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Introduction to Revelation

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of Revelation

  1. Opening (1:120)
  2. Letters to the seven churches (2:13:22)
  3. Vision of God and the Lamb in heaven (4:15:14)
  4. The seven seals (6:18:1)
  5. The seven trumpets (8:213:18)
  6. Worship of the Lamb and judgment against Babylon (14:120)
  7. The seven bowls (15:118:24)
  8. Worship in heaven (19:110)
  9. The destruction of the beast (19:1121)
  10. The thousand years, destruction of Satan, and final judgment (20:115)
  11. The new creation and the new Jerusalem (21:122:5)
  12. Closing (22:621)

Who wrote the book of Revelation?

The author identifies himself as John. Many interpreters believe that this means he was the apostle John. However, other interpreters believe this was a different man named John, a prophet who had a ministry among the seven churches described in chapters 2 and 3. In either case, this man wrote the book while on the island of Patmos. The Romans had exiled him there for teaching people about Jesus.

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, and a book written in this style is called an apocalypse.

No other book of the Bible is written entirely in apocalyptic style like the book of Revelation. However, some passages in the books of 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 those two books have a similar style and some shared imagery. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

What is the book of Revelation about?

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

Does one need to understand the book of Revelation in order to translate it?

The book provides the reader with some idea of how to understand its symbols by interpreting a few of them at the beginning (1:20) and near the end (19:8). But one does not need to understand all of the symbols in the book of Revelation in order to translate it properly. Translators should not suggest possible meanings for the symbols in their translations. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])

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 lifetime. Other scholars think John described events that happened throughout history, from his time until the return of Jesus. Still other scholars think John described events that will happen in a short period of time just before Christ returns.

Translators do not need to decide about the time reference of the visions in this book in order to translate it, and they should be careful not to let their own beliefs influence how they translate. They should leave the prophecies in the tenses that are used in the ULT.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Angels

People in this culture recognized that God uses created spirits called angels to carry out his purposes. In the book of Revelation, John describes seeing visions of angels announcing and executing Gods judgments.

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Revelation 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

  • Prologue (1:1-8)

    Preface (1:1-3) Address and Doxology (1:4-6) Theme (1:7-8)

  • Johns Vision of Christ (1:9-20)

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 words quoted in verse 7.

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven churches

John wrote this book to seven actual churches in the Roman province of Asia, which was located in the western part of what is now the country of Turkey.

41:1rkh9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἣν1

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, which” or “The matters that God revealed to Jesus Christ, which” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

51:1kv41rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

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

61:1ik5vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

71:1x8buἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι ἐν τάχει1

Alternate translation: “the events that must happen soon”

81:1kez4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐσήμανεν1

The pronoun he here refers to Jesus Christ and it refers to the revelation. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Jesus communicated that revelation” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

91:1kz6mἀποστείλας διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου αὐτοῦ1

Alternate translation: “by sending his angel to reveal it”

101:1hz2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἸωάννῃ1

The word John is the name of a man. See the General Introduction to Revelation for a discussion of who this man may have been. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

111:1pb4urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personτῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ, Ἰωάννῃ1

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

121:2tgtsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsὃς ἐμαρτύρησεν1

The pronoun who refers to John, the author of this book. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say that explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “John testified” or “I, John, testified” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

131:2va4crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, John uses word figuratively to refer to the message that God spoke by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the message that God spoke” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

141:2wb7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

151:2b5serc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

John is using a possessive form to describe the testimony that Jesus Christ gave. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that Jesus Christ gave” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

161:3le65rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ ἀναγινώσκων1

Here, the one who reads does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who reads the words of the prophecy aloud, that is, in public. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anyone who reads aloud” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

171:3t0q3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῆς προφητείας1

Here, this prophecy refers to this whole book that John is writing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “of this book of prophecy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

181:3h37brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτηροῦντες τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ γεγραμμένα1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

191:3dod2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτηροῦντες1

See the discussion of the term “keep” in the General Introduction to Revelation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this expression plainly here and elsewhere throughout the book. Alternate translation: “obeying” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

201:3dwt8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ & καιρὸς ἐγγύς1

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

211:3myemrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ & καιρὸς ἐγγύς1

Here, John speaks figuratively of time as if it could be near something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time will be soon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

221:4vw1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personἸωάννης1

In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If it would be helpful 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

231:4apl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 it would be helpful in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “to you who are members of the seven churches in Asia” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

241:4y9yhrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessingχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων, ἃ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ1

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 and the seven spirits who are before his throne give you grace and peace” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])

251:4lsunrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων, ἃ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ1

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

261:4unulrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος1

These three phrases all refer to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God, who is and who was and who is coming” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

271:4qsu6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἐρχόμενος1

Here, the phrase who is coming could refer to: (1) Gods future existence, to complete the idea that God exists in the past, present, and future. In other words, John may be using is coming figuratively to mean that God will exist in the future. Alternate translation: “who will be” or “who will still exist in the future” (2) the actual act of coming, when God will come to judge all of the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “who will come to judge” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

281:4x38prc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων1

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, that is, the Holy Spirit, who is described with seven attributes in Isaiah 11:2. Alternate translation: “the sevenfold Holy Spirit” (2) seven individual spirits who serve God and who also might be the “seven angels” whom John describes in 8:2. Alternate translation: “the seven spirit beings” or “the seven angelic spirits” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

291:5w24xκαὶ ἀπὸ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

The first half of this verse continues the sentence from the previous verse. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here and to repeat some of the information from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “And may grace and peace also be to you from Jesus Christ”

301:5gz2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστός, ὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν, καὶ ὁ ἄρχων τῶν βασιλέων τῆς γῆς1

This phrase the faithful witness is a title that describes Jesus Christ. The phrase probably comes from Psalm 89:37. The other titles that describe Jesus Christ in this verse also come from Psalm 89, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Psalm 89 itself refers to the promises that God gave to David in 2 Samuel 7. So all of these titles describe Jesus Christ as the one who completes Gods promises to David. You may want to include some of this information in a footnote. You may also want to indicate that these titles are Old Testament quotations by putting them in quotation marks or by indenting them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

311:5l3h8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν1

John is speaking as if Jesus was “born” when he became alive again after he died. Since Jesus was the first person to do this, John says that he is the firstborn. This phrase probably alludes to Psalm 89:27. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the first person to become alive again after dying” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

321:5j1xprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν νεκρῶν1

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “from among people who have died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

331:5ttqnrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge1

A new sentence begins here that continues through the rest of the next verse. This sentence praises Jesus. To make this clear for your readers, you could create a verse bridge for verses 56 and begin with Johns wish that Jesus receive glory and power. A verse bridge might say something like this: “May the glory and the power forever be to Jesus because he is the one who loves us and who has released us from our sins by his blood and who has made us a kingdom, priests for his God and Father. Amen.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])

341:5tqfsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτῷ ἀγαπῶντι ἡμᾶς1

Here, the one refers to Jesus Christ. If this is not clear to your readers, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “To Jesus Christ, who loves us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

351:5u6v7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorλύσαντι ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν1

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

361:5rvmrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς & ἡμῶν1

The words us and our here include both John and his readers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

371:5jpnqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the punishment for our sins” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

381:5q64frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ1

Here, blood figuratively represents the death of Christ on the cross. If it would be helpful in your language, 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

391:6nhfbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorβασιλείαν1

Here, a kingdom functions as a metaphor for the unity that believers have as they belong to each other and to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the meaning of kingdom here explicitly. Alternate translation: “a group that belongs to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

401:6iq7jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἱερεῖς1

Here, the word priests functions as a metaphor for people who live to serve God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “people who work” or “people who live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

411:6nesyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsαὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for glory or power, you could express these ideas in other ways. Here, power refers to the authority that Jesus has to rule over his kingdom. Alternate translation: “may people glorify Jesus and may he rule over everyone” or “may people honor Jesus and may he reign” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

421:6ne7xrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ1

Here, the words God and Father refer to one person, not two. This is God the Father who exists with the Son and the Holy Spirit as God. The name Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Alternate translation: “for God, his Father” or “for God, who is the Father of Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

431:6r456rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateἀμήν1

See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation about how to represent the word Amen in your translation, here and in its other occurrences throughout the book. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

441:7ldv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarksἰδοὺ, ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν, καὶ ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς, καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

451:7mx1crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, here John is using the term Behold to focus his listeners attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, in this instance and throughout the book. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

461:7bbqjrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν1

The pronoun he here refers to Jesus Christ. If this is unclear to your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus is coming with the clouds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

471:7isa6ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν1

This phrase probably refers to Daniel 7:13. You may want to include this information in a footnote.

481:7k0qorc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν1

Jesus went into the clouds when he went up to heaven after God raised him from the dead. When Jesus returns, he will also come with the clouds. It is not clear whether this means implicitly that 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. Alternate translation: “he approaches on the clouds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

491:7nxqeὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς, καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς1

These phrases probably refer to Zechariah 12:10. You may want to include this information in a footnote.

501:7hb4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheπᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς1

Since people see with their eyes, the word eye is used to refer to people. If this would not be natural in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every person” or “everyone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

511:7ndf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyκαὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν1

Jesus hands and feet were pierced when he was nailed to the cross and a soldier pierced his side with a spear. Here those who pierced him refers to the people who killed him. If this would not be natural in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even those who pierced and killed him” or “even those who stabbed him to death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

521:7ewtlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν1

John is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If this would not be natural in your language, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “even those who pierced him will see him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

531:7s0rdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

541:8c96prc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsἐγώ εἰμι τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος, ὁ Θεός, ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ὁ Παντοκράτωρ1

Here, says the Lord God indicates that the clauses that come before and after this phrase are quotations. If it would be helpful in your language, 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.’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

551:8ufixrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ1

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are alpha and omega. Comparing God to these letters means that he is the first and the last of all things. If it would be helpful in your language, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the first and the last” or “the one who began and will end all things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

561:8l1ssrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ1

Here the phrase the alpha and the omega refers to the eternal nature of God the Father or that of Jesus Christ. The Greek alphabet represents time, and referring to the beginning and ending letters includes all of those in between. In other words, these letters represent all of time. Therefore, the idea here is that God always exists. The second part of the verse says this plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who always existed and will always exist” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

571:8t0garc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

581:8in5erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἐρχόμενος1

See how you translated the phrase who is coming in 1:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

591:9mg1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν1

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

601:9y5gyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἀδελφὸς1

John is using the term brother to mean that he shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow believer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

611:9ikekrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsβασιλείᾳ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of suffering, kingdom, and endurance, you could express these ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “someone who is patiently enduring while suffering just as you are because we belong to Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

621:9o6k9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν Ἰησοῦ1

Here John pictures Jesus as containing the suffering, kingdom, and patient endurance that everyone who believes in him experiences. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea plainly. Alternate translation: “that we all experience because we believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

631:9c1a9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyδιὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

John uses word of God figuratively to describe the gospel message that came from God and that John proclaimed by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of the message from God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

641:9sim8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ1

John is using a possessive form to describe the testimony about Jesus that John proclaimed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that I proclaimed about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

651:10s2swrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

661:10lnj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῇ Κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ1

Here, the Lords day refers specifically to the first day of the week, which was the day when believers gathered to worship together in honor of the Lords resurrection. If this is unclear to your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly, using the term in your language for the first day of the week. Alternate translation: “Sunday, the Lords day” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

671:10fa68rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileφωνὴν μεγάλην ὡς σάλπιγγος1

The voice was very loud so that the noise sounded like a trumpet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a voice as loud as a trumpet being blown” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

681:10ggphrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyφωνὴν μεγάλην1

Here, a loud voice refers to a person speaking loudly, who is later revealed to be Jesus Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a sound of someone speaking loudly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

691:10fu9qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὡς σάλπιγγος1

A trumpet was an instrument for making a loud sound that, in Johns time, was probably made of metal. If you do not have trumpets in your culture, use a word in your language for a loud instrument. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

701:11y4abrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsλεγούσης1

Here, saying introduces a quotation. What follows is what the voice of the previous verse said. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. You may want to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “That voice said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

711:11kq6xrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἜφεσον & Σμύρναν & Πέργαμον & Θυάτειρα & Σάρδεις & Φιλαδέλφιαν & Λαοδίκιαν1

These are the names of cities in the Roman province of Asia. They would be found in the southwestern area of Turkey today. The list begins with Ephesus, the most important city at the time, and it moves clockwise around the cities, ending with Laodicea, the southernmost city. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

721:12r89lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὴν φωνὴν ἥτις1

Here, voice refers figuratively to the person speaking. The context indicates that Jesus Christ is the one speaking here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

731:12flemrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageἑπτὰ λυχνίας χρυσᾶς1

Here, seven golden lampstands refers to seven poles that each hold one or more oil lamps at the top. These seven lamp holders are made of 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, so it may be that these seven churches represent Christs church as a whole, that is, all believers. Alternate translation: “seven golden stands holding oil lamps” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

741:13xmx7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὅμοιον Υἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου1

The expression like a son of man describes a human figure. It recalls the same phrase from Daniel 7:13. The point of this comparison is that the figure John saw looked like a human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a being that looked like a man” or “a figure who resembled a human being” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

751:13y6qkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownζώνην χρυσᾶν1

A sash was a strip of cloth worn around the chest. This one had the appearance of gold and may have been woven from golden threads. A sash is not a belt that is worn around the waist. Alternate translation: “a golden strap” or “a golden band” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

761:14hqz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysἡ & κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ αἱ τρίχες1

Here, the phrase head and hair refers to the hair that is on the head. It does not mean that the skin of the head was white. Alternate translation: “the hair on his head” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

771:14mg7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletλευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών1

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

781:14j9w4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownλευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών1

John is comparing the hair to wool and snow because those things are both very white. If your readers would not be familiar with those things, you could use the name of something in your area that is known to be very white, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “white as egret feathers” or “white as cotton” or “very, very white” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

791:14vp4trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoοἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ ὡς φλὸξ πυρός1

It may be that the phrase flame of fire repeats information in a way that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can say it in a more natural way. Alternate translation: “his eyes blazed like fire” or “his eyes were glowing like flames” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

801:15u551rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileοἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ1

The point of this comparison is that the feet were like polished bronze, which is very shiny. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his feet were very shiny like polished bronze” or “his feet were reflecting light as polished bronze does” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

811:15qbnorc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownοἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ1

John refers here to polished bronze. If your readers would not be familiar with that metal, you could use a more general comparison or an expression without a comparison. Alternate translation: “his feet were very shiny like polished metal” or “his feet were shining” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

821:15d6jerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-eventsὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμένης1

Here, the word furnace describes a strong container for holding a very hot fire. People would put metal such as 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

831:15izg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἡ φωνὴ αὐτοῦ ὡς φωνὴ ὑδάτων πολλῶν1

The point of this comparison is that the sound of his voice was very loud and powerful. The image could be that of a loud waterfall or of rushing floodwaters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his voice was very loud, like the sound of rushing waters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

841:16qu9hκαὶ ἔχων1

Here, the subject of having continues from verse 1:13. If it would be helpful in your language, you could start a new sentence here and repeat the subject. Alternate translation: “This one like a son of man had” or “He had”

851:16pp58rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ῥομφαία δίστομος ὀξεῖα ἐκπορευομένη1

Here, the imagery of the sword protruding from Christs mouth is most likely a metaphor for the spoken word, especially Gods word, as being figuratively sharp and able to pierce things, as in Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12. The symbolism may have been inspired by the fact that Roman double-edged swords were shaped like human tongues in their forms. The translator may wish to include some of this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “the blade of a sharp sword that cuts on both sides protruding from his mouth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

861:16cb26rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς ὁ ἥλιος φαίνει ἐν τῇ δυνάμει αὐτοῦ1

Here, the phrase shining as the sun at its strength compares the face of Jesus Christ to the way that the sun shines in its full force during the middle of the day. Use a natural expression in your language for this. Alternate translation: “shining as brightly as the noonday sun” or “shining as brightly as the sun at mid-day” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

871:17jw5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ1

Here, the phrase ** he placed his right hand on me** signifies a cultural gesture that expresses comfort and assurance for a person who is need of encouragement in the moment of fear. Do not be afraid is an accompanying verball expression that indicates the significance of this symbolic action. Alternate translation: “and he touched me encouragingly with his right hand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

881:17uc3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἐγώ εἰμι ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος1

Here, the first and the last refers to the eternal nature of Jesus because he is God. 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 1:8. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am the one who existed before everything and who will exist after everything” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

891:18zm05rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ ὁ ζῶν καὶ ἐγενόμην νεκρὸς1

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

901:18a4e2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου1

Jesus speaks of 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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have power over death and over Hades” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

911:18pgqlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

921:18acrxrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateτοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου1

The word Hades is the Greek name for the place where the spirits of dead people go. Many Bible translations just use this word as it is, and others translate it, using a word for the place of the dead in their language. The words death and Hades mean almost the same thing. Through death a person enters Hades. Alternate translation: “to release people from death, that is, from Hades” or “to free people from death and from the grave” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

931:19eupcἃ εἶδες, καὶ ἃ εἰσὶν, καὶ ἃ μέλλει γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα1

Here, what you have seen, both the things that are and what must happen after these things refers to the things that Jesus is showing to John throughout this book. These clauses could indicate (1) events in two time periods, present and future. In this case, the tense of have seen is from the perspective of John when he is writing. He cannot write something until he has seen it. Alternate translation: “what you see, that is, the things that exist now, and what must happen afterwards” or (2) events in three time periods, past, present, and future. Alternate translation: “what you have seen, what is, and what must happen afterwards”

941:20tticrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisτὸ μυστήριον τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων, οὓς εἶδες ἐπὶ τῆς δεξιᾶς μου, καὶ τὰς ἑπτὰ λυχνίας τὰς χρυσᾶς1

This sentence leaves out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words if it would be helpful in your language. Alternate translation: “I will explain the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

951:20eek9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν1

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 human 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 1:11. The translator should use a word here that can allow for both interpretations, if possible. Alternate translation: “the seven messengers of the seven churches” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

962:introzps20

Revelation 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  • The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)

  • The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)

  • The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)

  • The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)

You may wish to set each letter apart so that your readers can easily see that these are separate letters. You could, for example, put a blank line between these letters in your translation.

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 words in verse 27.

Special concepts in this chapter

The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches

At times, Jesus uses the phrase I know to express his personal familiarity with and knowledge of some of the seven churches. The phrase I know is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced in these churches. 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 makes (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression I know affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus. 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 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 of the Christians whom Jesus addresses. Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

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

The second-person verbs and pronouns in the letters to the seven churches are often singular in number, but they are plural in reference. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches is addressed to an individual angel, so that one would naturally expect singular references. However, these verbs and pronouns are plural in their implied references to the believers in the churches Jesus is addressing. If the singular form would not be natural in your language in such a context, you could use plural forms in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel

In two of these letters, Jesus refers to people whose stories are told in the Old Testament: Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel. These were all people who tried to harm the Israelites by cursing them or by making them want to stop obeying God.

Nicolaitans

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“Let the one who has an ear hear”

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

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

“what the Spirit says to the churches”

Here, the Spirit most likely refers to Gods Spirit, that is, the Holy Spirit of Gods triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the author as in 1:10. In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter to the seven churches.

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 a messenger or a representative leader of the church. You should translate angel in the introduction to these letters the same way you translated it in 1:20.

“The one … says these things”

Jesus uses these words to introduce his messages to the churches. He is speaking of himself as if he were speaking of another person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person in your translation. For example, in 2:1, “I, Jesus, who hold the seven stars in my right hand and walk in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, say these things.”

“the one who conquers”

The expression the one who conquers occurs at the end of each of the seven letters. It also occurs in 12:11 and 21:7. It refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life. In the original context of the letter, it seems to refer especially to those who refuse to worship idols, even at the risk of persecution and death. This expression compares the Christian life to a military battle in which the Christian overcomes the forces of evil. In your translation, you may wish to use an expression such as “the one who wins the victory” or “the one who overcomes.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

The expression the one who conquers is not specific to any one person, but can be applied to people in general or to a group of people. If the generic noun phrase would not be natural in your language, you could use an indefinite expression or a plural group reference. Alternate translation: “anyone who wins the victory” or “those who win the victory” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

972:1mn8xrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἘφέσῳ 1

Ephesus

982:1kq5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1

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 1:20. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

992:1mz7lrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

1002:1q1ckrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate this 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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1012:1ugs3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν1

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

1022:2mm3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἶδα1

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 2 introduction. Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1032:2jg1urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸν κόπον1

If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of labor, you can express it with the verb “to work.” Alternate translation: “that you have laboured very hard” or “that you have worked very hard” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1042:2iwe7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν ὑπομονήν1

If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of endurance, you can express it with the verb “endure.” Alternate translation: “that you have patiently endured” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1052:2l6mvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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

See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of the use of the second-person singular to refer to a plural group of people. It may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of second-person pronouns and verbs in a context such as this. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

1062:2sxbfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjκακούς1

Here, evil ones 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: “evil people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1072:2ka9eεὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς1

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”

1082:3nn01rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisκαὶ 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1092:3muq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyδιὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1102:3j46drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐ κεκοπίακες1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1112:3mg3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1122:4j7gzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἔχω κατὰ σοῦ, ὅτι1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1132:4kx98rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην ἀφῆκες1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1142:5sfw2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπόθεν πέπτωκας1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1152:5cd8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1162:5hlyfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1172:5j8p5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς1

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

1182:6g8gnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “But this is to your credit” or “But here is a good thing you are doing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1192:6cvi5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτῶν Νικολαϊτῶν1

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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1202:7s3qgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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 by 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1212:7tidgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1222:7zln0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ Πνεῦμα1

Here, the Spirit most likely refers to Gods Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of Gods triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in 1:10. In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1232:7wzg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῷ νικῶντι1

The expression To the one who conquers refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1242:7t84wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτῷ νικῶντι1

The expression To the one who conquers refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life. The generic noun phrase the one who conquers occurs in Revelation chapters two and three often (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). The expression is not specific to any one person, but can be applied to a plural entity or group of people. If the generic noun phrase would not be natural in your language, use a more natural phrase such as turning the singular word into a plural group reference. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

1252:7ng2drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς1

John is using a possessive form to characterize this tree as giving life. The imagery recalls the reference in Genesis 3:22 to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “from the tree that grants life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1262:7rmf5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateτῷ Παραδείσῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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 eternal home that God has provided” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

1272:8is3wrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σμύρνῃ ἐκκλησίας γράψον1

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 1:11. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1282:8ie9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1

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

1292:8nvn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

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

1302:8huo8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν1

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person here. If it would be helpful 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1312:8k7qkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος1

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

1322:8t5l1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 1:18. However, note that there are slight differences between this verse and 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1332:9s6jarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdσου1

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

1342:9p6hprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν θλῖψιν1

If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of affliction, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “I know how you have been afflicted” or “I know how people have afflicted you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1352:9ch4urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν πτωχείαν1

If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of poverty, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “how poor you are” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1362:9lhukrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1372:9f6bprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν βλασφημίαν ἐκ τῶν λεγόντων Ἰουδαίους εἶναι ἑαυτούς1

If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1382:9qf9prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyκαὶ οὐκ εἰσίν1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

1392:9a4yurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσυναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ1

Here, a synagogue of Satan is a metaphor describing the Jewish people in Smyrna who were slandering the Christians in the local church. The metaphor uses the imagery of the synagogue, which was a place where Jews gathered together 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1402:9hv3orc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “a synagogue that follows Satan” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1412:10r472rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyμέλλει βάλλειν ὁ διάβολος ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν, ἵνα πειρασθῆτε1

People were about to take some of the Christians in Smyrna and throw them into prison and even kill some of them. John does not say who these people were. But he does speak of them harming the Christians as if Satan himself were harming them. Alternate translation: “People under the devils influence are about to throw some of you into prison” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1422:10agx4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμέλλει βάλλειν ὁ διάβολος ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν, ἵνα πειρασθῆτε1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1432:10tlvzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdἐξ ὑμῶν1

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

1442:10snk8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡμερῶν δέκα1

As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, time references in the book such as this one may have symbolic significance. In this case, ten days may represent a short or limited amount of time for testing. If so, this would be an allusion to Daniel 1:14. However, as discussed, it would be appropriate to translate this as a reference to a specific period of time, rather than offering an interpretation of the phrase as indicating something such as “for a short time of testing.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1452:10f5t1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγίνου πιστὸς ἄχρι θανάτου1

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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1462:10zhj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς1

Here, the crown of life refers as a metaphor to the reward of eternal life itself. Jesus is using a 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1472:11g7zqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

1482:11dc3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

1492:11y88prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ Πνεῦμα1

Here, the Spirit most likely refers to Gods Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of Gods triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in 1:10. In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1502:11s9d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ νικῶν1

See how you translated this generic noun phrase in 2:7. For the metaphorical expression one who conquers that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase one who conquers in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

1512:11q6w2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismοὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1522:11r457rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, John frequently uses a double negative for emphasis that the ULT translates with the expression “certainly not,” as in this case. The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here and in similar places throughout the book. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1532:11ayw1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1542:12ll17rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Περγάμῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον1

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, that existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in 1:11. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1552:12il7crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1

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

1562:12kf91rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

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

1572:12f6s5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὴν ῥομφαίαν τὴν δίστομον τὴν ὀξεῖαν1

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

1582:13ltx3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 whom 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 that the Christians experienced while living in Pergamum. See the explanatory note for I know in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “I know where you dwell” or “I know where you have your home” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1592:13ryn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionὁ θρόνος τοῦ Σατανᾶ1

Here, the throne of Satan means the place that Satan controls. Jesus is using a 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1602:13fxztrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomκρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου1

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

1612:13tf7crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομά μου1

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

1622:13x6j6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοὐκ ἠρνήσω τὴν πίστιν μου1

If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you can express it positively with the verb “believe.” Alternate translation: “you continued to tell people that you believe in me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1632:13da1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν πίστιν μου1

Here, your faith in me means “your faith that places trust in me.” Jesus is using a 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1642:13lu4brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἈντιπᾶς1

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

1652:13phzkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionὁ μάρτυς μου ὁ πιστός μου1

Here, my witness, my faithful one means that Antipas “faithfully testified of me.” Jesus is using a 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1662:13xggerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὃς ἀπεκτάνθη1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1672:13biuerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdπαρ’ ὑμῖν1

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

1682:13v5lvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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. Alternate translation: “where Satan has power” or “where Satan rules” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1692:14wu6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὀλίγα1

See how you translated a similar phrase in 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1702:14rd44rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ1

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 it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “some who do the teaching of Balaam” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1712:14j3ncrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτῷ Βαλὰκ1

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

1722:14hg4grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorβαλεῖν σκάνδαλον1

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 it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “to set a trap” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1732:14mu6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1742:14rvjmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1752:14u19frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπορνεῦσαι1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1762:15jmzprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν1

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

1772:15hc85rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΝικολαϊτῶν1

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

1782:16f8dyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisεἰ δὲ μή1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply the verb from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “If you do not repent, I” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1792:16qictrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔρχομαί1

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

1802:16fd6urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπολεμήσω1

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 1:16 and 2:12. Alternate translation: “I will punish” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1812:16j52qrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ στόματός μου1

This refers to the sword in 1:16 and 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 that 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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

1822:17lm1jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

1832:17m867rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

1842:17unnjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ Πνεῦμα1

Here, the Spirit most likely refers to Gods Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of Gods triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in 1:10. In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1852:17i61brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounτῷ νικῶντι1

See how you translated this generic noun phrase in 2:7. For the metaphorical expression one who conquers that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase one who conquers in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “anyone who conquers” or “all who conquer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

1862:17ngjbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 hidden” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1872:17yeqtrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-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 in the original context here (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1882:17l59rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 have written” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1892:18b83mrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Θυατείροις ἐκκλησίας γράψον1

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, that existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in 1:11. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1902:18nd4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1

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

1912:18j3xprc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

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

1922:18q3w9rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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

1932:18zbx5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὁ ἔχων τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ ὡς φλόγα πυρός1

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

1942:18p86irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileοἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ1

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 1:15. Alternate translation: “whose feet are very shiny like polished bronze” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1952:19oum6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα1

See how you translated the clause I know your works in 2:2. Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1962:19vj80rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

1972:19bx33rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου1

If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1982:19y2murc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1992:19pi0kτὰ 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”

2002:20wbu1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀλλ’ ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ1

See how you translated a similar phrase in 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2012:20f6e8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὴν γυναῖκα Ἰεζάβελ1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2022:20mnomrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπορνεῦσαι, καὶ φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα1

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

2032:21g7yhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalἔδωκα αὐτῇ χρόνον ἵνα μετανοήσῃ1

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://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

2042:22twa2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyβάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην & εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2052:22lj36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorβάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην, καὶ τοὺς μοιχεύοντας μετ’ αὐτῆς εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2062:22g53brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσουσιν ἐκ τῶν ἔργων αὐτῆς1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2072:23cn5src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς1

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

2082:23kx34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς ἀποκτενῶ ἐν θανάτῳ1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2092:23zm6trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyνεφροὺς καὶ καρδίας1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2102:23bgs9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomδώσω ὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2112:23fptdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ὑμῶν1

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

2122:24zqpgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 2:2. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

2132:24tli6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὅσοι οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2142:24scu6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2152:24d5i9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰ βαθέα1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2162:24y2t5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ1

Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the deep things that Satan supposedly taught the disciples of Jezebel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

2172:24sgilrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 it would be helpful in your language, 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2182:24ikkhrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-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://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])

2192:25tfzkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2202:25vgxmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomκρατήσατε1

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

2212:26z5xirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ νικῶν1

See how you translated this generic noun phrase in 2:7. For the metaphorical expression one who conquers that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase one who conquers in the chapter two introduction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

2222:26aiwsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτηρῶν1

See how you translated this word in 1:3. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2232:26v2e0rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the works that I give to you” or “the works that I require of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

2242:27c9gurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarksκαὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται1

This entire verse is a loose citation or paraphrase of Psalm 2:8-9 in the Old Testament. The passage of Psalm 2:8-9 describes God promising to give the king of Israel authority over the entire world and its peoples. However, Jesus applies the passage of Psalm 2:8-9 here to those to whom he gives authority over all peoples and nations. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate that verse 2:27 is a quotation by setting off all of the words with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

2252:27e5kcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ1

Here, he will shepherd them with a rod of iron expresses a metaphor that describes a kings rule as if the king were a shepherd who punishes wrong with the threat of using an iron rod or staff. The symbol of an iron rod or staff indicates a rule that is so complete that the rule dominates all opposition to ones dominion or power. If your readers would not understand what it means to rule as a shepherd with an iron rod, you could use an equivalent metaphor or idiom from your culture. Alternate translation: “he will rule them like a shepherd with a rod of iron” or “he will govern with a rod of iron” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2262:27ksl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται1

Here, breaking jars of clay to pieces is a simile that represents either: (1) destroying people who do wicked acts, or (2) defeating enemies who oppose the rule of Jesus. If this expression would not be natural in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “as jars of clay are smashed into pieces” or “as jars of clay are shattered to pieces” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2272:27w8pprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυντρίβεται1

Here, are broken into pieces expresses a passive sense in the passive form. 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: “he will break them into pieces” or “he will smash them into pieces” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2282:28n9tsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὡς κἀγὼ εἴληφα παρὰ τοῦ πατρός μου1

Here, some languages may need to know what was received. This could mean: (1) he received authority from his Father. (2) He received the morning star from his Father. The second option is most likely, as reflected in the UST rendition of this verse. If such ambiguity might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as I also have received power from my Father” or “as I also have received dominion from my Father” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2292:28hr39rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ πατρός μου1

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

2302:28g5iyrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὸν ἀστέρα τὸν πρωϊνόν1

Here, the morning star represents a star that appears just before dawn and early in the morning. It was a symbol of victory since the context suggests that those who are victorious with Jesus will rule with the authority of Jesus as victors. There is much debate as to what the symbol of the morning star means or signifies for the believer that is victorious with Jesus. This symbol could mean: (1) Lucifer or Satan, (2) the resurrection of a believer, (3) the King of Babylon, (4) the planet Venus as a symbol of victory, (5) the eternal life of the righteous, (6) the Holy Spirit, (7) Jesus Christ Himself, or (8) a symbolic image that represents the future rule of the believers and the righteous in the kingdom of Jesus. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

2312:29ilk8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

2322:29ikm8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

2332:29y6m4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ Πνεῦμα1

Here, the Spirit most likely refers to Gods Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of Gods triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in 1:10. In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2343:introq1l90

Revelation 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  • The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)

  • The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)

  • The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)

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

See the discussion of the phrase I know in the General Notes to chapter 2.n

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

See the discussion of this usage in the General Notes to chapter 2.n

Seven spirits of God

These spirits are the seven spirits of 1:4.

Seven stars

These stars are the seven stars of 1:20.

Important figures of speech 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 (3:20). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

“Let the one who has an ear hear”

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

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

“what the Spirit says to the churches”

Here, the Spirit most likely refers to Gods Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of Gods triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in 1:10. In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

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 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 sentences. 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 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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

“the one who conquers”

The expression the one who conquers refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). 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: “the one who wins the victory” or “the one who overcomes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

The expression the one who conquers refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life. The generic noun phrase the one who conquers occurs in Revelation chapters two and three often (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). The expression is not specific to any one person, but can be applied to a plural entity or group of people. If the generic noun phrase would not be natural in your language, use a more natural phrase such as turning the singular word into a plural group reference. Alternate translation: “anyone who has the victory” or “those who have the victory” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

2353:1k6b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σάρδεσιν ἐκκλησίας γράψον1

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 1:11. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2363:1u1zsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1

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

2373:1ouysrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

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

2383:1un3crc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα1

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

2393:1lpfkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα1

See how you translated the clause I know your works in 2:2. Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2403:1xtk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὄνομα ἔχεις1

Here, name is a metonym for the person who possesses the name. Essentially, the name represents the reputation of the person who has the name. See how you translated name in 2:3. Alternate translation: “you have a stature” or “you have a fame” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2413:1ty18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorζῇς, καὶ νεκρὸς εἶ1

Here, being alive is a metaphor for obeying and honoring God. However, being dead is a metaphor for disobeying and dishonoring God. In other words, honoring God is spoken of as being alive, while, on the other hand, disobeying and dishonoring God is described as being dead. If these expressions of a spiritual condition would confuse your readers, you could express this meaning of the metaphors plainly. Alternate translation: “you are obedient, but you are disobedient” or “you honor me, but you dishonor me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2423:2l7qgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγίνου γρηγορῶν1

Here, the command to wake up is a metaphor for the state of being alert or actively vigilant. In other words, being watchful or alert and vigilant is described by the action of waking up from sleep. If your readers would not understand what it means to wake up in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Be alert” or “Be aware” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2433:2d8cwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationστήρισον τὰ λοιπὰ, ἃ ἔμελλον ἀποθανεῖν1

Here, the deeds which the believers do are the same works mentioned in the previous verse. These deeds which the believers in Sardis do are described as if they were alive and also in danger of dying. Thus, deeds are referred to as if they were living persons or humans who live and die. If this figure of speech of personification might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative or explicit way. Alternate translation: “complete the work that remains, which is about to prove futile” or “finish the work that remains, which is about to prove useless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

2443:2ja1grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσου τὰ ἔργα1

See how you translated this word your deeds in 2:2. Alternate translation: “your works” or “your actions” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2453:2jq58rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionΘεοῦ μου1

Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the God whom Jesus possesses or claims as his own God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could sasy the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the God I serve” or “the God I worship” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

2463:3wcs4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας1

Here, this phrase what you have received and heard refers to Gods word or the teaching of Gods word which the believers had received and heard. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Gods word that you received and heard” or “the truth that you received and heard” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2473:3e324rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτήρει1

See how you translated this word in 1:3 and in 2:26. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2483:3gwk8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐὰν & μὴ γρηγορήσῃς1

Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up in a metaphorical sense. See how you translated “wake up” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “If you are not alert” or “If you are not careful” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2493:3ypw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἥξω ὡς κλέπτης1

Here, Jesus will come at a time when people do not expect him, just as a thief comes when he is not expected. The unexpected nature of the arrival of a thief is also explained in the following clause of this verse. However, if this simile would not be natural in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express the meaning in a nonfigurative way. Alternate translation: “I will come unexpectedly” or “I will come without warning” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2503:4bpg5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowdἀλλὰ ἔχεις ὀλίγα ὀνόματα1

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. See how you translated the second person pronouns and the second person individuals referenced in 2:2. Alternate translation: “But there are a few of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

2513:4fy7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὀλίγα ὀνόματα1

Here, the word names represent the people themselves as a metonym for the persons. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “a few people” or “a few persons” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2523:4imsurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν1

Here, Jesus describes sins in a believers life as if they were dirty clothes. This figure of speech is a metaphor for how sin pollutes the life of a believer. Thus, to be holy or sacred to God relates to the imagery of what one wears as clothing or garments. If your readers do not understand what it means to be stained in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a nonfigurative way. Alternate translation: “have not made dirty their clothes” or “have not polluted their clothes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2533:4x2ifrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν1

Here, Jesus describes sins in a believers life as if they were dirty clothes. The metaphor may be stated positively or negatively. Here, the original Greek phrase is negative, as in they have not stained their clothes. However, one can state this same idea positively to make the meaning explicit. If your language does not use the negative language of this form, you can state this in the positive form or in another way that makes the meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “have kept their clothes clean” or “who have kept themselves pure” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2543:4x48rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπεριπατήσουσιν μετ’ ἐμοῦ1

Here, the word to walk is a idiomatic expression that describes life or living. People commonly spoke of living as a walk. If your readers do not understand what the idiom means in this context, you could use an equivalent idiom from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning of the idiom in a nonfigurative or plain way. Alternate translation: “they will live with me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2553:4w5t9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν λευκοῖς1

Clothes that are white represent a pure life without sin. The color of white also represents victory in eternal life, as stated in the next verse. If your readers do not understand what it means to be white in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a nonfigurative or plain way. Alternate translation: “in purity” or “in victory” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2563:5v69erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ νικῶν1

See how you translated this generic noun phrase in 2:7. For the metaphorical expression one who conquers that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase one who conquers in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

2573:5w5k4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπεριβαλεῖται ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς1

Here, one can translate the passive verb clothed as an active verb in contrast to the passive voice. 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: “will wear … white clothes” or “will dress himself … in white clothes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2583:5hmy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorλευκοῖς1

See how you translated this metaphor of the color white in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2593:5wn1xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐ μὴ ἐξαλείψω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1

Here, I will certainly not wipe his name out refers to a denial of ever deleting, erasing, removing, blotting out, or wiping out a name in any way. Here, the translator should translate the idea of wiping out with whatever verb is most naturally applied to the process of removing someones name from a book or list of some sort. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will certainly not delete his name out” or “I will certainly not remove his name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2603:5yyu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁμολογήσω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1

Here I will confess his name does not simply mean that Jesus will say the name of the person. Rather, the expression means that Jesus will announce that he possesses the person. In other words, Jesus will proclaim that the person belongs to Jesus himself. Here, his name refers to the person himself by the figure of a metonym. If your readers would not understand this metonym, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “I will announce that he belongs to me” or “I will acknowledge that he is mine” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2613:5bi3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

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

2623:5q22src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ1

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

2633:6zxc7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

2643:6k2k6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

2653:6i49vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ Πνεῦμα1

Here, the Spirit most likely refers to Gods Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of Gods triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in 1:10. In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2663:7rf9brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Φιλαδελφίᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον1

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 1:11. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2673:7ksg4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1

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

2683:7xarnrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

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

2693:7ih6irc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὴν κλεῖν Δαυείδ1

Here, the key is a symbol of authority, power, or ability to control something, which, in this case, is the Messiahs kingdom of King David. Jesus speaks of his authority as the Messiah to decide who may enter into his kingdom as if he possessed the key that King of David had to open and close the city gates of Jerusalem. The symbolic imagery of Jesus having keys for his kingdom occurs also in Matthew 16:19. As the translator, you should not make the meaning of the figure explicit or attempt to specify the meaning of the symbolism beyond the plain or simple figure of the symbolic language. Alternate translation: “the key of Davids authority” or “the key of Davids kingdom” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

2703:7aam6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismὁ ἀνοίγων καὶ οὐδεὶς κλείσει, καὶ κλείων καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀνοίγει1

Here, the phrase the one who opens and no will shut, and he shuts and no one opens expresses the authority, power, or ability to control the kingdom of King David by means of a merism. This merism lists the two opposite, extreme actions of authority by the analogy of opening and closing a door with a key, which are the the only two possibilities for action with a door. Jesus speaks of his authority as the Messiah to decide who may enter into his kingdom as if he possessed the key that King of David had to open and close the city gates of Jerusalem. The symbolic imagery of King David having a key for his kingdom to open and close doors also occurs in Isaiah 22:22. If this merism would not be natural in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who opens and no one can shut, and he shuts and no one can open” or “the one who opens and no one may shut, and he shuts and no one may open” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

2713:8k48crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα1

See how you translated the clause I know your works in 2:2. Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2723:8j1x7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageδέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην1

Here, an open door represents a symbolic figure for an opportunity for service or for proclamation of the gospel message. The language may also indicate a symbolic figure for a free entrance into the kingdom of Jesus the Messiah to the readers of the letter. As the translator, you should not make the meaning of the figure explicit or attempt to specify the meaning of the symbolism beyond the plain or simple figure of the symbolic language. Alternate translation: “I have set before you an open door” or “I have placed before you an open door” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

2733:8vp9nrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageἣν οὐδεὶς δύναται κλεῖσαι αὐτήν1

See how you translated the word here to shut and the symbolic language of this clause in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

2743:8h90irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμικρὰν ἔχεις δύναμιν1

Here, the phrase you have little power is an idiomatic expression that describes the social status of the believers as a community in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia assembly of believers had little influence or little social prestige in their community there in Philadelphia. As an idiomatic expression, one could say that the Philadelphia assembly had little power in their community or social context in the city of Philadelphia. If your readers do not understand what the idiom means in this context, you could use an equivalent idiom from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning of the idiom in a nonfigurative or plain way. Alternate translation: “you have little prestige” or “you do not have much power” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2753:8xyw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐτήρησάς1

See how you translated this word in 1:3 and in 2:26. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2763:8wswsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionμου τὸν λόγον1

Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the word or words that he spoke when he taught the believers in the city of Philadelphia. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the word that I spoke” or “my teaching” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

2773:8b3kzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομά μου1

Here, my name is a metonym for the person who has that name, which in this case, is Jesus. If your readers would not understand this metonym, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “me” or “the name that I have” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2783:9x78mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσυναγωγῆς τοῦ Σατανᾶ1

Here, people who gather to obey or to honor Satan are spoken of as if they were in a synagogue. A synagogue is a place of worship and teaching for the Jewish people. See how you translated this same phrase in 2:9. In that verse and its context Jesus also declares there that certain Jewish people were not acting like true Jews as the representative people of God. The translator should retain here in this verse the metaphor and simply define the figure of speech of a synagogue of Satan in an explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2793:9q496rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionπροσκυνήσουσιν1

Here, to bow down in front of a persons feet represents a sign of submission. Thus, the action of bowing down is not a symbolic gesture that figuratively expresses worship. On the contrary, the gesture of bowing down symbolizes respect or obeisance. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “bow down in submission” or “prostrate themselves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2803:9ah4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheἐνώπιον τῶν ποδῶν σου1

Here, feet represents the person or the people before whom these individuals from the synagogue of Satan bow down. If this figure of speech of synecdoche would not be natural in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “before you” or “to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2813:10f9virc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐτήρησας & τηρήσω1

See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation of the two ways in which Jesus is using the word kept/keep here. Alternate translation: “you have obeyed … I will … preserve” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2823:10k8mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου1

Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the word or command that he spoke when he taught the believers in the city of Philadelphia. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the word that I spoke about steadfastness” or “my teaching on steadfastness” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

2833:10y577rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου1

If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of steadfastness, you can express it with the verb “to endure.” See how you translated this word in 1:9 and in 2:2. Alternate translation: “my admonition to suffer patiently” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2843:10gv5grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῆς ὥρας τοῦ πειρασμοῦ1

Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the hour as a time when God tests all of the world. The subject of testing is God who tests all people during the hour of great suffering. If it is not clear in your language that God is the one who tests the world, then you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the hour when God tests” or “the hour of Gods testing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

2853:10ql9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῆς ὥρας1

The translator may wish to explain that hour is not sixty minutes. Rather, the hour is a moment of time, or a time period, of testing. If this idiom is not clear in your language, then you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the time” or “the moment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2863:10e6bwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῆς μελλούσης ἔρχεσθαι1

Here, to come describes future being or existence. If your readers would not understand what it means for future existence to come, then you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a nonfigurative way. Alternative translation: “that will occur” or “that is about to be” or “that is about to exist” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2873:11ih12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔρχομαι ταχύ1

Here, coming quickly implies an arrival of Jesus to judge. It is understood that Jesus is coming in order to judge. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the implicit meaning in an explicit way. Alternate translation: “I am coming to judge quickly” or “I am coming to judge soon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2883:11n9a9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomκράτει ὃ ἔχεις1

See how you translated the verb to Hold fast to in 2:13. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2893:11a4m5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸν στέφανόν1

Here, crown stands for a reward or a victory prize. See how you translated crown in 2:10. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2903:12px36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ νικῶν1

See how you translated this generic noun phrase in 2:7. For the metaphorical expression one who conquers that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase one who conquers in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

2913:12xiwxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorποιήσω αὐτὸν στῦλον ἐν τῷ ναῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ μου1

Jesus is speaking of victorious believers as if they were a pillar in the temple of God. Here, a pillar represents an important and permanent part of Gods kingdom. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will make him strong, like a pillar in the temple of my God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2923:13u5jkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

2933:13ug5mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

2943:13cm7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ Πνεῦμα1

Here, the Spirit most likely refers to Gods Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of Gods triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in 1:10. In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2953:14r6bzrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesκαὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον1

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 1:11. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2963:14jg3brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ἀγγέλῳ1

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

2973:14wzg9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsτάδε λέγει1

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

2983:14f65vὁ Ἀμήν1

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

2993:14btv1ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς κτίσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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.

3003:15pf9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὔτε ψυχρὸς εἶ οὔτε ζεστός1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3013:15c60lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα1

See how you translated the clause I know your works in 2:2. Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

3023:16y9vtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμέλλω σε ἐμέσαι ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3033:17v1pjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσὺ εἶ ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3043:18tmm7ἀγοράσαι 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 βλέπῃς1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

3053:19sf66ζήλευε & καὶ μετανόησον1

Alternate translation: “be serious and repent”

3063:20i7gyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἕστηκα ἐπὶ τὴν θύραν καὶ κρούω1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3073:20sr5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionκρούω1

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

3083:20m6n2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἀκούσῃ τῆς φωνῆς μου1

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

3093:20di8qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goκαὶ εἰσελεύσομαι πρὸς αὐτὸν1

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

3103:20une1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαὶ δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ1

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

3113:21n83qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ νικῶν1

See how you translated this generic noun phrase in 2:7. For the metaphorical expression one who conquers that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase one who conquers in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

3123:21mn2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyκαθίσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐν τῷ θρόνῳ μου1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3133:21un17rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1

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

3143:22m13xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

3153:22mjv6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

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

3163:22vnr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ Πνεῦμα1

Here, the Spirit most likely refers to Gods Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of Gods triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in 1:10. In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

3174:introcl9f0

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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])

Seven spirits of God

These spirits are the seven spirits of 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:///tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/worthy]] and [[rc://*/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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])

3184:1vh4iμετὰ ταῦτα1

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

3194:1z8r8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3204:1a49src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς σάλπιγγος λαλούσης μετ’ ἐμοῦ1

If it would be clearer in your language 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

3214:1j713σάλπιγγος1

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 1:10.

3224:2ie3wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι1

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

3234:3m4mirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownλίθῳ, ἰάσπιδι καὶ σαρδίῳ1

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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

3244:3aap1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσμαραγδίνῳ1

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

3254:4b695rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageεἴκοσι τέσσαρας πρεσβυτέρους1

Interpreters debate the symbolic meaning of 24 as the number of the elders. The symbolic significance of the term elders is also debated, but it probably indicates the church or the people of God at the time that John wrote the book of Revelation. In this sense, the leaders of the church represent the church or the saints that comprise the church. Alternate translation: “24 church leaders” or “24 older saints” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3264:5ryb1ἀστραπαὶ1

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

3274:5u1daφωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί1

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

3284:5e1jmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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 1:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3294:6ja33rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθάλασσα ὑαλίνη1

If it would be clearer in your language 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3304:6cv9prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὁμοία κρυστάλλῳ1

If it would be clearer in your language simile, you can state how it was like crystal. Alternate translation: “clear as crystal” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

3314:6fr7xἐν μέσῳ τοῦ θρόνου καὶ κύκλῳ τοῦ θρόνου1

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

3324:6b66krc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτέσσαρα ζῷα1

Interpreters debate what the symbolic significance of four and of living creatures precisely is. The translator should keep the phrase literal and allow the symbolic significance to stand in the translation or rendition. Alternate translation: “were four animate beings” or “were four living things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3334:7d84nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 πετομένῳ1

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

3344:7b9txrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageζῷον1

See how you translated living creature in 4:6. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3354:8n8g2κυκλόθεν καὶ ἔσωθεν γέμουσιν ὀφθαλμῶν1

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

3364:8y1u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἐρχόμενος1

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

3374:9tljorc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὰ ζῷα1

See how you translated living creatures in 4:6. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3384:9xj6bτῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ, τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1

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

3394:9a19zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletεἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1

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

3404:10c2vgπεσοῦνται1

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

3414:10s4mwrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageπρεσβύτεροι1

See how you translated elders in 4:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3424:10sly8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionβαλοῦσιν τοὺς στεφάνους αὐτῶν ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου1

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

3434:10wvf9βαλοῦσιν1

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

3444:11idj1ὁ Κύριος καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν1

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

3454:11q91lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyλαβεῖν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν καὶ τὴν δύναμιν1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3465:introg7ey0

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:///tw/dict/bible/other/scroll]] and [[rc:///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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])

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 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3475:1w3yiκαὶ εἶδον1

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

3485:1u3brτοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου1

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

3495:1yhm3βιβλίον, γεγραμμένον ἔσωθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν1

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

3505:1aj7mrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκατεσφραγισμένον σφραγῖσιν ἑπτά1

Here, seven seals represents seven pieces of wax that secured documents closed. Melted wax was used to seal letters or other documents that needed to be protected. When the wax cooled and hardened, the letter could not be opened without breaking the wax seal. The person who received the letter would see the unbroken seal and know that no one had opened it. Alternate translation: “and it had seven seals keeping it closed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

3515:2r2vtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-eventsτίς ἄξιος ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ?1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

3525:2v4r4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς ἄξιος ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ?1

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

3535:3lj9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, οὐδὲ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς1

Here, the entire clause and all of its descriptions of parts of the cosmos or universe represent a merism. Essentially, the entire clause means everywhere. In other words, the entire clause represents the following: 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

3545:5dohbrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτῶν πρεσβυτέρων1

See how you translated elders in 4:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3555:5j67wὁ λέων ὁ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰούδα1

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”

3565:5b6wgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ λέων1

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

3575:5i89jrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ1

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” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3585:5z3vwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3595:6v99jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν μέσῳ τοῦ θρόνου καὶ τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων καὶ ἐν μέσῳ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων, Ἀρνίον ἑστηκὸς1

Here, in the middle of describes a setting in which the four living creatures surround the central throne for the Lamb that exists in the center of the imagery or vision. The elders are sitting on thrones that also surround the central throne and the four living creatures. However, the elders are further out and even more removed in terms of relative space from the center of the throne for the Lamb than are the the four living creatures. Where the Lamb is standing in relation to the throne is not entirely clear and should not be translated very specifically. Thus, the translator should avoid specifying the exact details of where the Lamb stands in his relative location with the throne. If this spatial relationship is confusing in your language, then the translator might give a less confusing description by stating generally that the Lamb was standing near or at the throne. Alternate translation: “near the throne and the four living creatures and the elders” or “close to the throne and the four living creatures and the elders” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

3605:6zkxfrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων1

See how you translated living creatures in 4:6. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3615:6uegzrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτῶν πρεσβυτέρων1

See how you translated elders in 4:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3625:6du51rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageἈρνίον1

Here, Lamb symbolically refers Jesus as a sacrifice. The translator should not change the symbol of the Lamb as a picture of sacrifice. Alternate translation: “male sheep” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3635:6o15qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὡς ἐσφαγμένον1

Here, as though having been killed translates a passive verb phrase that literally means “having been slain.” Thus, the passive verb phrase expresses the fact that the Lamb, although he was alive or living, actually had marks or cuts which indicated that he had died or was killed by others. If your language does not use the passive verb form in this way, you can state this witha an active verb form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as though someone had killed him” or “as though someone had murdered him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3645:6oz6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageκέρατα ἑπτὰ καὶ ὀφθαλμοὺς ἑπτά1

The number seven is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection. See how you translated seven as a symbolic number in 1:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3655:6erg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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 symbolic phrase in 1:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3665:6t7d1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπεσταλμένοι εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν1

If your language does not use a passive form like sent out here, then you can translate the passive expression with an active verb. Alternate translation: “whom God sends out into all the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3675:7egp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἦλθεν1

He approached the throne. Some languages may use the verb “to go” with a form equivalent to the phrase “he went.” Use whichever verb is more natural in you language. Alternate translation: “he went” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

3685:8l8a3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὰ τέσσερα ζῷα1

See how you translated living creatures in 4:6. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3695:8halsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageπρεσβύτεροι1

See how you translated elders in 4:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3705:8e3fhrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1

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

3715:8uv6wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἕκαστος1

Here, each one could refer to: (1) each one of the elders and living creatures, or, (2) solely each one of the elders. The translator should not make the references explicit since the persons or characters are not clearly identified in the Greek language. Alternate translation: “every one” or “all of them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3725:8qak6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageθυμιαμάτων1

Here, incense symbolizes the prayers of the saints to God. Alternate translation: “aromatic herbs” or “aromatic resins” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3735:8r458rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῶν ἁγίων1

As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, John often uses the term saints to describe people who believe in Jesus and obey him faithfully. John uses the term by association with the way these people are set apart as holy for God. You language may have a term or expression of its own that would convey this meaning that you could use throughout the book. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “of the disciples of Jesus” or “of believers in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3745:9voroἄξιος1

See how you translated worthy in 4:11.

3755:9yu7hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐσφάγης1

Here, you were slaughtered is a passive verbal phrase that can be turned into an active verbal expression. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they slaughtered you” or “people killed you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3765:9qtv5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν τῷ αἵματί σου1

Here, blood is a metonym that substitutes for blood. The phrase with your blood can mean “by your death” or “by dying.” Since blood represents a persons life, losing the blood represents a death or the act of dying. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “with your death” or “with your act of dying.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3775:9r067rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἠγόρασας τῷ Θεῷ1

John is speaking as if the Lamb literally bought people for God. He means that through his sacrificial death, the Lamb saved them by setting them free from the guilt and power of sin. Your language may have a term that you can use in your translation that describes someone paying a price or making a sacrifice to set someone else free. Alternate translation: “you redeemed people for God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3785:9zzc7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἐκ πάσης φυλῆς, καὶ γλώσσης, καὶ λαοῦ, καὶ ἔθνους1

The clause from every tribe and tongue and people and nation represents a merism. The list in this litany represents all people of the earth and includes every ethnic group that the world contains. Use words in your language that someone would use to include all types of people, races, and ethnic groups which inhabit the world. Alternate translation: “from every ethnic group and tongue and people and nation” or “from every tribe and tongue and race and nation.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

3795:10wn87βασιλείαν καὶ ἱερεῖς1

See how you translated kingdom and priests in 1:6.

3805:11xuy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersμυριάδες μυριάδων καὶ χιλιάδες χιλιάδων1

Here, myriads and thousands refer to numbers that represent so many in their number that people cannot count them. The numbers myriads and thousands simply mean numbers that are so great that they are countless. If people will not understand these numbers in your target language, then you can simply use natural expressions in your language for numbers that are so great that one cannot count them. Use expressions in your language that show huge numbers that are difficult to count. Alternate translation: “millions” or “too many thousands to count” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

3815:12m6hyἄξιόν1

See how you translated Worthy in 4:11.

3825:12xzbcrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὸ Ἀρνίον1

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

3835:12gnv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ ἐσφαγμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom people slaughtered” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3845:12w0dvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 4:11. Alternate translation: “for everyone to honor, glorify, and praise him because he is powerful, wealthy, wise, and strong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

3855:13sad6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς1

Here, the entire clause and all of its descriptions of parts of the cosmos or universe represent a merism. Essentially, the entire clause means everywhere. See how you translated this in 5:3. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

3865:13l2snrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτῷ Ἀρνίῳ1

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

3875:14r459rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsοἱ πρεσβύτεροι ἔπεσαν καὶ προσεκύνησαν1

Some ancient manuscripts read the elders fell down and worshiped. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “the one who lives to the ages of the ages.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

3885:14j2f3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageἀμήν!1

See how you translated Amen in 1:6. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

3896:introzkn70

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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])

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:///tw/dict/bible/kt/lamb]] and [[rc:///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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

3906:1q571rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὸ Ἀρνίον1

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

3916:1i392rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῶν ἑπτὰ σφραγίδων1

See how you translated seven seals in 5:1. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

3926:1v9tdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς φωνῇ βροντῆς1

Here, one of the living creatures speaks with a very loud voice. John is using thunder figuratively in a simile to mean a very loud noise for the voice. Alternate translation: “as with a noise of thunder” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

3936:2t2qgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ στέφανος1

Here, to him was given a crown might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he received a crown” or “God gave him a crown” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3946:3bs66rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν δευτέραν1

The word second is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number two” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

3956:3i1p4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτοῦ δευτέρου ζῴου1

The word second is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another living creature” or “the next living creature” or “living creature number two” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

3966:4w57mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτῷ καθημένῳ ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, ἐδόθη αὐτῷ1

Here, to the one sitting on it was granted to him might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave permission to its rider” or “its rider received permission” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3976:4je64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ μάχαιρα μεγάλη1

Here, to him was given a huge sword might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this rider received a huge sword” or “God gave this rider a huge sword” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3986:5v4usrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν τρίτην1

The word third is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number three” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

3996:5zec1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτοῦ τρίτου ζῴου1

The word third is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another living creature” or “the next living creature” or “living creature number three” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

4006:5rm4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownζυγὸν1

Here, a pair of scales is a tool that people utilize to weigh things. Most likely a pair of scales was a weighing device which included two round plates or bowls hanging by ropes to a pole which the rider held in his hand. Translators should maintain the imagery of the ancient tool and not describe modern systems for weighing things. Alternate translation: “a pair of balances” or “a pair of weights” or “balancing scales” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

4016:6b5rrrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolumeχοῖνιξ σίτου & τρεῖς χοίνικες κριθῶν1

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

4026:6v3snrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyδηναρίου & δηναρίου1

The denarius was a silver coin that was worth a days wages. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation, in each instance: “for one silver coin” or “for the pay for one day of work” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

4036:6c5ikrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ ἔλαιον καὶ τὸν οἶνον1

The oil and the wine probably stand for the olive oil harvest and the grape harvest. In other words, the oil and the wine figuratively represent olive oil and grape harvest. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the olive and the grape” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

4046:7mu5frc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν τετάρτην1

The word fourth is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number four” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

4056:7zj87rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτοῦ τετάρτου ζῴου1

The word fourth is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another living creature” or “the next living creature” or “living creature number four” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

4066:8t7y4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateὁ Θάνατος, καὶ ὁ ᾍδης1

See how you translated Death and Hades in 1:18. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

4076:8qllyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἐξουσία1

Here, authority was given to them might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave authority to them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4086:8aj1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fractionτὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς1

Here, one-fourth means one part out of four equal parts. Alternate translation: “one out of every four people on the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

4096:8df32rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῆς γῆς1

Here, the earth represents the people of the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: of the people on the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

4106:8tjw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyῥομφαίᾳ1

Here, sword represents war. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “war” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

4116:9bv8rrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὴν πέμπτην σφραγῖδα1

The word fifth is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number five” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

4126:9b2kprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτῶν ἐσφαγμένων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom others had killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4136:9x1yrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 scriptures 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4146:9tqddτὴν μαρτυρίαν1

See how you translated the testimony in 1:2.

4156:10qz1irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν1

Here, blood represents the deaths of these believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “our death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

4166:11x3a9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἑκάστῳ στολὴ λευκή1

Here, to each of them was given a white robe might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave to each of them a white robe” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4176:11jpptrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐρρέθη αὐτοῖς1

Here, and they were told might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God told them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4186:11bq1prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἕως πληρωθῶσιν καὶ οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτῶν, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῶν, οἱ μέλλοντες ἀποκτέννεσθαι ὡς καὶ αὐτοί1

This entire clause 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 whom they were going to kill” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4196:11p615rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ ἀδελφοὶ1

Here, brothers mean “fellow believers in Jesus.” Christians are often spoken of as being one anothers brothers. Alternate translation: “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4206:11r473rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοἱ ἀδελφοὶ1

Although the term brothers is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the figurative expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

4216:12z9qmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἕκτην1

The word sixth is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number six” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

4226:12g9dmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσεισμὸς μέγας1

Here, a great earthquake is a natural disaster in which the ground shakes from geological movement. Your language and culture may have a term for an earthquake that you can use in your translation. You could also explain the meaning of the term earthquake, as UST does. Alternate translation: “a great shaking of the ground” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

4236:12xu8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileμέλας ὡς σάκκος1

Here, sackcloth is clothing for mourning that is made from 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 just as the color of black also evokes imagery of death and mourning. If it would be clearer in your language simile, you can explain that sackcloth is clothing made for mourning explicitly. Alternate translation: “black as mourning clothing” or “dark like sackcloth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

4246:12g7rtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς αἷμα1

Here, the moon is like blood because during an eclipse the color of the moon changes to a dark red color. If it would be clearer in your language simile, you can state how the moon is like blood explicitly. Alternate translation: “red like blood” or “as red as blood” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

4256:13s137rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὡς συκῆ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς, ὑπὸ ἀνέμου μεγάλου σειομένη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “just as a stormy wind shakes a fig tree and causes it to drop its unseasonable fruit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4266:13lkffrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς συκῆ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς1

Here, the stars in the sky fall as late-ripening figs fall from a fig tree during a storm. If it would be clearer in your language simile with figs, you do not need to state explicitly that the falling fruits are figs. Alternate translation: “as a fruit tree drops its late-ripening fruit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

4276:13r477rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτοὺς ὀλύνθους1

The term unseasonable describes fruit on a fig tree that does not ripen in the proper season but instead remains on the tree and ripens later. Workers cannot harvest the fruit while the weather is suitable, and instead the fruit falls off when stormy weather comes. Alternate translation: “late-ripening fruit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

4286:14jyb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

4296:14xzn5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sky split open” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4306:14gl0mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as a scroll folds up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4316:14ic4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπᾶν ὄρος καὶ νῆσος ἐκ τῶν τόπων αὐτῶν ἐκινήθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “every mountain and island shifted from its place” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4326:15m6j6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownοἱ χιλίαρχοι1

Here, the generals refers to military officers or warriors who command in the battle. Alternate translation: “the war leaders” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

4336:15n984rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismοἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, καὶ οἱ μεγιστᾶνες, καὶ οἱ χιλίαρχοι, καὶ οἱ πλούσιοι, καὶ οἱ ἰσχυροὶ, καὶ πᾶς δοῦλος καὶ ἐλεύθερος1

Here, all the nouns in the series or list refers to every type of person and people. The various examples refer to all kinds of people who exist in the world. The merism names various kinds or parts of society by stating the extreme ends of the society. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all types of people, whether rich, poor, powerful, or weak” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

4346:15vl6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὰ σπήλαια1

These caves are large holes in the sides of hills. If your readers would not be familiar with caves, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the holes in the rocks” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

4356:16f4bjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπροσώπου τοῦ1

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

4366:16g0edrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1

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

4376:17bd8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἦλθεν ἡ ἡμέρα ἡ μεγάλη τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτῶν1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

4386:17i7t4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἦλθεν1

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

4396:17cq9eὀργῆς αὐτῶν1

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

4406:17r1tarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτίς δύναται σταθῆναι?1

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

4416:17pmn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4427:introf27i0

Revelation 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

It is important to translate the large numbers in this chapter accurately. 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 in the same order 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 worshiping him. (See: [[rc://*/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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4437:1id3yτὰς τέσσαρας γωνίας τῆς γῆς1

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.

4447:2sgq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyσφραγῖδα1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

4457:3upb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyσφραγίσωμεν τοὺς δούλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

4467:3je8mμετώπων1

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

4477:4m58vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτῶν ἐσφραγισμένων1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4487:4lh7hrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες1

Translate this large number in the way that would be most natural in your language. Some languages may need to supply a noun after the number to express the meaning. Alternate translation: “144,000” or “one hundred forty-four thousand people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

4497:5lyz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersδώδεκα χιλιάδες1

Translate this large number in the way that would be most natural in your language. Some languages may need to supply a noun after the number to express the meaning. Alternate translation: “12,000” or “twelve thousand people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

4507:9au1mὄχλος πολύς1

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

4517:9ioxwrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1

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

4527:10vlv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

4537:10m5azἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν1

Alternate translation: “Salvation comes from our God”

4547:10e31mrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτῷ Ἀρνίῳ1

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

4557:11a45pτῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων1

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

4567:11aja9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔπεσαν & ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν1

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

4577:12lf1mἡ εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν1

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

4587:12q3gtεὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν1

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”

4597:12d74fεἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1

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

4607:13wz8zπεριβεβλημένοι τὰς στολὰς τὰς λευκὰς1

These white robes showed that they were righteous.

4617:14p6enοἱ ἐρχόμενοι ἐκ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης1

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

4627:14u6fcτῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης1

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

4637:14b7mirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔπλυναν τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐλεύκαναν αὐτὰς ἐν τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4647:14ym21rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου1

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

4657:14xl4xrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτοῦ Ἀρνίου1

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

4667:15qs23εἰσιν & αὐτούς1

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

4677:15us3irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς1

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

4687:15k9f2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσκηνώσει ἐπ’ αὐτούς1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4697:16p6u7οὐ πεινάσουσιν & αὐτοὺς1

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

4707:16t45hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4717:17gs3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageτὸ Ἀρνίον1

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

4727:17b5rpτὸ Ἀρνίον τὸ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ θρόνου1

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

4737:17wc49αὐτούς & αὐτοὺς1

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

4747:17bi5irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὅτι τὸ Ἀρνίον & ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4757:17m6m8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ ζωῆς πηγὰς ὑδάτων1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4767:17g3d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐξαλείψει ὁ Θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

4778:introma7f0

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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])

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://*/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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

4788:1mh2brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἑβδόμην1

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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

4798:2fri9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθησαν αὐτοῖς ἑπτὰ σάλπιγγες1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4808:3f9g9δώσει1

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

4818:4lq1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐκ χειρὸς τοῦ ἀγγέλου1

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

4828:5l79wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐγέμισεν αὐτὸν ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς1

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

4838:7g5gprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4848:7ga1rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν δένδρων κατεκάη, καὶ πᾶς χόρτος χλωρὸς κατεκάη1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4858:7r460rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsκαὶ τὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη1

Some ancient manuscripts include the phrase and a third of the earth was burned up. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include that phrase. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

4868:8rnh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ δεύτερος ἄγγελος1

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

4878:8uw2hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὡς ὄρος μέγα πυρὶ καιόμενον, ἐβλήθη1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4888:8ev7grc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fractionἐγένετο τὸ τρίτον τῆς θαλάσσης αἷμα1

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

4898:8k43yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἐγένετο & αἷμα1

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

4908:9vgf4τῶν κτισμάτων τῶν ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ τὰ ἔχοντα ψυχάς1

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

4918:10n8uerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἔπεσεν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἀστὴρ μέγας, καιόμενος ὡς λαμπάς1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

4928:10int4λαμπάς1

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

4938:11as2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτὸ ὄνομα τοῦ ἀστέρος λέγεται ὁ Ἄψινθος1

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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

4948:11gei4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐγένετο & ἄψινθον1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4958:11g4q5ἀπέθανον ἐκ τῶν ὑδάτων, ὅτι ἐπικράνθησαν1

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

4968:12z936rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου1

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

4978:12dfm7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4988:12ukh6σκοτισθῇ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῶν1

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.

4998:12t1agἡ ἡμέρα μὴ φάνῃ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῆς, καὶ ἡ νὺξ ὁμοίως1

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”

5008:13r461rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἀετοῦ1

Some ancient manuscripts read eagle. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “angel.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

5018:13x375rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκ τῶν λοιπῶν φωνῶν τῆς σάλπιγγος τῶν τριῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν μελλόντων σαλπίζειν1

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

5029:introsq5c0
5039:1d26crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ πέμπτος ἄγγελος1

See how you translated angel in 8:2. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number five” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

5049:1jim6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἡ κλεὶς τοῦ φρέατος τῆς Ἀβύσσου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone gave the key to the shaft of the abyss” or “the star received the key to the shaft of the abyss” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

5059:1cjr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῆς Ἀβύσσου1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the term abyss literally means a bottomless pit, and here it describes a place of punishment. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate the term with an explanatory phrase. Alternate translation: “of the deep pit where God punishes demons” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

5069:2tp79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς καπνὸς καμίνου μεγάλης1

The point of this comparison is the huge furnace gives off a great amount of thick, dark smoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “like the great amount of smoke that comes from a huge furnace” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

5079:2way2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileκαμίνου μεγάλης1
5089:2nd4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐσκοτώθη1

If your language does not use this passive form were darkened, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “became dark” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

5099:3mb9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀκρίδες1

The locusts are insects that fly together in large groups. People fear them because they can eat up the leaves in gardens and on trees. If your readers would not be familiar with what locusts are, in your translation you could use the name of a similar flying insect in your culture, or you could use a general expression. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

5109:3a4e7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία, ὡς ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν οἱ σκορπίοι1
5119:3va04rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία1
5129:3mjf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσκορπίοι1

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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

5139:4cl6prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη αὐταῖς1
5149:4pb9qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisεἰ μὴ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but only harm the men” “but only damage the men”(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

5159:4tz3frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοὺς ἀνθρώπους1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and in several other places in this chapter John uses the masculine word men in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

5169:4gi1arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὴν σφραγῖδα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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 7:3. Alternate translation: “the marker of God” or “the stamp of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

5179:4tl6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownμετώπων1

The forehead is the top of the face, above the eyes. If your readers would not be familiar with what a forehead is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable term for forehead in your culture or you could use a general expression. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

5189:5rui1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἵνα μὴ ἀποκτείνωσιν αὐτούς1
5199:5vfj7αὐτούς1

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

5209:5nm7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβασανισθήσονται1
5219:5u29src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς βασανισμὸς σκορπίου, ὅταν παίσῃ ἄνθρωπον1
5229:5qtk9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσκορπίου1

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. If your readers would not be familiar with what a scorpion is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable insect or animal in your culture. Alternate translation: “of a stinging insect” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

5239:5t3i7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπον1

See how you translated this in 9:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

5249:6naztrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοἱ ἄνθρωποι1

See how you translated this in 9:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

5259:6p4mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸν θάνατον1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to live no more” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

5269:6f1b4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationφεύγει ὁ θάνατος ἀπ’ αὐτῶν1

John is speaking figuratively of death as if it were a person or animal that could run away or can flee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will not be able to die” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

5279:7zh82rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὅμοια ἵπποις ἡτοιμασμένοις εἰς πόλεμον1
5289:7pf0krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς στέφανοι ὅμοιοι χρυσῷ1
5299:7butsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς πρόσωπα ἀνθρώπων1
5309:7e5u8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

See how you translated this in 9:4. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

5319:8r436rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileτρίχας ὡς τρίχας γυναικῶν1

In this culture women typically wore their hair long. So the point of this comparison is that the locusts had long hair. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “hair that was long like the hair of women” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

5329:8r437rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοἱ ὀδόντες αὐτῶν ὡς λεόντων ἦσαν1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “their teeth were as the teeth of lions” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

5339:8r438rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileοἱ ὀδόντες αὐτῶν ὡς λεόντων ἦσαν1

The point of this comparison is the locusts had teeth that were large and strong, like the teeth of lions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “their teeth were large and strong like lions teeth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

5349:9r439rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἶχον θώρακας ὡς θώρακας σιδηροῦς1

John is speaking as if these locusts literally had breastplates. He probably means that the skin on the front of their bodies was very hard. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the hard skin on the front of their bodies was like iron breastplates” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

5359:9r440rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileεἶχον θώρακας ὡς θώρακας σιδηροῦς1

The point of this comparison is that the skin on the front of the locusts bodies was very strong, as if it were made of iron. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “the hard skin on the front of their bodies was very strong, like an iron breastplate” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

5369:9r441rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownθώρακας σιδηροῦς1

A breastplate was a piece of armor that covered and protected the chest. If your readers would not be familiar with what a breastplate is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “pieces of armor made of iron to protect a soldiers chest” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

5379:9r442rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἡ φωνὴ τῶν πτερύγων αὐτῶν ὡς φωνὴ ἁρμάτων ἵππων πολλῶν1

The point of this comparison is that the wings of all the locusts flying around made a very loud sound, like the sound of chariots. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “the sound of their wings was very loud, like the sound of many chariots of horses” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

5389:9r443rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἁρμάτων ἵππων1

John is using this possessive form to describe chariots that horses pull into battle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning without using a possessive form. Alternate translation: “horse-drawn chariots” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

5399:9r444rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτρεχόντων εἰς πόλεμον1

John is speaking as if these chariots were themselves literally running into battle, though it is the horses pulling the chariots who would be running and the drivers of the chariots who would be hurrying to get into the battle. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whose drivers are hurrying them into battle” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

5409:10qdc3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσκορπίοις1

See how you translated the term scorpion in 9:6. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

5419:10lim1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμῆνας πέντε1

This could mean implicitly: (1) that the locusts had power for five months to harm people. Alternate translation: “over a period of five months” (2) that the locusts could sting people and the people would be in pain for five months. Alternate translation: “with a sting that will cause them pain for five months” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

5429:11fiu6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownτῆς Ἀβύσσου1

See how you translated the term abyss in 9:1. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

5439:11bkg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateτὸν ἄγγελον τῆς Ἀβύσσου; ὄνομα αὐτῷ Ἑβραϊστὶ, Ἀβαδδών, καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἑλληνικῇ ὄνομα ἔχει, Ἀπολλύων1

The word Abbadon is Hebrew name that John spells out using Greek letters so that his readers will know how it sounds. John then tells his readers a Greek name with the same meaning, Apollyon, so that his readers will know what it means. Both names mean Destroyer. In your translation you can spell both names the way they sound in your language and then explain their meaning. Alternate translation: “His Hebrew name is Abbadon and his Greek name is Apollyon; both names mean Destroyer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

5449:12r445rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalἡ οὐαὶ ἡ μία1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “woe number one” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

5459:12r446rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐαὶ1

See how you translated the term woe in 8:13. Alternate translation: “terrible event” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

5469:13r447rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ ἕκτος ἄγγελος1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number six” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

5479:13x4mdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheφωνὴν μίαν1

John is using one part of a person, his voice, to represent all of the person in the act of speaking. John does not say who the speaker was, but it may have been God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someone speaking” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

5489:13q3a3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyκεράτων1

John is referring to the horn-shaped extensions that were at each of the four corners of the top of the altar. He calls them horns by association with their shape. If it would be clearer for your readers, in your translation you could just refer to the “corners” of the altar, as UST does. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

5499:13r448rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῦ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. The Jews believed that God was especially present at his altar. Alternate translation: “that is in the presence of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

5509:14r449rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτῷ ἕκτῳ ἀγγέλῳ1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “to angel number six” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

5519:14su17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτοὺς δεδεμένους1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The text does not say who bound these four angels, but it implies that God did it or commanded his own angels to do it. Alternate translation: “whom God had bound” or “whom God had commanded his owm angels to bind (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

5529:14r450rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΕὐφράτῃ1

The word Euphrates is the name of a river. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

5539:15ijx2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐλύθησαν οἱ τέσσαρες ἄγγελοι, οἱ ἡτοιμασμένοι εἰς τὴν ὥραν, καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ μῆνα, καὶ ἐνιαυτόν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sixth angel released the four angels whom God had prepared for the hour and day and month and year” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

5549:15b3d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτὴν ὥραν, καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ μῆνα, καὶ ἐνιαυτόν1

These words all refer to specific periods of time. John is using them together to emphasize that this is a very specific time. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “that specific time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

5559:15r451rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fractionτὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

A third means one part out of three equal parts. Alternate translation: “one out of every three men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

5569:16r452rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureὁ ἀριθμὸς τῶν στρατευμάτων τοῦ ἱππικοῦ δύο μυριάδες μυριάδων; ἤκουσα τὸν ἀριθμὸν αὐτῶν.1

John typically says I heard or “I saw” before describing what he heard or saw, so it might be more natural to put that information first. Alternate translation: “I heard the number of the horse soldiers; it was two myriads of myriads” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

5579:16ays5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersδύο μυριάδες μυριάδων1

A myriad is a hundred hundred or ten thousand. Express this number in the way that would be most natural in your language. See how you translated a similar large number in 5:11. Alternate translation: “200,000,000” or see next note for another possibility. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

5589:17j5n9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyθώρακας πυρίνους, καὶ ὑακινθίνους, καὶ θειώδεις1

John is describing the colors of the breastplates by association with other things that are those colors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use objects from your own culture that are these colors or express the meaning plainly. See, for example, how you translated the word “fiery” in 6:3. Alternate translation: “breastplates that were fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow” or “bright red, dark blue, and brilliant yellow breastplates” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

5599:17r453rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὑακινθίνους1

A hyacinth is a plant in the lily family that has dark blue flowers on spikes. If your readers would not be familiar with what a hyacinth is, in your translation you could use the name of a plant or other object in your culture that is the same color as hyacinth flowers, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “dark blue” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

5609:18r454rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπὸ τῶν τριῶν πληγῶν τούτων ἀπεκτάνθησαν τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς, καὶ τοῦ καπνοῦ, καὶ τοῦ θείου, τοῦ ἐκπορευομένου ἐκ τῶν στομάτων αὐτῶν.1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “These three plagues of fire and of smoke and of sulfur coming out from their mouths killed a third of men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

5619:20xf3trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἳ οὐκ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν ταῖς πληγαῖς ταύταις1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones whom these plagues did not kill” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

5629:20r455rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheἐκ τῶν ἔργων τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν1

John is using one part of these people, their hands, to represent all of each person in the act of doing works. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the works they were doing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

5639:20d3vnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἃ οὔτε βλέπειν δύνανται, οὔτε ἀκούειν, οὔτε περιπατεῖν1

The terms see and hear and walk all describe things that living beings are able to do. John is using the three terms together to emphasize that idols are not alive and cannot do anything for those who worship them. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “which are not alive at all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

56410:introys3l0

Revelation 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter John begins to describe a vision he had of a mighty angel holding a scroll. John is viewing what is happening from the perspective of earth, which is why he speaks of this angel “coming down from heaven.” This vision takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets. \

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven thunders

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

“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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

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

56510:1r345rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπεριβεβλημένον νεφέλην1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whose clothing was a cloud” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

56610:1jj2erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπεριβεβλημένον νεφέλην1

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

56710:1qax6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileκαὶ τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος, καὶ οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὡς στῦλοι πυρός1

The point of these comparisons is that the angels face was very bright, like the sun, and that the angels feet were glowing like fire. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these points explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The angels face was very bright, like the sun, and his feet were glowing as if they were on fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

56810:1p81xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ1

Since John compares the feet of the angel to pillars, it is likely that by feet, he means “legs” by association. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his legs” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

56910:2r346rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβιβλαρίδιον ἠνεῳγμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a little scroll that he had opened” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

57010:2r347rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτὸν & εὐώνυμον1

John is using the adjective left as a noun to mean a certain one of the angels feet. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “his left foot” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

57110:3r348rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileφωνῇ μεγάλῃ ὥσπερ λέων μυκᾶται1

The point of this comparison is probably that the loud voice of the angel commanded attention like the roar of a lion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “in a loud voice that commanded attention as a lions roar does” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

57210:3r349rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ1

John speaks of these seven thunders as if he assumes that his readers will know what or who they are, but he has not introduced or explained them earlier in the book and interpreters are not certain of their identity. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could introduce them in such a way as to indicate that John has not identified them previously. Alternate translation: “seven thunders spoke” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

57310:3r350rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ1

This expression could mean that thunder spoke or sounded seven times, rather than that seven different thunders spoke. You could say that in your translation or indicate this possibility in a footnote. Alternate translation: “thunder spoke seven times” or “thunder sounded seven times” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

57410:3r351rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoφωνῇ μεγάλῃ ὥσπερ λέων μυκᾶται1

It might seem that the expression spoke their own voices contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “in a loud voice that commanded attention like the roar of a lion” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

57510:4r352rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἤμελλον γράφειν1

The implication is that John was going to write down what the seven thunders had said. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I was going to write down what they had said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

57610:4r353rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorσφράγισον ἃ ἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταί, καὶ μὴ αὐτὰ γράψῃς1

The voice spoke as if John should literally seal what the thunders said. However, since the voice then specified that John was not to write anything down, the voice meant that John should keep secret what the thunders said. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Keep secret what the seven thunders said by not writing it down” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

57710:5l5xyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἦρεν τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ τὴν δεξιὰν εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν1

The angel raised his right hand to heaven as a symbolic action to show that he was swearing an oath by God. If this would not be clear to your readers, you can explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “raised his right hand to heaven to show that he swearing an oath by God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

57810:6gmm8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1

John assumes that his readers will understand that the angel is referring to God with this expression. You can indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the eternal God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

57910:6t2f6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

58010:6r354rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτῷ, καὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ, καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ1

The angel is using the three parts of creation to mean all of creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the entire creation” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

58110:6egm1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomχρόνος οὐκέτι1

In this context, the word time means a delay. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no further delay” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

58210:7r355rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἀλλ’ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς φωνῆς τοῦ ἑβδόμου ἀγγέλου, ὅταν μέλλῃ σαλπίζειν1

These two phrases mean similar things. The angel is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “in the days when the seventh angel is going to sound a trumpet” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

58310:7r356rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῆς φωνῆς τοῦ ἑβδόμου ἀγγέλου1

This possessive form does not describe what the seventh angel sounds like, it describes a sound that the seventh angel will make. Alternate translation: “when the seventh angel makes a sound” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

58410:7r357rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς φωνῆς1

The angel is using the term days idiomatically to refer to a specific time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the time of the sound” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

58510:7c5gyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐτελέσθη τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will accomplish his mystery” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

58610:8r358rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸ βιβλίον τὸ ἠνεῳγμένον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ τοῦ ἀγγέλου, τοῦ ἑστῶτος ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the scroll that the angel standing on the sea and on the land has opened and is holding in his hand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

58710:10r359rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπικράνθη ἡ κοιλία μου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it made my stomach bitter” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

58810:11r360rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsλέγουσίν μοι1

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent immediate context. John is using this indefinite construction to focus on what he was told rather than on who told it to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “I was told” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

58910:11r506rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletλαοῖς, καὶ ἔθνεσιν, καὶ γλώσσαις, καὶ βασιλεῦσιν πολλοῖς1

In this context, the terms peoples, nations, languages, and kings mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “every different people group” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

59010:11ahb4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyλαοῖς, καὶ ἔθνεσιν, καὶ γλώσσαις, καὶ βασιλεῦσιν πολλοῖς1

The angel is referring to speakers of various languages by association with the languages themselves, and John is referring to the subjects of various kingdoms by association with their kings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “many peoples and nations and speakers of many languages and subjects of many kingdoms” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

59111:intros1170

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 1718.

Woes

In 8:13, an angel announced three “woes” that the people living on the earth would suffer. Chapter 9 described the first woe. This chapter describes a second one.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gentiles

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

Two witnesses

This chapter describes two witnesses. Scholars have many different ideas about who they are. Translators do not need to understand their exact identities in order to translate this chapter accurately. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

59211:1lkn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη μοι κάλαμος ὅμοιος ῥάβδῳ λέγων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was Jesus, since the same person speaks of “my two witnesses” in verse 3. Alternate translation: “Jesus gave me a reed like a measuring rod and said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

59311:1r362rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileκάλαμος ὅμοιος ῥάβδῳ1

The point of this comparison is that this reed was long and straight and John could use it to mark off distances as he could with a measuring rod. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a reed that was long and straight so that I could use it to mark off distances, as I could with a measuring rod” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

59411:2r363rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismτὴν αὐλὴν τὴν ἔξωθεν τοῦ ναοῦ, ἔκβαλε ἔξω καὶ μὴ αὐτὴν μετρήσῃς1

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “do not include the courtyard outside the temple in your measurements” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

59511:2r364rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὴν αὐλὴν τὴν ἔξωθεν τοῦ ναοῦ, ἔκβαλε ἔξω1

The person who is giving John these instructions is speaking as if John should literally cast out the courtyard, that is, fling it away through the air. He means that John should exclude the courtyard from his measurements. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “exclude the courtyard outside the temple” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

59611:2r365rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has given it to the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

59711:2r366rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπόλιν τὴν ἁγίαν1

The person speaking with John assumes that he will understand that by the holy city he means Jerusalem. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the city of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

59811:3r367rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisδώσω1

The person speaking with John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I will grant authority” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

59911:3r368rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπεριβεβλημένοι σάκκους1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “wearing sackcloth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

60011:3h8vhrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionσάκκους1

See how you translated the word word sackcloth in 6:12. These witnesses wore sackcloth while prophesying in order to show their sorrow and grief over the sins that people were committing against God. If this would not be clear to your readers, you can explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “sackcloth to show their grief and sorrow over sin” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

60111:4pa44rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguageοὗτοί εἰσιν αἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Κυρίου τῆς γῆς ἑστῶτες1

The two olive trees and the two lampstands symbolize these witnesses, but they are not literally the witnesses. Alternate translation: “The two olive trees and the two lampstands that stood before the Lord of the earth represent these witnesses” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

60211:4p6mirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὗτοί εἰσιν αἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Κυρίου τῆς γῆς ἑστῶτες1

John assumes that his readers will understand that he is alluding to the vision the prophet Zechariah had of two olive trees and two lampstands in Zechariah 4:26. In that vision, the trees and lampstands represent the governor Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua who led the rebuilding of the temple despite opposition. In the same way, the two witnesses in Johns vision will faithfully call people to obey God despite opposition. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “These two witnesses will serve God faithfully despite opposition just as Zerubbabel and Joshua did, whom the prophet Zechariah saw depicted as two olive trees and two lampstands in a vision that God gave him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

60311:4r369rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorαἱ ἐνώπιον & ἑστῶτες1

In this context, the phrase stand before means to stay in the presence of another person in order to serve them whenever needed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who faithfully serve” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

60411:5r370rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goπῦρ ἐκπορεύεται ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτῶν1

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “fire goes out from their mouth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

60511:5r371τοῦ στόματος αὐτῶν1

Since John is referring to two people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of mouth. Alternate translation: “their mouths”

60611:5ab6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκατεσθίει τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν1

John is speaking as if fire literally devours or eats up anyone who wishes to harm these witnesses. He means that the fire destroys them completely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “destroys their enemies completely” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

60711:5r372rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismκαὶ εἴ τις θελήσῃ αὐτοὺς ἀδικῆσαι, οὕτως δεῖ αὐτὸν ἀποκτανθῆναι1

This clause is essentially a repetition of the first clause in the verse. John is speaking in something like Hebrew poetry, which was based on this kind of repetition. It would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if such repetition would not be natural in your language, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Yes, if anyone should wish to harm them, he must be killed in this way” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

60811:5r373rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδεῖ αὐτὸν ἀποκτανθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he must die” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

60911:6cac1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκλεῖσαι τὸν οὐρανόν, ἵνα μὴ ὑετὸς βρέχῃ1

John is speaking as if these witnesses could literally close up the sky. As he goes on to say, he means that they will be able to prevent it from raining. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to keep any rain from falling from the sky” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

61011:6r374rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὰς ἡμέρας1

John is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “during the time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

61111:7r375rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoτὸ θηρίον τὸ ἀναβαῖνον ἐκ τῆς Ἀβύσσου1

John describes this beast starting in 13:1, so you do not need to explain anything about it here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

61211:8r376rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῆς πόλεως τῆς μεγάλης1

John assumes that his readers will understand that by the great city he means Jerusalem. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

61311:8r377rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἥτις καλεῖται πνευματικῶς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which we may spiritually call” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

61411:8r378rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἥτις καλεῖται πνευματικῶς, Σόδομα καὶ Αἴγυπτος1

The point of these comparisons is that God once destroyed Jerusalem because its people were so wicked, like Sodom, and that Jerusalem oppressed people who belonged to God, like Egypt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “which God destroyed for wickedness as he destroyed Sodom and which oppressed Gods people as Egypt did” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

61511:8r379rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politenessὁ Κύριος αὐτῶν1

John is referring to Jesus by a respectful title. Use a form for addressing someone respectfully in your language. Alternate translation: “their Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness]])

61611:8r380rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐσταυρώθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “suffered crucifixion” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

61711:9r381rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletβλέπουσιν ἐκ τῶν λαῶν, καὶ φυλῶν, καὶ γλωσσῶν, καὶ ἐθνῶν1

The terms people, tribe, language, and nation mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “those from many different people groups look at” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

61811:9r382rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy1

John is referring to speakers of various languages by association with the language that each one speaks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those from different people groups and tribes, speakers of various languages, and those from other nations” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

61911:9r383rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὰ πτώματα αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀφίουσιν τεθῆναι εἰς μνῆμα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they do not permit anyone to place their corpses in a tomb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

62011:9bp61rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionτὰ πτώματα αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀφίουσιν τεθῆναι εἰς μνῆμα1

Leaving the corpses of the witnesses in the street, rather than burying them, is a symbolic action by which the people of Jerusalem show how much they hated the witnesses. If this would not be clear to your readers, you can explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “out of hatred they do not permit anyone to place their corpses in a tomb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

62111:10h4pqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς χαίρουσιν ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς, καὶ εὐφραίνονται, καὶ δῶρα πέμψουσιν ἀλλήλοις, ὅτι οὗτοι οἱ δύο προφῆται ἐβασάνισαν τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς.1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because these two prophets tormented the ones living on the earth, the ones living on the earth rejoice over them and celebrate and send gifts to one another” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

62211:10r384rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitχαίρουσιν ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς, καὶ εὐφραίνονται1

The implication is that people rejoice over these witnesses because they are dead. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “rejoice that they are dead, and they celebrate” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

62311:10trs2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionδῶρα πέμψουσιν ἀλλήλοις1

The people will send gifts to one another as a symbolic action to show how happy they are that the witnesses are dead. If this would not be clear to your readers, you can explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “send gifts to one another to show how happy they are that the witnesses are dead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

62411:11al5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationπνεῦμα ζωῆς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς αὐτούς1

John is speaking of this breath as if they were a living thing that entered into the bodies of these witnesses on its own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God enabled them to live and breathe again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

62511:11r385rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoἔστησαν ἐπὶ τοὺς πόδας αὐτῶν1

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “they stood up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

62611:11u265rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationφόβος μέγας ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τοὺς θεωροῦντας αὐτούς1

John is speaking figuratively of fear as if it were a living thing that actively fell on people who saw the witnesses alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones seeing them became greatly afraid” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

62711:12r386rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἤκουσαν & αὐτοῖς & ἀνέβησαν & αὐτῶν1

The pronouns they, their and them all refer to the witnesses, not to the people who were seeing them alive again. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the witnesses … them … the witnesses … their … them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

62811:12r387rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdualἀνάβατε ὧδε1

Since the voice is speaking to two people, the implied “you” in the imperative Come up would be dual if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])

62911:13r388rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ1

John is using the term hour to refer to a specific time. He does not mean that the earthquake lasted for a full hour. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

63011:13r389rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτὸ δέκατον τῆς πόλεως ἔπεσεν1

John is not speaking of this tenth of the city as if it were a living thing that could fall down accidentally. He means that one tenth of the buildings in the city collapsed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “one tenth of the buildings in the city collapsed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

63111:13r390rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν τῷ σεισμῷ, ὀνόματα ἀνθρώπων χιλιάδες ἑπτά1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the earthquake killed the names of 7,000 men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

63211:13r391rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὀνόματα ἀνθρώπων χιλιάδες ἑπτά1

Here, names represents people by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “7,000 men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

63311:13r392rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

63411:13f4r2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔδωκαν δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

This expression does not imply that God lacks glory in any way or that people have glory that they can give to God. It means the people in the city honored God, acknowledging that God was just to punish them with the earthquake for killing the two witnesses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “honored the God of heaven” or “acknowledged that the God of heaven had done the right thing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

63511:14l7jpἡ οὐαὶ ἡ δευτέρα ἀπῆλθεν1

See how you translated “The first woe is past” in 9:12. Alternate translation: “The second terrible event is over”

63611:15sxx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ ἕβδομος ἄγγελος1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number seven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

63711:15en51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ1

The kingdom of the world could mean: (1) the system of sinful interests and institutions all over the world that is opposed to God. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of our Lord and his Christ will now replace the world-wide system that formerly opposed them” (2) the right to rule the people of the world. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of our Lord and his Christ will now include all the people in the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

63811:15jsm2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: (1) “Our Lord and his Christ will now rule in place of the world-wide system that formerly opposed them” or (2) “Our Lord and his Christ will now rule over all the people of the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

63911:15r393rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

64011:16r394rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

64111:16r505rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔπεσαν ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν1

This expression means that the elders lay down facing the ground. See how you translated the similar expression in 7:11. Alternate translation: “bowed down to the ground” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

64211:17r462rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν1

Some ancient manuscripts read the one being and the one having been. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “and who is to come.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

64311:18r396rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὰ ἔθνη ὠργίσθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the nations were furious” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

64411:18iv5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἦλθεν ἡ ὀργή σου1

John is speaking of Gods wrath as if it were a living thing that has come to the nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have now decided to punish them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

64511:18r397rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἦλθεν ἡ ὀργή σου, καὶ ὁ καιρὸς1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “your wrath has come and the time has come” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

64611:18h833rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτῶν νεκρῶν κριθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for you to judge the dead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

64711:18zk1urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν νεκρῶν1

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who have died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

64811:18k3barc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῖς φοβουμένοις τὸ ὄνομά σου1

rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

64911:18r398rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους1

The elders are speaking as if unimportant people were literally small and as if important people were literally large or great. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the unimportant and the important” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

65011:18r399rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους1

The elders are using the adjectives small and great as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “both unimportant people and important people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

65111:18r400rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους1

The elders are using two extremes of people, small and great, to mean them and everyone in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “whatever their status” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

65211:18c7pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ὤφθη ἡ κιβωτὸς τῆς διαθήκης τοῦ Κυρίου ἐν τῷ ναῷ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God opened his temple in heaven and I could see the ark of the covenant of the Lord in his temple” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

65311:18r401rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ1

By this expression, John likely means by association that in his vision, God created some opening that allowed him to see into the temple of God in heaven. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God allowed me to look into his temple in heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

65412:introcq7x0

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 1012.

Special concepts in this chapter

Serpent

The Book of Revelation uses imagery from the Old Testament. In this chapter, John refers to Satan as the serpent. This image comes from the account of the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

65512:1r040rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσημεῖον μέγα ὤφθη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people saw a great sign in heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

65612:1j9ylrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπεριβεβλημένη τὸν ἥλιον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom the sun was clothing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

65712:2r000rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα1

This expression means that the woman had a child in her womb, that is, she was pregnant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being pregnant” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

65812:2r001κράζει1

To call attention to a development in the story, here John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “she cried out”

65912:2r002rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὠδίνουσα, καὶ βασανιζομένη τεκεῖν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “suffering birth pains that tormented her as she gave birth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

66012:2r003rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletὠδίνουσα, καὶ βασανιζομένη1

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “suffering terrible birth pains” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

66112:3r041rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὤφθη ἄλλο σημεῖον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people saw another sign” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

66212:3s1j6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownδράκων πυρρός μέγας1

A dragon is a mythical monster that looks like a giant reptile. As 12:9 explains, in this book the dragon represents the devil. If your readers would not be familiar with what a dragon is, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “a large red monster” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

66312:4r004σύρει1

To call attention to a development in the story, here John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “swept”

66412:4ii1krc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fractionτὸ τρίτον1

See how you translated this in 8:7. Alternate translation: “one third” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

66512:5r005rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletυἱόν ἄρρενα1

The terms son and male mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a boy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

66612:5r006rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἄρρενα1

John is using the adjective male as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a male child” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

66712:5zr5qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ1

John is speaking as if this child will literally use an iron scepter to rule all the nations. He means that the child will rule with great strength by association with the way that iron is very strong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase in 2:27. Alternate translation: “with great strength” or “with irresistible power” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

66812:5r007rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ1

A scepter was an ornamental staff or wand that rulers carried or held as a symbol of their authority. If your readers would not be familiar with what a scepter is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a royal staff made of iron” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

66912:5kfr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡρπάσθη τὸ τέκνον αὐτῆς πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν, καὶ πρὸς τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God snatched away her child to his throne” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

67012:5r008rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysπρὸς τὸν Θεὸν, καὶ πρὸς τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word God tells whose throne this is. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “to Gods throne” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

67112:6r010rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoὅπου ἔχει ἐκεῖ τόπον ἡτοιμασμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

It might seem that this expression, which says both where and there, contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “where she has a place prepared by God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

67212:6r011rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὅπου ἔχει ἐκεῖ τόπον ἡτοιμασμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where God has prepared a place for her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

67312:6r012rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτρέφωσιν αὐτὴν1

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not refer to anyone in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “she might receive nourishment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

67412:8r013rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοὐκ ἴσχυσαν1

The pronoun he refers to the dragon, not to Michael. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the dragon was not strong enough” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

67512:8r014rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοὐκ ἴσχυσαν1

John means by association that the dragon was not strong enough to prevail against Michael and his army. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he was not able to prevail” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

67612:8r015rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτόπος εὑρέθη αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “could anyone find a place for them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

67712:9r016rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐβλήθη ὁ δράκων ὁ μέγας1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) that God threw the dragon down after his angels defeated him. Alternate translation: “God threw down the dragon” (2) that Michael threw the dragon down to earth after defeating him in the war that they fought. Alternate translation: “Michael threw down the dragon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

67812:9r017rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος, ὁ καλούμενος1

John assumes that his readers will understand that he is alluding to the way the devil appeared in the form of a serpent when he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This story is told in Genesis 3:1-15. You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who tempted Adam and Eve in the form of a serpent, who is called” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

67912:9r038rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος1

A serpent is the same animal that is also called a “snake.” It is a reptile that has no legs and so slithers along the ground. If your readers would not be familiar with what a serpent or snake is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “that ancient slithering reptile” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

68012:9r009rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ καλούμενος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom people call” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

68112:9r018rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΔιάβολος1

The word Diabolos is a name for the devil. Diabolos means “accuser” in Greek. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

68212:9r019rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateὁ Σατανᾶς1

The word Satan is a Hebrew name that means “accuser.” John spells it out using Greek letters so his readers will know how it sounds after giving the Greek equivalent, Diabolos, so that his readers will know what it means. In your translation you could spell Satan the way it sounds in your language and use the word for “accuser” in your own language in place of Diabolos so that your readers will know what it means. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

68312:9r020rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὴν οἰκουμένην ὅλην1

Here the term world refers to the people who live in the world. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the people of the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

68412:9v1tprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν, καὶ οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐβλήθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) that God threw the dragon down after his angels defeated him. Alternate translation: “God threw the dragon down to the earth and he threw his angels down with him” (2) that Michael threw the dragon and his angels down to earth after defeating them in the war that they fought. Alternate translation: “Michael threw the dragon down to the earth and he threw his angels down with him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

68512:10i112rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἤκουσα φωνὴν μεγάλην ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ λέγουσαν1

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I heard someone saying loudly from heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

68612:10r021rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἄρτι ἐγένετο ἡ σωτηρία, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of salvation, power, kingdom, and authority, you could express the same ideas in other ways. It may be helpful to make this more than one sentence. Alternate translation: “Now our God has begun to save people. He has acted powerfully to establish his reign. His Christ is reigning with him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

68712:10r255rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive1

This voice is addressing believers, since he refers to our brothers, so by our in each instance, the person speaking means himself and his addressees. So use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

68812:10r022rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐβλήθη ὁ κατήγορος τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has thrown down the accuser of our brothers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

68912:10a9wfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν1

John is using the term brothers figuratively to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as in UST: “our fellow believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

69012:10r474rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν1

Although the term brothers is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the figurative expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “our brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

69112:10jn6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός1

The voice is using the two parts of a full day, day and night, to mean all the time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “all the time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

69212:11zt7vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα1

This could mean: (1) the actual blood that Jesus offered as a sacrifice for sin. In that case, you could use the word for “blood” in your language with literal meaning. (2) the sacrificial death of Jesus by association with the blood that Jesus shed when he died. Alternate translation: “the sacrificial death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

69312:11r024rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν1

The voice is using the term word to indicate that these believers gave their testimony to Jesus by speaking words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that they spoke” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

69412:11lht6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by what they said when they testified to others about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

69512:11n6wkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐκ ἠγάπησαν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτῶν ἄχρι θανάτου1

This expression means that these believers did not love their lives all the way to the point where they would refuse death even if they needed to die in order to remain faithful to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they did not love their lives so much that they would not die for Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

69612:12r023rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationεὐφραίνεσθε οὐρανοὶ, καὶ οἱ ἐν αὐτοῖς σκηνοῦντες1

The voice is speaking of the heavens as if they were a living thing that could rejoice. This may be something that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “all of you who live in the heavens, rejoice in a way that can be heard throughout the heavens” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

69712:12r037rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationοὐαὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν1

The voice is speaking of the earth and the sea as if they were living things that could suffer Woe. This may be something that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “Woe to all the creatures who live on the earth and in the sea” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

69812:12r025rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὀλίγον καιρὸν ἔχει1

The voice implicitly means that the devil knows that God will soon judge and punish him and so he has little time left in which to resist God and try to turn people away from God. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he has little time left to keep resisting God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

69912:13x7strc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐβλήθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God had thrown him down” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

70012:13r026rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτὸν ἄρσενα1

John is using the adjective male as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the male child” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

70112:14r027rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθησαν τῇ γυναικὶ δύο πτέρυγες τοῦ ἀετοῦ τοῦ μεγάλου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God gave two wings of a great eagle to the woman” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

70212:14r028rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoὅπου τρέφεται ἐκεῖ1

It might seem that this expression, which says both where and there, contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “where she is nourished” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

70312:14r029rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdualκαιρὸν, καὶ καιροὺς, καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ1

Since the vision describes the approximate number of days in three and a half years (1,260) in 12:6 and the number of months in three and a half years (42) in 13:5, it is probable that this number is also three and a half, so times means “two times.” If your language uses the dual, you could put the word times in the dual. Otherwise, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for a time and two times and half a time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])

70412:14r030rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαιρὸν, καὶ καιροὺς, καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ1

Since this length of time during which the woman is nourished seems to be the same as in 12:6, it seems that three and a half years is intended. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “for a year and two years and half a year” or “for three and a half years” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

70512:14r031rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπροσώπου τοῦ ὄφεως1

Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “the presence of the serpent” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

70612:15y5mlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὕδωρ ὡς ποταμόν1

John says that this water was like a river to emphasize how much water there was. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a large volume of water” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

70712:15r032ἵνα αὐτὴν ποταμοφόρητον ποιήσῃ1

Alternate translation: “in order to create a flood that would carry her away”

70812:16i4u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἐβοήθησεν ἡ γῆ τῇ γυναικί1

John is speaking of the earth as if it were a living thing that helped this woman. This may be something that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “something happened on the earth that helped the woman” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

70912:16r033rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἤνοιξεν ἡ γῆ τὸ στόμα αὐτῆς1

John is speaking as if the earth literally had a mouth and swallowed this river. He means that some kind of chasm opened up in the earth and the river flowed down into it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a chasm opened up in the earth and the river flowed down into it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

71012:17r034rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὠργίσθη ὁ δράκων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this put the dragon in a rage” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

71112:17r035rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῦ σπέρματος1

Here term seed means “offspring.” It is a word picture. Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “descendants” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

71212:17f754rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτηρούντων1

See how you translated the word keeping in 1:3 and in 2:26. Alternate translation: “obeying” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

71312:17t6jfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ1

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: “testifying to their faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

71412:17r036rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὴν ἄμμον τῆς θαλάσσης1

John is referring to the shore of the sea by association with the sand that is along the shore on the beach. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the shore of the sea” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

71513:introc9mw0

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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Special concepts in this chapter

Leopard, bear, and lion

The book of Revelation uses imagery from the Old Testament. In this chapter, John describes a beast that looked like a leopard, a bear, and a lion. This image comes from the book of Daniel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

71613:2r039rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπαρδάλει & ἄρκου & λέοντος1

A leopard is a large, fierce cat that lives in the forest. A bear is a large, heavy, powerful mammal that can be very dangerous if it feels threatened. A lion is a large, fierce cat that often lives on the plains. If your readers would not be familiar with these animals, in your translation you could the names of comparable animals that they would recognize, or you could use general descriptions. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

71713:2gyv9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ1

John is referring to the dragons right to rule by association with the throne on which a ruler would sit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his power and his right to rule” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

71813:2c4wxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysτὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word throne tells what kind of power the dragon gave to this beast. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “his ruling power” or “his power to rule” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

71913:3r042rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoἐσφαγμένην εἰς θάνατον1

It might seem that the expression slain unto death contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “it had been slain” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

72013:3r043rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐσφαγμένην εἰς θάνατον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone had slain it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

72113:3yt22rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ ἐθεραπεύθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it had recovered from its wound of death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

72213:3ba2zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου1

John is using a possessive form to describe a wound that led to death. Alternate translation: “deadly wound” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

72313:3r044rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐθαυμάσθη ὅλη ἡ γῆ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this astonished the whole earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

72413:3jc7xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὅλη ἡ γῆ1

Here the term earth refers to the people who live on the earth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the people on earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

72513:3r045rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὀπίσω τοῦ θηρίου1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and they followed after the beast” or, if you retain the term earth, “and it followed after the beast” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

72613:3xx3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὀπίσω τοῦ θηρίου1

This expression, which is short for “followed after the beast,” means that the people on earth accepted the beast as their ruler. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they accepted the beast as their ruler” or, if you retain the term earth, “and it accepted the beast as its ruler” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

72713:4ep4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς ὅμοιος τῷ θηρίῳ, καὶ τίς δύναται πολεμῆσαι μετ’ αὐτοῦ?1

The people of the earth are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one is like the beast, and no one is able to war with it!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

72813:4r046rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismτίς ὅμοιος τῷ θηρίῳ, καὶ τίς δύναται πολεμῆσαι μετ’ αὐτοῦ?1

These two phrases mean similar things. The people are using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “Who is strong enough to war with the beast?” or “No one is strong enough to war with the beast!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

72913:5p2n5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was the dragon. Alternate translation: “the dragon gave it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

73013:5y29erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyστόμα λαλοῦν1

John is referring to the capacity to speak by association with the mouth that people use to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the capacity to speak, and it spoke” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

73113:5r047rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμεγάλα1

The implication is that the beast spoke great things about itself. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “great things about itself” or “boasts” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

73213:5r048rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἐξουσία1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was the dragon. Alternate translation: “the dragon gave it authority” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

73313:6r049rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἤνοιξε τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ εἰς1

John is referring to the beast speaking by association with it opened its mouth in order to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it spoke” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

73413:6r050rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1

Here the word name stands for the reputation of a person. Alternate translation: “his reputation” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

73513:7r051rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) that the dragon enabled the beast to do this. Alternate translation: “the dragon enabled it” (2) that God allowed the beast to do this. Alternate translation: “God allowed it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

73613:7fyp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἐξουσία1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was the dragon. Alternate translation: “the dragon gave it authority” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

73713:7f5rlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπᾶσαν φυλὴν, καὶ λαὸν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ ἔθνος1

The terms tribe, people, language, and nation mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “every different people group” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

73813:7r165rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶσαν φυλὴν, καὶ λαὸν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ ἔθνος1

John is referring to speakers of various languages by association with the languages themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every tribe and people and speakers of every language and every nation” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

73913:8r052rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς τοῦ Ἀρνίου, τοῦ ἐσφαγμένου ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1
74013:8r053ὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1

Since John is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of name. Alternate translation: “those whose names have not been written”

74113:8vyy8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “those whose names God has not written” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

74213:8bcu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτοῦ ἐσφαγμένου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom God appointed to die as a sacrifice” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

74313:8r164rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of foundation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “since God founded the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

74413:9tx89rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personεἴ τις ἔχει οὖς, ἀκουσάτω1

John is addressing his listeners in the third person. It may be clearer in your language to use the second person. Alternate translation: “If any of you has an ear, you should hear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

74513:9rr9arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἴ τις ἔχει οὖς1

John is referring to the ability to hear by association with the way having an ear enables people to hear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If anyone is able to hear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

74613:9r054rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pἀκουσάτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you can state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may he hear” or “he should hear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p]])

74713:10ilzzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of captivity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “If anyones enemies are going to take him captive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

74813:10mtu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεἴ τις ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτενεῖ, δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτανθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if anyones enemies will kill him by the sword, it is necessary for them to kill him by the sword” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

74913:10cdi9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἴ τις ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτενεῖ, δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτανθῆναι1

John is referring to execution by association with the way the Romans used a sword to execute people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if anyone will be executed, it is necessary for him to be executed” or “if anyones enemies will execute him, it is necessary for them to execute him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

75013:10pk8rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὧδέ ἐστιν ἡ ὑπομονὴ καὶ ἡ πίστις τῶν ἁγίων1

The expression Here is introduces something that the speaker is calling for. Alternate translation: “This calls for endurance and faith on the part of the saints” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

75113:10r055rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὧδέ ἐστιν ἡ ὑπομονὴ καὶ ἡ πίστις τῶν ἁγίων1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of endurance and faith, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “This calls for the saints to endure and to be faithful” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

75213:11e7awrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἐλάλει ὡς δράκων1

The point of this comparison is that this beast was speaking in a way that showed it was evil, like the dragon that is a symbol of evil in this book. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “it was speaking in a way that showed it was evil, like a dragon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

75313:12r056rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ1

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in its presence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

75413:12ys3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὗ ἐθεραπεύθη ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who had recovered from his wound of death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

75513:12jc77rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου1

John is using a possessive form to describe a wound that led to death. Alternate translation: “deadly wound” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

75613:13r124rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσημεῖα1

John is not using the word signs here and in the next verse to mean the same thing that he does when he speaks of signs in 12:1 and 12:3. Here he does not mean significant sights, but miracles. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “miracles” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

75713:13r057rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐνώπιον τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

The term before here means “in front of.” Alternate translation: “in front of men” or “where men could see them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

75813:13r058rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term man is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

75913:14r059rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethe signs that have been granted to it to do1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was the dragon. Alternate translation: “the signs that the dragon has granted it to do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

76013:14r060rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐνώπιον τοῦ θηρίου1

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of the beast” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

76113:14r061rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτῷ θηρίῳ1

While John says in the next verse that this was an image “of the beast,” that is, an image that looked like the beast, here the expression to the beast means “in honor of the beast.” You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in honor of the beast” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

76213:15dl87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was the dragon. Alternate translation: “the dragon enabled it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

76313:15cw55rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyδοῦναι πνεῦμα τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου1

John is referring to the image of the beast coming alive by association with the breath that creatures breathe when they are alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to make the image of the beast come alive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

76413:15ruk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveποιήσῃ ὅσοι ἐὰν μὴ προσκυνήσωσιν τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου ἀποκτανθῶσιν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “might cause people to kill whoever does not worship the image of the beast” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

76513:16h9u9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsποιεῖ1

The pronoun it refers to the second beast, not to the image of the first beast. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the second beast causes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

76613:16r062rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους, καὶ τοὺς πλουσίους καὶ τοὺς πτωχούς, καὶ τοὺς ἐλευθέρους καὶ τοὺς δούλους1

John is using the adjectives small, great, rich, poor, free, and slave as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “small people and great people and rich people and poor people and free people and slaves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

76713:16r063rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους, καὶ τοὺς πλουσίους καὶ τοὺς πτωχούς, καὶ τοὺς ἐλευθέρους καὶ τοὺς δούλους1

John is using two extremes of importance, small and great, to mean people across the entire range of importance. John is using two extremes of wealth, rich and poor, to mean people across the entire range of wealth. John is using two extremes of status, free and slave, to mean people across the entire range of status. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent expressions or plain language. Alternate translation: “no matter what their importance and no matter what their wealth and no matter what their status” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

76813:16r064rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismτοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους, καὶ τοὺς πλουσίους καὶ τοὺς πτωχούς, καὶ τοὺς ἐλευθέρους καὶ τοὺς δούλους1

These three phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “people of every different kind” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

76913:16r256rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους,1

John is speaking as if unimportant people were literally small and as if important people were literally large or great. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the unimportant and the important” or “unimportant people and important people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

77013:16r065rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsδῶσιν αὐτοῖς1

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not refer to anyone in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “they might have to receive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

77113:17r066rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ1

In this culture, people used the letters of the alphabet as symbols for numbers as well. As a result, it was possible to add up the values of the letters in someones name to get the number of that name. That is what John means implicitly here. If your readers would not be familiar with this practice, you could explain it in your translation. Alternate translation: “the sum of the numerical values of the letters in its name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

77213:18uk74rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὧδε ἡ σοφία ἐστίν1

The expression Here is introduces something that the speaker is calling for. Alternate translation: “This calls for wisdom” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

77313:18ri1yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pψηφισάτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you can state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may he calculate” or “he should calculate” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p]])

77413:18bbn2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου1

See the note about “the number of its name” in 13:17. Here John means implicitly that this number is the sum of the numerical values of the letters in the name of a certain man. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the sum of the numerical values of the letters in the name of a certain man” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

77514:introq71v0

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 speaks symbolically of two harvests. The first is a harvest of grain. This may mean the time when Jesus gathers in his people from the whole earth. The second harvest is of grapes. This may mean the time when God gathers in wicked people to punish them. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

77614:1r068rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτὸ Ὄρος Σιών1

The word Zion is the name of the mountain on which the city of Jerusalem is located. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

77714:1r069rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες1

See how you translated this in Revelation 7:4. Alternate translation: “one hundred forty-four thousand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

77814:1z963rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἔχουσαι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, γεγραμμένον ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “His name and the name of his Father appeared in writing on their foreheads” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

77914:1rf47rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς1

Father is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

78014:2r070rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς φωνὴν ὑδάτων πολλῶν, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν βροντῆς μεγάλης1

The point of these comparisons is that the sound John heard was loud and powerful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “that was loud and powerful, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of booming thunder” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

78114:2r071rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὑδάτων πολλῶν1

By many waters, John could mean a loud waterfall or raging floodwaters. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:15. Alternate translation: “of a waterfall” or “of raging floodwaters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

78214:2r072rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς κιθαρῳδῶν κιθαριζόντων ἐν ταῖς κιθάραις αὐτῶν1

The point of this comparison is that the sound that John heard was also beautiful and melodious. (John explains in the next verse that it was the sound of a great number of people singing.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “beautiful and melodious, like harpists harping on their harps” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

78314:2r073ὡς κιθαρῳδῶν κιθαριζόντων ἐν ταῖς κιθάραις αὐτῶν1

Johns repetitive use of three words with the root “harp” seems to imitate the sound of music. You may wish to use three similar words in your translation if that is possible in your language.

78414:3sz1frc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsᾄδουσιν1
78514:3r074rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsοὐδεὶς ἐδύνατο μαθεῖν τὴν ᾠδὴν, εἰ μὴ αἱ ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες1

If it would appear in your language that John was contradicting himself by saying that no one could learn the song and then naming people who could learn the song, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “the only ones who were able to learn the song were the 144 thousands” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])

78614:3r075rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ ἠγορασμένοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, 5:9 indicates that it was the Lamb. Alternate translation: “whom the Lamb bought” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

78714:3r076rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ ἠγορασμένοι1

John is speaking as if the Lamb literally bought these people. He means that through his sacrificial death, the Lamb saved them by setting them free from the guilt and power of sin. Your language may have a term that you can use in your translation that describes someone paying a price or making a sacrifice to set someone else free. See what you did in 5:9. Alternate translation: “whom the Lamb redeemed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

78814:3r077rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἀπὸ τῆς γῆς1

John is referring to the inhabitants of the earth by association with the earth on which they live. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from among the inhabitants of the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

78914:4jet6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὗτοί εἰσιν οἳ μετὰ γυναικῶν οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν, παρθένοι γάρ εἰσιν1

John is speaking as if the people who are singing have literally never had sexual relations. In context, he most likely means that they have not worshiped idols. Having sexual relations outside of marriage, or not waiting until marriage to have sexual relations, is a common Old Testament image for idol worship. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “These are they who have not worshiped idols, for they are faithful to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

79014:4r078rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμετὰ γυναικῶν οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. John is not saying that women make men defiled. He is saying that sexual relations outside of marriage are sinful. In your translation, be sure that this is clear to your readers. Alternate translation: “have not committed immoral acts with women” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

79114:4q3hgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ ἀκολουθοῦντες τῷ Ἀρνίῳ ὅπου ἂν ὑπάγει1

This statement may be one that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, in the New Testament, following someone often means being that persons disciple and obeying his teaching. That could be what John means here. Alternate translation: “the ones who obey the Lamb no matter what he asks” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

79214:4r079rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὗτοι ἠγοράσθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See what you did in 14:3. Alternate translation: “The Lamb bought them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

79314:4r104rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ ἠγορασμένοι1

See how you translated this in 14:3. Alternate translation: “whom the Lamb redeemed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

79414:4r080rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term man is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “from among humanity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

79514:4mlw3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀπαρχὴ τῷ Θεῷ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ1

John is speaking as if these people were literally the first fruits of a harvest. He means that they are the first of many people who will eventually believe in Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as the first of many people who will believe in God and Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

79614:5r081ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος1

Since John is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of mouth. Alternate translation: “no lie has been found in their mouths”

79714:5r082rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος1

Here the expression has been found means “could be found” or “was there.” Alternate translation: “there was no lie in their mouths” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

79814:5ga8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος1

John is referring to people speaking by association with the way that a person speaks with his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they have told no lies” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

79914:5r083rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle no and the negative word lies. Alternate translation: “they have always told the truth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

80014:5r084rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος1

The implication is that these people have told no lie about who Jesus is, despite the pressure they have been facing to deny that he is Lord and Savior. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they have always told the truth about who Jesus is” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

80114:5r463rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἄμωμοί γὰρ εἰσιν1

Some ancient manuscripts read for they are blameless. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “before the throne of God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

80214:6pp1lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἐπὶ πᾶν ἔθνος, καὶ φυλὴν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ λαόν1

The terms nation, tribe, language, and people mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “every different people group” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

80314:7reu7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the hour has come when he will judge” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

80414:7cj5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ1

The angel is using the word hour by association to mean a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time of his judgment has come” or “the time has come when he will judge” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

80514:7r085rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτὸν οὐρανὸν, καὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ θάλασσαν, καὶ πηγὰς ὑδάτων1

The angel is using four main components of creation to mean all of creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “everything that exists” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

80614:8b18src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔπεσεν, ἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη1

This second angel is speaking as if Babylon has literally fallen down. He means that the city has been destroyed. The repetition of the word fallen is emphatic and indicates complete destruction. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Babylon the Great has been completely destroyed” or “God has completely destroyed Babylon the Great” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

80714:8r086rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesΒαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη1

The word Babylon is the name of an ancient city that founded an empire whose armies destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 586 B.C. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

80814:8jh3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorΒαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη1

Since the ancient city of Babylon was destroyed centuries earlier, the angel is not speaking literally of that city. The angel is using Babylon to symbolize some other city or empire. The specific identity of that city or empire is a matter of interpretation rather than translation. Alternate translation: “the great city that is like Babylon” or “the great empire that is like Babylon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

80914:8kg1irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἣ & πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

The angel is speaking of the city of Babylon as if it were a living thing that caused the nations to drink from a certain cup. The angel means that the rulers of the city did this, symbolically (see next note). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whose rulers caused all the nations to drink” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

81014:8r111rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

The angel says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “nations throughout the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

81114:8ldz2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1

This second angel is speaking as if Babylon has literally caused the nations to drink a certain kind of wine. This means, in the first instance, that Babylon led the nations to commit sexual immorality with her. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to give in to passions that led them to commit sexual immorality with her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

81214:8bey2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1

In the second instance, as in 14:3, having immoral sexual relations is a symbolic image for worshiping idols. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to worship idols as she did” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

81314:10qw28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαὶ αὐτὸς πίεται ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, τοῦ κεκερασμένου ἀκράτου ἐν τῷ ποτηρίῳ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ1

The angel is speaking as if anyone who worships the beast will literally drink a certain kind of wine from a certain cup. He means symbolically that God will make such a person experience the just consequences of his actions. Within this image, the fact that the wine is undiluted means that God will not show him mercy as he judges him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will make him experience the just consequences of his actions and in his anger God will not show him any mercy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

81414:10fe83rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτοῦ κεκερασμένου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God has poured” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

81514:10r087rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβασανισθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will torment him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

81614:10r088rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysπυρὶ καὶ θείῳ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word fire describes the state of the sulfur. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “fiery sulfur” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

81714:10r089rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐνώπιον ἀγγέλων ἁγίων καὶ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Ἀρνίου1

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

81814:11dds6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῶν1

The third angel is referring to the burning sulfur with which God is tormenting these people by association with the torment itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the burning sulfur with which God is tormenting them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

81914:11r090rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς αἰῶνας αἰώνων1

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

82014:11r091rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός1

The angel is using the two parts of a full day, day and night, to mean all the time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “at any time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

82114:11r092rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἴ τις λαμβάνει1

The angel is using a characteristic expression of the Greek language. Alternate translation: “anyone who receives” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

82214:12me1jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὧδε ἡ ὑπομονὴ τῶν ἁγίων ἐστίν1

The expression Here is introduces something that the speaker is calling for. Alternate translation: “This calls for endurance on the part of the saints” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

82314:12wo34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτηροῦντες τὰς ἐντολὰς τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τὴν πίστιν Ἰησοῦ1

See how you translated the word keeping in 1:3 and in 2:26. Alternate translation: “obeying the commandments of God and maintaining their faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

82414:12r093rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν πίστιν Ἰησοῦ1

In this possessive form, Jesus is the object rather than the subject of faith. That is, this does not mean the faith that Jesus has, it means the faith that people have in Jesus. Alternate translation: “faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

82514:13r094rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyφωνῆς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ λεγούσης1

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as in UST: “I heard someone speaking from heaven and saying” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

82614:13r095rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesλεγούσης, γράψον, μακάριοι οἱ νεκροὶ οἱ ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκοντες ἀπ’ ἄρτι1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that told me to write, Blessed are the dead dying in the Lord from now on” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

82714:13x62qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ νεκροὶ & ἀποθνῄσκοντες1

The person speaking is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who die if they die” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

82814:13hy1arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκοντες ἀπ’ ἄρτι1

The expression dying in the Lord means to die while still maintaining faith in Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who die from now on while still maintaining their faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

82914:13r096rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politenessἐν Κυρίῳ1

The person speaking is referring to Jesus by a respectful title. Use a form for addressing someone respectfully in your language. Alternate translation: “in the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness]])

83014:13r097rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἵνα1

The word translated so introduces a result of the action that the previous sentence describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer back to that action. Alternate translation: “they are blessed because as a result of dying in the Lord,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

83114:13v4xzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationτὰ & ἔργα αὐτῶν ἀκολουθεῖ μετ’ αὐτῶν1

John is speaking of the deeds of these people who have died in the Lord as if those deeds could follow the people as they come into the presence of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will acknowledge as they come into his presence that they have served him diligently” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

83214:14r098rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὅμοιον1

John is using the adjective like as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. ULT adds the word one to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a person who looked like a son of man” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

83314:14gvw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomΥἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου1

This could mean: (1) a human being, in a characteristic Hebrew expression that John would be borrowing. Alternate translation, as in UST: “a human being” (2) the Messiah, since “the Son of Man” is a title for the Messiah. Alternate translation: “the Messiah, the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

83414:14l89crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownδρέπανον ὀξύ1

A sickle is a tool with a curved blade that agricultural workers use to cut down standing crops in order to harvest them. If your readers would not be familiar with what a sickle is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a sharp harvesting tool” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

83514:15r099rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐξηράνθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “has ripened” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

83614:16nt7krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐθερίσθη ἡ γῆ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he harvested the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

83714:18jp7lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ ἔχων ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τοῦ πυρός1

John is referring implicitly to the fire that burned up sacrifices on the altar. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the one responsible for maintaining the altar fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

83814:19r100rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownληνὸν1

A winepress a large basin made of stone or wood. Workers put grapes in this basin and trample on the grapes to extract their juice. If your readers would not be familiar with what a winepress is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “large basin” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

83914:20r101rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπατήθη ἡ ληνὸς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “workers trampled the winepress” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

84014:20r102rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐπατήθη ἡ ληνὸς1

John is referring to the grapes in the winepress by association with the winepress itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “workers trampled the grapes in the winepress” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

84114:20r103rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyαἷμα1

John is referring to a stream of blood by association with the blood that made up the stream. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a stream of blood” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

84214:20m2i9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἄχρι τῶν χαλινῶν τῶν ἵππων1

The word bridles describes sets of headgear that riders use to control horses. If your readers would not be familiar with what bridles are, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “as high as horses heads” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

84314:20dbz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistanceσταδίων χιλίων ἑξακοσίων1

The word stadia is the plural form of “stadium,” which was a distance of about 185 meters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could give the equivalent in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “about 300 kilometers” or “about 200 miles” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

84415:introzxt70

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 34.

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 occurring openly. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])

“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:///tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])

Songs

The book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. People there worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped.

84515:1l345rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletμέγα καὶ θαυμαστόν1

The terms great and marvelous mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “amazing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

84615:1w6lfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἔχοντας πληγὰς ἑπτὰ τὰς ἐσχάτας1

John is speaking of these plagues as if they were something that the seven angels had in their possession. He means that God had made these angels responsible for administering the plagues. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who would be responsible for administering seven final plagues” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

84715:1r122rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐτελέσθη ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1

John is referring to Gods punishments for sin by association with the wrath that God feels because of sin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the punishments of God were finished” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

84815:1ij3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐτελέσθη ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God finished punishing all wrongdoing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

84915:2n9yjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς θάλασσαν ὑαλίνην1

The point of this comparison is that the large object made of glass looked like a sea. That is, it was wide and spacious and level. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. See how you translated the similar expression in 4:6. Alternate translation: “a large glass surface” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

85015:2r105rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileμεμιγμένην πυρί1

The point of this further comparison seems to be that the glass sea was sparkling with light or reflecting the flashes of light that came from the nearby throne, as John describes in 4:5. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “that looked as if it was flashing with fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

85115:2pt8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοὺς νικῶντας ἐκ τοῦ θηρίου, καὶ ἐκ τῆς εἰκόνος αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ1

John means implicitly that these people were victorious because they did not worship the beast and his image and did not accept the number of his name on their right hands or foreheads. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who had not worshiped the beast or his image and who had not accepted the number of his name as a mark on their right hands or foreheads” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

85215:3r194rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitᾄδουσιν τὴν ᾠδὴν Μωϋσέως, τοῦ δούλου τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τὴν ᾠδὴν τοῦ Ἀρνίου1

This could mean implicitly: (1) that these victorious believers sing one song. Alternate translation: “they sing a song that Moses the servant of God sang and that the Lamb now sings” (2) that these victorious believers sing two songs. Alternate translation: “they sing the song of Moses the servant of God and they also sing the song of the Lamb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

85315:3r107rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletμεγάλα καὶ θαυμαστὰ τὰ ἔργα σου1

The terms Great and marvelous mean similar things. The victorious believers are using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Your deeds are amazing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

85415:3r108rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletδίκαιαι καὶ ἀληθιναὶ αἱ ὁδοί σου1

The terms Righteous and true mean similar things. The victorious believers are using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Your ways are completely righteous” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

85515:3r109rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorαἱ ὁδοί σου1

The victorious believers are singing about Gods actions as if they were ways or paths that God was walking on. Alternate translation: “your actions” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

85615:3r110rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν αἰώνων1

The believers are using a possessive form to describe not what God rules over but for how long God will rule. Alternate translation: “you who will be king for all eternity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

85715:3r464rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν αἰώνων1

Some ancient manuscripts read King of the Ages. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “King of the Nations.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

85815:4hh87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς οὐ μὴ φοβηθῇ, Κύριε, καὶ δοξάσει τὸ ὄνομά σου & ?1

The victorious believers are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Everyone should fear you, Lord, and glorify your name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

85915:4j9gjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyδοξάσει τὸ ὄνομά σου1

Here, name represents the character and reputation of person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “praise you for your excellent character” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

86015:4r112rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐνώπιόν σου1

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in your presence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

86115:4ei9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὰ δικαιώματά σου ἐφανερώθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you have manifested your righteous deeds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

86215:5r113rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God had opened the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

86315:5r114rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ ναὸς 1

When John says that the temple had been opened, he means by association that the doors of the temple had been opened and he could see inside. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the doors of the temple” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

86415:5r115rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionὁ ναὸς τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ1

John seems to be using this possessive form to indicate that this temple was the equivalent in heaven of the tabernacle of the testimony on earth. Alternate translation: “the temple, that is, the tabernacle of the testimony, in heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

86515:5r116rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὁ ναὸς τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. The phrase “the tabernacle of the testimony” is a common Old Testament description of the tent that held the ark of the covenant. John describes in 11:19 how the ark was now in the temple in heaven Alternate translation: “the temple, that is, the tent holding the ark of the covenant” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

86615:6f9gqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοἱ ἔχοντες τὰς ἑπτὰ πληγὰς1

See how you translated the similar expression in 15:1. Alternate translation: “who would be responsible for administering the seven plagues” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

86715:6r117rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐνδεδυμένοι λίθον καθαρὸν λαμπρὸν, καὶ περιεζωσμένοι περὶ τὰ στήθη ζώνας χρυσᾶς1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They were wearing clean, bright linen clothes and they had wrapped golden sashes around their chests” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

86815:6r118rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyλίθον1

John is referring to linen clothes by association with the linen from which this clothing is made. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “linen clothes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

86915:6nei2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownλίθον1

The word linen is the name for a fine, expensive cloth that people make from flax. If your readers would not be familiar with what linen is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “clothes made from fine, expensive fabric” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

87015:7r123rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyγεμούσας τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

John is referring to Gods punishments for sin by association with the wrath that God feels because of sin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being full of punishments from God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

87115:7r119rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτοῦ ζῶντος εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who lives for all eternity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

87215:8r120rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐγεμίσθη ὁ ναὸς καπνοῦ ἐκ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἐκ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “smoke from the glory of God and from his power filled the temple” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

87315:8r121rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐκ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἐκ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract nouns for the ideas of glory and power, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “because God was so glorious and powerful” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

87415:8s67rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτελεσθῶσιν αἱ ἑπτὰ πληγαὶ τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀγγέλων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the seven angels had completed their seven plagues” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

87516:introv1cm0

Revelation 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the vision that John began to describe in chapter 15. Together these two chapters describe the seven plagues that complete the wrath of God. (See: [[rc://*/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 57.

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven bowls of Gods wrath

This chapter reveals severe judgments. John pictures the execution of these judgments as angels pouring out seven bowls of Gods wrath. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Possible translation issues in this chapter

  • When John says that an angel “poured out his bowl,” he means that the angel poured out what was in his bowl. You can say that in your translation each time. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

  • In this chapter, John uses adjectives “first” through “seventh” as nouns to identify the angels who pour out the bowls of Gods wrath. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases, for example, “the first angel,” “the second angel,” and so forth. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

  • If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers for these angels, for example, “angel number one,” “angel number two,” and so forth. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

87616:1r125rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyμεγάλης φωνῆς ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ, λεγούσης1

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someone speaking loudly from the temple and saying” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

87716:1k2nqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

John is referring to Gods punishments for sin by association with the wrath that God feels because of sin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that hold the punishments from God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

87816:2r126rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὁ πρῶτος1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, John is using the adjective first as a noun to identify this particular angel. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase, and you can do the same with the similar expressions that describe the other six angels. Alternate translation: “the first angel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

87916:2r127rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ πρῶτος1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, if your language does not use ordinal numbers, here and for the other six angels you can use a cardinal number or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number one” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

88016:2r128ἕλκος κακὸν καὶ πονηρὸν1

Since John is referring to what happened to each person in a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of sore. Alternate translation: “bad and harmful sores”

88116:2r129rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκακὸν καὶ πονηρὸν1

The terms bad and harmful mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very severe” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

88216:2r130rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοὺς ἀνθρώπους1

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

88316:3r131rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς νεκροῦ1

The point of this comparison is that the sea turned into blood that was foul and smelled bad, like the blood of a corpse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “that was foul and smelled bad” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

88416:3r132rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶσα ψυχὴ ζῶσα1

John is referring to living creatures by association with the soul or vital breath that keeps them alive. (Sea creatures do not breathe air, but they circulate water comparably to the way land creatures circulate air.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every living creature” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

88516:4r133rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐγένετο1

The pronoun it refers to the water in the rivers and springs. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the water in them became” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

88616:5f35arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτοῦ ἀγγέλου τῶν ὑδάτων1

John is using this possessive form to indicate that God had given this angel authority over the waters (the rivers and springs) and responsibility for maintaining them. The angel is affirming that God has done the right thing even though this has damaged the waters. Alternate translation: “the angel who was responsible for the waters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

88716:5r134rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, ὁ Ὅσιος1

Even though the angel is addressing God, the angel is speaking about God in the third person. You could make this clear by using the word “you” in your translation. Alternate translation: “you who are and who were, you who are holy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

88816:5r465rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, ὁ Ὅσιος1

Some ancient manuscripts read the one being and the one who was, the Holy One. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “O Lord, the one being and the one who was and who is to be.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

88916:5r135rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὁ Ὅσιος1

The angel is using the adjective Holy as a noun. He is referring to God by one of his essential attributes. ULT adds the word One to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the Holy God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

89016:5r136rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsταῦτα1

The pronoun these refers to the people who have killed the saints and prophets, as the angel describes in the next verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “these people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

89116:6b6warc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyαἷμα ἁγίων καὶ προφητῶν ἐξέχεαν1

The angel is referring to the fact that these people killed the saints and prophets by association with the way they shed their *blood when they killed them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they shed the blood of the saints and prophets when they killed them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

89216:6r137rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἄξιοί εἰσιν1

The angel of the waters means implicitly that the people who killed the saints and prophets are worthy of this punishment, that is, they deserve it. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They deserve this punishment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

89316:7p4c5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἤκουσα τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου λέγοντος1

John is describing the altar as a living thing that can speak. As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, within the world of this vision, this is not a figure of speech and so you can translate it literally even if your language does not use figures of speech. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

89416:7r138rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἀληθιναὶ καὶ δίκαιαι1

The terms true and righteous mean similar things. The altar is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “entirely righteous” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

89516:8jf31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῷ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God permitted it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

89616:8l6n2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἐδόθη αὐτῷ1

John is speaking of the sun as if it were a living thing that could receive permission to do something. As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, within the world of this vision, this may not be a figure of speech and so you could translate it literally even if your language does not use figures of speech. However, if it would be clearer in your language, you could consider it a figure of speech and provide an equivalent translation. Alternate translation: “God caused it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

89716:8r139rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοὺς ἀνθρώπους1

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

89816:8r140rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπυρί1

John is speaking as if the sun were literally scorching people with fire. He means that the suns rays became so hot that they burned people just as badly as fire burns people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the heat of its rays” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

89916:8r141rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοἱ ἄνθρωποι1

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

90016:9i2durc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκαυματίσθησαν οἱ ἄνθρωποι καῦμα μέγα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sun scorched men greatly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

90116:9pr4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐβλασφήμησαν τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, name represents the character and reputation of person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “they maligned the character of the God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

90216:9r142rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμετενόησαν δοῦναι αὐτῷ δόξαν1

In the Bible, a person giving God glory often means that person acknowledging that he has sinned and that God is justly punishing him. Alternate translation: “repent of their sin and acknowledge that God was punishing them for it justly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

90316:9r143rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδοῦναι αὐτῷ δόξαν1

If you wish to retain the biblical idiom in your translation but your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and glorify him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

90416:10hit6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ ἐσκοτωμένη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God darkened its kingdom” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

90516:10r144rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ ἐσκοτωμένη1

John does not say specifically how God darkened the entire area where the beast ruled and so you may not wish to offer any explicit explanation in your translation. However, if your language would not describe something like this without saying how it happened, you could suggest an explanation. Alternate translation: “God made thick clouds cover the sun in order to darken its kingdom” or “God caused an eclipse of the sun in order to darken its kingdom” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

90616:10r145rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the area that the beast ruled as king” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

90716:10pb1urc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐμασῶντο τὰς γλώσσας αὐτῶν1

The pronoun they refers to the people whom God afflicted with painful sores, as John describes in 16:2 and as he makes clear in the next verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the people whom God had punished with sores” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

90816:11r146rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysἐκ τῶν πόνων αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἑλκῶν αὐτῶν1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word pain tells what kind of sores these were. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “because of their painful sores” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

90916:12r147rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτὸν Εὐφράτην1

The word Euphrates is the name of a river. See how you translated it in 9:14. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

91016:12amf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐξηράνθη τὸ ὕδωρ αὐτοῦ, ἵνα ἑτοιμασθῇ ἡ ὁδὸς τῶν βασιλέων τῶν ἀπὸ ἀνατολῆς ἡλίου its water was dried up so that the way of the kings from the rising of the sun might be prepared1
91116:12r148rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῶν ἀπὸ ἀνατολῆς ἡλίου1

This expression refers to a particular direction from the perspective of the speaker. Your language may have its own way of referring to this direction. Alternate translation: “from the east” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

91216:13bb6drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς βάτραχοι1

John does not seem to be drawing a comparison between these unclean spirits and frogs in order to indicate something about the character of the spirits. Rather, he seems to be describing the appearance of the spirits. This appearance may have some symbolic significance, but that is a matter of interpretation rather than translation. Alternate translation: “that looked like frogs” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

91316:14r149rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomσημεῖα1

John is using the word signs here in the same sense as in 13:13. See how you translated the word there. Alternate translation: “miracles” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

91416:15l16grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

In this verse, Jesus breaks into Johns narrative of his vision to address the believers who are listening to it or reading it. ULT puts the verse in parentheses to show this. There may be a comparable convention in your language that you can use in your translation. You can also state explicitly that the Lord Jesus said this, as UST does. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

91516:15lgi6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἔρχομαι ὡς κλέπτης1

The point of this comparison is that Jesus is coming at a time when people will not be expecting him, just as a thief comes when people are not expecting him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “I am coming at a time when you are not expecting me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

91616:15an84rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ, ἵνα μὴ γυμνὸς περιπατῇ, καὶ βλέπωσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην αὐτοῦ1

As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, Jesus here the term “keeping” means “preserving,” that is, maintaining the garments in good repair. This represents living in a way that pleases God. Walking around naked similarly stands for living in a way that displeases God, that is, committing sins. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “continuing to live in a way that pleases God and not committing sins that others can see” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

91716:15b6f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ1

This expression means to keep ones garments on, that is, to continue to wear clothes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “continuing to wear clothes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

91816:15qwa2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsκαὶ βλέπωσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην αὐτοῦ1

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not refer to anyone in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “so that people can see his indecency” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

91916:15r150rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀσχημοσύνην1

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

92016:16m2v7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsσυνήγαγεν αὐτοὺς1

The pronoun they refers to the spirits of demons that John describes in 16:14 and the pronoun them refer to the kings John describes in that same verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the spirits of demons brought the kings together” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

92116:16r151rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸν καλούμενον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that people call” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

92216:16r152rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateἉρμαγεδών1

The word Armageddon is a Hebrew word that John spells it out using Greek letters so his readers will know how it sounds. In your translation you can spell it the way it sounds in your language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

92316:16x6ffrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἉρμαγεδών1

The word Armageddon is the name of a valley. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

92416:17a15prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐξῆλθεν φωνὴ μεγάλη ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ θρόνου λέγουσα1

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I heard the one who was sitting on the throne in the temple say loudly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

92516:17r153rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomγέγονεν1

This expression means that the speaker has accomplished what he intended to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, indicating that God is the one sitting on the throne in the temple. Alternate translation: “I, God, have accomplished what I intended to do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

92616:18r154rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysφωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word sounds describes what the thunder produced. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “crashes of thunder” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

92716:18r155rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπος1

Although the term man is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “humanity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

92816:19r156rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη1

John assumes that his readers will understand that by the great city he means Babylon the Great, as he says later in the verse. You can use the name here as well if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Babylon the Great” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

92916:19r157rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheαἱ πόλεις1

John is using these cities as a whole to mean the individual parts of them, that is, their buildings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the buildings in the cities” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

93016:19r158rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔπεσαν1

John is not speaking of these cities or their buildings as if they were living things that could fall down accidentally. He means that the buildings in the cities collapsed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “collapsed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

93116:19r159rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveΒαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, δοῦναι αὐτῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God remembered Babylon the Great to give to her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

93216:19r2vhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomΒαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, δοῦναι αὐτῇ1

John is not suggesting that God had forgotten about Babylon the Great but now remembered the city. He is using a common biblical expression that means that God took action with regard to a person or entity of which he was already aware, either to help or to punish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God punished Babylon the Great by giving her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

93316:19r507rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyΒαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη1

John is referring to the people who live in the city of Babylon by association with that city itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the great city of Babylon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

93416:19g6s8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδοῦναι αὐτῇ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ1

John is alluding to what the angel said in 14:10 about the “wine of the wrath” of Gods “anger” that was in his “cup.” It is likely that he is therefore referring symbolically, as the angel was, to God making people and entities experience the just consequences of their actions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to make her experience the just consequences of her actions that have made God so angry” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

93516:20r160rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ πᾶσα νῆσος ἔφυγεν, καὶ ὄρη οὐχ εὑρέθησαν1

John means implicitly that these things also happened as a result of the earthquake. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. UST models one way to do that. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

93616:20r161rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἔφυγεν1

John is speaking of each island as if it were a living thing that fled. He means that the islands disappeared beneath the ocean surface. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sank into the ocean” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

93716:20byn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὄρη οὐχ εὑρέθησαν1

Here the expression were not found means “could not be found” or “were not there.” Alternate translation: “there were no mountains any more” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

93816:21r162rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisχάλαζα μεγάλη, ὡς ταλαντιαία1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “great hail, in hailstones weighing about a talent each” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

93916:21i43rrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweightὡς ταλαντιαία1

A talent was a weight of about 33 kilograms or about 70 pounds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could give the equivalent in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “in hailstones weighing about 33 kilograms each” or “in hailstones weighing about 70 pounds each” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])

94016:21r163rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοὺς ἀνθρώπους & οἱ ἄνθρωποι1

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

94117:introysn10

Revelation 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins to describe how God will destroy the entity that the book of Revelation calls Babylon.

Special concepts in this chapter

The great prostitute

Those who have sex with prostitutes are unfaithful to Gods purposes for sexual relations to take place within marriage. The “great prostitute” in this chapter may therefore represent some person or entity that leads people to be unfaithful to God spiritually. But it is not necessary to try to identify this person or entity in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])

Seven hills

An angel tells John in 17:9, “The seven heads are seven hills where the woman is sitting.” This could mean that the woman represents the city of Rome, which is known as the City of Seven Hills. However, since this is a matter of interpretation rather than translation, it would not be appropriate to say explicitly in your translation that the seven hills indicate the city of Rome. br>

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 do the same. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The beast that you saw was and is not 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Paradox

A paradox is a statement that asserts as true two things that seemingly cannot both be true at the same time. This sentence in 17:11 is a paradox: “the beast … is itself also an eighth, but it is from the seven.” The translator should not attempt to explain how both of these things can be true; that should remain a paradox.

94217:1c6f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ κρίμα1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how God will judge” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

94317:1f7ryrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoof the great prostitute sitting on many waters1

Since the angel explains the meaning of the great prostitute in verse 18 and the meaning of the waters in verse 15, you do not need to say anything in your translation about their meaning here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

94417:1crs4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῆς καθημένης ἐπὶ ὑδάτων πολλῶν1

The angel is using the word waters to mean a specific body of water by association. The phrase sitting on many waters is an allusion to Jeremiah 51:13, where the same phrase describes the ancient city of Babylon and its location on the great Euphrates River. (The Hebrew word that Jeremiah uses can mean both “sit” and “dwell.”) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who stays next to a great river” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

94517:2r166rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμεθ’ ἧς ἐπόρνευσαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς1

The angel is speaking as the kings of the earth had literally committed sexual immorality with this prostitute. But that is not literally the case even within the world of this vision, since the angel explains in verse 18 that the prostitute symbolizes a city. So the sexual immorality likely symbolizes idolatry and, in light of chapter 18, greed. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The kings of the earth joined her in being idolatrous and greedy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

94617:2paa4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐμεθύσθησαν οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν γῆν ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1

The angel is speaking as if the sexual immorality of the prostitute had been wine and that the ones inhabiting the earth had literally been intoxicated by that wine. But once again these things are not literally the case even within the world of this vision. The sexual immorality likely represents idolatry and greed and the intoxication likely represents deception. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she deceived the ones inhabiting the earth to make them indulge in idolatry and greed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

94717:2r167rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐμεθύσθησαν οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν γῆν ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the wine of her sexual immorality intoxicated the ones inhabiting the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

94817:3hf43rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπήνεγκέν με εἰς ἔρημον ἐν Πνεύματι1

See how you translated the expression in the Spirit in 1:10 and 4:2. Alternate translation: “as he carried me away to a wilderness, the Holy Spirit inspired me so that I could receive further revelation” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

94917:3r168rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomγέμοντα ὀνόματα βλασφημίας1

This expression means that blasphemous names were written all over this beast. Your language may have its own way of stating this. Alternate translation: “covered with blasphemous names” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

95017:4r169rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ γυνὴ ἦν περιβεβλημένη πορφυροῦν καὶ κόκκινον, καὶ κεχρυσωμένη χρυσῷ, καὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ, καὶ μαργαρίταις1

John is referring to the clothing and jewelry that the woman was wearing by association with the materials out of which they were made. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet robes and adorned with gold jewelry in which precious stones and pearls were set” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

95117:4r170rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡ γυνὴ ἦν περιβεβλημένη πορφυροῦν καὶ κόκκινον, καὶ κεχρυσωμένη χρυσῷ, καὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ, καὶ μαργαρίταις1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the woman was wearing purple and scarlet clothing and she had adorned herself with gold jewelry in which precious stones and pearls were set” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

95217:4r257rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownλίθῳ τιμίῳ1

The term precious stone refers to a beautiful and valuable piece of mineral or rock, such as is often used in jewelry. It may be more natural in your language to use a plural form here. Alternate translation: “gemstones” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

95317:4r171rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownμαργαρίταις1

The word pearls describes beautiful and valuable white beads that form inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

95417:4r172rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysβδελυγμάτων καὶ τὰ ἀκάθαρτα1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word abominations describes the impurities of the womans conduct. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “the abominable impurities” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

95517:5az5brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπὶ τὸ μέτωπον αὐτῆς & γεγραμμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone had written on her forehead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

95617:5r173rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysὄνομα & Μυστήριον1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word mystery tells what kind of name was written on the womans forehead. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “a mysterious name” or “a name that had a symbolic meaning” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

95717:5l75trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesὄνομα & Μυστήριον1

Some interpreters consider the word mystery to be part of the name of this woman. Alternate translation: “a name: Mystery,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

95817:6r174rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἐκ τοῦ αἵματος τῶν ἁγίων, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος τῶν μαρτύρων Ἰησοῦ1

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “from the blood of the saints who had borne witness to Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

95917:6ydi9ἐθαύμασα & θαῦμα μέγα1

John is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have its own way of expressing the same meaning. Alternate translation: “I wondered greatly”

96017:7j412rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionδιὰ τί ἐθαύμασας?1

The angel is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You do not need to wonder!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

96117:8usl4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God is going to destroy it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

96217:8r6h4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐ γέγραπται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has not written” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

96317:8r175rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1

See how you translated this expression in 13:8. Alternate translation: “since God founded the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

96417:9r176rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὧδε ὁ νοῦς ὁ ἔχων σοφίαν1

The expression Here is introduces something that the speaker is calling for. Alternate translation: “This calls for a mind that has wisdom” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

96517:9p6lrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὧδε ὁ νοῦς ὁ ἔχων σοφίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “This calls for a wise mind” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

96617:9r177rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoὅπου ἡ γυνὴ κάθηται ἐπ’ αὐτῶν1

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “where the woman is sitting” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

96717:10r178rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ πέντε & ὁ εἷς & ὁ ἄλλος1

John is using the adjectives five, one, and other as nouns to mean these kings. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “the first five kings … one more of the kings … the other king” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

96817:10yk93rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔπεσαν1

The angel is speaking of these five kings as if they have literally fallen. He means that they have died. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

96917:10r179rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὀλίγον1

The angel is using the adjective little as a noun to mean a certain length of time. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “for a little while” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

97017:11r180rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὄγδοός & τῶν ἑπτά1

The angel is using the adjectives eighth and seven as nouns to mean these kings. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “an eighth king … the seven kings” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

97117:11r181rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὄγδοός1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “king number eight” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

97217:11r182rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsεἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God is going to destroy it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

97317:12r183rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsβασιλείαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “authority to rule as kings” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

97417:12n2rdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμίαν ὥραν1

In the ancient world, an hour was the shortest time span that people envisioned. In this context, the term does not mean a literal hour of sixty minutes. It means the shortest time imaginable. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for just a little while” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

97517:13w7jbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὗτοι μίαν γνώμην ἔχουσιν1

This expression means to be in complete agreement. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “These kings are in complete agreement” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

97617:13r184rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτὴν δύναμιν καὶ τὴν ἐξουσίαν αὐτῶν1

The terms power and authority mean similar things. The angel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all of their authority” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

97717:14abb5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ, κλητοὶ, καὶ ἐκλεκτοὶ, καὶ πιστοί1

The words called and chosen are not passive verbal forms, they are adjectives. However, if your language does not use passive forms, it might be clearer for your readers to use expressios that do not seem to be passive verbal forms. Alternate translation: “God has called and chosen the ones with him and they are faithful” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

97817:15r185rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletλαοὶ καὶ ὄχλοι εἰσὶν, καὶ ἔθνη καὶ γλῶσσαι1

The terms peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “every different people group” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

97917:15r186rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyγλῶσσαι1

The angel is referring to speakers of various languages by association with the languages themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “speakers of various languages” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

98017:16j157rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἠρημωμένην ποιήσουσιν αὐτὴν καὶ γυμνήν1

The terms desolated and naked mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “they will take away everything she has” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

98117:16r187rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠρημωμένην1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “desolate” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

98217:16f9asrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰς σάρκας αὐτῆς φάγονται1

The angel is speaking as if these horns (that is, these kings) and the beast will literally consume the flesh of the prostitute. But even within the world of this vision, that is not literally true. This is a common biblical image for destroying someone. If it would be clearer in your language, and especially if it would be helpful to your readers to know that cannibalism has no part in Gods judgments against evil, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will destroy her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

98317:16r188rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoαὐτὴν κατακαύσουσιν πυρί1

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “they will burn her up completely” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

98417:17sb1drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ & Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν1

Here the heart represents the desires. Alternate translation: “God has put into their desires” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

98517:17j0tsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ & Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν1

The angel is speaking as if God has literally put something into the hearts of these kings. He means that God has led them to want to do something. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God has led them to have the desire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

98617:17r189rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysποιῆσαι τὴν γνώμην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ποιῆσαι μίαν γνώμην, καὶ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two shorter phrases connected with and. The phrase to do one purpose tells how the kings will do his purpose, that is, Gods purpose. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “to do Gods purpose by agreeing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

98717:17r190rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomποιῆσαι μίαν γνώμην1

This expression means to be in complete agreement. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to be in complete agreement” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

98817:17ku6mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν βασιλείαν αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “their authority to rule as kings” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

98917:17r191τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτῶν1

Since the angel is referring to things that belong to several people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of kingdom. Alternate translation: “their kingdoms”

99017:17el9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἄχρι τελεσθήσονται οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until God has fulfilled his words” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

99117:17r192rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἄχρι τελεσθήσονται οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοῦ1

The angel is using the term words to mean things that God has spoken by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “until God has fulfilled what he has spoken” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

99217:18uy1mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ ἔχουσα βασιλείαν ἐπὶ1

The angel is referring to the king who rules from the great city by association with that city itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the great city whose king has a kingdom over” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

99317:18r193rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ ἔχουσα βασιλείαν ἐπὶ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the great city that rules over” or “the great city whose king rules over” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

99418:introj5qc0

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 all or part of verses 18, 10, 1617, and 1924.

Translation issues in this chapter

“in one hour”

Characters in the narrative use the expression “in one hour” in verses 10, 17, 19. In the ancient world, an “hour” was the shortest time span that people envisioned. In this context, the term does not mean a literal hour of sixty minutes. It means the shortest time imaginable. You may wish to translate this phrase with a comparable phrase in your language such as “in such a short time.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

“woe, woe”

In verses 10, 16, and 19, kings and merchants repeat the word “woe” for emphasis. If it would not be natural in your language to repeat a word like that, you could express the emphasis in another way, for example, by using a different expression and including the word “very,” as the UST does.

“she,” “her”

People in this culture conventionally referred to cities by using feminine pronouns. Accordingly, throughout this chapter, various speakers refer to the city of Babylon as “she” and “her.” Your language may use a different gender, so you might say “it” and “its” in your translation. You could also use a noun and say “that city.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

“will not be see/heard/found anymore”

In verses 21, 22, and 23, an angel speaks a series of similar phrases describing what will not be “found” or “heard” or “seen” in Babylon “anymore.” The repetition of such phrases is a figure of speech for emphasis. The angel is emphasizing how thoroughly God will destroy Babylon. If possible, use similar statements in your own translation. You may also wish to make each of these verses a separate paragraph, as ULT does, or use formatting in some other way to highlight the repeated phrases. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

99518:1r195rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡ γῆ ἐφωτίσθη ἐκ τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his glory illuminated the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

99618:2a2f5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη1

See how you translated the similar expression in 14:8. Alternate translation: “Babylon the Great has been destroyed” or “God has destroyed Babylon the Great” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

99718:2r466rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη1

Some ancient manuscripts read, Babylon the Great has fallen. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

99818:2r196rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐγένετο1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the pronoun she refers to the city of Babylon. People in this culture conventionally referred to cities with feminine pronouns. Your language may use a different gender. You could also use a noun. Alternate translation: “it has become” or “that city has become” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

99918:2r197rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismκατοικητήριον δαιμονίων, καὶ φυλακὴ παντὸς πνεύματος ἀκαθάρτου1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. The angel is speaking in a Hebrew style of poetry, and Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition. It would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if such repetition would not be natural in your language, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “an abode of demons, yes, a hold of every unclean spirit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

100018:2r198rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleφυλακὴ παντὸς πνεύματος ἀκαθάρτου , καὶ φυλακὴ παντὸς ὀρνέου ἀκαθάρτου, καὶ μεμισημένου1

The angel says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “she has become overrun with unclean spirits and with unclean and detested birds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

100118:2r254rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorφυλακὴ παντὸς πνεύματος ἀκαθάρτου , καὶ φυλακὴ παντὸς ὀρνέου ἀκαθάρτου, καὶ μεμισημένου1

The angel is speaking as if these spirits and birds were literally in a hold, that is, a prison or other place where they were watched or guarded and could not leave. He means that the spirits and birds are now able to linger in the ruins of Babylon. Your language may have terms for places where animals and birds stay. Alternate translation: “a den of every unclean spirit and a roost of every unclean and detested bird” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

100218:2r199rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletὀρνέου ἀκαθάρτου, καὶ μεμισημένου1

The terms unclean and detested mean similar things. The angel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “loathsome bird” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

100318:2r200rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὀρνέου ἀκαθάρτου, καὶ μεμισημένου1

The angel assumes that his listeners will understand that these birds are unclean and detested according to the law of Moses because they eat dead animals. You can say that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “unclean and detested bird that eats dead animals” or “loathsome bird that eats dead animals” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

100418:2r201rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveμεμισημένου1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “detestable” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

100518:3kpp1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς, πέπτωκαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

See how you translated the similar expression in 17:2. Here, as there, this statement is not intended literally even within the world of this vision. Alternate translation: “all the nations have indulged in idolatry and greed with her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

100618:3r202rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

The angel says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “nations throughout the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

100718:3kp3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς μετ’ αὐτῆς ἐπόρνευσαν1

See how you translated the similar expression in 17:2. This statement too is not intended literally. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “the kings of the earth have joined her in being idolatrous and greedy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

100818:4nz77rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἤκουσα ἄλλην φωνὴν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ λέγουσαν1

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I heard someone speaking from heaven and saying” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

100918:5r203rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκολλήθησαν αὐτῆς αἱ ἁμαρτίαι ἄχρι τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “the heap of her sins is as high as heaven” (2) Alternate translation: “the heap of her sins is as high as the sky” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

101018:5e32wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκολλήθησαν αὐτῆς αἱ ἁμαρτίαι ἄχρι τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1

The voice is speaking as if the sins of Babylon were literally in a very high pile. He means that Babylon has committed very many sins. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she has committed very many sins” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

101118:5u2yurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐμνημόνευσεν ὁ Θεὸς τὰ ἀδικήματα αὐτῆς1

The voice is not suggesting that God had forgotten about Babylon but has now remembered the citys offenses. The angel is using a common biblical expression that means that God has taken action with regard to a person or entity of which he was already aware, either to help or to punish. See how you translated the similar expression in 16:19. Alternate translation: “God has punished her for her offenses” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

101218:6r204ἀπόδοτε αὐτῇ ὡς καὶ αὐτὴ ἀπέδωκεν, καὶ διπλώσατε τὰ διπλᾶ, κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῆς1

The voice from heaven is using a characteristic form of Hebrew speech. The voice is naming a number and then, for emphasis, naming the next higher number. An example of this is in Amos 1:3, “For three sins of Damascus, even for four, I will not turn away punishment.” If it might seem to your readers that the voice from heaven was contradicting itself, first saying to punish Babylon one way (just as much as the city hurt others) and then saying to punish Babylon a different way (twice as much as the city hurt others), you could show in your translation that this is actually a progression for emphasis. UST models one way to do this.

101318:6r205rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularἀπόδοτε & διπλώσατε & κεράσατε1

All of these imperatives are plural. (They seem to address the angels whom God has appointed to punish Babylon, as UST indicates.) So use plural imperatives in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

101418:6r206rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismδιπλώσατε τὰ διπλᾶ, κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῆς; ἐν τῷ ποτηρίῳ ᾧ ἐκέρασεν, κεράσατε αὐτῇ διπλοῦν,1

These two phrases mean similar things. The voice from heaven is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. The first phrase expresses it literally and the second phrase expresses it figuratively. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the two phrases. UST models one way of doing this. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

101518:6r207διπλώσατε τὰ διπλᾶ1

The voice is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have its own way of expressing the same meaning. Alternate translation: “repay her double”

101618:6xba5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν τῷ ποτηρίῳ ᾧ ἐκέρασεν, κεράσατε αὐτῇ διπλοῦν1

The voice is speaking as Babylon had literally mixed a cup of wine for others to drink. This is a reprise of the image in 14:8. However, the emphasis here is on how drinking too much wine makes a person stagger. This is an image of how Babylon will stagger from Gods punishments. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “punish her in a way that will make her stagger twice as much as she made others stagger” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

101718:7r208rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς λέγει, ὅτι κάθημαι βασίλισσα & καὶ χήρα οὐκ εἰμί καὶ πένθος οὐ μὴ ἴδω1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “she says in her heart that she sits as a queen and that she is not a widow and that she will not see mourning at all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

101818:7yt32rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς λέγει1

Here the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: “she thinks to herself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

101918:7r209rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomκάθημαι βασίλισσα1

Here the word sit means “to be.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am a queen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

102018:7dy5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyχήρα οὐκ εἰμί1

Babylon is referring to not being dependent on anyone by association with the way that a widow in this culture likely would be dependent on others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not dependent on anyone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

102118:7eh5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπένθος οὐ μὴ ἴδω1

Here the word see means “to experience.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not experience any mourning at all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

102218:8r210rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ1

The voice is using the term day to mean a short time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in just a short time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

102318:8tjd9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐν πυρὶ κατακαυθήσεται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “fire will consume her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

102418:9r211rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks1

Some versions continue the quotation of the voice from heaven that begins in verse 4 through to the end of this chapter. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to punctuate the quotation the way it does. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to punctuate the quotation the way ULT does and end it with verse 8. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

102518:9wk13rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ & πορνεύσαντες1

Here as in 14:3, committing sexual immorality is a symbolic image for worshiping idols. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones having worshiped idols” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

102618:9r212rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκλαύσονται καὶ κόψονται1

The terms weep and wail mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “will weep bitterly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

102718:9r213rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν καπνὸν τῆς πυρώσεως αὐτῆς1

John is referring to the fire that will burn Babylon by association with the burning itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the fire that is burning her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

102818:10j3lnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyδιὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς1

John is referring to the fire that is burning up and tormenting Babylon by association with the torment itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because they are afraid of the fire that is tormenting her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

102918:10r467οὐαὶ, οὐαί1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the speakers are repeating the word “woe” for emphasis. If it would not be natural in your language to repeat a word like that, you could express the emphasis in another way, for example, by using a different expression and including the word “very,” as the UST does.

103018:10r214rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheὅτι μιᾷ ὥρᾳ ἦλθεν ἡ κρίσις σου1

The kings are speaking directly to the city of Babylon even though they know that the city cannot hear them. They are doing this to show in a very strong way to the people who can hear them, their fellow kings, how they feel about what is happening to Babylon. If someone speaking your language would not do this, you could translate this as the merchants speaking to one another about Babylon rather than to Babylon. Alternate translation: “For in one hour her judgment has come” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

103118:10r215rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμιᾷ ὥρᾳ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, in the ancient world, an hour was the shortest time span that people envisioned. In contexts such as this one, the term does not mean a literal hour of sixty minutes. It means the shortest time imaginable. Alternate translation: “in such a short time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

103218:10r216rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἦλθεν ἡ κρίσις σου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God has judged you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

103318:11r217rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκλαίουσιν καὶ πενθοῦσιν1

The terms weep and mourn mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “weep bitterly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

103418:12krs3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownλίθου τιμίου1

See how you translated the term precious stone in 17:4. Alternate translation: “gemstones” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

103518:12xm9urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownβυσσίνου, καὶ πορφύρας, καὶ σιρικοῦ, καὶ κοκκίνου1

See how you translated fine linen, the term for an expensive cloth made from flax, in 15:6; purple cloth is a dark red-blue cloth that was very expensive at this time; silk is a soft, strong cloth made from the fine string that silkworms make when they form their cocoons; scarlet cloth was an expensive red cloth. If some or all of these terms might be unfamiliar to your readers, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “many kinds of expensive cloth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

103618:12hir4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπᾶν ξύλον θύϊνον, καὶ πᾶν σκεῦος ἐλεφάντινον, καὶ πᾶν σκεῦος ἐκ ξύλου τιμιωτάτου, καὶ χαλκοῦ, καὶ σιδήρου, καὶ μαρμάρου1

John says every in these cases as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “many kinds of fragrant wood and many kinds of ivory vessels and many kinds of vessels made from precious wood and bronze and iron and marble” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

103718:12r218rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownπᾶν ξύλον θύϊνον1

The wood of the citron tree is desirable because it is fragrant. If your readers would not be familiar with citron wood, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “every fragrant wood” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

103818:12r219rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyπᾶν ξύλον θύϊνον1

Since there is only one kind of citron tree, by every citron wood, John means by association many kinds of wood that are fragrant like citron wood. Alternate translation: “every fragrant wood” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

103918:12yri7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownσκεῦος ἐλεφάντινον1

The word ivory describes a beautiful, hard, white material that people get from the tusks or teeth of very large animals such as elephants and walruses. Alternate translation: “beautiful containers made from tusks” or “containers made from valuable animal teeth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

104018:12b8xcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownμαρμάρου1

The word marble describes a beautiful, valuable stone that people use in buildings and to make statues, furniture, and many other things. If your readers might not be familiar with marble, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “beautiful stone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

104118:13z894rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκιννάμωμον, καὶ ἄμωμον1

Since cinnamon is one kind of spice, John means implicitly that cinnamon was one example of the spices that the merchants sold. You can indicate this your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “cinnamon and other spices” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

104218:13gz3vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκιννάμωμον, καὶ ἄμωμον1

The word cinnamon describes a fragrant spice that people make from the bark of a certain tree. If your readers would not be familiar with what cinnamon is, you could use a general term. Alternate translation: “spice from tree bark and other spices” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

104318:13r220rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitθυμιάματα, καὶ μύρον, καὶ λίβανον1

Since myrrh and frankincense are two kinds of incense, John means implicitly that these are two examples of the incense that the merchants sold. You can indicate this your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “myrrh and frankincense and other kinds of incense” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

104418:13r221rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletσωμάτων, καὶ ψυχὰς ἀνθρώπων1

In this context, the expressions bodies and souls of men mean the same thing. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. He is first stating how things look on the outside: The bodies of the slaves whom the merchants are trading appear to be just another physical cargo. But John is then stating the real truth: This traffic in slaves is a traffic in human souls. You could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “slaves, that is, the souls of men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

104518:13r222rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsψυχὰς ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “human souls” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

104618:14r223rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheἡ ὀπώρα σου τῆς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ψυχῆς ἀπῆλθεν ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ πάντα τὰ λιπαρὰ καὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ ἀπώλετο ἀπὸ σοῦ1

As John relates this vision, here he addresses something that he knows cannot hear him, the city of Babylon in the vision, in order to show his readers in a strong way how he feels about it. If someone speaking your language would not do this, you could translate this as John speaking about Babylon rather than to Babylon. Alternate translation: “her autumn fruit, the desire of her soul, has gone away from her, and all the luxurious and the splendid has perished from her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

104718:14r224rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionἡ ὀπώρα σου τῆς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ψυχῆς1

In this possessive form, fruit is the object of desire rather than the result of desire. That is, this does not mean fruit that the souls desire has borne, it means fruit that the soul desires to have. Alternate translation: “the autumn fruit that your soul desires to have” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

104818:14a1aarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ ὀπώρα σου τῆς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ψυχῆς ἀπῆλθεν1

Here the term soul represents the whole person by association with the way that each person has a soul. Alternate translation: “the autumn fruit that you desired has gone away” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

104918:14x3klrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἡ ὀπώρα1

John is referring to ripe fruit by association with the way fruit ripens in the autumn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “ripe fruit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

105018:14r225rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ ὀπώρα & ἀπῆλθεν1

John is using autumn fruit to represent the rich pleasures that Babylon desired. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “rich pleasures … have gone away” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

105118:14r226rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismπάντα τὰ λιπαρὰ καὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ ἀπώλετο ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν1

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “all the luxurious and the splendid has perished from you forever” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

105218:14r227rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπάντα τὰ λιπαρὰ καὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ1

John is using the adjectives luxurious and splendid as nouns to mean certain kinds of goods. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this phrase with an equivalent one. Alternate translation: “all the luxurious and splendid goods” or “everything that is luxurious and splendid” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

105318:14r228rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπάντα τὰ λιπαρὰ καὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ1

The terms luxurious and splendid mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all the very luxurious goods” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

105418:14p7f7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν1

Here the expression will not be found means “will not be able to be found” or “will not be there.” Alternate translation: “they will not be there any longer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

105518:14z9rvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveαὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will find them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

105618:15s4iqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyδιὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς1

See how you translated this same expression in 18:10. Alternate translation: “because they are afraid of the fire that is tormenting her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

105718:15ii7vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκλαίοντες καὶ πενθοῦντες1

The terms weeping and mourning mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “weeping bitterly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

105818:16i7iprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον, καὶ πορφυροῦν, καὶ κόκκινον, καὶ κεχρυσωμένη ἐν χρυσίῳ, καὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ, καὶ μαργαρίτῃ1

The merchants are speaking as if the city of Babylon had literally been dressed in expensive clothing and adorned with jewels. They mean that the people of the city lived in luxury. Even if your language does not ordinarily use figures of speech, you may wish to preserve this figure of speech in your translation so that your readers can see how the merchants were speaking about Babylon. One way to do that would be to translate it as a simile, as UST does. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

105918:16nji6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον, καὶ πορφυροῦν, καὶ κόκκινον, καὶ κεχρυσωμένη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that dressed in fine linen and purple and scarlet and adorned herself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

106018:16i5uyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownβύσσινον, καὶ πορφυροῦν, καὶ κόκκινον & χρυσίῳ, καὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ, καὶ μαργαρίτῃ1

See how you translated each of these terms in 18:12. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

106118:17r229rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠρημώθη ὁ τοσοῦτος πλοῦτος1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has destroyed so much wealth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

106218:17r230rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκυβερνήτης1

The word shipmaster refers to a particular member of a ships crew. In this context, this could mean: (1) the captain of a ship. Alternate translation, as in UST: “ship captain” (2) the person who steers a ship. Alternate translation: “navigator” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

106318:17ap3vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὅσοι τὴν θάλασσαν ἐργάζονται1

John is using this general expression to mean anyone else who, like the previous three kinds of people he mentions in this verse, earns a living from the sea in some way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as many others as earn their living from the sea” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

106418:18r231rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν καπνὸν τῆς πυρώσεως αὐτῆς1

See how you translated the same expression in 18:9. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the fire that is burning her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

106518:18v7qerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionτίς ὁμοία τῇ πόλει τῇ μεγάλῃ?1

The sea workers are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Nothing is like the great city!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

106618:18r232rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτίς1

By What, the sea workers implicitly mean “What city.” You can say this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “What city” or, in an exclamation, “No other city” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

106718:19r233rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἔβαλον χοῦν ἐπὶ τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν1

The sea workers threw dust on their heads as a symbolic action to show how distressed they were that Babylon had been destroyed. If this would not be clear to your readers, you can explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “they threw dust on their heads to show how distressed they were” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

106818:19r234rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκλαίοντες καὶ πενθοῦντες1

The terms weeping and mourning mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “weeping bitterly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

106918:19r235rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoτὰ πλοῖα ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ1

It might seem that the expression ships in the sea contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “ships” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

107018:19r236rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠρημώθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has destroyed her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

107118:20r237rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarksεὐφραίνου1

The sea workers finish speaking at the end of verse 19. Someone else begins speaking here. It would be appropriate to show this in your translation by using whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to show the end of one quotation and the beginning of another. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

107218:20r238rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitεὐφραίνου1

In this verse, someone breaks into Johns narrative of his vision to speak directly to the audience in heaven and on earth. ULT puts the verse in parentheses to show this. There may be a comparable convention in your language that you can use in your translation. You can also state explicitly who is speaking, as UST does. That speaker could be: (1) the voice from heaven that spoke in 18:48 or another voice from heaven. (2) Jesus, as in 16:15. (3) John himself. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

107318:20r239rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularεὐφραίνου1

The implied “you” in the imperative Rejoice is singular here because this imperative addresses heaven. The pronoun you is plural because it addresses the saints and apostles and prophets. So use a singular imperative and a plural pronoun in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

107418:20r240rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοὐρανέ1

The speaker is referring everyone who lives in heaven by association with heaven itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all of you who live in heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

107518:20ld6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ κρίμα ὑμῶν ἐξ αὐτῆς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God has judged her for what she did to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

107618:20r241rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ κρίμα ὑμῶν ἐξ αὐτῆς1

The speaker is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have its own way of describing this. Alternate translation: “she deserved to be judged for what she did to you, and God has indeed judged her”

107718:21r242rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileλίθον ὡς μύλινον μέγαν1

The point of this comparison is that the stone that the angel took up was very large and heavy and so it made a tremendous, dramatic splash when it hit the sea. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a stone that was very large and heavy like a great millstone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

107818:21el4erc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownμύλινον1

A millstone is a large round stone that people use to crush grain. If your readers would not be familiar with what a millstone is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture or you could use a general expression. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

107918:21kwsyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὕτως ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God will throw down Babylon, the great city” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

108018:21dlp4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὕτως ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις1

The angel is speaking as if these Babylon will literally be thrown down as if from a height. He means that they the city will be completely destroyed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will completely destroy Babylon, the great city” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

108118:21r243rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὁρμήματι1

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

108218:21r244rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at all will see her any more” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

108318:22j6aqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκαὶ φωνὴ κιθαρῳδῶν, καὶ μουσικῶν, καὶ αὐλητῶν, καὶ σαλπιστῶν, οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one at all will hear the sound of harpists and musicians and flutists and trumpeters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

108418:22r245rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκιθαρῳδῶν, καὶ μουσικῶν, καὶ αὐλητῶν, καὶ σαλπιστῶν1

The word harpists describes people who play the harp, which is a large stringed instrument whose players hold it upright. The word musicians could mean: (1) people who sing. (2) people who play musical instruments generally. The word flutists describes people who play the flute, which is metal instrument like a pipe that has holes in it; players blow across one hole to generate sound and open or close other holes for tuning. The word trumpeters describes people who play the trumpet, which is a metal horn with valves for tuning. If your readers would not be familiar with these musical instruments, in your translation you could use the terms for players of comparable instruments in your culture, or you could use general expressions. Alternate translation: “people playing stringed instruments and singing and blowing pipes and horns” or “people playing stringed instruments and pipes and horns and other instruments” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

108518:22da3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheἐν σοὶ & ἐν σοὶ & ἐν σοὶ1

The angel is speaking directly to the city of Babylon even though he knows that the city cannot hear him. He is doing this to show in a very strong way to the people who can hear them, probably “heaven” and the “saints and apostles and prophets” from verse 20, how he feels about what is happening to Babylon. If someone speaking your language would not do this, you could translate this as the angel speaking about Babylon rather than to Babylon. Alternate translation: “in her … in her … in her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

108618:22r246rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπᾶς τεχνίτης οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at all will find a craftsman” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

108718:22cu19rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπᾶς τεχνίτης οὐ & εὑρεθῇ1

Here the expression will not be found means “will not be able to be found” or “will not be there.” Alternate translation: “no craftsman will be there” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

108818:22r247rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveφωνὴ μύλου οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at will will hear the sound of a mill” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

108918:23r248rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheἐν σοὶ & ἐν σοὶ1

As in verse 22, for emphasis the angel is speaking directly to the city of Babylon even though he knows that the city cannot hear him. If someone speaking your language would not do this, you could translate this as the angel speaking about Babylon rather than to Babylon. Alternate translation: “in her … in her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

109018:23d67irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveφωνὴ νυμφίου καὶ νύμφης οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at all will hear the voice of a bridegroom and a bride” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

109118:23r508rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdualφωνὴ1

Since the angel is referring to two people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of voice or the dual form if your language marks that distinction. Alternate translation: “the voices” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])

109218:23j3iyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐν τῇ φαρμακείᾳ σου ἐπλανήθησαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you deceived all the nations by your sorcery” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

109318:23r249rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν τῇ φαρμακείᾳ σου ἐπλανήθησαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

The angel is speaking as if these Babylon had literally used sorcery to deceive the nations. He likely means that Babylon made living in excessive luxury seem attractive and acceptable. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you influenced all the nations to try to live in luxury” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

109418:23r250rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1

The angel says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “nations throughout the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

109518:23r251rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεὑρέθη1

Here the expression was found means “could be found” or “was there.” Alternate translation: “was” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

109618:24r252rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν αὐτῇ αἷμα & εὑρέθη προφητῶν1

The implication is that this blood is evidence that Babylon is guilty of killing the prophets and saints. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “she was clearly guilty of killing prophets” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

109718:24r253rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντων τῶν ἐσφαγμένων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1

This could mean: (1) that the angel is saying all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “of ones having been slain throughout the earth” (2) that the angel is using a passive verbal form (see next note) to refer to all the other ones, besides prophets and saints, whom Babylon slew. Alternate translation: “of all the other ones she slew on the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

109818:24btz5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπάντων τῶν ἐσφαγμένων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “of all the ones she slew” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

109919:introh7850

Revelation 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  • Verses 14 conclude the topic of the destruction of Babylon.
  • Verses 510 introduce the topic of the wedding of the Lamb.
  • Verses 1121 describe the destruction of the beast and the false prophet.

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://*/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, meaning all his people.

Translation issues in this chapter

“Hallelujah”

The word Hallelujah occurs in verses 1, 3, 4, and 6. This is a Hebrew word that John spells out using Greek letters so that his readers will know how it sounds. The word is a plural imperative that means, “Praise Yahweh!” In your translation, you could spell this word the way it sounds in your language, or you could translate its meaning by using a phrase such as, “Praise God.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

“us/our”

In verses 1, 5, and 6, speakers say “our,” and in verse 7 a speaker says “us.” In each case the speaker is referring to himself and to his addressees, so use the inclusive form of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

110019:1r258rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ σωτηρία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of salvation, glory, and power, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “Worship God as the one who saves us and who is glorious and powerful” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

110119:1r259rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῶν1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and throughout the chapter it would be appropriate to use the inclusive form of our and “us” in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

110219:2r509rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἀληθιναὶ καὶ δίκαιαι1

The terms true and righteous mean similar things. John may be using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “entirely righteous” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

110319:2d9j7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα1

John is referring to the death of Gods servants by association with the *blood that they shed when they were killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

110419:2cj3trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheτῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ ἐκ χειρὸς αὐτῆς1

John is using one part of the great prostitute, her hand, to represent all of her in the act of killing or shedding the blood of Gods servants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of his servants, whom she killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

110519:3r510rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjδεύτερον1

John is using the adjective second as a noun to mean a certain time. ULT adds the word time to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

110619:3zy6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὁ καπνὸς αὐτῆς1

See how you translated the similar expression in 18:9. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the fire that is burning her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

110719:3r511rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

110819:4r512rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἔπεσαν & καὶ προσεκύνησαν τῷ Θεῷ1

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the elders and living creatures did not fall down accidentally. Rather, bowing or lying down in front of God was a sign of humility and respect. Alternate translation: “bowed down in front of God to worship him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

110919:5r480rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personπάντες οἱ δοῦλοι αὐτοῦ, καὶ οἱ φοβούμενοι αὐτόν1

The voice is actually not speaking in the third person about the people whom he wants to Praise … God. The voice is using a vocative form. However, if your language does not have a vocative form and it might appear as if the voice is using the third person for people whom he is addressing, you could use the second person in your translation. Alternate translation: “you his servants and you who fear him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

111019:5cck3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomοἱ φοβούμενοι αὐτόν1

In this context, the word fearing does not mean to be afraid but to show respect and reverence. Alternate translation: “the ones who revere him” or “you who revere him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

111119:5r481rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ μικροὶ καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι1

The voice is speaking as if unimportant people were literally small and as if important people were literally large or great. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the unimportant and the important” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

111219:5rr23rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ μικροὶ καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι1

The voice is using the adjectives small and great as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “both unimportant people and important people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

111319:5qdb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismοἱ μικροὶ καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι1

The voice is using two extremes of people, small and great, to mean them and everyone in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “whatever your status” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

111419:6kq7nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς φωνὴν ὄχλου πολλοῦ, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν ὑδάτων πολλῶν, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν βροντῶν ἰσχυρῶν1

The point of this comparison is that the sound was very loud. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a sound that was very loud, like the sound of a great crowd or many waters or powerful thunder” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

111519:6r482rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomὑδάτων πολλῶν1

By many waters, John could mean a loud waterfall or raging floodwaters. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:15. Alternate translation: “of a waterfall” or “of raging floodwaters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

111619:6r483rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveἡμῶν1

The person speaking here is likely continuing to address those who serve and fear God. So by our, the speaker means himself and them, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

111719:7r484rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletχαίρωμεν καὶ ἀγαλλιῶμεν1

The terms rejoice and exult mean similar things. The sound is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Let us rejoice greatly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

111819:7m5avrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomδῶμεν τὴν δόξαν αὐτῷ1

The expression give glory to him does not mean that God lacks glory in any way or that people have glory that they can give to God. It means to honor God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “honor him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

111919:7j6d7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἦλθεν ὁ γάμος τοῦ Ἀρνίου1

If you would not speak in your language of an event as if it has come, you could express this in the way that is most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it is time for the wedding of the Lamb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

112019:8oz7xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδόθη αὐτῇ ἵνα περιβάληται1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who has done the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has granted to her that she might dress” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

112119:8r485rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundτὸ γὰρ βύσσινον τὰ δικαιώματα τῶν ἁγίων ἐστίν1

Here John provides some background information about the symbolism in his vision in order to help his readers understand what he is describing. ULT shows that this is background information by putting it in parentheses. This information is helpful for understanding the symbolic significance of fine linen and for understanding the symbolism of the book generally. See what you did with the similar background information in 1:20. Alternate translation: “The bride in my vision dressed in fine linen because that bright, clean fabric symbolically represents the righteous acts of the saints” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

112219:9ayc4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsλέγει1

The pronoun he probably refers to the same angel who began to speak to John in 17:1. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The angel who told me he would show me the judgment of the great prostitute said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

112319:9r486rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesγράψον, μακάριοι οἱ εἰς τὸ δεῖπνον τοῦ γάμου τοῦ Ἀρνίου κεκλημένοι1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Write that the ones having been invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb are blessed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

112419:9l72prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ & κεκλημένοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “the ones whom God has called” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

112519:9r487rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοὗτοι οἱ λόγοι ἀληθινοὶ εἰσιν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

The angel is using the term words to mean the saying that he told John to Write by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is something that God has truly said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

112619:10uq6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἔπεσα ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ1

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that John did not fall down accidentally. Rather, bowing or lying down in front of this angel was a sign of humility and respect. Alternate translation: “bowed down at his feet” or “bowed down to the ground in front of him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

112719:10r488rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὅρα μή1

The angel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “See that you do not do that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

112819:10r489rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὅρα μή1

The angel is using the term See to mean by association that John should give careful attention to what he is doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Watch out! Do not do that!” or “Be careful not to do that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

112919:10i2yqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῶν ἀδελφῶν σου1

The angel is using the term brothers figuratively to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

113019:10r475rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀδελφῶν σου1

Although the term brothers is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the figurative expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “your brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

113119:10r490rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτῶν ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ1

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: “who testify to their faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

113219:10r491rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτῶν ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ1

In this possessive form, Jesus is the object rather than the subject of testimony. That is, this does not mean testimony that Jesus himself gives, it means testimony that believers give about their faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “who testify to their faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

113319:10rku2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἡ & μαρτυρία Ἰησοῦ ἐστιν τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς προφητείας1

The angel is speaking prophecy as if it were a living thing that had a spirit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the impulse to testify to Jesus is what inspires prophecy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

113419:11m1qnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyεἶδον τὸν οὐρανὸν ἠνεῳγμένον1

When John says that heaven had been opened, he likely means by association that in his vision, God created some opening that allowed him to see into heaven. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God allowed me to look into heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

113519:11r492rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὸν οὐρανὸν ἠνεῳγμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “that God had opened heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

113619:11r493rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ καθήμενος ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, Πιστὸς καλούμενος καὶ Ἀληθινός1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one whom people call Faithful and True riding on it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

113719:11r494rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesὁ καθήμενος ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, Πιστὸς καλούμενος καὶ Ἀληθινός1

This could mean: (1) that Faithful and True are two names by which people call Jesus. Alternate translation: “the one riding on it, two of whose names are Faithful and True” (2) that “faithful” and “true” are two qualities that people ascribe to Jesus. Alternate translation: “the one riding on it, whom people acknowledge to be faithful and true” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

113819:11r495rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletΠιστὸς & καὶ Ἀληθινός1

The terms Faithful and True mean similar things. John is mentioning the two names together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Supremely Faithful” or “Entirely True” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

113919:11lp9arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν δικαιοσύνῃ1

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

114019:12p9akrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ φλὸξ πυρός1

John is speaking as if the eyes of the one riding on the white horse were actually a flame of fire. This is something that could be taken literally within the world of the vision, but it is more likely that John means this as a comparison, as in 1:14 and 2:18. In that case, the point of the comparison would be that Jesus has eyes that are so bright and lively that they resemble a burning flame. See how you translated this earlier in the book. Alternate translation: “whose eyes also glow like a flame of fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

114119:12r496rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoφλὸξ πυρός1

It might seem that the expression a flame of fire contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “flames” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

114219:12yhr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveγεγραμμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “in writing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

114319:12kk9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsὃ οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, εἰ μὴ αὐτός1

If it would appear in your language that John was contradicting himself by saying that no one knows this name and then saying that someone does know this name, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “that only he knows” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])

114419:12r497rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὃ οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, εἰ μὴ αὐτός1

It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. This could mean: (1) that no one except Jesus knows the meaning of the name. Alternate translation: “Only he knows the meaning of that name” (2) that no one except Jesus knows what the name is. Alternate translation: “Only he knows what that name is” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

114519:13vny3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveπεριβεβλημένος ἱμάτιον βεβαμμένον αἵματι1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “wearing a robe that he had dipped in blood” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

114619:13r498rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoκέκληται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1

It might seem that the expression his name is called contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “his name is” or “he is called” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

114719:13p7tsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκέκληται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people call him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

114819:14r499rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐνδεδυμένοι βύσσινον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “wearing fine linen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

114919:15m9ynἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ἐκπορεύεται ῥομφαία ὀξεῖα 1

Be sure it is clear in your translation, here and for the similar expression in verse 21, that this means that the blade of the sword was sticking out of his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion. See how you translated the similar phrase in 1:16.

115019:15uq4zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ1

See how you translated the similar phrase in 2:27 and 12:5. Alternate translation: “with great strength” or “with irresistible power” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

115119:15nb4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyαὐτὸς πατεῖ τὴν ληνὸν τοῦ οἴνου1

John is referring to the grapes in the winepress by association with the winepress itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he tramples the grapes in the winepress to make the wine” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

115219:15r500rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς1

The terms wrath and fury mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “of the great wrath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

115319:16a61arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἔχει & ὄνομα γεγραμμένον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he has written a name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

115419:16r501rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysἐπὶ τὸ ἱμάτιον καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν μηρὸν αὐτοῦ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two phrases connected with and. The phrase on his thigh tells where on his robe this name is written. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “on his robe at his thigh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

115519:17r502rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν τῷ ἡλίῳ1

John is referring to the light of the sun by association with the sun itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in bright sunlight” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

115619:17r503rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσυνάχθητε1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gather together” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

115719:18r504rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownχιλιάρχων1

The word chiliarchs describes officers in the Roman army who were in charge of groups of 1,000 soldiers. Alternate translation: “commanders” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

115819:18r260rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἰσχυρῶν & ἐλευθέρων & μικρῶν & μεγάλων1

John is using these adjectives as nouns to mean a certain kinds of persons. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. (All of these adjectives are plural.) If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “of mighty people … of free people … of small people … of great people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

115919:18khs9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismπάντων, ἐλευθέρων τε καὶ δούλων, καὶ μικρῶν καὶ μεγάλων1

John is using two extremes of status, whether people are free or slaves, to mean people across the entire range of status. John is using two extremes of importance, whether people are small or great, to mean people across the entire range of importance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent expressions or plain language. Alternate translation: “of all people, no matter what their status and no matter what their importance” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

116019:18r261rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismπάντων, ἐλευθέρων τε καὶ δούλων, καὶ μικρῶν καὶ μεγάλων1

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “of people of every different kind” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

116119:18r262rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμικρῶν καὶ μεγάλων1

John is speaking as if unimportant people were literally small and as if important people were literally large or great. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the unimportant and of the important” or “of unimportant people and of important people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

116219:19r263rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεἶδον τὸ θηρίον, καὶ τοὺς βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, καὶ τὰ στρατεύματα αὐτῶν, συνηγμένα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I saw that the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies had gathered” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

116319:20q83vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπιάσθη τὸ θηρίον1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the army of the one sitting on the horse captured the beast” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

116419:20r264rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ1

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in his presence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

116519:20ht8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐβλήθησαν οἱ δύο1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one riding on the horse threw the two” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

116619:20r265rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ δύο1

John is using the adjective two as a noun to mean two particular people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “The beast and the false prophet” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

116719:21h6earc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ λοιποὶ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ ἵππου, τῇ ἐξελθούσῃ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one sitting on the horse killed the rest with the sword coming out from his mouth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

116819:21r266rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ λοιποὶ1

By the rest, John implicitly means the rest of the beasts soldiers. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the rest of the beasts soldiers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

116919:21r267rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐχορτάσθησαν ἐκ τῶν σαρκῶν αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gorged themselves on their flesh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

117020:introc7eh0

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 when Satan is bound. Some scholars believe that this refers to a future period of time, while others believe that it refers to Jesus reigning now from heaven. It is not necessary to decide between these options in order to translate this passage accurately. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Final rebellion

This chapter also describes what happens after the thousand years. At that 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:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])

Great white throne

This chapter ends with a vision of God sitting on a “great white throne” and judging all the people who have ever lived. God separates people who believe in Jesus from those who do not believe in him. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

The Book of Life

This symbolically represents eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life. However, since this is something that John actually saw in his vision, it would be appropriate to preserve this image in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/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. Hades appears to be the place where souls go after physical death, while the lake of fire appears to be the place where people experience spiritual death. The translator should be careful to choose appropriate language to describe each place that will show that these are not the same place. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/hell]])

117120:2r269rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸν ὄφιν τὸν ἀρχαῖον, ὅς ἐστιν Διάβολος καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς1

John assumes that his readers will understand that the phrase the ancient serpent is an allusion to the way the devil appeared in the form of a serpent to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as Genesis 3:115 describes. You can indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who appeared in the form of a serpent to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, who is the devil and Satan” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

117220:2r270rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureτὸν ὄφιν τὸν ἀρχαῖον, ὅς ἐστιν Διάβολος καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς1

It may be easier for your readers to recognize the allusion that John is making if you put the information that the dragon represents the devil and Satan before the information that this is also the ancient serpent. Alternate translation: “who is the devil and Satan, who appeared in the form of a serpent to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

117320:2r271rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletΔιάβολος καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς1

The word devil and the name Satan refer to the same person. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the devil himself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

117420:3r272rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until the 1,000 years had ended” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

117520:3y9xdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδεῖ αὐτὸν λυθῆναι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, the context suggests that it may be the angel who has “the key to the abyss,” as 20:1 describes. Alternate translation: “God will command the angel to release him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

117620:4r273rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐκάθισαν ἐπ’ αὐτούς, καὶ κρίμα ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς,1

The pronouns they and them refer to people whom John describes in the rest of the verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and these are the ones who sat on them and to whom judgment was given:” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

117720:4qzt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκρίμα ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God gave judgment to them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

117820:4r274rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsκρίμα ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God gave them authority to judge” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

117920:4u3u8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτῶν πεπελεκισμένων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones whom the Roman government had beheaded” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

118020:4tut2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismδιὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “for proclaiming the message from God about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

118120:4r275rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionτὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ1

In this possessive form, Jesus is the object rather than the subject of testimony. That is, this does not mean testimony that Jesus gives, it means testimony that people give about their faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “testifying to Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

118220:4xz5lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

John is using the term word to mean the message that these believers had shared by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sharing the message from God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

118320:4r276ἐπὶ τὸ μέτωπον, καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν χεῖρα αὐτῶν1

Since John is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural forms of forehead and hand. Alternate translation: “on their foreheads or on their hands”

118420:5r277rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundοἱ λοιποὶ τῶν νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔζησαν, ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη1

With this sentence, John is providing background information that will help readers understand what happens next in the story. ULT puts the sentence in parentheses to show that. In your translation, present this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

118520:5r278οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔζησαν, ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη1

It may be more natural in your language to state this positively. Alternate translation: “The rest of the dead only lived again once the 1,000 years had ended”

118620:5cw4jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτῶν νεκρῶν1

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

118720:5e1pmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until the 1,000 years had ended” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

118820:5r279rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalἡ ἀνάστασις ἡ πρώτη1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “resurrection number one” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

118920:6r280rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounμακάριος καὶ ἅγιος ὁ ἔχων μέρος ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει τῇ πρώτῃ1

Here, the one having a part in the first resurrection does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone whom God restores to life at this time. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Since John says these in the next sentence, it may be helpful to use a plural form in this sentence as well. Alternate translation: “Blessed and holy are all those who have a part in the first resurrection” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

119020:6f3gzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἐπὶ τούτων ὁ δεύτερος θάνατος οὐκ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν1

John is speaking of the second death as if it were a living thing could have power over someone, that is, as if it could make someone do what it wanted that person to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “These people will not experience the second death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

119120:6v4z3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ δεύτερος θάνατος1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “death number two” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

119220:7r281rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὅταν τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “at the end of the 1,000 years” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

119320:7y1vwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveλυθήσεται ὁ Σατανᾶς 1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated the similar expression in 20:3. Alternate translation: “God will command the angel who has the key to the abyss will release Satan” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

119420:8r282rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὰ ἐν ταῖς τέσσαρσι γωνίαις τῆς γῆς1

John is speaking as if the earth literally had four corners. He means the most distant places on the earth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the most distant places on the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

119520:8r283rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτὰ ἐν ταῖς τέσσαρσι γωνίαις τῆς γῆς1

John is using the most distant places on the earth to mean those places and everything between them and his location. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “all over the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

119620:8r284rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesτὸν Γὼγ καὶ Μαγώγ1

The word Gog is the name of a ruler whom the prophet Ezekiel addresses in Ezekiel 38:139:20. The word Magog is the name of the land that he ruled. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

119720:8r285rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸν Γὼγ καὶ Μαγώγ1

John is using the ruler named Gog and his land of Magog symbolically to represent the nations whom the devil will deceive. He means that these nations will form a great army together and attack the people of God, just as Ezekiel described Gog gathering a great coalition of peoples against Israel. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forming a great coalition of peoples” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

119820:8r286rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoὧν ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτῶν1

It might seem that the expression of whom their number contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “whose number” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

119920:8g429rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς ἡ ἄμμος τῆς θαλάσσης.1

The point of this comparison is that the number of soldiers in this army will be very large, just as the number of grains of sand on the shore of the sea is very large. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “will be very large, like the number of grains of sand on the seashore” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

120020:9r287rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὴν πόλιν τὴν ἠγαπημένην1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation, as in UST: “the city that God loves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

120120:9f4t7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν πόλιν τὴν ἠγαπημένην1

John assumes that his readers will understand that by the beloved city he means Jerusalem. You can use that name in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the city of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

120220:9jhq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationκατέβη πῦρ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ κατέφαγεν αὐτούς1

John is speaking of this fire as if it were a living thing that came down from heaven and devoured this army by itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God sent fire down from heaven and it devoured them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

120320:9r288rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκατέφαγεν αὐτούς1

John is speaking as if this fire literally devoured or ate up the nations that attacked the saints. He means that the fire destroyed them completely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “destroyed them completely” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

120420:10pif3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ διάβολος, ὁ πλανῶν αὐτοὺς, ἐβλήθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God threw the devil deceiving them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

120520:10r289rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysτοῦ πυρὸς καὶ θείου1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word fire describes the state of the sulfur. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “of fiery sulfur” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

120620:10r290rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsαὐτοὺς1

The pronoun them refers to the nations whom the devil deceived. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the nations” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

120720:10t5h2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβασανισθήσονται1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, the context suggests that it will be God. Alternate translation: “God will torment them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

120820:10r291rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς1

John is using the two parts of a full day, day and night, to mean all the time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “all the time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

120920:10r292rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

121020:11r293rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοὗ ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου1

Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “from whose presence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

121120:11r294rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός, καὶ τόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς1

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “earth and heaven vanished entirely” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

121220:11pm1zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός1

John is speaking of earth and heaven as if they were living things that fled. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “earth and heaven disappeared” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

121320:11slhmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one found a place for them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

121420:11r295rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς1

This expression means “no place could be found for them” or “they were no longer there.” Alternate translation: “they were no longer there” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

121520:12r296rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς νεκρούς & οἱ νεκροὶ1

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died … the people who had died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

121620:12r297rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαὶ μεγάλους καὶ τοὺς μικρούς1

The voice is speaking as if important people were literally large or great and as if unimportant people were literally small. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “both the important and the unimportant” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

121720:12r298rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjκαὶ μεγάλους καὶ τοὺς μικρούς1

The voice is using the adjectives great and small as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “both important people and unimportant people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

121820:12r299rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismκαὶ μεγάλους καὶ τοὺς μικρούς1

The voice is using two kinds of people, great and small, to mean all kinds of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “people of every status” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

121920:12gap2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveβιβλία ἠνοίχθησαν; καὶ ἄλλο βιβλίον ἠνεῴχθη1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God opened books, and God opened another book” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

122020:12lt7krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκρίθησαν οἱ νεκροὶ ἐκ τῶν γεγραμμένων ἐν τοῖς βιβλίοις1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God judged the dead from the things he had written in the books” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

122120:12r300rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς νεκροὺς & τοὺς νεκροὺς1

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died … the people who had died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

122220:13ea2hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἔδωκεν ἡ θάλασσα τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ, καὶ ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἔδωκαν τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτοῖς1

John is speaking of the sea and of Death and Hades as if these were living things that actively gave up the people who had died who were in them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who had died who were in the sea and in Death and Hades were not able to hide in those places” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

122320:13r301rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς νεκρούς τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ & τοὺς νεκρούς τοὺς ἐν αὐτοῖς1

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died who were in it … the people who had died who were in them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

122420:13r302rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἔδωκαν τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτοῖς1

In this context, Death and Hades are two names for the same place. John is using the names together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the underworld gave up every single person who had died who was in it” or “not a single person who had died who was in the underworld was able to hide there” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

122520:13bg4urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκρίθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God judged them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

122620:14lw6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἐβλήθησαν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God threw Death and Hades” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

122720:14r303rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἐβλήθησαν1

In this context, Death and Hades are two names for the same place. John is using the names together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the entire underworld was thrown” or “God threw the entire underworld” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

122820:14qv55rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερός1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “death number two” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

122920:15c9pbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκαὶ εἴ τις οὐχ εὑρέθη ἐν τῇ βίβλῳ τῆς ζωῆς γεγραμμένος, ἐβλήθη1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that in each case it was God. Alternate translation: “if God did not find that he had written someone in the Book of Life, he threw him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

123020:15r304rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτις1

John is using the term anyone by association to mean “anyones name.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “anyones name” or “someones name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

123121:intropai80

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:///tw/dict/bible/other/death]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/soul]] and [[rc://*/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://*/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 something remade out of the present heaven and earth. The same is also true of the new Jerusalem. It is possible that this will affect translation in some languages.

“her”

People in this culture conventionally referred to cities by using feminine pronouns. John says “her” throughout his description of the new Jerusalem in order to mean that city. Your language may use a different gender, for example, you might say “it” and “its” instead of “her.” You could also use a noun and say “that city.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

“every precious stone”

In verses 19 and 20, John lists the precious stones that were the foundations of the city. In some cases, it is not certain exactly which precious stones these names describe. When the reference of a name is uncertain, ULT spells out the name using English letters. If your readers would not be familiar with some of the precious stones listed here, or if you are not certain what stone a name describes, in your translation you can spell the names the way they sound in your language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

123221:1r305rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ & πρῶτος οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ πρώτη γῆ1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here or equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “heaven number one and earth number one” or “the former heaven and the former earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

123321:1r306rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἀπῆλθαν1

John is speaking of the first heaven and the first earth as if they were living things that had gone away on their own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no longer existed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

123421:2r307rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡτοιμασμένην ὡς νύμφην, κεκοσμημένην τῷ ἀνδρὶ αὐτῆς1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God had prepared the city the way a bride adorns herself for her husband” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

123521:2er4urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileἡτοιμασμένην ὡς νύμφην, κεκοσμημένην τῷ ἀνδρὶ αὐτῆς1

The point of this comparison is that the city looked beautiful, just as a bride makes herself beautiful to please her husband on their wedding day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God had made the city beautiful, just as a bride makes herself beautiful for her husband on their wedding day” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

123621:3hpt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ σκηνώσει μετ’ αὐτῶν1

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “God will now tabernacle right in the midst of men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

123721:3r308ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ σκηνώσει μετ’ αὐτῶν1

John is using a noun and a verb from the same root together for emphasis. You may be able to do the same thing in your own language. Alternate translation: “The dwelling of God is with men, and he will dwell with them”

123821:3r309rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

123921:3r468rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsαὐτὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἔσται μετ’ αὐτῶν1

Some ancient manuscripts read, God himself will be with them. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “as their God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

124021:4w39grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheἐξαλείψει πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν1

By using one thing that a person might do to console another person, John is representing all that someone might do to console someone else. If it would be helpful in your language, you could name something that someone might do similarly in your culture, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will console them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

124121:4r310rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὁ θάνατος οὐκ ἔσται ἔτι, οὔτε πένθος, οὔτε κραυγὴ, οὔτε πόνος1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “death will not be any longer, and grieving will not be any longer, and crying will not be any longer, and pain will not be any longer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

124221:4r311rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτὰ πρῶτα1

John is using the adjective first as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. ULT adds the word things to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the things that existed first” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

124321:4r312rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalτὰ πρῶτα1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the former things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

124421:4r313rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationἀπῆλθαν1

John is speaking of the first things as if they were living things that have gone away on their own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no longer exist” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

124521:5rq2qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοὗτοι οἱ λόγοι & εἰσιν1

God is using the term word to mean the statement that he has just made by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have just said is” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

124621:5r314rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί 1

The terms trustworthy and true mean similar things. God on the throne is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “entirely trustworthy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

124721:6dq8nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος1

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “the very beginning and the very end” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

124821:6mfc7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος1

God is using two pairs of extremes, the Alpha and the Omega and the beginning and the end, to mean those extremes and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who began everything and who will finish everything” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

124921:6li7src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ1

God is speaking as if these he were literally two letters of the alphabet. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter, so God means that he has existed from all eternity and will exist to all eternity. If your language uses figures of speech, you could use the first and last letters of your own alphabet. Alternatively, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the First and the Last” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

125021:6wk2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐγὼ τῷ διψῶντι δώσω ἐκ τῆς πηγῆς τοῦ ὕδατος τῆς ζωῆς δωρεάν.1

God is speaking as if he would literally give water to someone who was thirsting. He is using thirst to represent a persons desire for everlasting life and he is using drinking life-giving water to represent that person receiving everlasting life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will give everlasting life to the one who eagerly desires to have it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

125121:7r315rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ νικῶν1

The one conquering does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who conquers in the sense that Jesus uses that term in the letters to the seven churches and as John uses it in 20:11. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Everyone who conquers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

125221:7r316rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἔσομαι αὐτῷ Θεὸς, καὶ αὐτὸς ἔσται μοι υἱός1

Although the term son is masculine, God is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “I will be the God of that person, and that person will be my child” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

125321:8r317rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοῖς δὲ δειλοῖς, καὶ ἀπίστοις1

John is using the adjectives cowardly and unbelieving as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “for cowardly people and unbelieving people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

125421:8r318rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐβδελυγμένοις1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who do abhorrent things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

125521:8zu27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysπυρὶ καὶ θείῳ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word fire describes the state of the sulfur. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “with fiery sulfur” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

125621:8k1hlrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερός1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “death number two” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

125721:9cf2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὴν νύμφην, τὴν γυναῖκα τοῦ Ἀρνίου1

The angel is speaking as if the new Jerusalem were literally a bride who was going to marry the Lamb. He means that Gods people will now be united forever with Jesus their Savior. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how the people of God will be united forever with Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

125821:10czp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀπήνεγκέν με ἐν Πνεύματι ἐπὶ ὄρος μέγα καὶ ὑψηλόν1

See how you translated the expression in the Spirit in 1:10 and 4:2. Alternate translation: “as he carried me away to a great and high mountain, the Holy Spirit inspired me so that I could receive further revelation” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

125921:10r319rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletμέγα καὶ ὑψηλόν1

The terms great and high mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation, as in UST: “very high” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

126021:11r320rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὁ φωστὴρ αὐτῆς ὅμοιος λίθῳ τιμιωτάτῳ1

The point of this comparison is that the brilliance or luster of the city was bright and beautiful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “its brilliance was bright and beautiful like that of a most precious stone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

126121:11xvg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismὅμοιος λίθῳ τιμιωτάτῳ, ὡς λίθῳ ἰάσπιδι1

These two phrases mean the same thing. The first is a general statement and the second is a specific example. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “like a very precious jasper stone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

126221:11vvq1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἰάσπιδι κρυσταλλίζοντι1

See how you translated the word jasper in 4:3 and the word crystal in 4:6. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

126321:12r321rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἔχουσα τεῖχος μέγα καὶ ὑψηλόν1

The terms great and high mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The city had a very high wall” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

126421:12r322rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὀνόματα ἐπιγεγραμμένα, ἅ ἐστιν τῶν δώδεκα φυλῶν1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “names having been written on the gates that are the names of the 12 tribes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

126521:12qgh3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὀνόματα ἐπιγεγραμμένα1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “names that God had written” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

126621:12r323rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorυἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1

Here, sons figuratively means “descendants.” John is identifying the Israelites as descendants of their ancestor Israel (who was also known as Jacob). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

126721:15r324rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsτοὺς πυλῶνας αὐτῆς, καὶ τὸ τεῖχος αὐτῆς1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, people in this culture conventionally referred to cities by using feminine pronouns. Your language may use a different gender. You could also use a noun and say “that city.” Alternate translation: “its gates and its wall” or “the gates and wall of that city” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

126821:16fs8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistanceσταδίων δώδεκα χιλιάδων1

The word stadia is the plural form of “stadium,” which was a distance of about 185 meters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could give the equivalent in modern measurements. However, you might also wish to retain the ancient measurement, since there may be some symbolic significance to the number 12,000. Alternate translation: “about 2,200 kilometers” or “about 1,300 miles” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

126921:17r325rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἐμέτρησεν τὸ τεῖχος αὐτῆς, ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “he measured her wall and found it to be 144 cubits” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

127021:17r326rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν1

This could be the measurement: (1) of the height of the wall. Alternate translation: “144 cubits high” (2) of the thickness of the wall. Alternate translation: “144 cubits thick” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

127121:17eut1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistanceἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν1

A cubit was the measurement of the distance from a persons elbow to his longest fingertip, typically about half a meter or about 18 inches. If it would be helpful in your language, you could give the equivalent in modern measurements. However, you might also wish to retain the ancient measurement, since there may be some symbolic significance to the number 144. Alternate translation: “about 70 meters” or “about 200 feet” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

127221:17r327rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμέτρον ἀνθρώπου ὅ ἐστιν ἀγγέλου1

Since a cubit was the distance from an elbow to a fingertip, John needs to specify from what size person the angel determined this measurement. This could mean: (1) that the angel appeared to John in human form and so the distance from his elbow to his fingertip was the same as that of a human. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The angel appeared in human form, and so he used an ordinary human cubit to measure” (2) that the angel may have been a giant compared with humans, but the angel still used a human-sized cubit. Alternate translation: “The angel used the cubit measure that people ordinarily use” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

127321:18n3hurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileχρυσίον καθαρὸν, ὅμοιον ὑάλῳ καθαρῷ1

The point of this comparison is that the gold from which the city was made was clear and bright, just as pure glass has no imperfections that keep it from reflecting light or letting light through. Alternate translation: “is gold that is as clear and bright as pure glass” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

127421:19ick5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ θεμέλιοι τοῦ τείχους τῆς πόλεως & κεκοσμημένοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God had adorned the foundations of the wall of the city” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

127521:19r328rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπαντὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ1

John says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “with many different precious stones” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

127621:19r329rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὁ δεύτερος σάπφειρος, ὁ τρίτος χαλκηδών, ὁ τέταρτος σμάραγδος1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the second foundation was sapphire, the third foundation was chalcedony, the fourth foundation was emerald” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

127721:19r330rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ θεμέλιος ὁ πρῶτος ἴασπις, ὁ δεύτερος σάπφειρος, ὁ τρίτος χαλκηδών, ὁ τέταρτος σμάραγδος1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here or equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “Foundation number one was jasper, foundation number two was sapphire, foundation number three was chalcedony, foundation number four was emerald” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

127821:19ke4brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateἴασπις & σάπφειρος & χαλκηδών & σμάραγδος1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, in some cases it is not certain what precious stones the names in this verse and the next verse describe. When the reference of a name is uncertain, ULT spells out the name using English letters. If your readers would not be familiar with some of the precious stones listed here, in your translation you can spell their names the way they sound in your language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

127921:20r331rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὁ πέμπτος σαρδόνυξ, ὁ ἕκτος σάρδιον, ὁ ἕβδομος χρυσόλιθος, ὁ ὄγδοος βήρυλλος, ὁ ἔνατος τοπάζιον, ὁ δέκατος χρυσόπρασος, ὁ ἑνδέκατος ὑάκινθος, ὁ δωδέκατος ἀμέθυστος.1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the fifth foundation was sardonyx, the sixth foundation was carnelian, the seventh foundation was chrysolite, the eighth foundation was beryl, the ninth foundation was topaz, the tenth foundation was chrysoprase, the eleventh foundation was jacinth, the twelfth foundation was amethyst” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

128021:20r332rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinalὁ πέμπτος σαρδόνυξ, ὁ ἕκτος σάρδιον, ὁ ἕβδομος χρυσόλιθος, ὁ ὄγδοος βήρυλλος, ὁ ἔνατος τοπάζιον, ὁ δέκατος χρυσόπρασος, ὁ ἑνδέκατος ὑάκινθος, ὁ δωδέκατος ἀμέθυστος.1

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here or equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “foundation number five was sardonyx, foundation number six was carnelian, foundation number seven was chrysolite, foundation number eight was beryl, foundation number nine was topaz, foundation number ten was chrysoprase, foundation number eleven was jacinth, foundation number twelve was amethyst” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

128121:21r333rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoἀνὰ εἷς ἕκαστος τῶν πυλώνων1

It might seem that this phrase contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “each of the gates” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])

128221:21vp22rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileχρυσίον καθαρὸν ὡς ὕαλος διαυγής.1

See how you translated the similar expression in 21:18. Alternate translation: “was gold that was as clear and bright as transparent glass” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

128321:22r334rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureὁ & Κύριος ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ ναὸς αὐτῆς ἐστιν, καὶ τὸ Ἀρνίον1

It may be more natural to put the information about the Lamb with the information about the Lord God. Alternate translation: “the Lord God, the Ruler of All, and the Lamb are her temple” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

128421:22m2ewrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ & Κύριος ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ ναὸς αὐτῆς ἐστιν, καὶ τὸ Ἀρνίον1

Since John has just said that there is no temple in the city, he does not mean that the Lord God and the Lamb are literally a temple. Rather, he means that the people in the city can be in Gods presence all the time, without having to go to a temple. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Lord God, the Ruler of All, and the Lamb are always present in the city” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

128521:23r335rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisοὐδὲ τῆς σελήνης1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “nor does the city have need of the moon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

128621:23v2m9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ λύχνος αὐτῆς τὸ Ἀρνίον1

John is speaking as if the Lamb were literally a lamp that lit up the city. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “her light is the Lamb” or “its light is the Lamb” or “the light of that city is the Lamb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

128721:24ma5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπεριπατήσουσιν τὰ ἔθνη διὰ τοῦ φωτὸς αὐτῆς1

John is speaking as if the nations would literally know where to walk because they would see well by the light from the city. In this context, the word walk figuratively means how people live and behave, and so the word light represents good guidance about how to live and behave. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people in the city will live in such a way as to guide the nations about how to live as God wishes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

128821:24r469rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτὰ ἔθνη1

Some ancient manuscripts read the nations. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the nations that are saved.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

128921:24r336rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς φέρουσιν τὴν δόξαν αὐτῶν εἰς αὐτήν1

By their glory, John may mean by association symbols of royal power, such as crowns, scepters, and robes. He may be describing a situation like the one in 4:10, where he saw the 24 elders “lay their crowns before the throne” to acknowledge God as the Supreme Ruler. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the kings of the earth will come into the city and lay their royal crowns, scepters, and robes before Gods throne to acknowledge him as the Supreme Ruler” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

129021:25lq1zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ πυλῶνες αὐτῆς οὐ μὴ κλεισθῶσιν1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at all will shut her gates” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

129121:25r337rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesοἱ πυλῶνες αὐτῆς οὐ μὴ κλεισθῶσιν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb shut. Alternate translation: “her gates will always be open” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

129221:26r338rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsοἴσουσιν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν τῶν ἐθνῶν1

The pronoun they seems to refer to people from the nations. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations will bring their glory and honor” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

129321:26r339rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοἴσουσιν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν τῶν ἐθνῶν1

John is likely referring to wealth, by association with the way wealth is stored in things that are considered to have glory and honor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. This could mean: (1) that the nations will send valuable gifts to God in the city as expressions of their devotion. Alternate translation: “they will bring valuable gifts from the nations” (2) that the nations will send tribute payments to God. Alternate translation: “they will bring tribute from the nations” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

129421:26r340rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν1

The terms glory and honor mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the splendor” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

129521:27r341rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureοὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτὴν πᾶν κοινὸν, καὶ ὁ ποιῶν βδέλυγμα καὶ ψεῦδος1

It may be more natural to put the information about the one doing abomination and falsehood with the information about the everything unclean. Alternate translation: “everything unclean and the one doing abomination and falsehood will not at all enter into her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

129621:27r342rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsὁ ποιῶν βδέλυγμα καὶ ψεῦδος1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of abomination and falsehood, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “anyone who does abominable things and tells lies” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

129721:27r343rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰ μὴ1

This expression limits the meaning of enter to the people it introduces. Your language may have its own way of expressing this idea. Alternate translation: “but only” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

129821:27g7frrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοἱ γεγραμμένοι1

John is referring to the names of people by association with the people themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones whose names have been written” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

129921:27r344rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ γεγραμμένοι1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “the ones whom God has written” or “the ones whose names God has written” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

130022:introe1ya0

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. That would be A and Z in English.

130122:1r403rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἔδειξέν1

The pronoun he refers to the angel who had one of the seven bowls, who began speaking to John in 21:9 and who was showing him the new Jerusalem. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the angel who had been showing me the city showed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

130222:1r404rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἐκ τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ Ἀρνίου1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. That may help clarify that God and the Lamb do not share a single throne. Alternate translation: “from the throne of God and from the throne of the Lamb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

130322:2r405rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐν μέσῳ τῆς πλατείας αὐτῆς καὶ1

This phrase could refer implicitly to: (1) where the river flowed. That is the interpretation that ULT and UST follow. (2) where the tree of life was. In that case this would be the beginning of a new sentence. Alternate translation: “In the middle of its public square and” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

130422:3r406rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὁ θρόνος τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ Ἀρνίου1

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. That may help clarify that God and the Lamb do not share a single throne. Alternate translation: “the throne of God and the throne of the Lamb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

130522:4zy4xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheτὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ1

John is using one part of God, his face, to represent all of God as his servants see him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

130622:5r407rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων1

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

130722:6r408rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsεἶπέν1

The pronoun he refers to the same angel as in verse 1. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the angel said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

130822:6xaw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyοὗτοι οἱ λόγοι1

The angel is using the term words to mean what he has been telling John by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What I have been telling you is” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

130922:6r409rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί1

The terms trustworthy and true mean similar things. The angel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “entirely trustworthy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

131022:7p72hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ ἰδοὺ1

John assumes that his readers will understand that Jesus is speaking in this verse. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said, And behold” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

131122:7r410rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου1

Jesus is using the term words to mean what John has written in this book, using words, to describe the prophecies that God gave to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what you have said in this book about the prophecies God gave you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

131222:8uvk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔπεσα1

This expression means that John lay down facing the ground. See how you translated the similar expression in 7:11. Alternate translation: “I bowed down” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

131322:9r411rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὅρα μή1

The angel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “See that you do not do that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

131422:9r412rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὅρα μή1

The angel is using the term See to mean by association that John should give careful attention to what he is doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Watch out! Do not do that!” or “Be careful not to do that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

131522:9r413rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῶν ἀδελφῶν σου, τῶν προφητῶν1

The angel is using the term brothers figuratively to mean fellow prophets. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow prophets” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

131622:9r476rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀδελφῶν σου, τῶν προφητῶν1

Although the term brothers is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the figurative expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “of your brothers and sisters the prophets” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

131722:9r414rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοὺς λόγους τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου1

The angel is using the term words to mean what John has said in this book by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what you have said in this book” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

131822:10r415rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesμὴ σφραγίσῃς1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb seal. Alternate translation: “Leave open” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

131922:10ct48rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ σφραγίσῃς1

The angel is speaking as if John might literally seal his book closed once he has written it. The angel means that John should tell others what he has written in the book and not keep those things to himself. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Widely proclaim” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

132022:10xc15rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου1

The angel is using the term words to mean what John has said in this book by using words to describe the prophecy that God gave him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what you have said in this book about the prophecy God gave you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

132122:11r416rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pὁ ἀδικῶν, ἀδικησάτω ἔτι; καὶ ὁ ῥυπαρὸς, ῥυπανθήτω ἔτι; καὶ ὁ δίκαιος, δικαιοσύνην ποιησάτω ἔτι; καὶ ὁ ἅγιος, ἁγιασθήτω ἔτι1

If your language does not use third-person imperatives in this way, you make these statements in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May the one being unrighteous still be unrighteous, and may the filthy one still be filthy, and may the righteous one still do righteousness, and may the holy one still be holy” or “The one being unrighteous should still be unrighteous, and the filthy one should still be filthy, and the righteous one should do righteousness, and the holy one should still be holy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p]])

132222:11r417rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litanyὁ ἀδικῶν, ἀδικησάτω ἔτι1

In this verse, the angel is using a series of similar phrases in order to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. Try to translate each of these phrases in such a way as to show their similarity. You may also wish to summarize the idea behind the phrases beforehand, if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “The time is so near that it is too late for people to change the way they are living. So let the one being unrighteous still be unrighteous” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

132322:11r418rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ ἀδικῶν & ὁ ῥυπαρὸς & ὁ δίκαιος & ὁ ἅγιος1

These phrases do not refer to specific people. They refer to anyone who has the quality that they name. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anyone who is unrighteous … anyone who is filthy … anyone who is righteous … anyone who is holy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

132422:11r419rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὁ ῥυπαρὸς & ὁ δίκαιος & ὁ ἅγιος1

John is using the adjectives filthy, righteous, and holy as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. ULT adds one in each case to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “the person who is filthy … the person who is righteous … the person who is holy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

132522:11r420rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ῥυπαρὸς, ῥυπανθήτω ἔτι1

The angel is speaking as if someone who does wrong were literally filthy or dirty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let the person who is wicked still be wicked” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

132622:11r421rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδικαιοσύνην1

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

132722:12r422rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἰδοὺ1

John assumes that his readers will understand that Jesus begins speaking in this verse. He continues speaking through verse 16.You could indicate that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said, Behold” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

132822:13f5jlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος.1

These three phrases mean similar things. Jesus is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “the very beginning and the very end” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

132922:13uup6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος.1

Jesus is using three pairs of extremes, the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, and the beginning and the end, to mean those extremes and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who began everything and who will finish everything” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

133022:13c9e8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ1

See how you translated this in 21:6. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

133122:14r478rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ πλύνοντες τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν1

Jesus is speaking as if people who repent of their sins and start living in a way that pleases God are literally washing their robes. See how you translated the similar expression in 7:14. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

133222:14r470rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsοἱ πλύνοντες τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν1

Some ancient manuscripts read the ones washing their robes. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the ones doing his commandments.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

133322:14r423rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἔσται ἡ ἐξουσία αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς1

If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this expression plainly. Alternate translation: “they will have the right to eat from the tree of life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

133422:15tkd7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἱ κύνες1

In this culture, people considered dogs to be dirty and bothersome animals. So this is not a positive statement, as it would be in some other cultures where dogs are cherished as household pets and as helpful workers and companions. It may be helpful to use an expression in your translation that will clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “dirty animals” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

133522:15h0ihrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοἱ κύνες1

Jesus is speaking as if wicked people were literally dogs. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “wicked people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

133622:15r424rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ πόρνοι1

Jesus is using the adjective sexual immoral as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are sexually immoral” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

133722:15r425rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysφιλῶν καὶ ποιῶν1
133822:15r426rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsψεῦδος1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of falsehood, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is false” or “what is wrong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

133922:16pu85rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youμαρτυρῆσαι ὑμῖν ταῦτα ἐπὶ ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις1

Here the word you is plural. Alternate translation: “to testify to all of you in the churches about these things that concern you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

134022:16afw1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ ῥίζα καὶ τὸ γένος Δαυείδ1

Jesus is speaking as if here were literally the root of a tree. He means that David came from him, just as a tree comes from its roots. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “both the source and the offspring of David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

134122:16g9ujrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὁ ἀστὴρ ὁ λαμπρός, ὁ πρωϊνός1

Jesus is also speaking 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. Alternate translation: “the sign that God is beginning a new era” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

134222:17lt8jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἡ νύμφη1

In keeping with the symbolism of his vision, John is speaking of the church as if it were literally the Bride of Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the church” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

134322:17m9atrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularλέγουσιν, ἔρχου & ὁ ἀκούων εἰπάτω, ἔρχου!1

In both cases, the implied “you” in the imperative Come is singular, so use a singular form if your language marks that distinction. If it does not, you could indicate the addressee in another way. The addressee could be: (1) Jesus, who says in verses 12 and 20, “I am coming quickly,” and to whom John says explicitly in v. 20, “Come, Lord Jesus!” Alternate translation: “say to Jesus, Come! … let the one hearing say to Jesus, Come!’” (2) the one thirsting, whom John mentions in the next sentence. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “say to the one thirsting, Come! … let the one hearing say to the one thirsting, Come!’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

134422:17r427rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeἔρχου & ἔρχου1
134522:17r428rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3pὁ ἀκούων εἰπάτω & ὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω & ὁ θέλων λαβέτω1

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you can state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may the one hearing say … may the one thirsting come … may the one desiring take” or “the one hearring should say … the one thirsting should come … the one desiring should take” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p]])

134622:17r429rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounὁ ἀκούων & ὁ διψῶν & ὁ θέλων1

These phrases do not refer to specific people. They refer to anyone who has the quality that they name. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anyone who hears … anyone who thirsts … anyone who desires” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

134722:17e2m5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαὶ ὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω; ὁ θέλων λαβέτω ὕδωρ ζωῆς δωρεάν1

In 21:6, God spoke as if he would literally give “water” to someone who was “thirsting.” He was using thirst to represent a persons desire for everlasting life and he was using drinking life-giving water to represent that person receiving everlasting life. John is echoing the same image here. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Let the one who wants to have everlasting life come. Let the one who desires everlasting life receive it freely” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

134822:17r430rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismκαὶ ὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω; ὁ θέλων λαβέτω ὕδωρ ζωῆς δωρεάν1

These two sentences mean basically the same thing. John is speaking in something like Hebrew poetry, which was based on this kind of repetition. It would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if such repetition would not be natural in your language, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is thirsting come, yes, let the one desiring take the water of life freely” or “Let the one who wants to have everlasting life come, yes, let the one who desires everlasting life receive it freely”

134922:18d95jrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsἐγὼ1

The pronoun I refers to John. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “I, John,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

135022:18s36mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἀκούοντι τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου & ἐπ’ αὐτά1

John is using the term words to mean what he has written about in this book by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the prophecy I have written about in this book … to what I have written” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

135122:18r431rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὰς γεγραμμένας1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written about” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

135222:19d4scrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῶν λόγων τοῦ βιβλίου τῆς προφητείας ταύτης1

John is using the term words to mean what he has written about in this book by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the prophecy I have written about in this book” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

135322:19r471rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsτοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς1

Some ancient manuscripts read the tree of life. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the Book of Life.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

135422:19r432rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτῶν γεγραμμένων1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written about” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

135522:20y9p2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ μαρτυρῶν ταῦτα1

John assumes that his readers will understand that by the one testifying he means Jesus. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Jesus, the one who testifies these things,” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

135622:20r433rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterateἀμήν1

See how you translated the term Amen in 1:6. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

135722:21r434rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ μετὰ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus be gracious to” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])