. Alternate translation: “you do more now than you did at first”

199REV220wbu1figs-ellipsisἀλλ’ ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ1But I have this against you

See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:4. Alternate translation: “But I disapprove of some of the things you are doing” or “But I am angry with you because of something you are doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

200REV220f6e8figs-metaphorτὴν γυναῖκα Ἰεζάβελ1the woman Jezebel, who

Jesus spoke of a certain woman in their church at Thyatira as if she were the famous Queen Jezebel, because she did the same kinds of sinful actions that Jezebel had done in the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “the woman who is just like Jezebel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

201REV220mnomtranslate-unknownπορνεῦσαι, καὶ φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα1

See how you translated a similar clause with the same phrases in Revelation 2:14. It is possible to interpret both phrases as metaphors for idolatry or sinful actions in general (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

202REV221g7yhgrammar-connect-logic-goalἔδωκα αὐτῇ χρόνον ἵνα μετανοήσῃ1I gave her time to repent

Here, I gave her time so that she might repent represents a purpose clause. The word so that introduces a purpose clause. Jesus is stating a purpose for which he granted some time for the woman Jezebel to repent of her actions. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “I gave her time for the purpose of her repentance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

203REV221rtaifigs-idiomτῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1

Here, her immorality expresses the idea of impure passion. The word immorality always applies to females. The manner of expressing female immorality varies greatly in many languages. Use a natural idiom for expressing female immorality in your target language (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

204REV222kpoefigs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

See how you translated Behold in Revelation 1:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

205REV222twa2figs-metonymyβάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην…εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην1I will throw her onto a sickbed … into great suffering

Here, having Jezebel lie in a bed would be the result of Jesus making her very sick. The imagery of the bed is simply a metonym for the entire process of lying in bed when one is sick. The act of throwing someone into a bed causes the punishment to appear to be more intense and graphic in its idiomatic expression. Alternate translation: “I will make her lie sick in bed … I will make suffer greatly” or “I will make her very sick … I will make suffer greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

206REV222lj36figs-metaphorβάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην, καὶ τοὺς μοιχεύοντας μετ’ αὐτῆς εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην1those who commit adultery with her into great suffering

Here, Jesus speaks of causing people to suffer with the idiomatic expression of throwing them into suffering. The metaphor or idiomatic expression presents the imagery of causing suffering or hurt by the act of throwing someone into the suffering or hurt. Alternate translation: “I will throw her onto a bed, and I will make her and those who commit adultery with her to suffer greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

207REV222g53bfigs-explicitἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσουσιν ἐκ τῶν ἔργων αὐτῆς1unless they repent of her deeds

This implies that they have participated with her in her wicked behavior. By repenting of her deeds, they also repent of participating in her behavior. Alternate translation: “if they do not repent from doing the evil that she does” or “if they do not repent of participating in her deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

208REV223cn5sfigs-metaphorτὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς1her children

Jesus spoke of the disciples of Jezebel as if they were her children. Alternate translation: “her followers” or “her disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

209REV223kx34figs-idiomτὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς ἀποκτενῶ ἐν θανάτῳ1I will strike her children dead

Here, I will strike her children dead expresses the idea of killing the disciples of Jezebel. The phrase implies death by a swift and ruthless action. The idiomatic language suggests the idea of killing by means of a pestilence. Alternate translation: “I will slay her children” or “I will exterminate her children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

210REV223zm6tfigs-metonymyνεφροὺς καὶ καρδίας1thoughts and hearts

The terms kidneys and hearts are metonyms that represents feelings and desires in the idiomatic language. Alternate translation: “what people think and want” or “secret thoughts and desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

211REV223bgs9figs-idiomδώσω ὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ1I will give to each one of you

The phrase I will give to each one of you represents an idiomatic expression describing the distribution of punishment and reward. If this idiom might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will punish or reward each one of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

212REV223fptdfigs-youcrowdὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ὑμῶν1

See how you translated second person pronouns and references in Revelation 2:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

213REV224zqpgfigs-youcrowdὑμῖν δὲ λέγω τοῖς λοιποῖς τοῖς ἐν Θυατείροις, ὅσοι οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην, οἵτινες οὐκ ἔγνωσαν τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ, ὡς λέγουσιν; οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος1

See how you translated second person pronouns and references in Revelation 2:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

214REV224tli6figs-idiomὅσοι οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην1everyone who does not hold this teaching

Here, to believe in a teaching is spoken of as to hold or to grasp the teaching. If this idiom might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to everyone who does not believe this teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

215REV224scu6figs-abstractnounsοὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην1does not hold this teaching

Here, teaching is an abstract noun that your readers might misunderstand without the use of a verbal phrase. If this abstract noun would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly with a verb. Alternate translation: “do not hold to what she teaches” or “do not believe what she teaches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

216REV224d5i9figs-metaphorτὰ βαθέα1deep things

Here, the adjective deep describes matters that that the disciples of Jezebel consider to be profound and very important. The adherents to Jezebels instruction kept this type of subject matter secret which they also thought to be deep in the sense of important or profound. Alternate translation: “the secret things” or “the profound matters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

217REV224y2t5figs-possessionτὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ1

Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the deep things that Satan supposedly taught the disciples of Jezebel. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly with a verb. Alternate translation: “the deep things that Satan revealed to them” or “the deep things that Satan taught them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

218REV224sgilfigs-idiomοὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος1

Here, to put any other burden literally translates as “to throw another heavy load” onto someone to carry in a metaphorical manner. The phrase is an idiom for requiring another difficult command or burdensome order that one must perform besides already existing commands. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or explicit language. Alternate translation: “I do not place any other burden on you” or “I do not impose any other burden upon you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

219REV224ikkhgrammar-connect-exceptionsοὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος1

Here, other refers to the phrase “what you have” in the next verse. In other words, Jesus is saying that he will not give these people any additional command beyond what they already have from him. If this is confusing or if it would appear in your language that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it in the next verse, you could connect these ideas in a different way. If you do this, you will need to delete the word “However” in the next verse. Alternate translation: “the only burden I will put on you is this:” or “I will only burden you with obeying what I have already commanded you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])

220REV225tfzkfigs-explicitπλὴν ὃ ἔχετε1

Here, what you have refers to the commands that Jesus has already given to the believers in Thyatira. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the commands that I have already given to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

221REV225vgxmfigs-idiomκρατήσατε1

See how you translated the verb to hold on tightly to in Revelation 2:13 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

222REV226z5xifigs-metaphorὁ νικῶν1The one who conquers

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

223REV226v2e0figs-possessionτὰ ἔργα μου1

Here, my works does not refer to the things that Jesus does, but rather, it refers to the things he orders his disciples to do. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the works that I give to you” or “the works that I require of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

224REV227c9guκαὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται1He will rule … break them into pieces

This is a prophecy from Psalm 2 in the Old Testament about a king of Israel, but Jesus applied it here to those to whom he gives authority over the nations.

225REV227w8ppfigs-metaphorποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ1He will rule them with an iron rod

Ruling harshly is spoken of as ruling with a rod of iron. Alternate translation: “he will rule them harshly as if striking them with an iron stick” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

226REV227ksl1figs-simileὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται1like clay jars he will break them into pieces

Breaking jars of clay to pieces is an image that represents either: (1) destroying evildoers. (2) defeating enemies. Alternate translation: “and he will defeat his enemies completely as if breaking clay jars into pieces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

227REV228n9tsfigs-explicitὡς κἀγὼ εἴληφα παρὰ τοῦ πατρός μου1Just as I have received from my Father

Some languages may need to tell what was received. This could mean: (1) he received authority from his Father. (2) he received the morning star from his Father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

228REV228hr39guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ πατρός μου1my Father

Here, Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

229REV228c1zcκαὶ δώσω αὐτῷ1I will also give him

Here, him refers to the one who conquers.

230REV228g5iywriting-symlanguageτὸν ἀστέρα τὸν πρωϊνόν1morning star

This is a bright star that sometimes appears early in the morning just before dawn. It was a symbol of victory. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

231REV229ilk8figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one who has an ear, hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

232REV229ikm8figs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one … hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

233REV3introq1l90

Revelation 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Outline of Chapters Two and Three of Revelation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special concepts in this chapter

The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches

Jesus uses the phrase I know to express his personal familiarity and knowledge at times of some of the churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. The phrase I know is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced among the various churches mentioned in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation. The idiomatic expression I know indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current conditions or circumstances in which the Christians were living. Although usually positive in a tone of assurance (see Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:8), the phrase I know sometimes expresses a critical or negative assessment that Jesus affirms (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression I know affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus, but the phrase also asserts a claim to be in a position to make a valid judgment as an impartial arbiter who might be critical at times. Therefore, the translator may wish to provide for his readership a textual note that explains the phrase I know as meaning something more than simply the awareness that Jesus has of the current religious, social, and moral conditions for the Christians which are addressed by Jesus (see Revelation chapters two and three). Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

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

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

Seven spirits of God

These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.

Seven stars

These stars are the seven stars of Revelation 1:20.

Important metaphors in this chapter

Look, I am standing at the door and am knocking

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

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

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The angel of the church”

The word angel here can also mean “messenger” or “representative.” This might refer to the messenger or a representative leader of the church. See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20.

“Says these things”

The verses with the phrase says these things can be difficult to translate. They do not make complete sentences. You may need to add “These are” to the beginning of these verses. Jesus uses these words to speak of himself as if he were speaking of another person. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking of other people. Jesus began speaking in Revelation 1:17. He continues to speak through the end of Chapter 3. The phrase says these things indicates that the words that come after this expression are a direct quotation. Use a phrase that makes this clear in your language. Alternate translation: “says this message” or “says the following words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

234REV31k6b7translate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σάρδεσιν ἐκκλησίας γράψον1General Information:

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Sardis. Sardis is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

235REV31u1zsfigs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1the angel

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

236REV31ouyswriting-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

237REV31un3cwriting-symlanguageὁ ἔχων τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα1the seven spirits

The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The seven spirits refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

238REV31t8wvwriting-symlanguageτοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας1the seven stars

These stars are symbols that represent the seven angels of the seven churches. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

239REV31ty18figs-metaphorζῇς, καὶ νεκρὸς εἶ1alive … dead

Obeying and honoring God is spoken of as being alive; disobeying and dishonoring him is spoken of as being dead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

240REV32d8cwfigs-metaphorγίνου γρηγορῶν, καὶ στήρισον τὰ λοιπὰ, ἃ ἔμελλον ἀποθανεῖν1Wake up and strengthen what remains, but is about to die

The good deeds done by the believers in Sardis are spoken of as if they were alive but in danger of dying. Alternate translation: “Wake up and complete the work that remains, or what you have done will become worthless” or “Wake up. If you do not finish what you have started to do, your previous work will have been useless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

241REV32l7qgfigs-metaphorγίνου γρηγορῶν1Wake up

Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. Alternate translation: “Be alert” or “Be careful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

242REV33wcs4figs-explicitπῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας1what you have received and heard

This phrase refers to Gods word, which they believed. Alternate translation: “Gods word that you heard and the truth that you believed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

243REV33gwk8figs-metaphorἐὰν…μὴ γρηγορήσῃς1if you do not wake up

Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. See how you translated “wake up” on Revelation 3:2. Alternate translation: “If you are not alert” or “If you are not careful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

244REV33ypw4figs-simileἥξω ὡς κλέπτης1I will come as a thief

Jesus will come at a time when people do not expect him, just as a thief comes when not expected. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

245REV34fy7ffigs-metonymyὀλίγα ὀνόματα1a few names

Here, names is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “a few people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

246REV34x2iffigs-metaphorοὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν1have not stained their clothes

Jesus speaks of sin in a persons life as if it were dirty clothes. Alternate translation: “have not made their lives sinful like dirty clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

247REV34x48rfigs-metaphorπεριπατήσουσιν μετ’ ἐμοῦ1will walk with me

People commonly spoke of living as “walking.” Alternate translation: “they will live with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

248REV34w5t9figs-metaphorἐν λευκοῖς1dressed in white

Clothes that are white represent a pure life without sin. Alternate translation: “and they will be dressed in white, which shows that they are pure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

249REV35v69efigs-metaphorὁ νικῶν1The one who conquers

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

250REV35w5k4figs-activepassiveοὕτως περιβαλεῖται ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς1will be clothed in white garments

If your readers would misunderstand the passive verb clothed, you can translate it with an active verb. Alternate translation: “will wear white garments” or “I will give white clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

251REV35yyu5figs-metonymyὁμολογήσω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1I will confess his name

Here I will confess his name means he would announce that the person belongs to him, not simply say the persons name. Alternate translation: “I will announce that he belongs to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

252REV35d7l5ἐνώπιον τοῦ Πατρός μου1before my Father

Alternate translation: “in the presence of my Father”

253REV35bi3hguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

Here, Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

254REV35q22sfigs-explicitτῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ1

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

255REV36zxc7figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one who has an ear, hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

256REV36k2k6figs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one … hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

257REV37rf9btranslate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Φιλαδελφίᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον1General Information:

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

258REV37ksg4figs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1the angel

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

259REV37xarnwriting-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

260REV37ih6iwriting-symlanguageτὴν κλεῖν Δαυείδ1key of David

Jesus speaks of his authority to decide who may go into his kingdom as if it were King Davids key. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

261REV37aam6ὁ ἀνοίγων καὶ οὐδεὶς κλείσει1he opens and no one shuts

Alternate translation: “he opens the door to the kingdom and no one can close it”

262REV37pzy2κλείων καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀνοίγει1he shuts and no one can open

Alternate translation: “he closes the door and no one can open it”

263REV38j1x7δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην1I have put before you an open door

Alternate translation: “I have opened a door for you”

264REV38xyw6ἐτήρησάς μου τὸν λόγον1you have obeyed my word

This could mean: (1) they have followed his teachings. (2) they have obeyed his commands.

265REV38b3kzfigs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομά μου1my name

Here, name is a metonym for the person who has that name. Alternate translation: “me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

266REV39x78mfigs-metaphorσυναγωγῆς τοῦ Σατανᾶ1synagogue of Satan

People who gather to obey or honor Satan are spoken of as if they were in a synagogue, a place of worship and teaching for the Jews. See how you translated this in Revelation 2:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

267REV39q496translate-symactionπροσκυνήσουσιν1bow down

Here to bow down is a sign of submission, not worship. Alternate translation: “bow down in submission” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

268REV39ah4wfigs-synecdocheἐνώπιον τῶν ποδῶν σου1before your feet

Here, feet represents the person before whom these people bow down. Alternate translation: “before you” or “to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

269REV39k2g5γνῶσιν1they will come to know

Alternate translation: “they will learn” or “they will admit”

270REV310gv5gκἀγώ σε τηρήσω ἐκ τῆς ὥρας τοῦ πειρασμοῦ1I will also keep you from the hour of testing

Alternate translation: “I will also prevent the hour of testing from happening to you” or “I will protect you so you do not enter the hour of testing”

271REV310ckm4ὥρας τοῦ πειρασμοῦ1hour of testing

This probably means “the time when people try to make you disobey me.”

272REV310e6bwfigs-metaphorτῆς μελλούσης ἔρχεσθαι1is coming

Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

273REV311ih12figs-explicitἔρχομαι ταχύ1I am coming soon

It is understood that he is coming in order to judge. Alternate translation: “I am coming to judge soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

274REV311n9a9figs-metaphorκράτει ὃ ἔχεις1Hold to what you have

Continuing to believe firmly in Christ is spoken of as if it were holding something tightly. Alternate translation: “Continue to believe firmly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

275REV311a4m5figs-metaphorτὸν στέφανόν1crown

Here, crown stands for a reward. See how you translated “crown” in Revelation 2:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

276REV312px36figs-metaphorὁ νικῶν1The one who conquers, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

277REV312xiwxfigs-metaphorποιήσω αὐτὸν στῦλον ἐν τῷ ναῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ μου1

The pillar represents an important and permanent part of Gods kingdom. Alternate translation: “I will make him strong, like a pillar in the temple of my God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

278REV313u5jkfigs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one who has an ear, hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

279REV313ug5mfigs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one … hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

280REV314r6bztranslate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον1General Information:

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Laodicea. Laodicea is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

281REV314jg3bfigs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1the angel

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

282REV314wzg9writing-quotationsτάδε λέγει1Laodicea

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

283REV314f65vὁ Ἀμήν1the Amen

Here, The Amen is a name for Jesus Christ. He guarantees Gods promises by saying amen to them.

284REV314btv1ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς κτίσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ1the beginning of Gods creation

Here, the beginning of the creation of God could refer to: (1) the one who rules over everything that God created. (2) the one through whom God created everything.

285REV315pf9xfigs-metaphorοὔτε ψυχρὸς εἶ οὔτε ζεστός1you are neither cold nor hot

The writer speaks of the Laodiceans as if they were water. Here, cold and hot could: (1) represent two extremes of spiritual interest or love for God, where “cold” is to be completely against God, and to be “hot” is to be zealous to serve him. (2) both refer to water that is useful for drinking or for cooking or healing, respectively. Alternate translation: “you are like water that is neither cold nor hot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

286REV316y9vtfigs-metaphorμέλλω σε ἐμέσαι ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου1I am about to vomit you out of my mouth

Rejecting them is spoken of as vomiting them out of the mouth. Alternate translation: “I will reject you as I would spit out lukewarm water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

287REV317v1pjfigs-metaphorσὺ εἶ ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός1you are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked

Jesus speaks of their spiritual condition as if he were speaking about their physical condition. Alternate translation: “you are like people who are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

288REV318tmm7ἀγοράσαι παρ’ ἐμοῦ χρυσίον πεπυρωμένον ἐκ πυρὸς, ἵνα πλουτήσῃς, καὶ ἱμάτια λευκὰ, ἵνα περιβάλῃ, καὶ μὴ φανερωθῇ ἡ αἰσχύνη τῆς γυμνότητός σου, καὶ κολλούριον ἐγχρῖσαι τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς σου, ἵνα βλέπῃς1Buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and brilliant white garments so you may clothe yourself and not show the shame of your nakedness, and salve to anoint your eyes so you will see

Here, to buy represents receiving things from Jesus that have true spiritual value. The gold refined by fire represents spiritual wealth. The brilliant white garments represents righteousness. And the salve to anoint your eyes represents the ability to understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: “to come to me and receive spiritual wealth, which is more valuable than gold that is refined by fire. Receive from me righteousness, which is like brilliant white garments, so that you will not be ashamed. And receive from me wisdom, which is like salve for the eyes, so that you may understand spiritual things” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

289REV319sf66ζήλευε…καὶ μετανόησον1be earnest and repent

Alternate translation: “be serious and repent”

290REV320i7gyfigs-metaphorἕστηκα ἐπὶ τὴν θύραν καὶ κρούω1I am standing at the door and am knocking

Jesus speaks about wanting people to relate to him as if he wanted them to invite him into their home. Alternate translation: “I am like one standing at the door and knocking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

291REV320sr5ytranslate-symactionκρούω1am knocking

When people want someone to welcome them into their home, they knock on the door. Alternate translation: “I want you to let me come inside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

292REV320m6n2figs-metonymyἀκούσῃ τῆς φωνῆς μου1hears my voice

Here, my voice refers to Christ speaking. Alternate translation: “hears me speak” or “hears me call” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

293REV320di8qfigs-goκαὶ εἰσελεύσομαι πρὸς αὐτὸν1I will come into him

Some languages might prefer the verb “go” here. Alternate translation: “I will indeed go into his home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

294REV320une1figs-metaphorκαὶ δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ1and will eat with him

Here, eat with him represents being together as friends. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

295REV321h9pf0Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the Son of Mans messages to the angels of the seven churches.

296REV321n83qfigs-metaphorὁ νικῶν1The one who conquers

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

297REV321mn2cfigs-metonymyκαθίσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐν τῷ θρόνῳ μου1to sit down with me on my throne

To sit down on a throne means to rule. Alternate translation: “to rule with me” or “to sit down on my throne and rule with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

298REV321un17guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

Here, Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

299REV322m13xfigs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one who has an ear, hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

300REV322mjv6figs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1Let the one … hear

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

301REV4introcl9f0

Revelation 4 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 verses 8 and 11.

John has finished describing the letters to the churches. He now begins to describe a vision that God showed him.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jasper, carnelian, and emerald

These words refer to kinds of special stones that the people in Johns day considered valuable. It may be difficult for you to translate these words if people in your culture do not value special kinds of stones.

Twenty-four elders

Elders are church leaders. Twenty-four elders may be symbolic of the whole church through the ages. There were twelve tribes in Old Testament Israel and twelve apostles in the New Testament church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

Seven spirits of God

These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.

Giving glory to God

Gods glory is the great beauty and radiant majesty that God has because he is God. Other Bible writers describe it as if it were a light so bright that no one can look at it. No one can give God this kind of glory, because it is already his. When people give glory to God or when God receives glory, people say that God has the glory that is his, that it is right for God to have that glory, and that people should worship God because he has that glory. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/worthy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/worship]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Difficult images

Such things as bolts of lightning coming from the throne, lamps that are spirits, and a sea in front of the throne may be difficult to imagine, and so the words for them may be difficult to translate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

302REV41ws2q0General Information:

John begins to describe his vision of the throne of God.

303REV41vh4iμετὰ ταῦτα1After these things

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:1-3:22 Alternate translation: “After I had just seen these things”

304REV41z8r8figs-metaphorθύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ1an open door in heaven

The expression open door in heaven stands for the ability that God gave John to see into heaven, at least by means of a vision. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

305REV41a49sfigs-simileὡς σάλπιγγος λαλούσης μετ’ ἐμοῦ1speaking to me like a trumpet

If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can state explicitly how the voice was like a trumpet. Alternate translation: “speaking to me loudly like the sound of a trumpet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

306REV41j713σάλπιγγος1trumpet

A trumpet is a instrument for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:10.

307REV42ie3wfigs-idiomἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι1I was in the Spirit

John speaks of being influenced by Gods Spirit as if he were in the Spirit. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:10. Alternate translation: “I was influenced by the Spirit” or “the Spirit influenced me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

308REV43m4mitranslate-unknownλίθῳ, ἰάσπιδι καὶ σαρδίῳ1jasper and carnelian

The terms jasper and carnelian refer to valuable stones. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal, and carnelian may have been red. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

309REV43aap1translate-unknownσμαραγδίνῳ1emerald

An emerald is a green, valuable stone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

310REV45ryb1ἀστραπαὶ1flashes of lightning

Use your languages way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears.

311REV45u1daφωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί1rumblings, and crashes of thunder

Here, rumblings are the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your languages way of describing the sound of thunder.

312REV45e1jmwriting-symlanguageτὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ1seven spirits of God

The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The seven spirits refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

313REV46ja33figs-metaphorθάλασσα ὑαλίνη1a sea of glass

If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you can state how it was like glass or a sea. This could mean: (1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: “a sea that was as smooth as glass” (2) glass is spoken of as if it were a sea. Alternate translation: “glass that was spread out like a sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

314REV46cv9pfigs-simileὁμοία κρυστάλλῳ1like crystal

If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can state how it was like crystal. Alternate translation: “clear as crystal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

315REV46fr7xἐν μέσῳ τοῦ θρόνου καὶ κύκλῳ τοῦ θρόνου1In the middle of the throne and around the throne

Alternate translation: “immediately around the throne” or “close to the throne and around it”

316REV46b66kτέσσαρα ζῷα1four living creatures

Alternate translation: “four living beings” or “four living things”

317REV47d84nfigs-simileτὸ ζῷον τὸ πρῶτον ὅμοιον λέοντι, καὶ τὸ δεύτερον ζῷον ὅμοιον μόσχῳ, καὶ τὸ τρίτον ζῷον ἔχων τὸ πρόσωπον ὡς ἀνθρώπου, καὶ τὸ τέταρτον ζῷον ὅμοιον ἀετῷ πετομένῳ1The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature was like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle

How the head of each living creature appeared to John is expressed as a comparison with something more familiar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

318REV47b9txζῷον1living creature

See how you translated this term in Revelation 4:6 Alternate translation: “living being” or “living thing”

319REV48n8g2κυκλόθεν καὶ ἔσωθεν γέμουσιν ὀφθαλμῶν1full of eyes on top and underneath

The top and bottom of each wing was covered with eyes.

320REV48y1u5figs-metaphorὁ ἐρχόμενος1who is to come

Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

321REV49xj6bτῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ, τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1the one who sits on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever

This is one person. The one who sits on the throne lives forever and ever.

322REV49a19zfigs-doubletεἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1forever and ever

These two words mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

323REV410c2vgπεσοῦνται1fall down

They purposely lie down facing the ground to show that they are worshiping.

324REV410sly8translate-symactionβαλοῦσιν τοὺς στεφάνους αὐτῶν ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου1They lay their crowns before the throne

The elders were respectfully placing the crowns on the ground, showing that they were submitting to Gods authority to rule. Alternate translation: “they lay their crowns before the throne to show that they were submitting to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

325REV410wvf9βαλοῦσιν1lay

This could refers to: (1) placing something. (2) throwing down forcibly, as of something worthless (Revelation 2:22). The reader should understand that the elders are acting respectfully.

326REV411idj1ὁ Κύριος καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν1our Lord and our God

Here, our Lord and God is one person, the one who was sitting on the throne.

327REV411q91lfigs-metonymyλαβεῖν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν καὶ τὴν δύναμιν1to receive the glory and the honor and the power

Here, the glory and the honor and the power are things that God always has. Being praised for having them is spoken of as receiving them. Alternate translation: “to be praised for your glory, honor, and power” or “for everyone to praise you because you are glorious, honorable, and powerful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

328REV5introg7ey0

Revelation 5 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 in verses 9-13.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sealed scroll

Kings and important people in Johns time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, “the one who was seated on the throne” had written the scroll. Only the person called “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” and “the Lamb” had the authority to open it. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/scroll]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/authority]])

Twenty-four elders

Elders are church leaders. Twenty-four elders may be symbolic of the whole church through the ages. There were twelve tribes in Old Testament Israel and twelve apostles in the New Testament church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

Christian prayers

The prayers of Christians are described as incense. Christian prayers have a good smell to God. He is pleased when Christians pray.

Seven spirits of God

These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

The “Lion of the tribe of Judah” and the “Root of David” are metaphors that refer to Jesus. Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah and the family of David. Lions are fierce, and all animals and people are afraid of them, so they are a metaphor for a king whom everyone obeys. The words Root of David speak of Israels King David as if he were a seed that God had planted and of Jesus as if he were a root growing from that seed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

329REV51txr50Connecting Statement:

John continues to describe what he saw in his vision of the throne of God.

330REV51w3yiκαὶ εἶδον1Then I saw

Alternate translation: “After I saw those things, I saw”

331REV51u3brτοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου1the one who was seated on the throne

This is the same one as in Revelation 4:2-3.

332REV51yhm3βιβλίον, γεγραμμένον ἔσωθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν1a scroll written on the front and on the back

Alternate translation: “a scroll with writing on the front and the back”

333REV51aj7mκατεσφραγισμένον σφραγῖσιν ἑπτά1sealed with seven seals

Alternate translation: “and it had seven seals keeping it closed”

334REV52r2vtfigs-eventsτίς ἄξιος ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ?1Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?

Someone would need to break the seals in order to open the scroll. Alternate translation: “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

335REV52v4r4figs-rquestionτίς ἄξιος ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ?1Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?

If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can translate it as a statement: “Show us who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

336REV53lj9ufigs-merismἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, οὐδὲ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς1in heaven or on the earth or under the earth

This means everywhere: the place where God and the angels live, the place where people and animals live, and the place where those who have died are. Alternate translation: “anywhere in heaven or on the earth or under the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

337REV55dm5pἰδοὺ1Look

Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

338REV55j67wὁ λέων ὁ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰούδα1The Lion of the tribe of Judah

This is a title for the man from the tribe of Judah that God had promised would be the great king. Alternate translation: “The one who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah” or “The king who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah”

339REV55b6wgfigs-metaphorὁ λέων1The Lion

The king is spoken of as if he were a Lion because a lion is very strong. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

340REV55i89jἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ1the Root of David

This is a title for the descendant of David that God had promised would be the great king. Alternate translation: “the one who is called the Root of David”

341REV55z3vwfigs-metaphorἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ1the Root of David

The descendant is spoken of as if Davids family were a tree and he were a root of that tree. Alternate translation: “the Descendant of David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

342REV56v99jwriting-participants0General Information:

The Lamb appears in the throne room. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

343REV56du51writing-symlanguageἈρνίον1a Lamb

Here, Lamb is used symbolically to refer to Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

344REV56erg2writing-symlanguageτὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ1the seven spirits of God

The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The seven spirits refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

345REV56t7d1figs-activepassiveἀπεσταλμένοι εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν1sent out into all the earth

If your language does not use this passive form, you can translate it with an active verb. Alternate translation: “which God sent out over all the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

346REV57egp6figs-goἦλθεν1He went

He approached the throne. Some languages would use the verb “go.” Alternate translation: “he went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

347REV58e3fhwriting-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1the Lamb

Here, Lamb is used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

348REV58ff8yἔπεσαν1fell down

Their faces were toward the ground to show that they were worshiping the Lamb. They did this on purpose; they did not fall accidentally. Alternate translation: “lay down on the ground”

349REV58uv6wἕκαστος1Each of them

Here, each one could refers to: (1) each of the elders and living creatures. (2) each of the elders.

350REV58qak6writing-symlanguageφιάλας χρυσᾶς γεμούσας θυμιαμάτων, αἵ εἰσιν αἱ προσευχαὶ τῶν ἁγίων1a golden bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints

Here, incense here is a symbol for the believers prayers to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

351REV59yu7hfigs-activepassiveὅτι ἐσφάγης1For you were slaughtered

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for they slaughtered you” or “for people killed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

352REV59j1jnἐσφάγης1slaughtered

If your language has a word for killing an animal for a sacrifice, consider using it here.

353REV59qtv5figs-metonymyἐν τῷ αἵματί σου1with your blood

Since blood represents a persons life, losing the blood represents dying. This probably means “by your death” or “by dying.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

354REV59k8reἠγόρασας τῷ Θεῷ1you purchased people for God

Alternate translation: “you bought people so that they could belong to God” or “you paid the price so that people could belong to God”

355REV59zzc7ἐκ πάσης φυλῆς, καὶ γλώσσης, καὶ λαοῦ, καὶ ἔθνους1from every tribe, language, people, and nation

This means that people from every ethnic group are included.

356REV511xuy1translate-numbersμυριάδες μυριάδων καὶ χιλιάδες χιλιάδων1ten thousands of ten thousands and thousands of thousands

Use an expression in your language that shows that it is a huge number. Alternate translation: “millions” or “too many thousands to count” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

357REV512gnv1ἄξιόν ἐστιν τὸ Ἀρνίον τὸ ἐσφαγμένον1Worthy is the Lamb who has been slaughtered

Alternate translation: “wdwdThe Lamb who has been slaughtered is worthy”

358REV512mt28figs-metonymyλαβεῖν τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ πλοῦτον, καὶ σοφίαν, καὶ ἰσχὺν, καὶ τιμὴν, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ εὐλογίαν1to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise

These are all things that the Lamb has. Being praised for having them is spoken of as receiving them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

359REV512w0dvfigs-abstractnounsλαβεῖν τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ πλοῦτον, καὶ σοφίαν, καὶ ἰσχὺν, καὶ τιμὴν, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ εὐλογίαν1

If your readers would misunderstand these abstract nouns, you can express them as verbs. See how you translated a similar sentence in Revelation 4:11. Alternate translation: “for everyone to honor, glorify, and praise him because he is powerful, wealthy, wise, and strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

360REV513sad6figs-merismἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς1in heaven and on the earth and under the earth

This means everywhere: the place where God and the angels live, the place where people and animals live, and the place where those who have died are. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

361REV513t3zyτῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ1To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

Alternate translation: “May he who sits on the throne and the Lamb have”

362REV6introzkn70

Revelation 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The author describes what happened after the Lamb opens each of the first six seals. The Lamb does not open the seventh seal until Chapter 8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven Seals

Kings and important people in Johns time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, the Lamb opens the seals. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

The Four Horsemen

As the Lamb opens each of the first four seals, the author describes horsemen riding different colored horses. The colors of the horses seem to symbolize how the rider will affect the earth.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

The Lamb

This refers to Jesus. In this chapter, it is also a title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lamb]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Similes

In verses 12-14, the author uses several similes to try to describe the images he sees in the vision. He compares the images to everyday things. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

363REV61i3920Connecting Statement:

John continues to describe the events that happened before the throne of God. The Lamb begins to open the seals on the scroll.

364REV61be7pἔρχου!1Come!

This is a command to one person, apparently to the rider of the white horse who is spoken of in verse 2.

365REV62t2qgfigs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ στέφανος1he was given a crown

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he received a crown” or “God gave him a crown” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

366REV63bs66translate-ordinalτὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν δευτέραν1the second seal

The word second is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “seal number two” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

367REV63i1p4translate-ordinalτοῦ δευτέρου ζῴου1the second living creature

The word second is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next living creature” or “living creature number two” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

368REV64qg8sἐξῆλθεν…πυρρός1came out—fiery red

This can the stated as a second sentence. Alternate translation: “came out. It was red like fire” or “came out. It was bright red”

369REV64w57mfigs-activepassiveτῷ καθημένῳ ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, ἐδόθη αὐτῷ1To its rider was given permission

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave permission to its rider” or “its rider received permission” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

370REV64je64figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ μάχαιρα μεγάλη1This rider was given a huge sword

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this rider received a huge sword” or “God gave this rider a huge sword” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

371REV65v4ustranslate-ordinalτὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν τρίτην1the third seal

The word third is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “seal number three” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

372REV65zec1translate-ordinalτοῦ τρίτου ζῴου1the third living creature

The word third is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next living creature” or “living creature number three” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

373REV65rm4yζυγὸν1a pair of scales

A scales is a tool used for weighing things.

374REV66cq7hχοῖνιξ σίτου δηναρίου1A choenix of wheat for one denarius

Some languages might want a verb such as “cost” or “buy” in the sentence. There was very little wheat for all the people, so its price was very high. Alternate translation: “A choenix of wheat now costs one denarius” or “Buy a choenix of wheat with one denarius”

375REV66b5rrtranslate-bvolumeχοῖνιξ σίτου…τρεῖς χοίνικες κριθῶν1A choenix of wheat … three choenices of barley

A choenix was a specific measure that was about one liter. The plural of choenix is “choenices.” Alternate translation: “one liter of wheat … three liters of barley” or “one bowl of wheat … three bowls of barley” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])

376REV66v3sntranslate-bmoneyδηναρίου1one denarius

The denarius was a coin that was worth a days wages. Alternate translation: “one silver coin” or “the pay for one day of work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

377REV66ej1vκαὶ τὸ ἔλαιον καὶ τὸν οἶνον μὴ ἀδικήσῃς1But do not harm the oil and the wine

If the oil and wine were harmed, there would be less of them for people to buy, and their prices would go up.

378REV66c5ikfigs-metonymyτὸ ἔλαιον καὶ τὸν οἶνον1the oil and the wine

The oil and the wine probably stand for the olive oil harvest and the grape harvest. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

379REV67mu5ftranslate-ordinalτὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν τετάρτην1the fourth seal

The word fourth is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “seal number four” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

380REV67zj87translate-ordinalτοῦ τετάρτου ζῴου1the fourth living creature

The word fourth is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next living creature” or “living creature number four” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

381REV68e11yἵππος χλωρός1pale horse

Here, pale is the color of a dead body, so its color is a symbol of death. Alternate translation: “a grey horse”

382REV68df32figs-metonymyτὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς1one-fourth of the earth

Here, the earth represents the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “one-fourth of the people on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

383REV68aj1htranslate-fractionτὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς1

Alternate translation: “one out of every four of the people on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

384REV68tjw8figs-metonymyῥομφαίᾳ1the sword

Here, the sword represents war. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

385REV68n9x3ὑπὸ τῶν θηρίων τῆς γῆς1with the wild animals of the earth

This means that Death and Hades would cause the wild animals to attack and kill people.

386REV69bv8rtranslate-ordinalτὴν πέμπτην σφραγῖδα1the fifth seal

The word fifth is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “seal number five” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

387REV69n3miὑποκάτω τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου1under the altar

This may have been “at the base of the altar.”

388REV69b2kpfigs-activepassiveτῶν ἐσφαγμένων1those who had been killed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom others had killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

389REV69y8c6figs-metonymyδιὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν εἶχον1because of the word of God and the testimony which they held

Here, the word of God is a metonym for the message from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

390REV69x1yrfigs-metaphorδιὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν εἶχον1

Here, held is a metaphor. Here, holding the testimony could refer to: (1) believing Gods word and testimony. Alternate translation: “because of the teachings of scripture and what they taught about Jesus Christ” or “because they believed the word of God, which is his testimony” (2) testifying about the word of God. Alternate translation: “because they testified about the word of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

391REV610qz1ifigs-metonymyἐκδικεῖς τὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν1avenge our blood

Here, blood represents their deaths. Alternate translation: “punish those who killed us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

392REV611bq1pfigs-activepassiveἕως πληρωθῶσιν καὶ οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτῶν, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῶν, οἱ μέλλοντες ἀποκτέννεσθαι ὡς καὶ αὐτοί1until the full number of their fellow servants and their brothers was reached who were to be killed, just as they had been killed

This implies that God had decided that a certain number of people should be killed by their enemies. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until people had killed the full number of their fellow servants and brothers that they were going to kill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

393REV611q9xhκαὶ οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτῶν, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῶν1their fellow servants and their brothers

This is one group of people described in two ways: as fellow servants and as brothers. Alternate translation: “their brothers who serve God with them” or “their fellow believers who serve God with them”

394REV611p615figs-metaphorοἱ ἀδελφοὶ1brothers

Christians are often spoken of as being one anothers brothers. Females were among those spoken of here. Alternate translation: “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

395REV612z9qmtranslate-ordinalτὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἕκτην1the sixth seal

The word sixth is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “seal number six” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

396REV612xu8lfigs-simileμέλας ὡς σάκκος1as black as sackcloth

Sometimes sackcloth was made of black hair. People would wear sackcloth when they were mourning. The image of sackcloth is meant to lead people to think of death and mourning. Alternate translation: “as black as mourning clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

397REV612g7rtfigs-simileὡς αἷμα1like blood

The image of blood is meant to lead people to think of death. If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can state how it was like blood. Alternate translation: “red like blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

398REV613s137figs-activepassiveὡς συκῆ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς, ὑπὸ ἀνέμου μεγάλου σειομένη1just as a fig tree drops its unripe fruit when shaken by a stormy wind

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “just as a stormy wind shakes a fig tree and causes it to drop its unripe fruit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

399REV614jyb7figs-simileὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον1The sky vanished like a scroll that was being rolled up

The sky was normally thought of as being strong like a sheet of metal, but now it was weak like a sheet of paper and easily torn and rolled up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

400REV615m6j6οἱ χιλίαρχοι1the generals

Here, the generals refers to the warriors who command in the battle.

401REV615vl6hτὰ σπήλαια1the caves

These caves are large holes in the sides of hills.

402REV616f4bjfigs-metonymyπροσώπου τοῦ1the face of the one

Here, face represents “presence.” Alternate translation: “the presence of the one” or “the one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

403REV617bd8vfigs-metonymyἦλθεν ἡ ἡμέρα ἡ μεγάλη τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτῶν1the great day of their wrath has come

The great day of their wrath refers to the time when they would punish wicked people. Alternate translation: “this is the terrible time when they will punish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

404REV617i7t4figs-metaphorἦλθεν1has come

Existing now is spoken of as having come. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

405REV617cq9eὀργῆς αὐτῶν1their wrath

Here, their refers to the one on the throne and the Lamb.

406REV617r1tafigs-metonymyτίς δύναται σταθῆναι?1Who is able to stand?

Surviving, or staying alive, is spoken of as standing. Alternate translation: “Who can survive?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

407REV617pmn6figs-rquestionτίς δύναται σταθῆναι?1

This question is used to express their great sadness and fear that no one will be able to survive when God punishes them. Alternate translation: “no one can survive!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

408REV7introf27i0

Revelation 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Scholars have interpreted parts of this chapter in many different ways. Translators do not need to fully understand what this chapter means to accurately translate its contents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

It is important to accurately translate the large numbers in this chapter. The number 144,000 is twelve times twelve thousand.

Translators should be aware that the tribes of the people of Israel are not listed in this chapter the same as they are generally listed in the Old Testament.

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 verses 5-8 and 15-17.

Special concepts in this chapter

Worship

God saves his people and keeps them through times of trouble. His people respond by worshipping him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/worship]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

The Lamb

This refers to Jesus. In this chapter, it is also a title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

409REV71b1yl0General Information:

John begins to describe a vision of 144,000 servants of God who become marked with seals. Their marking takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal.

410REV71id3yτὰς τέσσαρας γωνίας τῆς γῆς1the four corners of the earth

The earth is spoken of as if it were flat and square like a sheet of paper. The phrase the four corners refers to the north, south, east, and west.

411REV72sgq7figs-metonymyσφραγῖδα1the seal of the living God

Here, the seal refers to a tool that is used to press a mark onto a wax seal. In this case the tool would be used to put a mark on Gods people. Alternate translation: “the marker” or “stamp” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

412REV73upb7figs-metonymyσφραγίσωμεν τοὺς δούλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν1have sealed … on their foreheads

Here, to seal refers to placing a mark on something. This mark shows that the people belong to God and that he will protect them. Alternate translation: “we put a mark on the foreheads of the servants of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

413REV73je8mμετώπων1foreheads

The forehead is the top of the face, above the eyes.

414REV74m58vfigs-activepassiveτῶν ἐσφραγισμένων1those who were sealed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom Gods angel marked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

415REV74lh7hfigs-ellipsisἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες1144000

Alternate translation: “one hundred forty-four thousand people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

416REV75lyz8figs-ellipsisδώδεκα χιλιάδες1twelve thousand from the tribe

Alternate translation: “12,000 people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

417REV79cj5k0General Information:

John begins to describe a second vision about a multitude praising God. This vision also takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal.

418REV79au1mὄχλος πολύς1a huge multitude

Alternate translation: “a huge crowd” or “a great number of people”

419REV79v63zστολὰς λευκάς1white robes

Here the color white represents purity.

420REV710m5azἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν1Salvation belongs to

Alternate translation: “Salvation comes from our God”

421REV710vlv1figs-abstractnounsἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ1Salvation belongs … to the Lamb

They were praising God and the Lamb. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract Salvation, you can express it with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “Our God, who sits on the throne, and the Lamb have saved us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

422REV711a45pτῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων1the four living creatures

These are the four living creatures mentioned in Revelation 4:6-8.

423REV711aja9figs-idiomἔπεσαν…ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν1they fell on their faces

Here, fell on their faces is an idiom that means hey lay down facing the ground. See how you translated “prostrated themselves” in Revelation 4:10. Alternate translation: “they bowed down” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

424REV712lf1mἡ εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν1Praise, glory … be to our God

Alternate translation: “Our God is worthy of all praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power and strength”

425REV712q3gtεὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν1Praise, glory … thanksgiving, honor … be to our God

You can use the verb “give” to show how praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and strength are to be to our God. Alternate translation: “We must give praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength to our God”

426REV712d74fεἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1forever and ever

These two words forever and ever mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the praise will never end.

427REV713wz8zπεριβεβλημένοι τὰς στολὰς τὰς λευκὰς1clothed with white robes

These white robes showed that they were righteous.

428REV714p6enοἱ ἐρχόμενοι ἐκ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης1have come out of the great tribulation

Alternate translation: “the one who have survived the great tribulation” or “are the people who have lived through the great tribulation”

429REV714u6fcτῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης1the great tribulation

Alternate translation: “the time of terrible suffering” or “the time when people suffered terribly”

430REV714b7mifigs-metaphorἔπλυναν τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐλεύκαναν αὐτὰς ἐν τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου1They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb

Being made righteous by the blood of the Lamb is spoken of as washing their robes in his blood. Alternate translation: “they have been made righteous by washing their robes white in his blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

431REV714ym21figs-metonymyτῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου1the blood of the Lamb

Here, blood is used to refer to the death of Lamb. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

432REV715qs23εἰσιν…αὐτούς1they … them

Here, they and them refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation.

433REV715us3ifigs-merismἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς1day and night

Here, day and night are used together to mean “all the time” or “without stopping” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

434REV715k9f2figs-metaphorσκηνώσει ἐπ’ αὐτούς1will spread his tent over them

Protecting them is spoken of as if he were giving them shelter to live under. Alternate translation: “will shelter them” or “will protect them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

435REV716p6u7οὐ πεινάσουσιν…αὐτοὺς1They … them

Here, They and them refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation.

436REV716t45hfigs-metaphorοὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος1The sun will not beat down

The heat of the sun is compared to punishment that causes people to suffer. Alternate translation: “and the sun will not burn them” or “and the sun will not make them weak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

437REV717wc49αὐτούς…αὐτοὺς1their … them

Both occurrences of them refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation.

438REV717b5rpτὸ Ἀρνίον τὸ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ θρόνου1the Lamb at the center of the throne

Alternate translation: “the Lamb, who is standing in the middle of the area around the throne”

439REV717bi5ifigs-metaphorὅτι τὸ Ἀρνίον…ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς1For the Lamb … will be their shepherd

The elder speaks of the Lambs care for his people as if it were a shepherds care for his sheep. Alternate translation: “for the Lamb … will be like a shepherd to them” or “for the Lamb … will care for them as a shepherd cares for his sheep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

440REV717m6m8figs-metaphorὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ ζωῆς πηγὰς ὑδάτων1he will guide them to springs of living water

The elder speaks of what gives life as if it were springs of fresh water. Alternate translation: “he will guide them like a shepherd guiding his sheep to fresh water” or “he will guide them to life like a shepherd guiding his sheep to living water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

441REV717g3d2figs-metonymyἐξαλείψει ὁ Θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν1God will wipe away every tear from their eyes

Here, a tear represents sadness. Alternate translation: “God will wipe away their sadness, like wiping away tears” or “God will cause them to not be sad anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

442REV8introma7f0

Revelation 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven seals and seven trumpets

This chapter begins to show what happens when the Lamb opens the seventh seal. God uses the prayers of all believers to cause dramatic things to happen on earth. John then describes what happens when angels sound the first four of seven trumpets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Passive voice

John uses the passive voice several times in this chapter. This hides who performs the action. This will be difficult to convey if the translators language does not have a passive voice. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

Similes

In verses 8 and 10, John uses similes to try to describe the images he sees in the vision. He compares the images to everyday things. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

443REV81d6520Connecting Statement:

The Lamb opens the seventh seal.

444REV81mh2btranslate-ordinalτὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἑβδόμην1the seventh seal

This is the last of the seven seals on the scroll. The word seventh is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “the final seal” or “seal number seven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

445REV82fri9figs-activepassiveἐδόθησαν αὐτοῖς ἑπτὰ σάλπιγγες1seven trumpets were given to them

Each of the seven angels were given one trumpet. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) God gave them seven trumpets. (2) the Lamb gave them seven trumpets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

446REV83f9g9δώσει1he would offer it

Alternate translation: “he would offer the incense to God by burning it”

447REV84lq1qfigs-metonymyἐκ χειρὸς τοῦ ἀγγέλου1the angels hand

This refers to the bowl in the angels hand. Alternate translation: “from the bowl in the angels hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

448REV85l79wfigs-metonymyἐγέμισεν αὐτὸν ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς1filled it with fire

Here, the fire probably refers to burning coals. Alternate translation: “filled it with burning coals” or “filled it with coals of fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

449REV87g5gpfigs-activepassiveἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν1It was thrown down onto the earth

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the angel threw the hail and fire mixed with blood down onto the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

450REV87ga1rfigs-activepassiveτὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν δένδρων κατεκάη, καὶ πᾶς χόρτος χλωρὸς κατεκάη1a third of it was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “it burned up a third of the earth, a third of the trees, and all the green grass” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

451REV88rnh8translate-ordinalὁ δεύτερος ἄγγελος1The second angel

The word second is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next angel” or “angel number two” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

452REV88uw2hfigs-activepassiveὡς ὄρος μέγα πυρὶ καιόμενον, ἐβλήθη1something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the angel threw something like a great mountain burning with fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

453REV88ev7gtranslate-fractionἐγένετο τὸ τρίτον τῆς θαλάσσης αἷμα1A third of the sea became blood

If your readers would misunderstand the fraction a third, you can explain it in translation. Alternate translation: “it was like the sea was divided into three parts, and one of those parts became blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

454REV88k43yfigs-simileἐγένετο…αἷμα1became blood

Here, became blood could mean: (1) it became red like blood. (2) it really became blood. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

455REV89vgf4τῶν κτισμάτων τῶν ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ τὰ ἔχοντα ψυχάς1the living creatures in the sea

Alternate translation: “of the things living in the sea” or “of the fish and other animals that lived in the sea”

456REV810n8uefigs-simileἔπεσεν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἀστὴρ μέγας, καιόμενος ὡς λαμπάς1a huge star fell from the sky, blazing like a torch

The fire of the huge star looked similar to the fire of a torch. Alternate translation: “a huge star that was blazing like a torch fell from the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

457REV810int4λαμπάς1torch

A torch a stick with one end lit on fire to provide light.

458REV811as2ntranslate-unknownτὸ ὄνομα τοῦ ἀστέρος λέγεται ὁ Ἄψινθος1The name of the star is Wormwood

Wormwood is a shrub that tastes bitter. People made medicine out of it, but they also believed that it was poisonous. Alternate translation: “the name of the star is Bitterness” or “the name of the star is Bitter Medicine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

459REV811gei4figs-metaphorἐγένετο…ἄψινθον1became wormwood

The bitter taste of the water is spoken of as if it were wormwood. Alternate translation: “became bitter like wormwood” or “became bitter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

460REV811g4q5ἀπέθανον ἐκ τῶν ὑδάτων, ὅτι ἐπικράνθησαν1died from the waters that became bitter

Alternate translation: “died when they drank the bitter water”

461REV812z936figs-metaphorἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου1a third of the sun was struck

Causing something bad to happen to the sun is spoken of as striking, or hitting, it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

462REV812dfm7figs-activepassiveἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a third of the sun changed” or “God changed a third of the sun” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

463REV812ukh6σκοτισθῇ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῶν1a third of them turned dark

The phrase a third of then turned dark could mean: (1) one third of the time, they were dark. (2) one third of the sun, one third of the moon, and one third of the stars became dark.

464REV812t1agἡ ἡμέρα μὴ φάνῃ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῆς, καὶ ἡ νὺξ ὁμοίως1a third of the day and a third of the night had no light

Alternate translation: “there was no light during one third of the day and one third of the night” or “they did not shine during one third of the day and one third of the night”

465REV813x375figs-activepassiveἐκ τῶν λοιπῶν φωνῶν τῆς σάλπιγγος τῶν τριῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν μελλόντων σαλπίζειν1because of the remaining trumpet … angels

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “because the three angels who have not yet sounded their trumpets are about to sound them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

466REV9introsq5c0

Revelation 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, John continues to describe what happens when angels sound seven trumpets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

Woe

John describes several “woes” in the Book of Revelation. This chapter begins to describe three “woes” announced at the end of Chapter 8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Animal imagery

This chapter includes several animals: locusts, scorpions, horses, lions, and snakes. Animals convey different qualities or traits. For example, a lion is powerful and dangerous. Translators should use the same animals in their translation if possible. If the animal is unknown, one with similar qualities or traits should be used.

Bottomless pit

This image is seen several times in the Book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and the opposite direction as heaven. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hell]])

Abaddon and Apollyon

“Abaddon” is a Hebrew word. “Apollyon” is a Greek word. Both words mean “Destroyer.” John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. The ULT and UST write the sounds of both words with English letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate these words using the letters of the target language. The original Greek readers would have understood “Apollyon” to mean “Destroyer.” So translators may also supply what it means in the text or in a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

Repentance

Despite great signs, people are described as not repenting and so remain in their sin. People refusing to repent are also mentioned in Chapter 16. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

John uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

467REV91d26c0Connecting Statement:

The fifth of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.

468REV91jim6εἶδον ἀστέρα ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ πεπτωκότα1I saw a star from heaven that had fallen

John saw the star after it had fallen. He did not watch if fall.

469REV91v12jἡ κλεὶς τοῦ φρέατος τῆς Ἀβύσσου1the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit

Alternate translation: “the key that unlocks the shaft of the bottomless pit”

470REV91cjr9τοῦ φρέατος τῆς Ἀβύσσου1the shaft of the bottomless pit

Here, shaft could be: (1) another way of referring to the abyss and describes it as long and narrow. (2) the opening of the abyss.

471REV91p886τῆς Ἀβύσσου1the bottomless pit

The abyss is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom.

472REV92tp79figs-simileὡς καπνὸς καμίνου μεγάλης1like smoke from a huge furnace

A huge furnace gives off a great amount of thick, dark smoke. Alternate translation: “like the great amount of smoke that comes from a huge furnace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

473REV92nd4nfigs-activepassiveἐσκοτώθη1turned dark

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase were darkened, you can state it inm active form. Alternate translation: “became dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

474REV93mb9mtranslate-unknownἀκρίδες1locusts

The locusts are insects that fly together in large groups. People fear them because they can eat up all the leaves in gardens and on trees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

475REV93a4e7figs-explicitἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία, ὡς ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν οἱ σκορπίοι1power like that of scorpions

These scorpions have the ability to sting and poison people. Alternate translation: “they have the ability to sting people as scorpions do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

476REV93mjf1translate-unknownσκορπίοι1scorpions

A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger on its tail. Its sting is extremely painful and the pain lasts a long time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

477REV94cl6pἐρρέθη αὐταῖς, ἵνα μὴ ἀδικήσουσιν τὸν χόρτον τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ πᾶν χλωρὸν, οὐδὲ πᾶν δένδρον1They were told not to damage the grass on the earth or any green plant or tree

Ordinary locusts were a terrible threat to people because when they swarm, they can eat up all the grass and all the leaves on plants and trees. These locusts were told not to do this.

478REV94pb9qfigs-ellipsisεἰ μὴ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους1but only the people

The phrase “to damage” or “to harm” is understood. Alternate translation: “but only to harm the men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

479REV94gi1afigs-metonymyτὴν σφραγῖδα τοῦ Θεοῦ1the seal of God

Here, seal refers to a tool that is used to press a mark onto a wax seal. In this case the tool would be used to put a mark on Gods people. See how you translated “seal” in Revelation 7:3. Alternate translation: “the marker of God” or “stamp of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

480REV94tl6nμετώπων1foreheads

The forehead is the top of the face, above the eyes.

481REV95rui1ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς1They were not given permission

Here, them refers to the locusts. (Revelation 9:3)

482REV95vfj7αὐτούς1them

Here, them refers to the people whom the locusts were stinging.

483REV95nm7qfigs-activepassiveβασανισθήσονται μῆνας πέντε1to torture them for five months

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase will be tormented, you can state it in active form. Alternate translation: “the locusts will torment the people for five months” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

484REV95a3dwβασανισθήσονται1to torture them

Alternate translation: “will suffer terrible pain”

485REV95qtk9βασανισμὸς σκορπίου1the sting of a scorpion

A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death.

486REV96p4mbfigs-abstractnounsζητήσουσιν οἱ ἄνθρωποι τὸν θάνατον, καὶ οὐ μὴ εὑρήσουσιν αὐτόν1people will seek death, but will not find it

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun death, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “people will try to find a way to die, but will not find it” or “people will try to kill themselves, but will not find a way to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

487REV96f1b4figs-personificationφεύγει ὁ θάνατος ἀπ’ αὐτῶν1death will flee from them

John speaks of death as if it were a person or animal that could run away. Alternate translation: “they will not be able to die” or “they will not die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

488REV97zh820General Information:

These locusts did not look like ordinary locusts. John describes them by telling how parts of them looked like other things.

489REV910mac3ἔχουσιν οὐρὰς1They had tails

Here, they refers to the locusts.

490REV910qdc3figs-simileὁμοίας σκορπίοις καὶ κέντρα1with stingers like scorpions

A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 9:6. Alternate translation: “with stingers like scorpion stingers” or “with stingers that could cause terrible pain as scorpion stingers can” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

491REV910lim1ἐν ταῖς οὐραῖς αὐτῶν ἡ ἐξουσία αὐτῶν ἀδικῆσαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους μῆνας πέντε1in their tails they had power to harm people for five months

This could mean: (1) they had power for five months to harm people. (2) they could sting people and the people would be in pain for five months.

492REV911fiu6τῆς Ἀβύσσου1the bottomless pit

The abyss is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.

493REV911bkg6translate-namesἈβαδδών…Ἀπολλύων1Abaddon … Apollyon

Both Abaddon and Apollyon mean “Destroyer.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

494REV912ts26figs-metaphorἔρχεται ἔτι δύο οὐαὶ1there are still two disasters to come

Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

495REV913cyb60Connecting Statement:

The sixth of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.

496REV913x4mdfigs-synecdocheἤκουσα φωνὴν μίαν ἐκ1I heard a voice from

The voice refers to the one who was speaking. John does not say who the speaker was, but it may have been God. Alternate translation: “I heard someone speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

497REV913q3a3τῶν κεράτων τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου τοῦ χρυσοῦ1horns of the golden altar

These are horn-shaped extensions at each of the four corners of the top of the altar.

498REV914iq5tfigs-synecdocheλέγουσαν1The voice said

This one who is speaking is the voice in verse 13. Alternate translation: “the voice said” or “the speaker said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

499REV914su17figs-activepassiveτοὺς τέσσαρας ἀγγέλους, τοὺς δεδεμένους1the four angels who are bound

The text does not say who has bound the angels, but it implies that God told someone to bind them. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the four angels whom God has commanded them to bind” or “the four angels whom God has commanded someone to bind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

500REV915ijx2figs-activepassiveἐλύθησαν οἱ τέσσαρες ἄγγελοι, οἱ ἡτοιμασμένοι εἰς τὴν ὥραν, καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ μῆνα, καὶ ἐνιαυτόν1The four angels who had been prepared for … that year, were released

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the angel released the four angels who had been prepared for that hour and day and month and year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

501REV915p3w1figs-activepassiveοἱ τέσσαρες ἄγγελοι, οἱ ἡτοιμασμένοι1The four angels who had been prepared

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the four angels whom God had prepared” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

502REV915b3d6figs-parallelismεἰς τὴν ὥραν, καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ μῆνα, καὶ ἐνιαυτόν1for that hour, that day, that month, and that year

These words are used to show that there is a specific, chosen time and not just any time. Alternate translation: “for that exact time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

503REV916h8uf0General Information:

Suddenly, a huge number of soldiers on horseback appear in Johns vision. John is no longer speaking about the four angels mentioned in the previous verse.

504REV916ays5translate-numbersδύο μυριάδες μυριάδων1200000000

Some ways to express two myriads are: “two hundred million” or “two hundred thousand thousand” or “twenty thousand times ten thousand.” If your language does not have a specific number for this, you could also see how you translated a similar large number in Revelation 5:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

505REV917j5n9πυρίνους1fiery red

See how you translated this in Revelation 6:3. Alternate translation: “red like fire” or “bright red”

506REV917pqe8θειώδεις1sulfurous yellow

Alternate translation: “yellow like sulfur” or “bright yellow like sulfur”

507REV918x4frtranslate-fractionτὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀνθρώπων1A third of the people

See how you translated “A third” in Revelation 8:7. Alternate translation: “One third of the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

508REV920xf3tfigs-activepassiveοἳ οὐκ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν ταῖς πληγαῖς ταύταις1those who were not killed by these plagues

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom the plagues had not killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

509REV920d3vnfigs-distinguishἃ οὔτε βλέπειν δύνανται, οὔτε ἀκούειν, οὔτε περιπατεῖν1things that cannot see, hear, or walk

This phrase reminds us that idols are not alive and do not deserve to be worshiped. But the people did not stop worshiping them. Alternate translation: “even though these idols cannot see, hear, or walk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

510REV10introys3l0

Revelation 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven thunders

John here describes the seven thunders as making sounds that he could understand as words. However, translators should use their normal word for “thunder” when translating these verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

“The mystery of God”

This refers to some aspect of the hidden plan of God. It is not necessary to know what this mystery is to translate it. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

John uses similes to help him describe the face, legs, and voice of the mighty angel. Translators should understand other objects in this chapter, such as the rainbow and the cloud, with their normal meanings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

511REV101xr6f0General Information:

John begins to describe a vision of a mighty angel holding a scroll. In Johns vision he is viewing what is happening from earth. This takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.

512REV101jj2efigs-metaphorπεριβεβλημένον νεφέλην1He was robed in a cloud

John speaks of the angel as if he were wearing a cloud as his clothing. This expression may be understood as metaphor. However, because very unusual things were often seen in visions, it might be understood as a literally true statement in its context. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

513REV101qax6figs-simileτὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος1His face was like the sun

John compares the brightness of his face with the brightness of the sun. Alternate translation: “his face was bright like the sun” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

514REV101p81xfigs-metonymyοἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὡς στῦλοι πυρός1his feet were like pillars of fire

Here, feet refers to the legs. Alternate translation: “his legs were like pillars of fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

515REV103ubb9καὶ ἔκραξεν1Then he shouted

Alternate translation: “then the angel shouted”

516REV103r4j6ἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ1the seven thunders spoke out

The seven thunders are described as if they were people who could speak. Alternate translation: “the seven thunders made a loud noise” or “the thunder sounded very loudly seven times”

517REV103qag8ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ1seven thunders

This may refer to thunder occurring seven times, yet being spoken of as if it were seven different thunders.

518REV104az1zfigs-synecdocheκαὶ ἤκουσα φωνὴν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1but I heard a voice from heaven

Here, voice refers to words spoken by someone other than the angel. Alternate translation: “but I heard someone speaking from heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

519REV105l5xytranslate-symactionἦρεν τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ τὴν δεξιὰν εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν1raised his right hand to heaven

He raised his right hand to heaven to show that he was swearing by God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

520REV106t2f6ὤμοσεν τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1He swore by the one who lives forever and ever

Alternate translation: “and he asked that what he was going to say would be confirmed by the one who lives forever and ever”

521REV106gmm8τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1the one who lives forever and ever

Here, the one who lives forever and ever refers to God.

522REV106egm1χρόνος οὐκέτι ἔσται1There will be no more delay

Alternate translation: “There will be no more waiting” or “God will not delay”

523REV107c5gyfigs-activepassiveἐτελέσθη τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ1the mystery of God will be accomplished

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will accomplish his mystery” or “God will complete his secret plan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

524REV108t61f0Connecting Statement:

John hears the voice from heaven, which he had heard in Revelation 10:4, speak to him again.

525REV108v6a9figs-synecdocheἡ φωνὴ ἣν ἤκουσα ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1The voice I heard from heaven

Here, voice refers to the speaker. Alternate translation: “the one I heard speak from heaven” or “the one who had spoken to me from heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

526REV108tkq7ἤκουσα1I heard

John heard.

527REV109x13bλέγει μοι1He said to me

Alternate translation: “the angel said to me”

528REV109tg31πικρανεῖ σου τὴν κοιλίαν1make … bitter

This refers to a bad taste from the stomach after eating something that is not good. Alternate translation: “it will make your stomach sour”

529REV1011ahb4figs-metonymyγλώσσαις1languages

Here, tongues refers to the people who speak the languages. Alternate translation: “many language communities” or “many groups of people who speak their own languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

530REV11intros1170

Revelation 11 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 verses 15 and 17-18.

Woe

John describes several “woes” in the book of Revelation. This chapter describes a second and third “woe” announced at the end of Chapter 8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gentiles

The word “Gentiles” here refers to ungodly people groups and not Gentile Christians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])

Two witnesses

Scholars have suggested many different ideas about these two witnesses. Translators do not need to understand this passage to accurately translate it. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Bottomless pit

This image is seen several times in the Book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and the opposite direction as heaven. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hell]])

531REV111ba9b0General Information:

John begins to describe a vision about receiving a measuring rod and two witnesses that God appointed. This vision also takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.

532REV111lkn6figs-activepassiveἐδόθη μοι κάλαμος ὅμοιος ῥάβδῳ1A reed was given to me

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “sSomeone gave me a reed like a measuring rod” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

533REV111tl86ἐδόθη μοι…λέγων1given to me … I was told

Here, me refers to John.

534REV111ha6eτοὺς προσκυνοῦντας ἐν αὐτῷ1those who worship in it

Alternate translation: “count those who worship in the temple”

535REV112jae6πατήσουσιν1trample

To trample to treat something as worthless by walking on it.

536REV113h8vhfigs-explicitπεριβεβλημένοι σάκκους1days, clothed in sackcloth

You can make it explicit why they will wear sackcloth. Alternate translation: “wearing rough mourning clothes” or “wearing scratchy clothes to show that they are very sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

537REV114pa44writing-symlanguageοὗτοί εἰσιν αἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Κυρίου τῆς γῆς ἑστῶτες1These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that have stood before the Lord of the earth

The two olive trees and the two lampstands symbolize these people, but they are not literally the people. Alternate translation: “The two olive trees and the two lampstands that have stood before the Lord of the earth represent these witnesses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

538REV114p6mifigs-explicitαἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ1the two olive trees and the two lampstands that

John expects his readers to know about the two olive trees and the two lampstands because many years earlier another prophet had written about them. Alternate translation: “the two olive trees and the two lampstands, told about in scripture, that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

539REV115nr2sπῦρ ἐκπορεύεται ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτῶν, καὶ κατεσθίει τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν1fire comes out of their mouth and devours their enemies

Because this is about future events, you can state this in the future tense. Alternate translation: “fire will come out of their mouth and devour their enemies”

540REV115ab6bfigs-metaphorπῦρ…κατεσθίει τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν1fire … devours their enemies

Here, fire burning and killing people is spoken of as if it were an animal that could eat them up. Alternate translation: “fire … will destroy their enemies” or “fire … will completely burn up their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

541REV116cac1figs-metaphorκλεῖσαι τὸν οὐρανόν, ἵνα μὴ ὑετὸς βρέχῃ1to close up the sky so that no rain will fall

John speaks of the sky as if it had a door that someone can open to let rain fall or close to stop the rain. Alternate translation: “to keep rain from falling from the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

542REV116a7edστρέφειν1to turn

Alternate translation: “to change”

543REV116kth7figs-metaphorπατάξαι τὴν γῆν ἐν πάσῃ πληγῇ1to strike the earth with every kind of plague

John speaks of the plagues as if they were a stick that someone could hit the earth with. Alternate translation: “to cause all kinds of trouble to occur on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

544REV117i679Ἀβύσσου1bottomless pit

The abyss is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.

545REV118r45pτὰ πτώματα αὐτῶν1Their bodies

Here, their corpses refers to the bodies of the two witnesses.

546REV118p9fuἐπὶ τῆς πλατείας τῆς πόλεως τῆς μεγάλης1in the street of the great city

The city had more than one street. This was a public place where people could see them. Alternate translation: “in one of the streets of the great city” or “in the main street of the great city”

547REV118iea1ὁ Κύριος αὐτῶν1their Lord

They served the Lord, and like him, would die in that city.

548REV119h3i2translate-numbersἡμέρας τρεῖς καὶ ἥμισυ1three and a half days

Alternate translation: “three full days and one half day” or “3.5 days” or “3-1/2 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

549REV119bp61τὰ πτώματα αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀφίουσιν τεθῆναι εἰς μνῆμα1They will not permit them to be placed in a tomb

They will leave their bodies in the street as a sign of disrespect.

550REV1110dm89χαίρουσιν ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς, καὶ εὐφραίνονται1will rejoice over them and celebrate

Alternate translation: “will rejoice and celebrate that the two witnesses have died”

551REV1110trs2translate-symactionδῶρα πέμψουσιν ἀλλήλοις1even send gifts to one another

Sending gifts to one another shows how happy the people were. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

552REV1110h4pqὅτι οὗτοι οἱ δύο προφῆται ἐβασάνισαν τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1because these two prophets tormented those who lived on the earth

This is the reason that the people will be so happy that the witnesses have died.

553REV1111x3gntranslate-numbersτὰς τρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ ἥμισυ1three and a half days

Alternate translation: “three full days and one half day” or “3.5 days” or “3-1/2 days.” See how you translated this in Revelation 11:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

554REV1111al5wfigs-metaphorπνεῦμα ζωῆς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς αὐτούς1a breath of life from God will enter them

The ability to breathe is spoken of as if it were something that can go into people. Alternate translation: “God will cause the two witnesses to breathe again and live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

555REV1111u265figs-metaphorφόβος μέγας ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τοὺς θεωροῦντας αὐτούς1Great fear will fall on those who see them

Here, fear is spoken of as if it were a object that can fall on people. Alternate translation: “those who see them will be extremely afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

556REV1112f8zeκαὶ ἤκουσαν1Then they will hear

Here, they heard could mean: (1) the two witnesses will hear. (2) the people will hear what is said to the two witnesses.

557REV1112mkq9figs-metonymyφωνῆς μεγάλης ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1a loud voice from heaven

Here, a loud voice refers to the one who speaks. Alternate translation: “someone speak loudly to them from heaven and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

558REV1112l1x7λεγούσης αὐτοῖς1say to them

Alternate translation: “saying to the two witnesses”

559REV1113fa14οἱ λοιποὶ1the survivors

Alternate translation: “those who do not die” or “those who are still living”

560REV1113f4r2ἔδωκαν δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1give glory to the God of heaven

Alternate translation: “said that the God of heaven is glorious”

561REV1114l7jpἡ οὐαὶ ἡ δευτέρα ἀπῆλθεν1The second woe is past

See how you translated “The first woe is past” in Revelation 9:12. Alternate translation: “The second terrible event is over”

562REV1114j1m5figs-metaphorἡ οὐαὶ ἡ τρίτη ἔρχεται ταχύ1The third woe is coming quickly

Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. Alternate translation: “The third woe will happen soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

563REV1115l1be0Connecting Statement:

The last of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.

564REV1115sxx9translate-ordinalὁ ἕβδομος ἄγγελος1the seventh angel

This is the last of the seven angels. See how you translated seventh in Revelation 8:1. The word seventh is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the final angel” or “angel number seven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

565REV1115zt2fἐγένοντο φωναὶ μεγάλαι ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ λέγουσαι1loud voices spoke in heaven and said

The phrase loud voices represents speakers who spoke loudly. Alternate translation: “speakers in heaven spoke loudly and said”

566REV1115jsm2figs-metonymyἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ1The kingdom of the world … the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ

Here, kingdom refers to the authority to rule the world. Alternate translation: “The authority to rule the world has become the authority that belongs to our Lord and his Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

567REV1115en51figs-metonymyτοῦ κόσμου1the world

Here, the world refers to every person in the world. Alternate translation: “everyone in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

568REV1115sw4uἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ1The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ

Alternate translation: “Our Lord and his Christ are now the rulers of the world”

569REV1116s2nvfigs-idiomἔπεσαν ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν1fell upon their faces

Here, fell upon their faces is an idiom that means they lay down facing the ground. See how you translated “prostrated themselves” in Revelation 4:10. Alternate translation: “they bowed down” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

570REV1117dw6vfigs-distinguishσοι, Κύριε ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ, ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν1you, Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was

You can state these phrases as sentences. Alternate translation: “you, Lord God, the ruler over all. You are the one who is, and you are the one who was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

571REV1117fq4bὁ ὢν1the one who is

Alternate translation: “the one who exists” or “the one who lives”

572REV1117ea29ὁ ἦν1who was

Alternate translation: “who has always existed” or “who has always lived”

573REV1117fe2bfigs-explicitεἴληφας τὴν δύναμίν σου τὴν μεγάλην1you have taken your great power

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state explicitly what God did with his great power. Alternate translation: “you have defeated with your power everyone who has rebelled against you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

574REV1118qw720General Information:

The words you and your refer to God.

575REV1118iv5kfigs-metaphorἦλθεν ἡ ὀργή σου1your wrath has come

Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. Alternate translation: “you are ready to show your anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

576REV1118h833figs-activepassiveτῶν νεκρῶν κριθῆναι1for the dead to be judged

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for God to judge the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

577REV1118zk1ufigs-nominaladjτῶν νεκρῶν1the dead

If your readers would misunderstand the nominal adjective dead, you can state it as a verb or adjective. Alternate translation: “for those who have died” or “for the dead people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

578REV1118k3bafigs-metonymyτοῖς φοβουμένοις τὸ ὄνομά σου1the prophets, those who are believers, and those who feared your name

Here, name is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “to those who fear you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

579REV1119c7pdfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ1Then Gods temple in heaven was opened

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then someone opened Gods temple in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

580REV1119d9z7figs-activepassiveὤφθη ἡ κιβωτὸς τῆς διαθήκης τοῦ Κυρίου ἐν τῷ ναῷ αὐτοῦ1the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I saw the ark of his covenant in his temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

581REV1119b6lyἀστραπαὶ1flashes of lightning

Use your languages way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.

582REV1119ap5gφωναὶ, καὶ βρονταὶ1rumblings, crashes of thunder

Here, loud sounds and crashes of thunder refers to the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your languages way of describing the sound of thunder. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.

583REV12introcq7x0

Revelation 12 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 verses 10-12.

Special concepts in this chapter

Serpent

The Book of Revelation uses imagery from the Old Testament. For example, John refers to Satan as the serpent. This image comes from the account of the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“A great sign was seen in heaven”

By using the passive voice here, John does not say who saw this great sign in heaven. The translation may be difficult when the subject is unclear, if your language does not have a passive voice. Many English translations use the past tense here and say “A great sign appeared in heaven.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

584REV121n4ii0General Information:

John begins to describe a woman who appears in his vision.

585REV121j9ylfigs-activepassiveγυνὴ περιβεβλημένη τὸν ἥλιον, καὶ ἡ σελήνη ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν αὐτῆς1a woman clothed with the sun, and with the moon under her feet

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a woman who was wearing the sun and had the moon under her feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

586REV123y4c10Connecting Statement:

John describes a dragon that appears in his vision.

587REV123s1j6writing-symlanguageδράκων1dragon

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

588REV124ii1ktranslate-fractionτὸ τρίτον1a third

See how you translated this in Revelation 8:7. Alternate translation: “one third” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

589REV125zr5qfigs-metaphorποιμαίνειν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ1rule all the nations with an iron rod

Here, ruling harshly is spoken of as ruling with an iron rod. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:27. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

590REV125kfr1figs-activepassiveἡρπάσθη τὸ τέκνον αὐτῆς πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν1Her child was snatched away to God

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God quickly took her child to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

591REV127wh37writing-symlanguageδράκοντος1dragon

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

592REV128uj6aοὐδὲ τόπος εὑρέθη αὐτῶν ἔτι ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ1So there was no longer any place in heaven for him and his angels

Alternate translation: “so the dragon and his angels could no longer stay in heaven”

593REV129pk5ufigs-distinguishὁ δράκων ὁ μέγας, ὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος, ὁ καλούμενος, Διάβολος, καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς, ὁ πλανῶν τὴν οἰκουμένην ὅλην; ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν, καὶ οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐβλήθησαν1dragon—that old serpent called the devil or Satan, who deceives the whole world—was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him

You can give the information about the serpent in a separate sentence after the statement that it was thrown down to the earth. Alternate translation: “the great dragon was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. He is the old serpent who deceives the world and is called the devil or Satan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

594REV129v1tpfigs-activepassiveἐβλήθη ὁ δράκων ὁ μέγας, ὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος, ὁ καλούμενος, Διάβολος, καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς, ὁ πλανῶν τὴν οἰκουμένην ὅλην; ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν, καὶ οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐβλήθησαν1The great dragon … was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw the great dragon—the ancient serpent, who people also call the devil and Satan—and his angels out of heaven and sent them to the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

595REV1210jb7zἤκουσα1I heard

The word I refers to John.

596REV1210i112figs-metonymyἤκουσα φωνὴν μεγάλην ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ1I heard a loud voice in heaven

Here, the voice refers to someone who speaks. Alternate translation: “I heard someone saying loudly from heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

597REV1210nt1jfigs-metaphorἄρτι ἐγένετο ἡ σωτηρία, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ1Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ

God saving people by his power is spoken of as if his salvation and power were things that have come. Gods ruling and Christs authority are also spoken of as if they have come. Alternate translation: “Now God has saved his people by his power, God rules as king, and his Christ has all authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

598REV1210a5fmἐγένετο1have come

God is revealing these things because their time to occur has come. It is not that they did not exist before. Alternate translation: “have begun to really exist” or “have appeared” or “have become real”

599REV1210yg1aἐβλήθη ὁ κατήγορος τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν1the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down

Here, the accuser of our brothers is the dragon that was thrown down in Revelation 12:9.

600REV1210a9wffigs-metaphorτῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν1our brothers

Fellow believers are spoken of as if they were brothers. Alternate translation: “our fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

601REV1210jn6qfigs-merismἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός1day and night

These two parts of the day are used together to mean “all the time” or “without stopping” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

602REV1211qmg8αὐτοὶ ἐνίκησαν αὐτὸν1They conquered him

Alternate translation: “they conquered the accuser”

603REV1211zt7vfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Ἀρνίου1by the blood of the Lamb

Here, the blood refers to the death of the Lamb. Alternate translation: “because the Lamb had shed his blood and died for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

604REV1211lht6figs-abstractnounsδιὰ τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν1by the word of their testimony

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun testimony, you can express it with the verb “testify” and you can state who they testified. Alternate translation: “by what they said when they testified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

605REV1211kuj5figs-explicitδιὰ τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν1

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state explicitly what they testified. Alternate translation: “by what they said when they testified to others about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

606REV1211n6wkἄχρι θανάτου1even to death

The believers told the truth about Jesus, even though they knew that their enemies might try to kill them because of it. Alternate translation: “but they kept testifying even though they knew that they might die for it”

607REV1213x7stfigs-activepassiveεἶδεν ὁ δράκων ὅτι ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν1the dragon realized he had been thrown down to the earth

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the dragon realized that God had thrown him out of heaven and sent him to earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

608REV1213kgv9writing-symlanguageὁ δράκων1the dragon

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

609REV1214sxw1τοῦ ὄφεως1the serpent

Here, the serpent is another way of referring to the dragon.

610REV1215c73vὄφις1serpent

Here, the serpent is the same being as the dragon mentioned earlier in Revelation 12:9.

611REV1215y5mlfigs-simileὡς ποταμόν1like a river

The water flowed from his mouth like a river flows. Alternate translation: “in large volume” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

612REV1215a9whfigs-activepassiveαὐτὴν ποταμοφόρητον ποιήσῃ1to sweep her away

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he might sweep her away with a flood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

613REV1216i4u5figs-personificationἤνοιξεν ἡ γῆ τὸ στόμα αὐτῆς, καὶ κατέπιεν τὸν ποταμὸν, ὃν ἔβαλεν ὁ δράκων ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ1The earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon was pouring out of his mouth

Here, the earth is spoken of as if it were a living thing, and a hole in the earth is spoken of as if it were a mouth that could drink up the water. Alternate translation: “a hole in the ground opened up and the river from the dragon went down into the hole” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

614REV1216lgt7writing-symlanguageδράκων1dragon

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

615REV1217t6jffigs-abstractnounsἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ1hold to the testimony about Jesus

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun testimony, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “who continue to testify about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

616REV13introc9mw0

Revelation 13 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 words of verse 10, which are from the Old Testament.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Similes

John uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Unknown animals

John uses different animals to try to describe what he saw. Some of these animals may not be known in the target language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

617REV131su490General Information:

John begins to describe a beast who appears in his vision. Here, I refers to John.

618REV132k6qhwriting-symlanguageδράκων1dragon

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

619REV132xa3aἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ δράκων τὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ1The dragon gave his power to it

The dragon made the beast as powerful as he was. He did not lose his power, however, by giving it to the beast.

620REV132c4wxἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ δράκων τὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐξουσίαν μεγάλην1his power … his throne, and his great authority to rule

The words power, throne, and authority are three ways of referring to the dragons authority, and together they emphasize that the authority was great.

621REV132gyv9figs-metonymyτὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ1his throne

Here, throne refers to the dragons authority to rule as king. Alternate translation: “his royal authority” or “his authority to rule as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

622REV133yt22figs-activepassiveκαὶ ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ ἐθεραπεύθη1but its fatal wound was healed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but its fatal wound healed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

623REV133ba2zἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου1fatal wound

This is an injury that is serious enough to cause a person to die. Alternate translation: “deadly wound”

624REV133jc7xfigs-metonymyὅλη ἡ γῆ1The whole earth

Here, the whole earth refers to all the people who live anywhere on it. Alternate translation: “all the people on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

625REV133xx3hὀπίσω τοῦ θηρίου1followed the beast

Alternate translation: “obeyed the beast”

626REV134t15fwriting-symlanguageδράκοντι1dragon

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

627REV134yuu8ἔδωκεν τὴν ἐξουσίαν τῷ θηρίῳ1he had given his authority to the beast

Alternate translation: “he had caused the beast to have as much authority as he had”

628REV134ep4nfigs-rquestionτίς ὅμοιος τῷ θηρίῳ, καὶ τίς δύναται πολεμῆσαι μετ’ αὐτοῦ?1Who is like the beast?

This question shows how amazed they were about the beast. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can translate it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one is as powerful as the beast or able to fight against it and win!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

629REV135p2n5figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ…ἐδόθη αὐτῷ1The beast was given … It was permitted

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave the beast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

630REV135y29efigs-metonymyἐδόθη αὐτῷ στόμα λαλοῦν1The beast was given a mouth that could speak

Being given a mouth refers to being allowed to speak. Alternate translation: “the beast was allowed to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

631REV136ru6vεἰς βλασφημίας πρὸς τὸν Θεόν1to speak blasphemies against God

Alternate translation: “to say disrespectful things about God”

632REV136k71yβλασφημῆσαι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὴν σκηνὴν αὐτοῦ, τοὺς ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ σκηνοῦντας1blaspheming his name, the place where he lives, and those who live in heaven

These phrases tell how the beast spoke blasphemies against God.

633REV137fyp6figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἐξουσία1authority was given to it

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave authority to the beast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

634REV137f5rlπᾶσαν φυλὴν, καὶ λαὸν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ ἔθνος1every tribe, people, language, and nation

This means that people from every ethnic group are included. See how you translated a similar list in Revelation 5:9.

635REV138nr7rπροσκυνήσουσιν αὐτὸν1will worship it

Alternate translation: “will worship the beast”

636REV138vyy8figs-activepassiveὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς1everyone whose name was not written … in the Book of Life

This phrase clarifies who on the earth will worship the beast. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone whose names the Lamb did not write in the Book of Life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

637REV138nj7eἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1since the creation of the world

Alternate translation: “when God created the world”

638REV138vac6writing-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1the Lamb

A lamb is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

639REV138bcu5figs-activepassiveτοῦ ἐσφαγμένου1who had been slaughtered

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the people slaughtered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

640REV139tdy80General Information:

These verses are a break from Johns account of his vision. Here he give a warning to the people reading his account.

641REV139rr9afigs-metonymyεἴ τις ἔχει οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1If anyone has an ear, let him hear

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. Here, has an ear is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “If anyone is willing to listen, listen” or “If anyone is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

642REV139tx89figs-123personεἴ τις ἔχει οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1If anyone … let him hear

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

643REV1310r6sxfigs-explicitεἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν1If anyone is to be taken

This expression means that someone has decided who should be taken. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you may state explicitly who decided it. Alternate translation: “If God has decided that someone should be taken captive” or “If it is Gods will that someone should be taken into captivity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

644REV1310ilzzfigs-abstractnounsεἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν1

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun captivity, you can express it with the verb “capture.” Alternate translation: “If it is Gods will for a certain person to captured” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

645REV1310ipw7figs-activepassiveεἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν1If anyone is to be taken into captivity

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “If it is Gods will for the enemy to capture a certain person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

646REV1310mtu9figs-activepassiveεἴ τις ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτενεῖ1If anyone is to be killed with the sword

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “If it is Gods will for the enemy to kill a certain person with a sword” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

647REV1310cdi9figs-metonymyἐν μαχαίρῃ1with the sword

Here, the sword represents war. Alternate translation: “in war” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

648REV1310d2rwfigs-activepassiveδεῖ αὐτὸν…ἀποκτανθῆναι1he will be killed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the enemy will kill him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

649REV1310pk8rὧδέ ἐστιν ἡ ὑπομονὴ καὶ ἡ πίστις τῶν ἁγίων1Here is a call for the patient endurance and faith of the saints

Alternate translation: “Gods holy people must endure patiently and be faithful”

650REV1311pg7g0Connecting Statement:

John begins to describe another beast who appears in his vision.

651REV1311e7awfigs-simileἐλάλει ὡς δράκων1it spoke like a dragon

Harsh speech is spoken of as if it were the roar of a dragon. Alternate translation: “it spoke harshly like a dragon speaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

652REV1311k9g8writing-symlanguageδράκων1dragon

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

653REV1312a2fpτὴν γῆν καὶ τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ κατοικοῦντας1the earth and those who live on it

Alternate translation: “everyone on the earth”

654REV1312ys3nfigs-activepassiveοὗ ἐθεραπεύθη ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ1the one whose lethal wound had been healed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the one who had a lethal wound that healed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

655REV1312jc77ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου1lethal wound

This was an injury that was serious enough that it could have made him die. Alternate translation: “deadly wound”

656REV1313z2wsποιεῖ1It performed

Alternate translation: “the beast from the earth performed”

657REV1315dl87figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ1It was permitted

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God permitted the beast from the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

658REV1315cw55figs-metonymyδοῦναι πνεῦμα τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου1to give breath to the beasts image

Here, breath represents life. Alternate translation: “to give life to the beasts image” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

659REV1315dey8τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου1the beasts image

This is the image of the first beast that had been mentioned.

660REV1315ruk5figs-activepassiveποιήσῃ ὅσοι ἐὰν μὴ προσκυνήσωσιν τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου ἀποκτανθῶσιν1cause all who refused to worship the beast to be killed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “might put to death anyone who refused to worship the first beast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

661REV1316h9u9καὶ ποιεῖ πάντας1It also forced everyone

Alternate translation: “And the beast from the earth also forced everyone”

662REV1317t7wmfigs-explicitμή τις δύνηται ἀγοράσαι ἢ πωλῆσαι, εἰ μὴ ὁ ἔχων τὸ χάραγμα, τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου1It was impossible for anyone to buy or sell unless he had the mark of the name of the beast

The implicit information is that the beast from the earth commanded these things. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “he commanded that people could buy or sell things only if they had the mark of the beast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

663REV1317j8x4τὸ χάραγμα, τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου1the mark of the name of the beast

The mark indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast.

664REV1318i46m0General Information:

This verse is a break from Johns account of his vision. Here he gives another warning to the people reading his account.

665REV1318uk74ὧδε ἡ σοφία ἐστίν1Here is wisdom

Alternate translation: “Wisdom is needed” or “You need to be wise about this”

666REV1318z8tzfigs-abstractnounsὁ ἔχων νοῦν ψηφισάτω1If anyone has understanding

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun insight, you can express it with the verb “understand.” Alternate translation: “If anyone is able to understand things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

667REV1318ri1yψηφισάτω τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου1let him calculate the number of the beast

Alternate translation: “he should discern what the number of the beast means” or “he should figure out what the number of the beast means”

668REV1318bbn2ἀριθμὸς…ἀνθρώπου ἐστίν1is the number of a human being

The number could represent: (1) one person. (2) all of humanity.

669REV14introq71v0

Revelation 14 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Harvest

Harvest is when people go out to gather ripe food from plants. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about him so those people can be part of Gods kingdom. This chapter uses the metaphor of two harvests. Jesus gathers in his people from the whole earth. Then an angel gathers in wicked people whom God will punish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

670REV141e7u70General Information:

The word I refers to John.

671REV141ck6y0Connecting Statement:

John begins to describe the next part of his vision. There are 144,000 believers standing before the Lamb.

672REV141a3kzwriting-symlanguageτὸ Ἀρνίον1the Lamb

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, the Lamb it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

673REV141uc96translate-numbersἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες1144000

See how you translated this in Revelation 7:4. Alternate translation: “one hundred forty-four thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

674REV141z963figs-activepassiveἔχουσαι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, γεγραμμένον ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν1who had his name and his Fathers name written on their foreheads

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “on whose foreheads the Lamb and his Father had written their names” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

675REV141rf47guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ1his Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

676REV142hwu4φωνὴν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1a voice from heaven

Alternate translation: “a sound from heaven”

677REV143sz1fᾄδουσιν ᾠδὴν καινὴν1They sang a new song

This phrase explains what the sound was that John heard in verse 2. Alternate translation: “that sound was a new song that they sang” or “the sound was the 144,000 people singing a new song”

678REV143ii11τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων1the four living creatures

See how you translated “living creature” in Revelation 4:6

679REV143m75yτῶν πρεσβυτέρων1the elders

Here, the elders refers to the twenty-four elders around the throne. See how you translated “elders” in Revelation 4:4.

680REV143q6fctranslate-numbersἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες1144000

See how you translated this in Revelation 7:4. Alternate translation: “one hundred forty-four thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

681REV144jet6μετὰ γυναικῶν οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν1have not defiled themselves with women

This could mean: (1) they have never had immoral sexual relations with a woman. (2) they have never had sexual relations with a woman. Defiling oneself with women may be a symbol of worshiping idols.

682REV144a7irπαρθένοι1virgins

This could mean: (1) they did not have sexual relations with a woman who was not their wife. (2) they are virgins.

683REV144q3hgfigs-metaphorοἱ ἀκολουθοῦντες τῷ Ἀρνίῳ ὅπου ἂν ὑπάγει1the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes

Doing what the Lamb does is spoken of as following him. Alternate translation: “they do whatever the Lamb does” or “they obey the Lamb” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

684REV144mlw3figs-metaphorἠγοράσθησαν ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀπαρχὴ1redeemed from among mankind as firstfruits

Here, firstfruits is a metaphor for the first offering to be made to God in celebration of harvest. Alternate translation: “have been purchased out of the midst of the rest of mankind as a special celebration of salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

685REV145ga8pfigs-metonymyἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος1No lie was found in their mouth

Here, their mouth refers to “what they said.” Alternate translation: “they never lied when they spoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

686REV146n1fr0Connecting Statement:

John begins to describe the next part of his vision. This is the first of three angels who proclaim judgment on the earth.

687REV146pp1lπᾶν ἔθνος, καὶ φυλὴν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ λαόν1every nation, tribe, language, and people

This means that people from every ethnic group are included. See how you translated a similar list in Revelation 5:9.

688REV147cj5zfigs-metaphorἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ1the hour of his judgment has come

Here, the hour represents the time that has been chosen for something, and the hour having come is a metaphor for now being the chosen time. Alternate translation: “now is the time that God has chosen for judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

689REV147reu7figs-abstractnounsἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ1

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun judgment, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “it is now the time for God to judge people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

690REV148b18sfigs-metaphorἔπεσεν, ἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη1Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great

The angel speaks of Babylon having been destroyed as if it had fallen. Alternate translation: “Babylon the great has been destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

691REV148jh3rwriting-symlanguageΒαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη1Babylon the great

This was probably a symbol for the city of Rome, which was large, wealthy, and sinful. Alternate translation: “Babylon the large city” or “the important city of Babylon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

692REV148kg1ifigs-metonymyἣ…πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1who persuaded

Babylon is spoken of as if it were a person, instead of a city filled with people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

693REV148ldz2writing-symlanguageἣ ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς, πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1to drink the wine of her immoral passion

Here, to drink from the wine is a symbol for participating in her sexually immoral passion. Alternate translation: “to be sexually immoral like her” or “to get drunk like her in sexual sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

694REV148v3zkfigs-personificationτοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1her immoral passion

Babylon is spoken of as if it were a prostitute who has caused other people to sin along with her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

695REV148bey2figs-metaphorτοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1

Here, immoral passion may well have a double meaning: literal sexual immorality and also the worship of false gods. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

696REV1410qw28writing-symlanguageκαὶ αὐτὸς πίεται ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ1her will drink some of the wine of Gods wrath

Here, to drink from the wine of the wrath of God is a symbol for being punished by God. Alternate translation: “will also drink some of the wine that represents Gods wrath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

697REV1410fe83figs-activepassiveτοῦ κεκερασμένου ἀκράτου1that has been poured undiluted

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God has poured full strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

698REV1410bb38writing-symlanguageτοῦ κεκερασμένου ἀκράτου1that has been poured undiluted

This means that the wine has no water mixed into it. It is strong, and a person who drinks much of it will get very drunk. As a symbol, it means that God will be extremely angry, not just a little angry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

699REV1410zl4gwriting-symlanguageτῷ ποτηρίῳ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ1the cup of his anger

This symbolic cup holds the wine that represents Gods anger. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

700REV1411dds6figs-metonymyὁ καπνὸς τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῶν1The smoke from their torment

The phrase their torment refers to the fire that torments them. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the fire that torments them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

701REV1411z5eaοὐκ ἔχουσιν ἀνάπαυσιν1they have no rest

Alternate translation: “they have no relief” or “the torment does not stop”

702REV1412me1jὧδε ἡ ὑπομονὴ τῶν ἁγίων ἐστίν1Here is the patient endurance of the saints

See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 13:10.

703REV1413x62qοἱ νεκροὶ οἱ…ἀποθνῄσκοντες1the dead who die

Alternate translation: “those who die”

704REV1413hy1aοἱ ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκοντες1who die in the Lord

This may refer to believers who are killed by their enemies. Alternate translation: “who are united to the Lord and die” or “who die because they are united to the Lord”

705REV1413v4xzfigs-personificationτὰ…ἔργα αὐτῶν ἀκολουθεῖ μετ’ αὐτῶν1their deeds will follow them

These deeds are spoken of as if they were alive and able to follow those who did them. This could mean: (1) others will know the good deeds these people have done. (2) God will reward them for their deeds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

706REV1414ft6vwriting-symlanguage0Connecting Statement:

John begins to describe the next part of his vision. This part is about the Son of Man harvesting the earth. Harvesting the grain is a symbol of Gods judging people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

707REV1414gvw8figs-simileὅμοιον Υἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου1one like a son of man

Here, the expression a son of man describes a human figure, someone who looks human. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

708REV1414l89ctranslate-unknownδρέπανον ὀξύ1sickle

A sickle is a tool with a curved blade used for cutting grass, grain, and vines (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

709REV1415v6dyἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ1came out of the temple

Alternate translation: “came out of the heavenly temple”

710REV1415v2xffigs-metaphorἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα θερίσαι1the time to reap has come

Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

711REV1416nt7kfigs-activepassiveἐθερίσθη ἡ γῆ1the earth was harvested

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he harvested the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

712REV1418jp7lὁ ἔχων ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τοῦ πυρός1who had authority over the fire

Here, authority over refers to responsibility to tend the fire.

713REV1419f3mnτὴν ληνὸν τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ τὸν μέγαν1the great wine vat of Gods wrath

Alternate translation: “the large wine vat where God will show his wrath”

714REV1420b1bwληνὸς1winepress

This is “the great winepress” of Revelation 14:19.

715REV1420xt4zἄχρι τῶν χαλινῶν τῶν ἵππων1up to the height of a horses bridle

Alternate translation: “as high as the bridle in a horses mouth”

716REV1420m2i9τῶν χαλινῶν1bridle

A bridle is device made of leather straps that goes around a horses head and is used for directing the horse.

717REV1420gdl8translate-numbersσταδίων χιλίων ἑξακοσίων11,600 stadia

Alternate translation: “one thousand six hundred stadia” or “sixteen hundred stadia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

718REV1420dbz1translate-bdistanceσταδίων χιλίων ἑξακοσίων1

A “stadium” is 185 meters. The plural form of “stradium” is stadia. In modern measures this would be about “300 kilometers” or “200 miles.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

719REV15introzxt70

Revelation 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, John describes events and pictures that occur in heaven.

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 verses 3-4.

Special concepts in this chapter

“Victorious over the beast”

These people are spiritually victorious. While most spiritual battles cannot be seen, the Book of Revelation pictures spiritual battles as openly occurring. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

“The temple having the tent of witness, was open in heaven”

Scripture elsewhere indicates the earthly temple copied Gods perfect dwelling place in heaven. Here John seems to refer to Gods heavenly dwelling place or temple. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

Songs

The Book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. They worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped.

720REV151p98c0General Information:

This verse is a summary of what will happen in 15:6-16:21.

721REV151l345figs-doubletμέγα καὶ θαυμαστόν1great and marvelous

The words great and marvelous have similar meanings and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “something that greatly amazed me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

722REV151w6lfἀγγέλους ἑπτὰ ἔχοντας πληγὰς ἑπτὰ1seven angels with seven plagues

Alternate translation: “seven angels who had authority to send seven plagues on the earth”

723REV151mw7gτὰς ἐσχάτας1the final plagues

Alternate translation: “and after them, there will not be any more plagues”

724REV151ij3dfigs-activepassiveὅτι ἐν αὐταῖς ἐτελέσθη ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1for with them the wrath of God will be completed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for these plagues will complete the wrath of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

725REV151gdt5ὅτι ἐν αὐταῖς ἐτελέσθη ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1for with them the wrath of God will be completed

This could mean: (1) these plagues will show all of Gods anger. (2) after these plagues, God will no longer be angry.

726REV152ytq60General Information:

Here John begins to describe his vision of the people who had been victorious over the beast and who are praising God.

727REV152n9yjfigs-metaphorθάλασσαν ὑαλίνην1sea of glass

You can state explicitly how it was like glass or a sea. This could mean: (1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: “a sea that was as smooth as glass” (2) glass if spoken of as if it were a sea. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:6. Alternate translation: “glass that was spread out like a sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

728REV152pt8vfigs-explicitτοὺς νικῶντας ἐκ τοῦ θηρίου, καὶ ἐκ τῆς εἰκόνος αὐτοῦ1Those who had been victorious over the beast and over his image

You can state explicitly how they were victorious. Alternate translation: “who had been victorious over the beast and his image by not worshiping them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

729REV152dbz9figs-explicitἐκ τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ1over the number representing his name

You can state explicitly how they were victorious over the number. Alternate translation: “over the number representing his name by not being marked with that number” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

730REV152lra7τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ1the number representing his name

This refers to the number described in Revelation 13:18.

731REV153l5huᾄδουσιν1They were singing

Alternate translation: “those who had been victorious over the beast were singing”

732REV154hh87figs-rquestionτίς οὐ μὴ φοβηθῇ, Κύριε, καὶ δοξάσει τὸ ὄνομά σου, ὅτι μόνος ὅσιος?1Who will not fear you, Lord, and glorify your name that alone is holy?

This question is used to show their amazement at how great and glorious the Lord is. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Lord, everyone will fear you and glorify your name because you are holy!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

733REV154j9gjfigs-metonymyδοξάσει τὸ ὄνομά σου1glorify your name

The phrase your name refers to God. Alternate translation: “glorify you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

734REV154ei9kfigs-activepassiveτὰ δικαιώματά σου ἐφανερώθησαν1your righteous deeds have been revealed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you have made everyone know about your righteous deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

735REV155v4ye0Connecting Statement:

The seven angels with the seven plagues come out of the most holy place. They were spoken of previously in Revelation 15:1.

736REV155da6nμετὰ ταῦτα1After these things

Alternate translation: “after the people finished singing”

737REV156f9gqοἱ ἑπτὰ ἄγγελοι οἱ ἔχοντες τὰς ἑπτὰ πληγὰς1the seven angels holding the seven plagues

These seven angels were seen as holding seven plagues because in Revelation 17:7 they are given seven bowls full of the wrath of God.

738REV156nei2λίθον1linen

Linen is a fine, expensive cloth made from flax.

739REV156w9kwζώνας χρυσᾶς1sashes

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth worn on the upper body.

740REV157s4djτῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων1the four living creatures

See how you translated living creatures in Revelation 4:6

741REV157z1wzwriting-symlanguageἑπτὰ φιάλας χρυσᾶς, γεμούσας τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ1seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God

The word wrath here refers to punishment. Alternate translation: “seven gold bowls full of something that represents the wrath of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

742REV158s67rfigs-activepassiveἄχρι τελεσθῶσιν αἱ ἑπτὰ πληγαὶ τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀγγέλων1until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until the seven angels finished sending the seven plagues to the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

743REV16introv1cm0

Revelation 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the vision of chapter 15. Together they give the seven plagues that complete the wrath of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wrath]])

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 verses 5-7.

Special concepts in this chapter

“I heard a loud voice call out of the temple”

This is the same temple that was mentioned in chapter 15.

Seven bowls of Gods wrath

This chapter reveals severe judgments. They are pictured as angels pouring out seven bowls of Gods wrath. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The tone of this chapter is meant to astonish the reader. Translations should not minimize the vivid language expressed in this chapter.

Armageddon

This is a Hebrew word. It is the name of a place. John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate it using the letters of the target language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

744REV161nj830Connecting Statement:

John continues to describe the part of the vision about the seven angels with the seven plagues. The seven plagues are the seven bowls of Gods wrath.

745REV161t995ἤκουσα1I heard

Here, I refers to John.

746REV161k2nqwriting-symlanguageφιάλας τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ1bowls of Gods wrath

See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 15:7. Alternate translation: “bowls full of something that represents Gods wrath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

747REV162n7mwfigs-metonymyἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ1poured out his bowl

The word bowl refers to what is in it. Alternate translation: “poured out Gods wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

748REV162e66uἕλκος κακὸν καὶ πονηρὸν1painful sores

These could be infections from diseases or injuries that have not healed.

749REV162nux1τὸ χάραγμα τοῦ θηρίου1the mark of the beast

The mark of the beast was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast. See how you translated this in Revelation 13:17.

750REV163nc6afigs-metonymyἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ1poured out his bowl

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out Gods wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

751REV163sx66figs-synecdocheτὴν θάλασσαν1the sea

Here, the sea refers to all the salt water lakes and oceans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

752REV164p4aefigs-metonymyἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ1poured out his bowl

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out Gods wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

753REV164xu1yfigs-synecdocheτοὺς ποταμοὺς καὶ τὰς πηγὰς τῶν ὑδάτων1the rivers and the springs of water

This refers to all bodies of fresh water. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

754REV165f35aτοῦ ἀγγέλου τῶν ὑδάτων1the angel of the waters

This could refers to: (1) the third angel who was in charge of pouring out Gods wrath on the rivers and springs of water. (2) another angel who was in charge of all the waters.

755REV165e45ufigs-youδίκαιος εἶ1You are righteous

Here, You refers to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

756REV165itg7ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν1the one who is and who was

See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 1:4. Alternate translation: “God who is and who was”

757REV166b6wafigs-metonymyαἷμα ἁγίων καὶ προφητῶν ἐξέχεαν1they poured out the blood of the saints and prophets

Here, poured out the blood means they killed them. Alternate translation: “they murdered Gods holy people and the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

758REV166jy6aκαὶ αἷμα αὐτοῖς ἔδωκας πιεῖν1you have given them blood to drink

God will make the evil people drink the waters that he turned to blood.

759REV167p4c5figs-metonymyἤκουσα τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου λέγοντος1I heard the altar reply

Here, altar here refers perhaps to someone at the altar. “I heard someone at the altar reply” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

760REV168nne6figs-metonymyἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ1poured out his bowl

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out Gods wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

761REV168l6n2figs-personificationἐδόθη αὐτῷ καυματίσαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους1it was given permission to scorch the people

John speaks about the sun as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

762REV168jf31figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ καυματίσαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and caused the sun to severely burn the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

763REV169i2dufigs-activepassiveἐκαυματίσθησαν οἱ ἄνθρωποι καῦμα μέγα1the people were scorched by the terrible heat

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the extreme heat burned them badly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

764REV169pr4efigs-metonymyἐβλασφήμησαν τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ1they blasphemed the name of God

Here, the name of God represents God. Alternate translation: “they blasphemed God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

765REV169aza1figs-distinguishτὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ, τοῦ ἔχοντος τὴν ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τὰς πληγὰς ταύτας1God, who has the power over these plagues

This phrase reminds readers of something they already know about God. It helps to explain why the people were blaspheming God. Alternate translation: “God because he has the power over these plagues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

766REV169rd4ffigs-metaphorτὴν ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τὰς πληγὰς ταύτας1the power over these plagues

This refers to the power to inflict these plague on people, and the power to stop the plagues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

767REV1610f1pmfigs-metonymyἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ1poured out his bowl

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out Gods wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

768REV1610a2udfigs-metonymyτὸν θρόνον τοῦ θηρίου1the throne of the beast

The throne of the beast is where the beast reigns from. It may refer to the capital city of his kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

769REV1610hit6figs-activepassiveἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ ἐσκοτωμένη1darkness covered its kingdom

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the contents of the bowl made the kingdom of the beast dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

770REV1610pb1uἐμασῶντο1They chewed

Here, they refers to the people in the beasts kingdom.

771REV1611kna6ἐβλασφήμησαν1They blasphemed

Here, they refers to the people in the beasts kingdom.

772REV1612kv5yfigs-metonymyἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ1poured out his bowl

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out Gods wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

773REV1612amf1figs-activepassiveτὸν Εὐφράτην, καὶ ἐξηράνθη τὸ ὕδωρ αὐτοῦ1the Euphrates. Its water was dried up

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. You can also make it into two sentences. Alternate translation: “the Euphrates, and caused its water to dry up” or “the Euphrates. Its water dried up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

774REV1613bb6dὡς βάτραχοι1looked like frogs

A frog is a small animal that lives near water. Jews considered them unclean animals.

775REV1613ai28writing-symlanguageτοῦ δράκοντος1dragon

A dragon is a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

776REV1615u3v80General Information:

Verse 15 is a break from the main story line of Johns vision. These are words spoken by Jesus. The story line continues in verse 16.

777REV1615l16gfigs-explicit(ἰδοὺ, ἔρχομαι ὡς κλέπτης; μακάριος ὁ γρηγορῶν καὶ τηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ, ἵνα μὴ γυμνὸς περιπατῇ, καὶ βλέπωσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην αὐτοῦ.)1Look! I am coming … his shameful condition

This is in parentheses to show that it is not part of the story line in the vision. Rather, this is something that the Lord Jesus said. You can state explicitly that the Lord Jesus said this, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

778REV1615lgi6figs-simileἔρχομαι ὡς κλέπτης1I am coming as a thief

Jesus will come at a time when people do not expect him, just as a thief comes when not expected. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 3:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

779REV1615an84figs-metaphorτηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ1keeping his garments on

Living the right way is spoken of as keeping ones clothes on. Alternate translation: “doing what is right, like keeping his clothes on” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

780REV1615cia7τηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ1keeping his garments on

Some versions translate this phrase as, “keeps his garments with him.”

781REV1615qwa2βλέπωσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην αὐτοῦ1they might see his shameful condition

Here the word they refers to other people.

782REV1616m2v7συνήγαγεν αὐτοὺς1They brought them together

Alternate translation: “the spirits of the demons brought the kings and their armies together”

783REV1616cdx1figs-activepassiveτὸν τόπον τὸν καλούμενον1the place that is called

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the place that people call” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

784REV1616x6fftranslate-namesἉρμαγεδών1Armageddon

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

785REV1617ny8p0Connecting Statement:

The seventh angel pours out the seventh bowl of Gods wrath.

786REV1617nhs7figs-metonymyἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ1poured out his bowl

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out Gods wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

787REV1617a15pfigs-metonymyκαὶ ἐξῆλθεν φωνὴ μεγάλη ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ θρόνου1Then a loud voice came out of the temple and from the throne

This means someone sitting on the throne or someone standing near the throne spoke loudly. It is unclear who is speaking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

788REV1618x586ἀστραπαὶ1flashes of lightning

Use your languages way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.

789REV1618c9faφωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί1rumbles, crashes of thunder

These sounds and crashes are the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your languages way of describing the sound of thunder. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.

790REV1619q8lgfigs-activepassiveἐγένετο ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη εἰς1The great city was split

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the earthquake split the great city into” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

791REV1619r2vhfigs-activepassiveΒαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Then God called to mind

This does not mean that God remembered something he had forgotten. Alternate translation: “then God remembered Babylon the Great” or “then God thought of Babylon the Great” or “then God started to pay attention to Babylon the Great” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

792REV1619g6s8writing-symlanguageδοῦναι αὐτῇ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ1he gave that city the cup filled with the wine made from his furious wrath

Here, the wine is a symbol of his wrath. Making people drink it is a symbol of punishing them. Alternate translation: “he made the people of that city drink the wine that represents his wrath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

793REV1620byn4figs-metonymyὄρη οὐχ εὑρέθησαν1the mountains were no longer found

The inability to see any mountains is metonymy expressing the idea that no mountains existed any longer. Alternate translation: “there were no longer any mountains” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

794REV1621i43rtranslate-bweightταλαντιαία1a talent

You may convert the talent to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “33 kilograms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])

795REV17introysn10

Revelation 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins to describe how God will destroy Babylon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Prostitute

Scripture often pictures idolatrous Jews as adulterous people and sometimes as prostitutes. This is not the reference here. The translator should allow this illustration to be vague. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

Seven hills

This possibly refers to the city of Rome, which was known as the city on seven hills. However, the translator should not attempt to identify Rome in the translation.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

John uses many different metaphors in this chapter. He explains some of their meanings, but allows them to remain relatively unclear. The translator should attempt to do the same. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The beast you saw existed, does not exist now, but is about to come up”

This and similar phrases in this chapter contrast the beast with Jesus. Jesus is called “the one who is, and who was, and who is to come” elsewhere in the Book of Revelation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in 17:11 is a paradox: “the beast … is itself also an eighth king; but it is one of those seven kings.” The translator should not attempt to resolve this paradox. It should remain a mystery. (Revelation 17:11)

796REV171ppd70General Information:

John begins to describe the part of his vision about the great prostitute.

797REV171c6f4figs-abstractnounsτὸ κρίμα τῆς πόρνης τῆς μεγάλης1the condemnation of the great prostitute

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun “judgment”, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “how God will judge the great prostitute” or “how God will condemn the great prostitute”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

798REV171f7rywriting-symlanguageτῆς πόρνης τῆς μεγάλης1the great prostitute

Here, the great prostitute represents a certain sinful city. Alternate translation: “the prostitute that everyone knows about” or “a certain sinful city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

799REV171crs4figs-explicitἐπὶ ὑδάτων πολλῶν1on many waters

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a more specific word for the kind of water. Alternate translation: “on many rivers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

800REV172paa4writing-symlanguageἐμεθύσθησαν οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν γῆν ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1It is with the wine of her sexual immorality that the earths inhabitants became drunk

Here to be drunk from the wine of her sexual immorality represents fully giving themselves over to doing sexually immoral acts. Alternate translation: “the people of the earth fully engaged in every kind of sexual immorality” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

801REV172f1ybfigs-distinguishτοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1

Here, the wine represents sexual immorality. Alternate translation: “her wine, that is, they were sexually immoral” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

802REV172ayw3figs-metaphorτῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1her sexual immorality

This may well have a double meaning: sexual immorality among people and also the worship of false gods. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

803REV173hf43writing-backgroundἀπήνεγκέν με εἰς ἔρημον ἐν Πνεύματι1carried me away in the Spirit to a wilderness

The setting changes from John being in heaven to being in a wilderness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

804REV174rw19translate-unknownμαργαρίταις1pearls

A pearl is a beautiful and valuable white bead that is formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

805REV175az5bfigs-activepassiveἐπὶ τὸ μέτωπον αὐτῆς ὄνομα γεγραμμένον1On her forehead was written a name

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had written on her forehead a name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

806REV175l75tfigs-explicitΒαβυλὼν ἡ Μεγάλη1Babylon the great

If it needs to be made explicit that the name refers to the woman, it can be put in a new sentence. Alternate translation: “I am Babylon, the powerful one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

807REV176iq7b0General Information:

The angel begins to explain to John the meaning of the prostitute and the red beast. The angel explains these things through verse 18.

808REV176iwz1μεθύουσαν ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος…καὶ ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος1was drunk with the blood … and with the blood

Alternate translation: “was drunk because she had drunk the blood … and had drunk the blood”

809REV176yqi7τῶν μαρτύρων Ἰησοῦ1the martyrs for Jesus

Alternate translation: “of the believers who have died because they told others about Jesus”

810REV176ydi9ἐθαύμασα1I marveled

Alternate translation: “I was amazed” or “I was surprised”

811REV177j412figs-rquestionδιὰ τί ἐθαύμασας?1Why are you astonished?

The angel used this question to gently scold John. If your readers would misunderstand thuis question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be astonished!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

812REV178upm7τῆς Ἀβύσσου1the bottomless pit

The abyss is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.

813REV178usl4figs-abstractnounsκαὶ εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει1Then it will go on to destruction

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun destruction, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “and then he will be destroyed” or “and God will destroy him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

814REV178glf1figs-metaphorεἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει1it will go on to destruction

The certainty of what will happen in the future is spoken of as if the beast were going to it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

815REV178r6h4figs-activepassiveὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὰ ὀνόματα1those whose names have not been written

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whose names God did not write” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

816REV179p6lrfigs-abstractnounsὧδε ὁ νοῦς ὁ ἔχων σοφίαν1Here is the mind that has wisdom

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns mind and wisdom, you can express them with “think” and “wise” or “wisely.” Alternate translation: “You need to think wisely in order to understand this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

817REV179xcyofigs-explicitὧδε ὁ νοῦς ὁ ἔχων σοφίαν1

You can state explicitly why a wise mind is needed. Alternate translation: “A wise mind is needed in order to understand this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

818REV179nr42αἱ ἑπτὰ κεφαλαὶ ἑπτὰ ὄρη εἰσίν1The seven heads are seven hills

Here, are means “stand for” or “represent.”

819REV1710yk93figs-metaphorοἱ πέντε ἔπεσαν1Five kings have fallen

The angel speaks of dying as falling. Alternate translation: “five kings have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

820REV1710d2wxὁ εἷς ἔστιν1one is

Alternate translation: “one is king now” or “one king is alive now”

821REV1710kw95figs-metaphorὁ ἄλλος οὔπω ἦλθεν1the other has not yet come; when he comes

Not having existed yet is spoken of as not yet having come. Alternate translation: “the other has not yet become king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

822REV1710v8vxfigs-metaphorὅταν ἔλθῃ, ὀλίγον αὐτὸν δεῖ μεῖναι1he can remain only for a little while

The angel speaks of someone continuing to be king as if he were remaining in a place. Alternate translation: “he can be king only for a little while” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

823REV1711b1ctἐκ τῶν ἑπτά ἐστιν1is one of those seven kings

This could mean: (1) the beast rules twice: first as one of the seven kings, and then as the eighth king. (2) the beast belongs to that group of seven kings because he is like them.

824REV1711w7skfigs-metaphorεἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει1it is going to destruction

The certainty of what will happen in the future is spoken of as if the beast were going to it. Alternate translation: “it will certainly be destroyed” or “God will surely destroy it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

825REV1712gq2m0Connecting Statement:

The angel explains the meaning of the ten horns of the beast.

826REV1712n2rdtranslate-unknownμίαν ὥραν1for one hour

If your language does not divide the day into 24 hours, you may need to use a more general expression. Alternate translation: “for a very short time” or “for a very small part of a day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

827REV1713w7jbοὗτοι μίαν γνώμην ἔχουσιν1These are of one mind

Alternate translation: “These all think the same thing” or “These all agree to do the same thing”

828REV1714wt9kwriting-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1the Lamb

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, Lamb is used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

829REV1714abb5figs-activepassiveκλητοὶ, καὶ ἐκλεκτοὶ, καὶ πιστοί1the called ones, the chosen ones, and the faithful ones

This refers to one group of people. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state the words called and chosen in active form. Alternate translation: “the called, chosen, and faithful ones” or “the ones whom God has called and chosen, who are faithful to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

830REV1715f5x6figs-metaphorτὰ ὕδατα ἃ εἶδες, οὗ ἡ πόρνη κάθηται, λαοὶ καὶ ὄχλοι εἰσὶν, καὶ ἔθνη καὶ γλῶσσαι1The waters you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages

Here, are stands for “represent.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

831REV1715kq1efigs-explicitτὰ ὕδατα1The waters

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a more specific word for the kind of water. See how you translated “many waters” in Revelation 17:1. Alternate translation: “The rivers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

832REV1715zsh5ὄχλοι1multitudes

large groups of people

833REV1715ua3sfigs-metonymyγλῶσσαι1languages

Here, tongues refers to people who speak the languages. See how you translated this in Revelation 10:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

834REV1716j157ἠρημωμένην ποιήσουσιν αὐτὴν καὶ γυμνήν1make her desolate and naked

Alternate translation: “they will steal everything that she has and leave her with nothing”

835REV1716f9asfigs-metaphorτὰς σάρκας αὐτῆς φάγονται1they will devour her flesh

Destroying her completely is spoken of as eating all her flesh. Alternate translation: “they will destroy her completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

836REV1717y8cnὁ γὰρ Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν ποιῆσαι τὴν γνώμην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ποιῆσαι μίαν γνώμην, καὶ δοῦναι τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτῶν τῷ θηρίῳ, ἄχρι τελεσθήσονται οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοῦ1For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by agreeing to give … until Gods words are fulfilled

They would agree to give their power to the beast, but it would not be that they want to obey God. Alternate translation: “For God has put it into their hearts to agree to give their kingdom to the beast until Gods words are fulfilled, and by doing this, they would carry out Gods purpose”

837REV1717sb1dfigs-metonymyὁ γὰρ Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν ποιῆσαι1God has put it into their hearts

Here, heart is a metonym for desires. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

838REV1717j0tsfigs-metaphorὁ γὰρ Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν ποιῆσαι1

Making them want to do something is spoken of as putting it into their hearts to do it. Alternate translation: “God has made them want to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

839REV1717ku6mτὴν βασιλείαν αὐτῶν1their kingdom

Alternate translation: “their authority” or “their kingly authority”

840REV1717el9yfigs-activepassiveἄχρι τελεσθήσονται οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοῦ1until Gods words are fulfilled

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until God fulfills what he said will happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

841REV1718w2lu0Connecting Statement:

The angel finishes speaking to John about the prostitute and the beast.

842REV1718md61figs-metaphorἔστιν1is

Here, is stands for “represents.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

843REV1718uy1mfigs-metonymyἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ ἔχουσα βασιλείαν1the great city that rules

When it says that the city rules, it means that the leader of the city rules. Alternate translation: “the great city whose leader rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

844REV18introj5qc0

Revelation 18 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 verses 1-8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Prophecy

The angel prophesies about Babylon falling, which here means being destroyed. It is spoken of as having already happened. This is common in prophecy. It emphasizes that the coming judgment will certainly happen. The angel also prophesies that the people will lament over Babylon falling. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Prophecy frequently uses metaphors. This chapter has a slightly different apocalyptic style than the Book of Revelation overall. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

845REV181xxe50Connecting Statement:

Another angel comes down from heaven and speaks. This is a different angel than the one in the previous chapter, who spoke about the prostitute and the beast.

846REV182a2f5figs-metaphorἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη1Fallen is Babylon the great

The angel speaks of Babylon having been destroyed as if it had fallen. See how you translated this in Revelation 14:8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

847REV182fl3mfigs-personificationΒαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη1

The angel speaks of the city of Babylon as if it were a prostitute. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

848REV183l5jqfigs-metonymyπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1all the nations

Here, the nations is a metonym for the people of those nations. Alternate translation: “the people of all the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

849REV183kpp1writing-symlanguageἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς, πέπτωκαν1have drunk the wine of her immoral passion

Here, drinking from the wine of her immoral passion is a symbol for participating in her sexually immoral passion. Alternate translation: “have become sexually immoral like her” or “have become drunk like her in sexual sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

850REV183j1atfigs-metaphorτοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1

This may well have a double meaning: literal sexual immorality and also the worship of false gods. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

851REV183kp3pfigs-personificationμετ’ αὐτῆς ἐπόρνευσαν1her immoral passion

Babylon is spoken of as if it were a prostitute who has caused other people to sin along with her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

852REV183ejc5ἔμποροι1merchants

A merchant is a person who sells things.

853REV183ql37ἐκ τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ στρήνους αὐτῆς1from the power of her sensual way of living

Alternate translation: “because she spent so much money on sexual immorality”

854REV184nz77figs-metonymyἄλλην φωνὴν1another voice

Here, voice refers to the speaker, which is probably either Jesus or the Father. Alternate translation: “someone else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

855REV185e32wfigs-metaphorἐκολλήθησαν αὐτῆς αἱ ἁμαρτίαι ἄχρι τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1her sins have piled up as high as heaven

The voice speaks of Babylons sins as if they were objects that could form a pile. Alternate translation: “her sins are so many they are like a pile that reaches heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

856REV185u2yuἐμνημόνευσεν1has remembered

This does not mean that God remembered something he had forgotten. See how you translated “called to mind” in Revelation 16:19. Alternate translation: “has thought of” or “has started to pay attention to”

857REV186ec42figs-metaphorἀπόδοτε αὐτῇ ὡς καὶ αὐτὴ ἀπέδωκεν1Pay her back as she has paid others back

The voice speaks of punishment as if it were repayment. Alternate translation: “Punish her as she has punished others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

858REV186pa62figs-metaphorδιπλώσατε τὰ διπλᾶ1repay her double

The voice speaks of punishment as if it were repayment. Alternate translation: “punish her twice as much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

859REV186xba5figs-metaphorἐν τῷ ποτηρίῳ ᾧ ἐκέρασεν, κεράσατε αὐτῇ διπλοῦν1in the cup she mixed, mix double the amount for her

The voice speaks of causing others to suffer as preparing strong wine for them to drink. Alternate translation: “prepare for her the wine of suffering that is twice as strong as what she made for others” or “make her suffer twice as much as she made others suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

860REV186l3n5κεράσατε…διπλοῦν1mix double the amount

Here, mix double could mean: (1) they should prepare twice the amount. (2) they should make it twice as strong.

861REV187we2tἐδόξασεν αὑτὴν1she glorified herself

Alternate translation: “the people of Babylon glorified themselves”

862REV187yt32figs-metonymyὅτι ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς λέγει1For she says in her heart

Here, heart is a metonym for a persons mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: “For she says to herself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

863REV187m3mgfigs-simileκάθημαι βασίλισσα1I am seated as a queen

She claims to be a ruler, having her own authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

864REV187dy5kfigs-metaphorχήρα οὐκ εἰμί1I am not a widow

She implies that she will not be dependent on other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

865REV187eh5rfigs-metaphorπένθος οὐ μὴ ἴδω1I will never see mourning

Experiencing mourning is spoken of as seeing mourning. Alternate translation: “I will never mourn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

866REV188u6r9figs-metaphorἥξουσιν αἱ πληγαὶ αὐτῆς1her plagues will come

Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

867REV188vkk2figs-metaphorἐν πυρὶ κατακαυθήσεται1She will be consumed by fire

Being burned up by fire is spoken of as being eaten up by fire. Alternate translation: “she will be completely burned up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

868REV188tjd9figs-activepassiveἐν πυρὶ κατακαυθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “fire will completely burn her up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

869REV189lj140General Information:

In these verses the word her refers to the city of Babylon.

870REV189wk13μετ’ αὐτῆς πορνεύσαντες καὶ στρηνιάσαντες1committed sexual immorality and went out of control with her

Alternate translation: “sinned sexually and did whatever they wanted just as the people of Babylon did”

871REV1810j3lnfigs-abstractnounsδιὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς1because of the fear of her torment

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun torment, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “because they were afraid that they would be tormented like Babylon” or “because they were afraid that God would torment them as he torments Babylon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

872REV1810qn81οὐαὶ, οὐαί1Woe, woe

The word Woe is repeated for emphasis.

873REV1810hkd8figs-metaphorἦλθεν ἡ κρίσις σου1your judgement has come

Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

874REV1811fe7uπενθοῦσιν ἐπ’ αὐτήν1mourn for her

Alternate translation: “mourn for the people of Babylon”

875REV1812krs3λίθου τιμίου, καὶ μαργαριτῶν1precious stone, pearls

See how you translated these in Revelation 17:4. Alternate translation: “many kinds of expensive stones”

876REV1812hnk1βυσσίνου1fine linen

The fine linen is an expensive cloth made from flax. See how you translated “linen” in Revelation 15:6.

877REV1812xm9utranslate-unknownπορφύρας, καὶ σιρικοῦ, καὶ κοκκίνου1purple, silk, scarlet

Purple cloth is a very dark red cloth that was very expensive at that time. Silk is a soft, strong cloth made from the fine string that silkworms make when they make their cocoons. Scarlet cloth was an expensive red cloth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

878REV1812hir4πᾶν σκεῦος ἐλεφάντινον1every vessel of ivory

Alternate translation: “all kinds of containers made of ivory”

879REV1812yri7translate-unknownσκεῦος ἐλεφάντινον1ivory

Ivory is a beautiful hard, white material that people get from the tusks or teeth of very large animals such as elephants or walruses. Alternate translation: “container made from tusks” or “container made from valuable animal teeth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

880REV1812b8xctranslate-unknownμαρμάρου1marble

Marble is a precious stone that is used for building and to make statues, furniture, and many other things. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

881REV1813gz3vκιννάμωμον1cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that smells nice and comes from the bark of a certain kind of tree.

882REV1813z894ἄμωμον1spice

Spice is a substance used to add flavor to food or a good smell to oil.

883REV1814x3klfigs-metaphorἡ ὀπώρα1The fruit

The autumn fruit refers to fruit that ripens in the fall. Here, it is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

884REV1814a1aaτῆς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ψυχῆς1the desire of your soul

Alternate translation: “what you wanted very much”

885REV1814p7f7figs-metaphorἀπώλετο ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν1vanished, never to be found again

Not to be found stands for not existing. Alternate translation: “has vanished, and they will never exist again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

886REV1814z9rvfigs-activepassiveἀπώλετο ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν1

If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you can state it in active form. Alternate translation: “has vanished; you will never have them again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

887REV1815s4iqfigs-abstractnounsδιὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς1because of the fear of her torment

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns fear and torment, you can express them as verbs. Alternate translation: “because they will be afraid of God tormenting them they way he torments her” or “because they will be afraid of suffering the way she is suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

888REV1815ii7vκλαίοντες καὶ πενθοῦντες1weeping and mourning loudly

The merchants are the ones who will be weeping and mourning loudly. Alternate translation: “and the merchants will weep and mourn loudly”

889REV1816i7ipfigs-metaphorἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον1the great city that was dressed in fine linen

Throughout this chapter, Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “the great city, which was like a woman dressed in fine linen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

890REV1816qlo3figs-metonymyἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον1

The merchants speak of Babylon as being dressed in fine linen because its people were dressed in fine linen. Alternate translation: “the great city, whose women were dressed in fine linen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

891REV1816nji6figs-activepassiveἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον1that was dressed in fine linen

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that wore fine linen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

892REV1816v6q3figs-activepassiveκεχρυσωμένη ἐν χρυσίῳ1was adorned with gold

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “adorned herself with gold” or “adorned themselves with gold” or “wore gold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

893REV1816i5uyλίθῳ τιμίῳ1precious jewels

Alternate translation: “valuable gems” or “treasured gems”

894REV1816rtm9translate-unknownμαργαρίτῃ1pearls

Pearls are beautiful and valuable white beads that are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. See how you translated this in Revelation 17:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

895REV1817ap3vfigs-metonymyτὴν θάλασσαν ἐργάζονται1whose living is made from the sea

The phrase work the sea refers to what they do on the sea. Alternate translation: “who travel on the sea to make their living” or “who sail on the sea to different places in order to trade things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

896REV1818v7qefigs-rquestionτίς ὁμοία τῇ πόλει τῇ μεγάλῃ?1What city is like the great city?

This question shows the people the importance of the city of Babylon. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could translate it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No other city is like the great city, Babylon!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

897REV1820ld6cfigs-abstractnounsἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ κρίμα ὑμῶν ἐξ αὐτῆς1God has brought your judgment on her

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun judgment, you can express it with the verb “judge.” Alternate translation: “God has judged her for you” or “God has judged her because of the bad things she did to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

898REV1821b94u0Connecting Statement:

Another angel begins to speak about Babylon. This is a different angel than the ones who have spoken previously.

899REV1821el4eμύλινον μέγαν1millstone

A millstone large round stone used to crush grain.

900REV1821dlp4figs-metaphorὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις, καὶ οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι1Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down with violence and will not be seen anymore

To be thrown down and not be seen anymore speaks of complete destruction of the city. Alternate translation: “Babylon will be completely destroyed and will no longer exist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

901REV1821kwsyfigs-activepassiveὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις, καὶ οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will violently throw down Babylon, the great city, and it will no longer exist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

902REV1821kre6figs-metonymyοὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι1will not be seen anymore

Not being seen here means that it will not exist. Alternate translation: “it will not exist anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

903REV1822j6aqfigs-activepassiveφωνὴ κιθαρῳδῶν, καὶ μουσικῶν, καὶ αὐλητῶν, καὶ σαλπιστῶν, οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι1The sound made by harpists, musicians, flute players, and trumpeters will not be heard anymore in you

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one in your city will ever again hear the sound that harpists, musicians, flute players, and trumpeters make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

904REV1822da3hfigs-apostropheἐν σοὶ1in you

The angel speaks as if Babylon were there listening to him. Alternate translation: “in Babylon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

905REV1822c88lfigs-metonymyοὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι1will not be heard anymore in you

Not being heard here means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: “they will not be in your city anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

906REV1822cu19figs-metonymyπᾶς τεχνίτης οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἐν σοὶ1No craftsman … will be found in you

Not being found there means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: “no craftsman of any kind will be in your city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

907REV1822c7p2figs-metonymyφωνὴ μύλου οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι1No sound of a mill will be heard anymore in you

The sound of something not being heard means that no one will make that sound. Alternate translation: “no one will use a mill in your city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

908REV1823d3yq0Connecting Statement:

The angel who threw the millstone finishes talking.

909REV1823d67ifigs-activepassiveφωνὴ νυμφίου καὶ νύμφης οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι1The voices of the bridegroom and the bride will not be heard in you anymore

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will ever again hear in Babylon the happy voices of a bridegroom and a bride” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

910REV1823ja6mfigs-metonymyοὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι1will not be heard in you anymore

Not being heard here means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: “will not be in your city anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

911REV1823q8qmfigs-metaphorοἱ ἔμποροί σου ἦσαν οἱ μεγιστᾶνες τῆς γῆς1your merchants were the princes of the earth

The angel speaks of important and powerful people as if they were princes. Alternate translation: “your merchants were like princes of the earth” or “your merchants were the most important men in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

912REV1823j3iyfigs-activepassiveἐν τῇ φαρμακείᾳ σου ἐπλανήθησαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1all the nations were deceived by your sorcery

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you deceived the people of the nations with your magic spells” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

913REV1824s8bpfigs-metonymyἐν αὐτῇ αἷμα προφητῶν καὶ ἁγίων εὑρέθη, καὶ πάντων τῶν ἐσφαγμένων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1In her the blood of prophets and saints was found, and the blood of all who have been killed on the earth

Here, blood being found means that the people of the city were guilty of killing people. Alternate translation: “in her is the guilt for the death of the prophets and saints, along with all the other people in the world who were killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

914REV1824btz5figs-activepassiveἐν αὐτῇ αἷμα προφητῶν καὶ ἁγίων εὑρέθη, καὶ πάντων τῶν ἐσφαγμένων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Babylon is guilty of killing the prophets and believers and all the other people in the world who were killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

915REV19introh7850

Revelation 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The beginning of chapter 19 concludes the topic of Babylon falling.

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 verses 1-8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Songs

The Book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. They worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]])

Wedding celebration

The wedding celebration or feast is an important image in Scripture. Jewish culture often pictured paradise, or life with God after death, as a feast. Here, the wedding feast is for the Lamb, who is Jesus, and his bride, who is all his people.

916REV191qu5h0General Information:

This is the next part of Johns vision. Here he describes the rejoicing in heaven over the fall of the great prostitute, who is the city of Babylon.

917REV191lr94ἤκουσα1I heard

Here, I refers to John.

918REV191nk8xἁλληλουϊά1Hallelujah

The word Hallelujah means “Praise God” or “Let us praise God.”

919REV192u1rpfigs-metaphorτὴν πόρνην τὴν μεγάλην1the great prostitute

Here John refers to the city of Babylon whose wicked people rule over all the people of the earth and lead them to worship false gods. He speaks of the wicked people of Babylon as if they were a great prostitute. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

920REV192ky99figs-metonymyἥτις ἔφθειρεν τὴν γῆν1who corrupted the earth

Here, the earth is a metonym for its inhabitants. Alternate translation: “who corrupted the people of the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

921REV192d9j7figs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ1the blood of his servants

Here, the blood is a metonym that represents murder. Alternate translation: “the murder of his servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

922REV192cj3tfigs-rpronounsἐκ χειρὸς αὐτῆς1from her hand

Here, he refers to Babylon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

923REV193jm9mεἴρηκαν1They spoke

Here, they refers to the crowd of people in heaven.

924REV193h1k4ἁλληλουϊά1Hallelujah

The word Hallelujah means “Praise God” or “Let us praise God.” See how you translated this in Revelation 19:1.

925REV193zy6eκαπνὸς αὐτῆς ἀναβαίνει1smoke rises from her

The word her refers to the city of Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a prostitute. The smoke is from the fire that destroys the city. Alternate translation: “smoke rises from that city”

926REV194r43ftranslate-numbersοἱ πρεσβύτεροι οἱ εἴκοσι τέσσαρες1The twenty-four elders

See how you translated this in Revelation 4:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

927REV194y4qdτὰ τέσσερα ζῷα1the four living creatures

See how you translated this in Revelation 4:6 Alternate translation: “the four living beings” or “the four living things”

928REV194dns7figs-activepassiveτῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ1who was seated on the throne

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “who sat on the throne” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

929REV195w9qefigs-personificationφωνὴ ἀπὸ τοῦ θρόνου ἐξῆλθεν1a voice came out from the throne

Here John speaks of a voice as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “someone spoke from the throne” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

930REV195c3lmfigs-exclusiveαἰνεῖτε τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν1Praise our God

Here, our refers to the speaker and all Gods servants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

931REV195cck3figs-explicitοἱ φοβούμενοι αὐτόν1those who fear him

Here, fear does not mean to be afraid of God, but to honor him. Alternate translation: “all you who honor him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

932REV195qdb3figs-merismοἱ μικροὶ καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι1both the small and the great

The speaker uses the words small and great together to include all of Gods people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

933REV196kq7nfigs-simileκαὶ ἤκουσα ὡς φωνὴν ὄχλου πολλοῦ, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν ὑδάτων πολλῶν, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν βροντῶν ἰσχυρῶν1Then I heard what sounded like the voice of a great number of people, like the roar of many waters, and like loud crashes of thunder

John speaks of what he is hearing as if it were like the sound made by a very large crowd of people, a large body of rushing water, and very loud thunder. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

934REV196mdj6ἁλληλουϊά1Hallelujah

The word Hallelujah means “Praise God” or “Let us praise God.” See how you translated this in Revelation 19:1.

935REV196e3uaὅτι…Κύριος1For the Lord

Alternate translation: “Because the Lord”

936REV197hi520Connecting Statement:

The voice of the crowd from the previous verse continues speaking.

937REV197api6χαίρωμεν1Let us rejoice

Here, us refers to all of Gods servants.

938REV197m5avδῶμεν τὴν δόξαν αὐτῷ1give him the glory

Alternate translation: “give God the glory” or “honor God”

939REV197bwf9figs-metaphorὁ γάμος τοῦ Ἀρνίου…ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ ἡτοίμασεν ἑαυτήν1wedding celebration of the Lamb … his bride has made herself ready

Here John speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people together forever as if it were a wedding celebration and his people were his bride. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

940REV197r5xtwriting-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1Lamb

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, the Lamb used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

941REV197j6d7figs-metaphorἦλθεν1has come

Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

942REV197q9e4figs-metaphorἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ ἡτοίμασεν ἑαυτήν1his bride has made herself ready

John speaks of Gods people as if they were a bride who has gotten herself ready for her wedding. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

943REV198pz72figs-metaphorἐδόθη αὐτῇ ἵνα περιβάληται βύσσινον λαμπρὸν καθαρόν1She was permitted to be dressed in bright and clean fine linen

Here, her and she refer to the people of God. John speaks of the righteous acts of Gods people as if they were a bright and clean dress that a bride wears on her wedding day. Alternate translation: “and it was permitted to them to wear a dress of bright and clean fine linen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

944REV198oz7xfigs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῇ ἵνα περιβάληται βύσσινον λαμπρὸν καθαρόν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God allowed her to wear a dress of bright and clean fine linen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

945REV199ayc40General Information:

An angel begins to speak to John. This is likely the same angel who began to speak to John in Revelation 17:1.

946REV199l72pfigs-activepassiveοἱ…κεκλημένοι1those who are invited

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the people whom God invites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

947REV199q4yafigs-metaphorτὸ δεῖπνον τοῦ γάμου τοῦ Ἀρνίου1the wedding feast of the Lamb

Here the angel speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people forever as if it were a wedding supper. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

948REV1910uq6hἔπεσα ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ1I fell down at his feet

This means that John purposely lay on the ground and stretched himself out in reverence or submission. This action was an important part of worship, to show respect and willingness to serve. See note in Revelation 19:3.

949REV1910i2yqτῶν ἀδελφῶν σου1your brothers

Here the word brothers here refers to all believers, male and female.

950REV1910up6lfigs-metaphorτῶν ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ1who hold the testimony about Jesus

Here holding stands for believing in or announcing. Alternate translation: “who speak the truth about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

951REV1910rku2figs-explicitἡ γὰρ μαρτυρία Ἰησοῦ ἐστιν τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς προφητείας1for the testimony about Jesus is the spirit of prophecy

Here, the spirit of prophecy refers to Gods Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “for it is the Spirit of God who gives people the power to speak the truth about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

952REV1911xx120General Information:

This is the beginning of a new vision. John begins to describe a rider on a white horse.

953REV1911m1qnκαὶ εἶδον τὸν οὐρανὸν ἠνεῳγμένον1Then I saw heaven open

This imagery is used to signify the beginning of a new vision. See how you translated this idea in Revelation 4:1 and Revelation 11:19 and Revelation 15:5.

954REV1911hcs8ὁ καθήμενος ἐπ’ αὐτὸν1The one riding it

The rider is Jesus.

955REV1911lp9afigs-explicitἐν δικαιοσύνῃ κρίνει καὶ πολεμεῖ1It is with justice that he judges and wages war

Here, righteousness refers to what is right. Alternate translation: “he judges all people and wages war according to what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

956REV1912p9akfigs-simileοἱ…ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ φλὸξ πυρός1His eyes are like a fiery flame

John speaks of the riders eyes as if they shone like a flame of fire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

957REV1912yhr7figs-activepassiveἔχων ὄνομα γεγραμμένον1He has a name written

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and someone has written a name on him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

958REV1912kk9xfigs-rpronounsὃ οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, εἰ μὴ αὐτός1that no one knows but himself

Here, except himself means that he is the only one. Alternate translation: “on him, and only he knows the meaning of that name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

959REV1913vny3figs-activepassiveπεριβεβλημένος ἱμάτιον βεβαμμένον αἵματι1He wears a robe that was dipped in blood

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and blood had covered his robe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

960REV1913hdk1figs-metonymyκέκληται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ1his name is called the Word of God

Here, Word of God is a metonym for Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “his name is called the Message of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

961REV1913p7tsfigs-activepassiveκέκληται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “his name is also the Word of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

962REV1915m9ynἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ἐκπορεύεται ῥομφαία ὀξεῖα1Out of his mouth goes a sharp sword

The sword blade was sticking out of his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 1:16.

963REV1915a88tπατάξῃ τὰ ἔθνη1he might strike the nations

Alternate translation: “he could destroy the nations” or “he could bring the nations under his control”

964REV1915uq4zfigs-metaphorποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ1shepherd them with an iron rod

John speaks of the riders power as if he were ruling with an iron rod. See how you translated this in Revelation 12:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

965REV1915nb4yfigs-metaphorαὐτὸς πατεῖ τὴν ληνὸν τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Παντοκράτορος1He tramples in the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty

John speaks of the riders destroying his enemies as if they were grapes that a person tramples in a winepress. Alternate translation: “he crushes his enemies according to the wrath of God Almighty, just as a person crushes grapes in a winepress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

966REV1915vhk8figs-explicitαὐτὸς πατεῖ τὴν ληνὸν τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Παντοκράτορος1

Here, wrath refers to Gods punishment of evil persons. Alternate translation: “he crushes his enemies according to the judgment of God Almighty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

967REV1916a61afigs-activepassiveἔχει ἐπὶ τὸ ἱμάτιον καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν μηρὸν αὐτοῦ, ὄνομα γεγραμμένον1He has a name written on his robe and on his thigh:

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone has written a name on his robe and thigh:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

968REV1917m6dtfigs-metonymyεἶδον ἕνα ἄγγελον ἑστῶτα ἐν τῷ ἡλίῳ1I saw an angel standing in the sun

Here, the sun is a metonym for the light of the sun. Alternate translation: “Then I saw an angel standing in the light of the sun” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

969REV1918khs9figs-merismἐλευθέρων τε καὶ δούλων, καὶ μικρῶν καὶ μεγάλων1both free and slaves, and small and great

The angel uses these two sets of opposite-meaning words together to refer to all people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

970REV1920q83vfigs-activepassiveἐπιάσθη τὸ θηρίον, καὶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ὁ ψευδοπροφήτης1The beast was captured and with him the false prophet

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the rider on the white horse captured the beast and the false prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

971REV1920gs37τὸ χάραγμα τοῦ θηρίου1the mark of the beast

The mark of the beast was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast. See how you translated this in Revelation 13:17.

972REV1920ht8gfigs-activepassiveζῶντες ἐβλήθησαν οἱ δύο1The two of them were thrown alive

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw the beast and the false prophet alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

973REV1920blr1τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρὸς, τῆς καιομένης ἐν θείῳ1the fiery lake of burning sulfur

Alternate translation: “place full of fire that burns with sulfur”

974REV1921h6eafigs-activepassiveοἱ λοιποὶ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ ἵππου, τῇ ἐξελθούσῃ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ1The rest of them were killed by the sword that came out of the mouth of the one who rode on the horse

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the rider of the horse killed the remainder of the beasts armies with the sword that extended from his mouth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

975REV1921qk9tτῇ ῥομφαίᾳ…τῇ ἐξελθούσῃ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ1the sword that came out of the mouth

The sword blade was sticking out of his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 1:16.

976REV20introc7eh0

Revelation 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The thousand-year reign of Christ

In this chapter, Jesus is said to reign for a thousand years, at the same time that Satan is bound. Scholars are divided over whether this refers to a future period of time or to Jesus reigning now from heaven. It is not necessary to understand this passage in order to translate it accurately. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Final rebellion

This chapter also describes what happens after the thousand years are ended. During this time, Satan and many people will attempt to rebel against Jesus. This will result in Gods ultimate and final victory over sin and evil. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])

Great white throne

This chapter ends with God judging all people who ever lived. God separates people who believe in Jesus from those who do not believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Book of Life

This is a metaphor for eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Hades and the lake of fire

These appear to be two distinct places. The translator may wish to do further research to determine how to translate these two places differently. They should not be made the same as each other in translation. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/hell]])

977REV201rkv70General Information:

John begins to describe a vision of an angel throwing the devil into the bottomless pit.

978REV201n8b8καὶ εἶδον1Then I saw

Here, I refers to John.

979REV201c18cτῆς Ἀβύσσου1bottomless pit

The abyss is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.

980REV202r6eswriting-symlanguageτὸν δράκοντα1dragon

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

981REV203xj22figs-explicitἐσφράγισεν ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ1sealed it over him

The angel sealed the abyss to keep anyone from opening it. Alternate translation: “sealed it to prevent anyone from opening it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

982REV203el4ffigs-metonymyμὴ πλανήσῃ…τὰ ἔθνη1deceive the nations

Here, nations is a metonym for the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “he would not deceive the people-groups” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

983REV203y9xdfigs-activepassiveδεῖ αὐτὸν λυθῆναι1he must be set free

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will command the angel to free him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

984REV204lw2r0General Information:

This is the next part of Johns vision. He describes suddenly seeing thrones and the souls of believers.

985REV204qzt1figs-activepassiveκρίμα ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς1judgment was given to them

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God had given authority to them to judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

986REV204u3u8figs-activepassiveτῶν πεπελεκισμένων1those who had been beheaded

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whose heads others had cut off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

987REV204tut2διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1for the testimony about Jesus and for the word of God

Alternate translation: “because they had spoken the truth about Jesus and about the word of God”

988REV204xz5lfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1for the word of God

Here, the word of God is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “for what they taught about the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

989REV204cc1vἔζησαν1They came to life

Alternate translation: “they came back to life” or “they became alive again”

990REV205cw4jοἱ λοιποὶ τῶν νεκρῶν1The rest of the dead

Alternate translation: “All of the other dead people”

991REV205e1pmtranslate-numbersτελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη1the thousand years were ended

Alternate translation: “the end of the thousand years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

992REV206f3gzfigs-personificationἐπὶ τούτων ὁ δεύτερος θάνατος οὐκ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν1Over these the second death has no power

Here John describes the second death as a person with power. Alternate translation: “These people will not experience the second death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

993REV206v4z3writing-symlanguageὁ δεύτερος θάνατος1the second death

The second death is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8. See how you translated this in Revelation 2:11. Alternate translation: “the final death in the lake of fire” or “dying a second time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

994REV207y1vwfigs-activepassiveλυθήσεται ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐκ τῆς φυλακῆς αὐτοῦ1Satan will be released from his prison

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will release Satan from his prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

995REV208g429figs-simileὧν ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτῶν ὡς ἡ ἄμμος τῆς θαλάσσης1The number of them will be like the sand of the sea

The comparison to the sand of the sea emphasizes the extremely large number of soldiers in Satans army. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

996REV209jlc6ἀνέβησαν1They went up

Alternate translation: “Satans army went up”

997REV209f4t7τὴν πόλιν τὴν ἠγαπημένην1the beloved city

Here, the beloved city refers to Jerusalem.

998REV209jhq8figs-personificationκατέβη πῦρ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ κατέφαγεν αὐτούς1fire came down from heaven and devoured them

Here John speaks of fire as if it were alive. Alternate translation: “God sent fire from heaven to burn them up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

999REV2010pif3figs-activepassiveὁ διάβολος, ὁ πλανῶν αὐτοὺς, ἐβλήθη εἰς1The devil, who deceived them, was thrown into

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw the devil, who had deceived them, into” or “Gods angel threw the devil, who had deceived them, into” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1000REV2010rjv1τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρὸς καὶ θείου1the lake of fire and sulfur

See how you translated this in Revelation 19:20. Alternate translation: “the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” or “place full of fire that burns with sulfur”

1001REV2010t5h2figs-activepassiveβασανισθήσονται1They will be tormented

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will torment them” or “the fire will torment them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1002REV2011n8h90General Information:

This is the next part of Johns vision. He describes suddenly seeing a great white throne and the dead being judged.

1003REV2011pm1zfigs-personificationοὗ ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου ἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός1The earth and the heaven fled away from his presence, but there was no place for them to go

John describes the earth and the heaven as if they were people who were trying to escape Gods judgment. This means that God completely destroyed the old heaven and earth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1004REV2011slhmfigs-metaphorἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός, καὶ τόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς1

Here, not having a place means that God completely destroyed the old heaven and earth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1005REV2012gap2figs-activepassiveβιβλία ἠνοίχθησαν1the books were opened

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone opened the books” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1006REV2012lt7kfigs-activepassiveἐκρίθησαν οἱ νεκροὶ1The dead were judged

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God judged the people who had died and now lived again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1007REV2012vvc4figs-activepassiveἐκ τῶν γεγραμμένων1from the things that were written

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “by what he had recorded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1008REV2013ea2hfigs-personificationἔδωκεν ἡ θάλασσα τοὺς νεκροὺς…ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἔδωκαν τοὺς νεκροὺς1The sea gave up the dead … Death and Hades gave up the dead

Here John speaks of the sea, Death, and Hades as if they were living persons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1009REV2013bg4ufigs-activepassiveἐκρίθησαν ἕκαστος1were judged

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God judged each of the dead people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1010REV2013pk3kfigs-metonymyὁ ᾍδης1Hades

Here, Hades is a metonym that represents the place where unbelievers go when they die, to wait for Gods judgment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1011REV2014lw6bfigs-activepassiveὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἐβλήθησαν1Death and Hades were thrown

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw Death and Hades” or “Gods angel threw Death and Hades” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1012REV2014qv55writing-symlanguageὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερός1the second death

The second death is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8. See how you translated this in Revelation 2:11. Alternate translation: “the final death in the lake of fire” or “dying a second time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

1013REV2015c9pbfigs-activepassiveεἴ τις οὐχ εὑρέθη…γεγραμμένος1If anyones name was not found written

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if Gods angel did not find a persons name written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1014REV2015wq31figs-activepassiveἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρός1he was thrown into the lake of fire

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the angel threw him into the lake of fire” or “the angel threw him into the place where fire burns forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1015REV21intropai80

Revelation 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives a detailed picture of the new Jerusalem.

Special concepts in this chapter

Second death

Death is a type of separation. The first death is physically dying, when the soul is separated from the body. The second death is being eternally separated from God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/soul]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Book of Life

This is a metaphor for eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

New heaven and new earth

It is unclear whether this is an entirely new heaven and earth or if it is remade out of the present heaven and earth. The same is also true of the new Jerusalem. It is possible this will affect translation in some languages. The word “new” in the original language means different and better than the old. It does not mean new in time.

1016REV211tj160General Information:

John begins to describe his vision of the new Jerusalem.

1017REV211vks1εἶδον1I saw

Here, I refers to John.

1018REV212er4ufigs-simileὡς νύμφην, κεκοσμημένην τῷ ἀνδρὶ αὐτῆς1like a bride adorned for her husband

John compares the new Jerusalem to a bride who has made herself beautiful for her bridegroom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1019REV213i8zafigs-metonymyφωνῆς μεγάλης ἐκ τοῦ θρόνου λεγούσης1a great voice from the throne saying

The great voice refers to the one who speaks. Alternate translation: “someone speak loudly from the throne saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1020REV213gk3mἰδοὺ1Look!

The word Behold here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

1021REV213hpt1figs-parallelismἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ σκηνώσει μετ’ αὐτῶν1The dwelling place of God is with human beings, and he will live with them

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that God will, indeed, live among men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1022REV214w39gfigs-metonymyἐξαλείψει πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν1He will wipe away every tear from their eyes

Here, tears represent sadness. See how you translated this in Revelation 7:17. Alternate translation: “God will wipe away their sadness, like wiping away tears” or “God will cause them to not be sad anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1023REV215rq2qfigs-metonymyοὗτοι οἱ λόγοι πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί εἰσιν1these words are trustworthy and true

Here, these words refers to the message that they formed. Alternate translation: “this message is trustworthy and true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1024REV216dq8nfigs-parallelismτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος1the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize Gods eternal nature. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1025REV216mfc7figs-merismτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος1

These two phrases mean that God exists from the beginning of everything to the end of it, including everything in between. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1026REV216li7sfigs-metaphorτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ1the alpha and the omega

The alpha and the omega are first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and who ends all things. (2) the one who has always lived and who always will live. If your readers would misunderstand this, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:8. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the first and the last” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1027REV216bf1pἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος1the beginning and the end

This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and the one who will cause all things to end. (2) the one who existed before all things and who will exist after all things.

1028REV216wk2cfigs-metaphorτῷ διψῶντι δώσω ἐκ τῆς πηγῆς τοῦ ὕδατος τῆς ζωῆς δωρεάν1To the one who thirsts … water of life

God speaks of a persons desire for eternal life as if it were thirst and of that person receiving eternal life as if he were drinking life-giving water. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1029REV217vms60Connecting Statement:

The one seated on the throne continues to speak to John.

1030REV218hma7τοῖς…δειλοῖς1the cowards

Alternate translation: “those who are too afraid to do what is right”

1031REV218k8ypἐβδελυγμένοις1the detestable

Alternate translation: “those who do terrible things”

1032REV218zu27τῇ λίμνῃ τῇ καιομένῃ πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ1the fiery lake of burning sulfur

See how you translated this in Revelation 19:20. Alternate translation: “the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” or “place full of fire that burns with sulfur”

1033REV218k1hlwriting-symlanguageὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερος1the second death

The second death is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8. See how you translated this in Revelation 2:11. Alternate translation: “the final death in the lake of fire” or “dying a second time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

1034REV219cf2mfigs-metaphorτὴν νύμφην, τὴν γυναῖκα τοῦ Ἀρνίου1the bride, the wife of the Lamb

The angel speaks of Jerusalem as if it were a bride who is about to marry her groom, the Lamb. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1035REV219bil2writing-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1the Lamb

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, Lamb is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

1036REV2110czp2writing-backgroundἀπήνεγκέν με ἐν Πνεύματι1carried me away in the Spirit

The setting changes as the Spirit takes John to a high mountain where he can see the city of Jerusalem. See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 17:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1037REV2110fq8ffigs-metonymyἸερουσαλὴμ1

Jerusalem is a metonymy for those believers who will inhabit it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1038REV2111g44jἔχουσαν1It had

This refers to the “Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven” that he described in the previous verse and not to the physical Jerusalem.

1039REV2111xvg6figs-parallelismὁ φωστὴρ αὐτῆς ὅμοιος λίθῳ τιμιωτάτῳ, ὡς λίθῳ ἰάσπιδι κρυσταλλίζοντι1like a very precious jewel, like a stone of crystal-clear jasper

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the brilliance of Jerusalem by naming a specific jewel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1040REV2111n51zκρυσταλλίζοντι1crystal-clear

Alternate translation: “extremely clear”

1041REV2111vvq1translate-unknownἰάσπιδι1jasper

Jasper is a valuable stone. This jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1042REV2112qgh3figs-activepassiveἐπιγεγραμμένα1were written

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1043REV2114mm12τοῦ Ἀρνίου1the Lamb

Here, the Lamb refers to Jesus. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6.

1044REV2116fs8ztranslate-bdistanceσταδίων δώδεκα χιλιάδων1twelve thousand stadia

You may convert 12,000 stadia to modern measures. Alternate translation: “2,200 kilometers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

1045REV2117eut1translate-bdistanceἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν1144 cubits

You may convert 144 cubits to modern measures. Alternate translation: “66 meters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

1046REV2118n3hufigs-simileχρυσίον καθαρὸν, ὅμοιον ὑάλῳ καθαρῷ1pure gold, like clear glass

The gold was so clear that it is spoken of as if it were glass. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1047REV2118h239translate-unknownἴασπις1jasper

Jasper is a valuable stone. It may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1048REV2119ick5figs-activepassiveοἱ θεμέλιοι τοῦ τείχους τῆς πόλεως…κεκοσμημένοι1The foundations of the wall were adorned

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone adorned the foundations of the city wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1049REV2119ke4btranslate-unknownἴασπις…σάπφειρος…χαλκηδών…σμάραγδος1jasper … sapphire … agate … emerald

These are valuable stones. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated it in Revelation 4:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1050REV2120a2tmtranslate-unknownσαρδόνυξ…σάρδιον…χρυσόλιθος…βήρυλλος…τοπάζιον…χρυσόπρασος…ὑάκινθος…ἀμέθυστος1onyx … chrysolite … beryl … topaz … chrysoprase … jacinth … amethyst

These are all precious gems. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1051REV2121yn6itranslate-unknownμαργαρῖται1pearls

Pearls are beautiful and valuable white beads that are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. See how you translated this in Revelation 17:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1052REV2121g75rfigs-activepassiveἀνὰ εἷς ἕκαστος τῶν πυλώνων ἦν ἐξ ἑνὸς μαργαρίτου1each of the gates was made from a single pearl

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had made each of the gates from a single pearl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1053REV2121vp22figs-simileχρυσίον καθαρὸν ὡς ὕαλος διαυγής1pure gold, like transparent glass

The gold was so pure that it is spoken of as if it was clear glass. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 21:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1054REV2122m2ewfigs-metaphorὁ…Κύριος ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ ναὸς αὐτῆς ἐστιν, καὶ τὸ Ἀρνίον1Lord God … and the Lamb are its temple

The temple represented Gods presence. This means the new Jerusalem does not need a temple because God and the Lamb will live there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1055REV2123v2m9figs-metaphorὁ λύχνος αὐτῆς τὸ Ἀρνίον1its lamp is the Lamb

Here the glory of Jesus, the Lamb, is spoken of as if it were a lamp that gives light to the city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1056REV2124j3lkfigs-metonymyπεριπατήσουσιν τὰ ἔθνη1The nations will walk

Here, the nations are a metonym for the people who live in the nations. Alternate translation: “the people from all the different nations will walk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1057REV2124ma5nfigs-metaphorπεριπατήσουσιν τὰ ἔθνη1

Here, walk here is a metaphor for “live.” Alternate translation: “the people from all the different nations will live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1058REV2125lq1zfigs-activepassiveοἱ πυλῶνες αὐτῆς οὐ μὴ κλεισθῶσιν1Its gates will not be shut

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will ever shut the gates” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1059REV2126ps25οἴσουσιν1They will bring

Alternate translation: “the kings of the earth will bring”

1060REV2127n3nhfigs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτὴν πᾶν κοινὸν, καὶ ὁ1nothing unclean will ever enter into it, nor anyone

If your readers would misunderstand this double negative, you can state it in positive form. Alternate translation: “only what is clean will ever enter, and never anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1061REV2127g7frfigs-activepassiveεἰ μὴ οἱ γεγραμμένοι ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς τοῦ Ἀρνίου1but only those whose names are written in the Lambs Book of Life

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but only those whose names the Lamb wrote in his book of life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1062REV2127cw99writing-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1the Lamb

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, the Lamb is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

1063REV22introe1ya0

Revelation 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter emphasizes that Jesus is coming soon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Tree of life

There is probably an intended connection between the tree of life in the Garden of Eden and the tree of life mentioned in this chapter. The curse that began in Eden will end at this time.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Alpha and omega

These are the names of the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. The ULT spells out their names in English. This strategy can serve as a model for translators. Some translators, however, may decide to use the first and last letters in their own alphabet. This would be “A and Z” in English.

1064REV221b1ad0Connecting Statement:

John continues to describe the new Jerusalem as the angel shows it to him.

1065REV221uu7bἔδειξέν μοι1showed me

Here, me refers to John.

1066REV221vl23ποταμὸν ὕδατος ζωῆς1the river of the water of life

Alternate translation: “the river flowing with life-giving water”

1067REV221yn2pfigs-metaphorποταμὸν ὕδατος ζωῆς1the water of life

Eternal life is spoken of as if it were provided by life-giving water. See how you translated this in Revelation 21:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1068REV221mxp4writing-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1the Lamb

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, the Lamb is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

1069REV222l2aqfigs-metonymyτῶν ἐθνῶν1the nations

Here, the nations refers to the people who live in every nation. Alternate translation: “the people of all nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1070REV223d5fqπᾶν κατάθεμα οὐκ ἔσται ἔτι1There will no longer be any curse

This could mean: (1) there will never be anyone there that God will curse. (2) there will not be anyone there who is under Gods curse.

1071REV223by36οἱ δοῦλοι αὐτοῦ λατρεύσουσιν αὐτῷ1his servants will serve him

Here, his and him could refer to: (1) God the Father. (2) both God and the Lamb, who rule together as one.

1072REV224zy4xfigs-idiomὄψονται τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ1They will see his face

Here, see his face is an idiom that refers to being in Gods presence. Alternate translation: “they will be in Gods presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1073REV226j51ifigs-explicit0General Information:

This is the beginning of the end of Johns vision. In verse 6 the angel is speaking to John. In verse 7, Jesus is speaking. You can state this explicitly as is in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1074REV226xaw8figs-metonymyοὗτοι οἱ λόγοι πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί1These words are trustworthy and true

Here, words refers to the message that they formed. See how you translated this in Revelation 21:5. Alternate translation: “This message is trustworthy and true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1075REV226cr31figs-metonymyὁ Θεὸς τῶν πνευμάτων τῶν προφητῶν1the God of the spirits of the prophets

Here, spirits refers to: (1) the inward disposition of the prophets and indicates that God inspires them. Alternate translation: “God who inspires the prophets” (2) the Holy Spirit who inspires the prophets. Alternate translation: “God who gives his Spirit to the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1076REV227p72hἰδοὺ1Look!

Here Jesus begins to speak. The word behold adds emphasis to what follows.

1077REV227afr9figs-explicitἔρχομαι ταχύ1I am coming quickly!

It is understood that he is coming in order to judge. See how you translated this in Revelation 3:11. Alternate translation: “I am coming to judge soon!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1078REV228xr170General Information:

John tells his readers about how he responded to the angel.

1079REV228uvk3ἔπεσα προσκυνῆσαι ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ποδῶν1I fell down to worship at the feet

This means that John purposely lay on the ground and stretched himself out in reverence or submission. This action was an important part of worship, to show respect and willingness to serve. See how you translated similar words in Revelation 19:10.

1080REV2210gqa80Connecting Statement:

The angel finishes speaking to John.

1081REV2210ct48figs-explicitμὴ σφραγίσῃς τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου1Do not seal up … this book

To seal a book was to keep it closed with something that makes it impossible for anyone to read what was inside without breaking the seal. The angel is telling John not to keep the message a secret. Alternate translation: “Do not keep secret … this book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1082REV2210xc15figs-metonymyτοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου1the words of the prophecy of this book

Here, words refers to the message that they formed. See how you translated this in Revelation 22:7. Alternate translation: “This prophetic message of this book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1083REV2212idc6writing-endofstory0General Information:

As the book of Revelation is ending, Jesus gives a closing greeting. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

1084REV2213f5jlfigs-parallelismτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος1the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end

These three phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that Jesus has existed and will exist for all time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1085REV2213uup6figs-merismτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος1the alpha and the omega

These three phrases are merisms. They each represent everything included between the two ends. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are alpha and omega. They represent all the letters in between. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:8. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1086REV2213c9e8figs-metaphorτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ1

This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and who ends all things. (2) the one who has always lived and who always will live. If your readers would misunderstand this, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1087REV2213cpl9figs-metaphorὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος1the first and the last

This refers to the eternal nature of Jesus. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1088REV2213nnm2figs-metaphorἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος1the beginning and the end

This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and the one who will cause all things to end. (2) the one who existed before all things and who will exist after all things. See how you translated this in Revelation 21:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1089REV2214i54wfigs-metaphorοἱ πλύνοντες τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν1those who wash their robes

Becoming righteous is spoken of as if it were washing ones clothing. See how you translated as similar phrase in Revelation 7:14. Alternate translation: “those who have become righteous, as if they have washed their robes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1090REV2215aw1hἔξω1Outside

This means they are outside the city and not allowed to enter.

1091REV2215tkd7figs-explicitοἱ κύνες1are the dogs

In that culture, dogs were considered to be unclean, despised animals. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1092REV2215h0ihfigs-metaphorοἱ κύνες1

Here the word dogs is derogatory and refers to people who are wicked. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1093REV2216pu85figs-youμαρτυρῆσαι ὑμῖν1to testify to you

Here the word you is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1094REV2216t2v9figs-doubletἡ ῥίζα καὶ τὸ γένος Δαυείδ1the root and the descendant of David

The words root and descendant mean basically the same thing. Together the words emphasize that Jesus belongs to the family of David. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1095REV2216afw1figs-metaphorἡ ῥίζα καὶ τὸ γένος Δαυείδ1

Jesus speaks of being a descendant as if he were a root that grew out of David. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1096REV2216g9ujfigs-metaphorὁ ἀστὴρ ὁ λαμπρός, ὁ πρωϊνός1the bright morning star

Jesus speaks of himself as if he were the bright star that sometimes appears early in the morning and indicates that a new day is about to begin. See how you translated “morning star” in Revelation 2:28. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1097REV2217gig50Connecting Statement:

This verse is a response to what Jesus said.

1098REV2217lt8jfigs-metaphorἡ νύμφη1the Bride

Believers are spoken of as if they were a Bride about to be married to her groom, Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1099REV2217m9atfigs-explicitἔρχου1Come!

Here, Come could mean: (1) this is an invitation for people to come and drink the water of life. Alternate translation: “Come and drink!” (2) this is a polite request for Jesus to return. Alternate translation: “Please come!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1100REV2217e2m5figs-metaphorὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω; ὁ θέλων λαβέτω ὕδωρ ζωῆς δωρεάν1the one who is thirsty … the water of life

A persons desire for eternal life is spoken of as if it were thirst and of that person receiving eternal life as if he were drinking life-giving water. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1101REV2217dwb6figs-metaphorὕδωρ ζωῆς1the water of life

Eternal life is spoken of as if it were provided by life-giving water. See how you translated this in Revelation 21:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1102REV2218fd5l0General Information:

John gives his final remarks about the book of Revelation.

1103REV2218d95jμαρτυρῶ ἐγὼ1I testify

Here, I refers to John.

1104REV2218s36mfigs-metonymyτοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου1the words of the prophecy of this book

Here, the words refers to the message that they formed. See how you translated this in Revelation 22:7. Alternate translation: “this prophetic message of this book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1105REV2218jzu8ἐάν τις ἐπιθῇ ἐπ’ αὐτά, ἐπιθήσει ὁ Θεὸς ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὰς πληγὰς τὰς γεγραμμένας ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ1If anyone adds to them … God will add

This is a strong warning to not change anything about this prophecy.

1106REV2218d4scfigs-activepassiveτὰς γεγραμμένας ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ1that are written about in this book

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “which I have written about in this book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1107REV2219ss3yἐάν τις ἀφέλῃ ἀπὸ τῶν λόγων τοῦ βιβλίου τῆς προφητείας ταύτης, ἀφελεῖ ὁ Θεὸς τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς καὶ ἐκ τῆς πόλεως τῆς ἁγίας, τῶν γεγραμμένων ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ1If anyone takes away … God will take away

This is a strong warning to not change anything about this prophecy.

1108REV2220u6mb0General Information:

In these verses John gives his and Jesus closing greetings.

1109REV2220y9p2ὁ μαρτυρῶν1The one who testifies

Alternate translation: “Jesus, who testifies”