Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote HEB front intro xy4n 0 # Introduction to Hebrews
## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the Book of Hebrews

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

### Who wrote the Book of Hebrews?

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

### What is the Book of Hebrews about?

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

### How should the title of this book be translated?

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

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

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

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

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

Beginning in [Hebrews 9:7](../../heb/09/07.md), the idea of blood is often used as metonymy to represent the death of any animal that was sacrificed according to God's covenant with Israel. The author also used blood to represent the death of Jesus Christ. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice so that God would forgive people for sinning against him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

Beginning in [Hebrews 9:19](../../heb/09/19.md), the author used the idea of sprinkling as a symbolic action. Old Testament priests sprinkled the blood of the animals sacrificed. This was a symbol of the benefits of the animal's death being applied to the people or to an object. This showed that the people or the object was acceptable to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### How are the ideas of "holy" and "sanctify" represented in Hebrews in the ULT?

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

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

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

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

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

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

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
HEB 1 intro aaf9 0 # Hebrews 01 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 1:5, 7-13, which are words from the Old Testament.

### "Our ancestors"

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical questions

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

### Poetry

Jewish teachers, like the Old Testament prophets, would put their most important teachings in the form of poetry so that the hearers would be able to learn and remember them.
HEB 1 1 c5f3 0 General Information: Although this letter does not mention the recipients to whom it was sent, the author wrote particularly to Hebrews (Jews), who would have understood the many Old Testament references. HEB 1 1 c5f3 0 General Information: This prologue lays the background for the whole book: the unsurpassing greatness of the Son — the Son is greater than all. The book begins with emphasizing that the Son is better than the prophets and the angels. HEB 1 2 scr8 ἐπ’ ἐσχάτου τῶν ἡμερῶν τούτων 1 in these last days "in these final days." This phrase refers to the time when Jesus began his ministry, extending until God establishes his complete rule in his creation. HEB 1 2 d386 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ἐν Υἱῷ 1 through a Son "Son" here is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) HEB 1 2 i93z figs-metaphor ἔθηκεν κληρονόμον πάντων 1 to be the heir of all things The author speaks of the Son as if he will inherit wealth and property from his Father. Alternate translation: "to possess all things" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 1 2 gqj8 δι’ οὗ καὶ ἐποίησεν τοὺς αἰῶνας; 1 It is through him that God also made the universe "It is through the Son that God also made all things" HEB 1 3 hn4q ἀπαύγασμα τῆς δόξης 1 the brightness of God's glory "the light of his glory." God's glory is associated with a very bright light. The author is saying that the Son embodies that light and fully represents God's glory. HEB 1 3 b7jc τῆς δόξης, χαρακτὴρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως αὐτοῦ 1 glory, the exact representation of his being "glory, the image of God's being." The "the exact representation of his being" is similar in meaning to "the brightness of God's glory." The Son embodies the character and essence of God and fully represents everything that God is. Alternate translation: "glory and is just like God" or "glory, and what is true about God is true about the Son" HEB 1 3 ms8z figs-metonymy τῷ ῥήματι τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ 1 the word of his power "his powerful word." Here "word" refers to a message or command. Alternate translation: "his powerful command" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 1 3 l1pg figs-abstractnouns καθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος 1 After he had made cleansing for sins The abstract noun "cleansing" can be expressed as a verb: "making clean." Alternate translation: "After he had finished making us clean from sins" or "After he had finished purifying us from our sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 1 3 f729 figs-metaphor καθαρισμὸν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ποιησάμενος 1 he had made cleansing for sins The author speaks of forgiving sins as if it were making a person clean. Alternate translation: "he had made it possible for God to forgive our sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 1 3 xij7 translate-symaction ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τῆς Μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς 1 he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "he sat down at the place of honor and authority beside the Majesty on high" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) HEB 1 3 ir7x figs-metonymy δεξιᾷ τῆς Μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς 1 the Majesty on high Here "Majesty" refers to God. Alternate translation: "God Most High" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 1 4 mn1p 0 General Information: The first prophetic quotation (You are my son) comes from the Psalms. The prophet Samuel wrote the second one (I will be a father to him). All occurrences of "he" refer to Jesus, the Son. The word "You" refers to Jesus, and the words "I" and "me" refer to God the Father. HEB 1 4 x4bh γενόμενος 1 He has become "The Son has become" HEB 1 4 fzg3 figs-metonymy ὅσῳ διαφορώτερον παρ’ αὐτοὺς, κεκληρονόμηκεν ὄνομα 1 as the name he has inherited is more excellent than their name Here "name" refers to honor and authority. Alternate translation: "as the honor and authority he has inherited is superior to their honor and authority" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 1 4 qt7q figs-metaphor κεκληρονόμηκεν 1 he has inherited The author speaks of receiving honor and authority as if he were inheriting wealth and property from his father. Alternate translation: "he has received" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 1 5 ww5h figs-rquestion τίνι γὰρ εἶπέν ποτε τῶν ἀγγέλων, “Υἱός μου εἶ σύ ... μοι εἰς Υἱόν?” 1 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my son ... a son to me"? This question emphasizes that God does not call any angel his son. Alternate translation: "For God never said to any of the angels 'You are my son ... a son to me.'" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 1 5 t48e figs-parallelism Υἱός μου εἶ σύ ... ἐγὼ ... γεγέννηκά σε 1 You are my son ... I have become your father These two phrases mean essentially the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) HEB 1 6 b6dy 0 General Information: The first quotation in this section, "All God's angels ... him," comes from one of the books that Moses wrote. The second quotation, "He is the one who makes ... fire," is from the Psalms. HEB 1 6 b4s2 figs-metaphor τὸν πρωτότοκον 1 the firstborn This means Jesus. The author refers to him as the "firstborn" to emphasize the Son's importance and authority over everyone else. It does not imply that there was a time before Jesus existed or that God has other sons like Jesus. Alternate translation: "his honored Son, his only Son" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 1 6 n7ph λέγει 1 he says "God says" HEB 1 7 isd8 figs-metaphor ὁ ποιῶν τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ πνεύματα καὶ τοὺς λειτουργοὺς αὐτοῦ πυρὸς φλόγα 1 He is the one who makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire Possible meanings are 1) "God has made his angels to be spirits who serve him with power like flames of fire" or 2) God makes the wind and flames of fire his messengers and servants. In the original language the word for "angel" is the same as "messenger," and the word for "spirits" is the same as "wind." With either possible meaning, the point is that the angels serve the Son because he is superior. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 1 8 vl1n 0 General Information: This scriptual quotation comes from the Psalms. HEB 1 8 p1xx πρὸς δὲ τὸν Υἱόν 1 But to the Son he says "But God says this to the Son" HEB 1 8 b155 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱόν 1 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) HEB 1 8 ewm4 figs-metonymy ὁ θρόνος σου, ὁ Θεὸς, εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος 1 Your throne, God, is forever and ever The Son's throne represents his rule. Alternate translation: "You are God, and your reign will last forever and ever" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 1 8 k4cf figs-metonymy ἡ ῥάβδος τῆς εὐθύτητος ῥάβδος τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ 1 The scepter of your kingdom is the scepter of justice Here "scepter" refers to the Son's rule. Alternate translation: "And you will rule over the people of your kingdom with justice" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 1 9 t9yw figs-metaphor ἔχρισέν σε ... ἔλαιον ἀγαλλιάσεως παρὰ τοὺς μετόχους σου 1 has anointed you with the oil of joy more than your companions Here "oil of joy" refers to the joy that the Son felt when God honored him. Alternate translation: "has honored you and made you more joyful than anyone else" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 1 10 nsd4 0 General Information: This quotation comes from another Psalm. HEB 1 10 zp5r 0 Connecting Statement: The author continues explaining that Jesus is superior to the angels. HEB 1 10 tmu5 κατ’ ἀρχάς 1 In the beginning "Before anything existed" HEB 1 10 j64k figs-metaphor σὺ τὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας' γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας 1 you laid the earth's foundation The author speaks of God creating the earth as if he built a building on a foundation. Alternate translation: "you created the earth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 1 10 r19v figs-metonymy ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί 1 The heavens are the work of your hands Here "hands" refer to God's power and action. Alternate translation: "You made the heavens" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 1 11 a6le αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται 1 They will perish "The heavens and earth will disappear" or "The heavens and earth will no longer exist" HEB 1 11 qy4e figs-simile ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται 1 wear out like a piece of clothing The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were a piece of clothing that will get old and eventually become useless. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) HEB 1 12 n4hl figs-simile ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτούς 1 roll them up like a cloak The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were a robe or another kind of outer garment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) HEB 1 12 iv4r figs-simile ὡς ἱμάτιον ἀλλαγήσονται 1 they will be changed like a piece of clothing The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were clothing that could be exchanged for other clothing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) HEB 1 12 i761 figs-activepassive ἀλλαγήσονται 1 they will be changed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will change them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 1 12 v5mf figs-metaphor ἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσιν 1 your years do not end Periods of time are used to represent God's eternal existence. Alternate translation: "your life will never end" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 1 13 pqs9 0 General Information: This quotation comes from another Psalm. HEB 1 13 kz68 figs-rquestion πρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέν ποτε ... τῶν ποδῶν σου?” 1 But to which of the angels has God said at any time ... feet"? The author uses a question to emphasize that God has never said this to an angel. Alternate translation: "But God has never said to an angel at any time ... feet.'" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 1 13 s6k7 translate-symaction κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου 1 Sit at my right hand To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "Sit in the place of honor beside me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) HEB 1 13 ulp5 figs-metaphor ἕως θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου 1 until I make your enemies a stool for your feet Christ's enemies are spoken of as if they will become an object on which a king rests his feet. This image represents defeat and dishonor for his enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 1 14 fk5v figs-rquestion οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα ... κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν? 1 Are not all angels spirits ... inherit salvation? The author uses this question to remind the readers that angels are not as powerful as Christ, but they have a different role. Alternate translation: "All angels are spirits who ... inherit salvation." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 1 14 v541 figs-metaphor διὰ τοὺς μέλλοντας κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν 1 for those who will inherit salvation Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: "for those whom God will save" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 intro s2gd 0 # Hebrews 02 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 2:6-8, 12-13, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Brothers

The author probably uses the term "brothers" to refer to Christians who grew up as Jews.
HEB 2 1 x7px 0 Connecting Statement: This is the first of five urgent warnings the author gives. HEB 2 1 c72f figs-inclusive δεῖ ... ἡμᾶς 1 we must Here "we" refers to the author and includes his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) HEB 2 1 ayd1 figs-metaphor μήποτε παραρυῶμεν 1 so that we do not drift away from it Possible meanings for this metaphor are 1) people who stop believing in God's word are spoken of as if they were drifting away, like a boat drifts from its position in the water. Alternate translation: "so that we do not stop believing it" or 2) people who stop obeying God's words are spoken of as if they were drifting away, like a boat drifts from its position in the water. Alternate translation: "so that we do not stop obeying it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 2 j4fa figs-explicit εἰ γὰρ ὁ δι’ ἀγγέλων λαληθεὶς λόγος 1 For if the message that was spoken through the angels The Jews believed that God spoke his law to Moses through angels. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For if the message that God spoke through the angels" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 2 2 k5kb εἰ γὰρ ὁ ... λόγος 1 For if the message The author is certain that these things are true. Alternate translation: "Because the message" HEB 2 2 u52i figs-metonymy πᾶσα παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ ἔλαβεν ἔνδικον μισθαποδοσίαν 1 every trespass and disobedience receives just punishment Here "trespass" and "disobedience" stand for the people who are guilty of these sins. Alternate translation: "every person who sins and disobeys will receive just punishment" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 2 2 y2y7 figs-doublet παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ 1 trespass and disobedience These two words mean basically the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) HEB 2 3 fv4q figs-rquestion πῶς ἡμεῖς ἐκφευξόμεθα τηλικαύτης ἀμελήσαντες σωτηρίας? 1 how then can we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? The author uses a question to emphasize that the people will certainly receive punishment if they refuse God's salvation through Christ. Alternate translation: "then God will certainly punish us if we do not pay attention to his message about how God will save us!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 2 3 i2zv ἀμελήσαντες 1 ignore "pay no attention to" or "consider unimportant" HEB 2 3 gm6v figs-activepassive ἥτις ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα, λαλεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου, ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐβεβαιώθη 1 This is salvation that was first announced by the Lord and confirmed to us by those who heard it This can be stated in active form. The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "The Lord himself first announced the message about how God will save us and then those who heard the message confirmed it to us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 2 4 m2p8 κατὰ αὐτοῦ θέλησιν 1 according to his will "in just the way he wanted to do it" HEB 2 5 jh56 0 General Information: The quotation here is from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament. It continues on through the next section. HEB 2 5 v7qf 0 Connecting Statement: The writer reminds these Hebrew believers that the earth will one day be under the rule of the Lord Jesus. HEB 2 5 i3bh οὐ γὰρ ἀγγέλοις ὑπέταξεν 1 For it was not to the angels that God subjected "For God did not make the angels rulers over" HEB 2 5 rqr9 figs-metonymy τὴν οἰκουμένην τὴν μέλλουσαν 1 the world to come Here "world" refers to the people who live there. And "to come" means that this is the world in the next age after Christ returns. Alternate translation: "the people who will live in the new world" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 2 6 df5a figs-rquestion τί ἐστιν ἄνθρωπος, ὅτι μιμνῄσκῃ αὐτοῦ 1 What is man, that you are mindful of him? This rhetorical question emphasizes the insignificance of humans and expresses surprise that God would pay attention to them. Alternate translation: "Humans are insignificant, and yet you are mindful of them!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 2 6 wkd9 figs-idiom ἢ υἱὸς ἀνθρώπου, ὅτι ἐπισκέπτῃ αὐτόν? 1 Or a son of man, that you care for him? The idiom "son of man" refers to human beings. This rhetorical question means basically the same thing as the first question. It expresses surprise that God would care for humans, who are insignificant. Alternate translation: "Human beings are of little importance, and yet you care for them!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 2 6 e47v figs-ellipsis ἢ υἱὸς ἀνθρώπου 1 Or a son of man The verb may be supplied from the previous question. Alternate translation: "Or what is a son of man" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) HEB 2 7 ka5a figs-metaphor ἠλάττωσας βραχύ παρ’ ἀγγέλους 1 a little lower than the angels The author speaks of people being less important than angels as if the people are standing in a position that is lower than the angels' position. Alternate translation: "less important than the angels" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 7 tjn6 figs-genericnoun ἠλάττωσας αὐτὸν ... ἐστεφάνωσας αὐτόν 1 made man ... crowned him Here, these phrases do not refer to a specific person but to humans in general, including both males and females. Alternate translation: "made humans ... crowned them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 2 7 s85x figs-metaphor δόξῃ καὶ τιμῇ ἐστεφάνωσας αὐτόν 1 you crowned him with glory and honor The gifts of glory and honor are spoken of as if they were a wreath of leaves placed on the head of a victorious athlete. Alternate translation: "you have given them great glory and honor" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 8 ac9f figs-genericnoun τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ ... αὐτῷ 1 his feet ... to him Here, these phrases do not refer to a specific person but to humans in general, including both males and females. Alternate translation: "their feet ... to them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 2 8 k5j2 figs-metaphor πάντα ὑπέταξας ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ 1 You put everything in subjection under his feet The author speaks of humans having control over everything as if they have stepped on everything with their feet. Alternate translation: "You have given them control over everything" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 8 rf44 figs-doublenegatives οὐδὲν ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ ἀνυπότακτον 1 He did not leave anything not subjected to him This double negative means that all things will be subject to Christ. Alternate translation: "God made everything subject to them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 2 8 xy7c οὔπω ὁρῶμεν αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα ὑποτεταγμένα 1 we do not yet see everything subjected to him "we know that humans are not in control of everything yet" HEB 2 9 ijd1 0 Connecting Statement: The writer reminds these Hebrew believers that Christ became lower than the angels when he came to earth to suffer death for forgiveness of sins, and that he became a merciful high priest to believers. HEB 2 9 gi12 βλέπομεν Ἰησοῦν 1 we see him "we know there is one" HEB 2 9 ma4j figs-activepassive ἠλαττωμένον 1 who was made This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God made" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 2 9 i4fc παρ’ ἀγγέλους ἠλαττωμένον ... δόξῃ καὶ τιμῇ ἐστεφανωμένον 1 lower than the angels ... crowned with glory and honor See how you translated these words in [Hebrews 2:7](../02/07.md). HEB 2 9 bil4 figs-metaphor γεύσηται θανάτου 1 he might taste death The experience of death is spoken of as if it were food that people can taste. Alternate translation: "he might experience death" or "he might die" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 10 r899 figs-metaphor πολλοὺς υἱοὺς εἰς δόξαν ἀγαγόντα 1 bring many sons to glory The gift of glory is spoken of here as if it were a place to which people could be brought. Alternate translation: "save many sons" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 10 l95y figs-gendernotations πολλοὺς υἱοὺς 1 many sons Here this refers to believers in Christ, including males and females. Alternate translation: "many believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 2 10 sw9t figs-metaphor τὸν ἀρχηγὸν τῆς σωτηρίας αὐτῶν 1 the leader of their salvation Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which the writer speaks of salvation as if it were a destination and of Jesus as the person who goes before the people on the road and leads them to salvation. Alternate translation: "the one who leads people to salvation" or 2) the word translated here as "leader" can mean "founder" and the author speaks of Jesus as the one who establishes salvation, or makes it possible for God to save people. Alternate translation: "the one who makes their salvation possible" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 10 l321 figs-metaphor τελειῶσαι 1 complete Becoming mature and completely trained is spoken of as if a person were made complete, perhaps complete in all his body parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 11 jy9p 0 General Information: This prophetic quotation comes from a Psalm of King David. HEB 2 11 ky9v ὅ ... ἁγιάζων 1 the one who sanctifies "the one who makes others holy" or "the one who makes others pure from sin" HEB 2 11 jzw3 figs-activepassive οἱ ἁγιαζόμενοι 1 those who are sanctified This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom he makes holy" or "those whom he makes pure from sin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 2 11 bj7i figs-explicit ἐξ ἑνὸς 1 have one source Who that source is can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "have one source, God himself" or "have the same Father" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 2 11 ul23 οὐκ ἐπαισχύνεται 1 he is not ashamed "Jesus is not ashamed" HEB 2 11 k1q5 figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἐπαισχύνεται ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοὺς καλεῖν 1 is not ashamed to call them brothers This double negative means that he will claim them as his brothers. Alternate translation: "is pleased to call them his brothers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 2 11 a8h9 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοὺς 1 brothers Here this refers to all who have believed in Jesus, including both men and women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 2 12 e88p figs-metonymy ἀπαγγελῶ τὸ ὄνομά σου τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου 1 I will proclaim your name to my brothers Here "name" refers to the person's reputation and what they have done. Alternate translation: "I will proclaim to my brothers the great things you have done" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 2 12 tn8n ἐν μέσῳ ἐκκλησίας 1 from inside the assembly "when believers come together to worship God" HEB 2 13 dx1q 0 General Information: The prophet Isaiah wrote these quotations. HEB 2 13 s1fp καὶ πάλιν, 1 And again, "And a prophet wrote in another scripture passage what Christ said about God:" HEB 2 13 xap9 figs-metaphor τὰ παιδία 1 the children This speaks about those who believe in Christ as if they were children. Alternate translation: "those who are like my children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 14 qj3d figs-metaphor τὰ παιδία 1 the children This speaks about those who believe in Christ as if they were children. Alternate translation: "those who are like my children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 14 ndv2 figs-idiom κεκοινώνηκεν αἵματος καὶ σαρκός 1 share in flesh and blood The phrase "flesh and blood" refers to people's human nature. Alternate translation: "are all human beings" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) HEB 2 14 fy7a αὐτὸς παραπλησίως μετέσχεν τῶν αὐτῶν 1 he likewise shared in the same "Jesus in the same way shared in flesh and blood" or "Jesus became human in the same way they did" HEB 2 14 p878 figs-abstractnouns διὰ τοῦ θανάτου 1 through death Here "death" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "by dying" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 2 14 ij54 figs-abstractnouns τὸ κράτος ἔχοντα τοῦ θανάτου 1 has the power of death Here "death" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "has the power to cause people to die" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 2 15 w3cr figs-metaphor ἀπαλλάξῃ τούτους, ὅσοι φόβῳ θανάτου, διὰ παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν, ἔνοχοι ἦσαν δουλείας 1 This was so that he would free all those who through fear of death lived all their lives in slavery The fear of death is spoken of as if it were slavery. Taking away someone's fear is spoken of as it were freeing that person from slavery. Alternate translation: "This was so he might free all people. For we lived like slaves because we were afraid of dying" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 16 d4cc figs-metaphor σπέρματος Ἀβραὰμ 1 the seed of Abraham Descendants of Abraham are spoken of as if they were his seed. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Abraham" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 2 17 agw2 ὤφειλεν 1 it was necessary for him "it was necessary for Jesus" HEB 2 17 v3pw τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ὁμοιωθῆναι 1 like his brothers Here "brothers" refers to people in general. Alternate translation: "like human beings" HEB 2 17 u6ch εἰς τὸ ἱλάσκεσθαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας τοῦ λαοῦ 1 he would bring about the pardon of the people's sins Christ's death on the cross means that God can forgive sins. Alternate translation: "he would make it possible for God to forgive people's sins" HEB 2 18 xde4 figs-activepassive πειρασθείς 1 was tempted This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Satan tempted him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 2 18 a3a6 figs-activepassive πειραζομένοις 1 who are tempted This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Satan is tempting" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 3 intro mu26 0 # Hebrews 03 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 3:7-11,15, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Brothers

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Harden your hearts

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

### Rhetorical questions

The author uses rhetorical questions as a way of warning his readers. Both he and the readers know the answers to the questions, and the writer knows that as the readers think about the answers to the questions, they will realize that they need to listen to God and obey him.
HEB 3 1 m1cv 0 Connecting Statement: This second warning is longer and more detailed and includes chapters 3 and 4. The writer begins by showing that Christ is better than his servant Moses. HEB 3 1 tp7e figs-metaphor ἀδελφοὶ ἅγιοι 1 holy brothers Here "brothers" refer to fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "holy brothers and sisters" or "my holy fellow believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 3 1 af15 figs-metonymy κλήσεως ἐπουρανίου μέτοχοι 1 you share in a heavenly calling Here "heavenly" represents God. Alternate translation: "God has called us together" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 3 1 zma3 τὸν ἀπόστολον καὶ ἀρχιερέα τῆς 1 the apostle and high priest Here the word "apostle" means someone who has been sent. In this passage, it does not refer to any of the twelve apostles. Alternate translation: "the one whom God sent and is the high priest" HEB 3 1 mnd4 figs-abstractnouns τῆς ὁμολογίας ἡμῶν 1 of our confession This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "confession" is expressed as the verb "confess." Alternate translation: "whom we confess" or "in whom we believe" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 3 2 eqp7 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ 1 in God's house The Hebrew people to whom God revealed himself are spoken of as if they were a literal house. Alternate translation: "to all of God's people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 3 3 py5n figs-activepassive οὗτος ... ἠξίωται 1 Jesus has been considered This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has considered Jesus" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 3 4 f8n8 figs-metaphor ὁ ... πάντα κατασκευάσας 1 the one who built everything God's acts of creating the world are spoken of as if he had built a house. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 3 4 wvw1 figs-activepassive πᾶς ... οἶκος κατασκευάζεται ὑπό τινος 1 every house is built by someone This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "every house has someone who built it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 3 5 d57q figs-metaphor ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ 1 in God's entire house The Hebrew people to whom God revealed himself are spoken of as if they were a literal house. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:2](../03/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 3 5 m4xr figs-metonymy εἰς μαρτύριον τῶν 1 bearing witness about the things This phrase probably refers to all of Moses' work. Alternate translation: "Moses' life and work pointed to the things" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 3 5 gt8c figs-activepassive λαληθησομένων 1 were to be spoken of in the future This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus would say in the future" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 3 6 dgt5 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱὸς 1 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) HEB 3 6 djm7 figs-metaphor ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ 1 in charge of God's house This speaks about God's people as if they were a literal house. Alternate translation: "who rules over God's people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 3 6 ly4x figs-metaphor οὗ οἶκός ἐσμεν ἡμεῖς 1 We are his house This speaks of God's people as if they are a literal house. Alternate translation: "We are God's people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 3 6 kp9y figs-abstractnouns ἐὰν τὴν παρρησίαν καὶ τὸ καύχημα τῆς ἐλπίδος κατάσχωμεν 1 if we hold fast to our courage and the hope of which we boast Here "courage" and "hope" are abstract and can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "if we continue to be courageous and joyfully expect God to do what he has promised" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 3 7 c4sl 0 General Information: This quotation comes from the Old Testament in the book of Psalms. HEB 3 7 z2uk 0 Connecting Statement: The warning here is a reminder that the Israelites' unbelief kept almost all of them from entering into the land that God had promised them. HEB 3 7 u66q figs-metonymy ἐὰν τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ ἀκούσητε 1 if you hear his voice God's "voice" represents him speaking. Alternate translation: "when you hear God speak" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 3 8 gl2k figs-metonymy μὴ σκληρύνητε τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν 1 do not harden your hearts Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's mind. The phrase "harden your hearts" is a metaphor for being stubborn. Alternate translation: "do not be stubborn" or "do not refuse to listen" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 3 8 lik3 figs-abstractnouns ὡς ἐν τῷ παραπικρασμῷ, κατὰ τὴν ἡμέραν τοῦ πειρασμοῦ, ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ 1 as in the rebellion, in the time of testing in the wilderness Here "rebellion" and "testing" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "as when your ancestors rebelled against God and tested him in the wilderness" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 3 9 e6n7 0 General Information: This quotation is from the Psalms. HEB 3 9 i3wb figs-you οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν 1 your ancestors Here "your" is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) HEB 3 9 q7c2 ἐν δοκιμασίᾳ 1 by testing me Here "me" refers to God. HEB 3 10 we42 translate-numbers τεσσεράκοντα ἔτη 1 forty years "40 years" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) HEB 3 10 upb8 προσώχθισα 1 I was displeased "I was angry" or "I was greatly unhappy" HEB 3 10 kh4v figs-metaphor ἀεὶ πλανῶνται τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοὶ 1 They have always gone astray in their hearts Here "gone astray in their hearts" is a metaphor for not being loyal to God. Here "hearts" is a metonym for minds or desires. Alternate translation: "They have always rejected me" or "They have always refused to obey me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 3 10 l5t7 figs-metaphor οὐκ ἔγνωσαν τὰς ὁδούς μου 1 They have not known my ways This speaks of a manner of conducting one's life as if it were a way or a path. Alternate translation: "They have not understood how I want them to conduct their lives" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 3 11 tz3l figs-metaphor εἰ ‘εἰσελεύσονται εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσίν μου 1 They will never enter my rest The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "They will never enter the place of rest" or "I will never allow them to experience my blessings of rest" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 3 12 gv84 figs-metaphor ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here this refers to fellow Christians including males and females. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters" or "fellow believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 3 12 lma5 figs-metonymy μήποτε ἔσται ἔν τινι ὑμῶν καρδία πονηρὰ ἀπιστίας, ἐν τῷ ἀποστῆναι ἀπὸ Θεοῦ ζῶντος 1 there will not be anyone with an evil heart of unbelief, a heart that turns away from the living God Here "heart" is a metonym that represents a person's mind or will. Refusing to believe and obey God is spoken of as if the heart did not believe and it physically turned away from God. Alternate translation: "there will not be any of you who refuse to believe the truth and who stop obeying the living God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 3 12 kjm7 Θεοῦ ζῶντος 1 the living God "the true God who is really alive" HEB 3 13 d3k2 ἄχρις οὗ, τὸ “σήμερον”, καλεῖται 1 as long as it is called "today," "while there is still opportunity," HEB 3 13 m1e7 figs-activepassive μὴ σκληρυνθῇ τις ἐξ ὑμῶν ἀπάτῃ τῆς ἁμαρτίας 1 no one among you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the deceitfulness of sin will not harden any of you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 3 13 b198 figs-abstractnouns μὴ σκληρυνθῇ τις ἐξ ὑμῶν ἀπάτῃ τῆς ἁμαρτίας 1 no one among you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin Being stubborn is spoken of as being hard or having a hard heart. The hardness is a result of being deceived by sin. This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "deceitfulness" is expressed as the verb "deceive." Alternate translation: "no one among you will be deceived by sin and become stubborn" or "you do not sin, deceiving yourselves so that you become stubborn" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 3 14 znu5 0 General Information: This continues the quotation from the same psalm that was also quoted in [Hebrews 3:7](../03/07.md). HEB 3 14 f52j figs-inclusive γὰρ ... γεγόναμεν 1 For we have become Here "we" refers to both the writer and the readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) HEB 3 14 e753 ἐάνπερ ... τῆς ὑποστάσεως ... βεβαίαν κατάσχωμεν 1 if we firmly hold to our confidence in him "if we continue to confidently trust in him" HEB 3 14 j3aq τὴν ἀρχὴν 1 from the beginning "from when we first begin to believe in him" HEB 3 14 l9en figs-euphemism μέχρι τέλους 1 to the end This is a polite way of referring to when a person dies. Alternate translation: "until we die" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) HEB 3 15 bym1 figs-activepassive λέγεσθαι 1 it has been said This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the writer wrote" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 3 15 wa11 figs-metonymy ἐὰν τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ ἀκούσητε 1 if you hear his voice God's "voice" represents him speaking. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:7](../03/07.md). Alternate translation: "when you hear God speak" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 3 15 j8dh figs-abstractnouns ὡς ἐν τῷ παραπικρασμῷ 1 as in the rebellion Here "rebellion" can be stated as a verb. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:8](../03/08.md). Alternate translation: "as when your ancestors rebelled against God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 3 16 b4jy figs-inclusive 0 General Information: The word "they" refers to the disobedient Israelites, and "we" refers to the author and readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) HEB 3 16 pwl2 figs-rquestion τίνες γὰρ ἀκούσαντες παρεπίκραναν? ἀλλ’ οὐ πάντες οἱ ἐξελθόντες ἐξ Αἰγύπτου διὰ Μωϋσέως? 1 Who was it who heard God and rebelled? Was it not all those who came out of Egypt through Moses? The author uses questions to teach his readers. These two questions can be joined as one statement, if needed. Alternate translation: "All those who came out of Egypt with Moses heard God, yet they still rebelled." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 3 17 swy4 figs-rquestion τίσιν δὲ προσώχθισεν τεσσεράκοντα ἔτη? οὐχὶ τοῖς ἁμαρτήσασιν, ὧν τὰ κῶλα ἔπεσεν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ? 1 With whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dead bodies fell in the wilderness? The author uses questions to teach his readers. These two questions can be joined as one statement, if needed. Alternate translation: "For forty years, God was angry with those who sinned, and he let them die in the wilderness." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 3 17 aha2 translate-numbers τεσσεράκοντα ἔτη 1 forty years "40 years" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) HEB 3 18 l1gc figs-rquestion τίσιν δὲ ὤμοσεν μὴ εἰσελεύσεσθαι εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσιν αὐτοῦ, εἰ μὴ τοῖς ἀπειθήσασιν? 1 To whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if it was not to those who disobeyed him? The author uses this question to teach his readers. Alternate translation: "And it was to those who disobeyed that he swore they would not enter his rest." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 3 18 q16u figs-metaphor μὴ εἰσελεύσεσθαι τὴν κατάπαυσιν αὐτοῦ 1 they would not enter his rest The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "they would not enter the place of rest" or "they would not experience his blessings of rest" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 3 19 x18z figs-abstractnouns δι’ ἀπιστίαν 1 because of unbelief The abstract noun "unbelief" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "because they did not believe him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 4 intro u72n 0 # Hebrews 04 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

This chapter tells why Jesus is the greatest high priest.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 4:3-4, 7, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### God's rest

The word "rest" seems to refer to at least two things in this chapter. It refers to a place or time when God will allow his people to rest from their work ([Hebrews 4:3](../../heb/04/03.md)), and it refers to God resting on the seventh day ([Hebrews 4:4](../../heb/04/04.md)).
HEB 4 1 n98m 0 Connecting Statement: Chapter 4 continues the warning to believers starting in [Hebrews 3:7](../03/07.md). God, through the writer, gives believers a rest of which God's rest in the creation of the world is a picture. HEB 4 1 ay25 οὖν 1 Therefore "Because what I have just said is true" or "Since God will certainly punish those who do not obey" HEB 4 1 zta2 figs-metaphor μήποτε καταλειπομένης ἐπαγγελίας εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσιν αὐτοῦ, δοκῇ τις ἐξ ὑμῶν ὑστερηκέναι 1 none of you might seem to have failed to reach the promise left behind for you to enter God's rest God's promise is spoken of as if it were a gift that God left behind when he visited the people. Alternate translation: "none of you fail to enter into God's rest, which he promised to us" or "God will allow you all to enter into his rest as he promised us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 1 ev85 figs-metaphor εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσιν αὐτοῦ 1 to enter God's rest The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "to enter the place of rest" or "to experience God's blessings of rest" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 2 m74h figs-activepassive γάρ ἐσμεν εὐηγγελισμένοι καθάπερ κἀκεῖνοι 1 For we were told the good news just as they were This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For we heard the good news just as they did" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 4 2 znk9 καθάπερ κἀκεῖνοι 1 as they were Here "they" refers to the Hebrews' ancestors who were alive during the time of Moses. HEB 4 2 zza4 figs-doublenegatives ἀλλ’ οὐκ ὠφέλησεν ὁ λόγος τῆς ἀκοῆς ἐκείνους, μὴ συνκεκερασμένους τῇ πίστει τοῖς ἀκούσασιν 1 But that message did not benefit those who did not unite in faith with those who obeyed "But that message did not benefit those who did not join with the people who believed and obeyed." The author is talking about two groups of people, those who received God's covenant with faith, and those who heard it but did not believe. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "But that message benefited only those who believed and obeyed it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 4 3 v4q4 1 General Information: Here the first quotation, "As I swore ... rest," is from a psalm. The second quotation, "God rested on ... deeds," is from Moses' writings. The third quotation, "They will never enter ... rest," is again from the same psalm. HEB 4 3 u5yh οἱ πιστεύσαντες 1 we who have believed "we who believe" HEB 4 3 w6t4 figs-metaphor εἰσερχόμεθα ... εἰς κατάπαυσιν οἱ πιστεύσαντες 1 we who have believed enter that rest The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "we who have believed will enter the place of rest" or "we who have believed will experience God's blessings of rest" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 3 x2kq καθὼς εἴρηκεν 1 just as he said "just as God said" HEB 4 3 qfs8 ὡς ὤμοσα ἐν τῇ ὀργῇ μου 1 As I swore in my wrath "As I swore when I was very angry" HEB 4 3 k1ld figs-metaphor εἰ εἰσελεύσονται τὴν κατάπαυσίν μου 1 They will never enter my rest The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "They will never enter the place of rest" or "They will never experience my blessings of rest" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 3 x8zv figs-activepassive τῶν ἔργων ... γενηθέντων 1 his works were finished This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he finished creating" or "he finished his works of creation" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 4 3 vym3 figs-metaphor ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου 1 from the foundation of the world The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "at the beginning of the world" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 4 hbm5 translate-ordinal τῆς ἑβδόμης 1 the seventh day This is the ordinal number for "seven." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) HEB 4 6 zq16 figs-activepassive ἀπολείπεται τινὰς εἰσελθεῖν εἰς αὐτήν 1 it still remains that some will enter his rest The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God still allows some people to enter his place of rest" or "God still allows some people to experience his blessings of rest" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 7 y2tm 0 General Information: Here we find out that this quotation from the Psalms was written by David ([Hebrews 3:7-8](../03/07.md)). HEB 4 7 bp6u figs-metaphor ἐὰν τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ ἀκούσητε 1 if you hear his voice God's commands to Israel are spoken of as if he had given them in an audible voice. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:7](../03/07.md). Alternate translation: "if you hear God speaking" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 7 lsp6 figs-metonymy μὴ σκληρύνητε τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν 1 do not harden your hearts Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's mind. The phrase "harden your hearts" is a metaphor for being stubborn. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:8](../03/08.md). Alternate translation: "do not be stubborn" or "do not refuse to listen" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 4 8 r56z 0 Connecting Statement: Here the writer warns believers not to disobey but to enter into the rest God offers. He reminds them that God's word will convict them and that they can come in prayer with the confidence that God will help them. HEB 4 8 mdq9 figs-metaphor εἰ ... αὐτοὺς Ἰησοῦς κατέπαυσεν 1 if Joshua had given them rest The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that Joshua could give. Alternate translation: "if Joshua had brought the Israelites to the place where God would give them rest" or "if the Israelites during the time of Joshua had experienced God's blessings of rest" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 9 vhx9 figs-activepassive ἀπολείπεται σαββατισμὸς τῷ λαῷ' τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 there is still a Sabbath rest reserved for God's people This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there is still a Sabbath rest that God has reserved for his people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 4 9 qe6x figs-metaphor σαββατισμὸς 1 a Sabbath rest Eternal peace and security are spoken of as if they were the Sabbath day, the Jewish day of worship and rest from working. Alternate translation: "an eternal rest" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 10 ej9y figs-metaphor ὁ ... εἰσελθὼν εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσιν αὐτοῦ 1 he who enters into God's rest The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they are a place to enter. Alternate translation: "the person who enters into God's place of rest" or "the person who experiences God's blessings of rest" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 11 bmg5 figs-metaphor σπουδάσωμεν ... εἰσελθεῖν ἐκείνην τὴν κατάπαυσιν 1 let us be eager to enter that rest The peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were a place to enter. Alternate translation: "we should also do everything we can to rest with God where he is" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 11 rtj7 figs-metaphor ν τῷ αὐτῷ τις ὑποδείγματι πέσῃ τῆς ἀπειθείας 1 will fall into the kind of disobedience that they did Disobedience is spoken of as if it were a hole that a person could physically fall into by accident. This passage can be reworded so that the abstract noun "disobedience" is expressed as the verb "disobey." Alternate translation: "will disobey in the same way as they did" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 4 12 h5d2 ζῶν ... ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the word of God is living Here "word of God" refers to anything that God has communicated to humanity, whether through speech or through written messages. Alternate translation: "the words of God are living" HEB 4 12 j9qy figs-personification ζῶν ... καὶ ἐνεργὴς 1 living and active This speaks about God's word as if it were alive. It means when God speaks, it is powerful and effective. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 4 12 g4tc figs-metaphor τομώτερος, ὑπὲρ πᾶσαν μάχαιραν δίστομον 1 sharper than any two-edged sword A two-edged sword can easily cut through a person's flesh. God's word is very effective in showing what is in a person's heart and thoughts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 12 lv6y μάχαιραν δίστομον 1 two-edged sword a sword with a blade that is sharp on both edges HEB 4 12 e7kv figs-metaphor καὶ διϊκνούμενος ἄχρι μερισμοῦ ψυχῆς καὶ πνεύματος, ἁρμῶν τε καὶ μυελῶν 1 It pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow This continues speaking about God's word as if it were a sword. Here the sword is so sharp that it can cut through and divide parts of the human that are very difficult or even impossible to divide. This means that there is nothing inside us that we can hide from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 12 m6f2 ψυχῆς καὶ πνεύματος 1 soul and spirit These are two different but closely related nonphysical parts of a human. The "soul" is what causes a person to be alive. The "spirit" is the part of a person that causes him to be able to know and believe in God. HEB 4 12 sc3m ἁρμῶν τε καὶ μυελῶν 1 joints and marrow The "joint" is what holds two bones together. The "marrow" is the center part of the bone. HEB 4 12 n6n5 figs-personification κριτικὸς 1 is able to discern This speaks about God's word as if it were a person who could know something. Alternate translation: "exposes" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 4 12 xdu4 figs-metonymy ἐνθυμήσεων καὶ ἐννοιῶν καρδίας 1 the thoughts and intentions of the heart "Heart" here is a metonym for "inner self." Alternate translation: "what a person is thinking and intends to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 4 13 nx6n figs-activepassive οὐκ ἔστιν κτίσις ἀφανὴς ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ 1 Nothing created is hidden before God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Nothing that God has created can hide from him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 4 13 f3h1 figs-metaphor πάντα ... γυμνὰ καὶ τετραχηλισμένα 1 everything is bare and open This speaks about all things as if they were a person standing bare, or a box that is open. Alternate translation: "everything is completely exposed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 13 yk64 figs-doublet γυμνὰ καὶ τετραχηλισμένα 1 bare and open These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that nothing is hidden from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) HEB 4 13 i9hh figs-metaphor τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς αὐτοῦ πρὸς ὃν ἡμῖν ὁ λόγος 1 to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account God is spoken of as if he had eyes. Alternate translation: "to God, who will judge how we have lived" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 14 a51p διεληλυθότα τοὺς οὐρανούς 1 who has passed through the heavens "who has entered where God is" HEB 4 14 ph6z guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) HEB 4 14 vt4v figs-metaphor κρατῶμεν τῆς ὁμολογίας 1 let us firmly hold to our beliefs Belief and trust are spoken of as if they were objects that a person could grasp firmly. Alternate translation: "let us continue to believe confidently in him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 4 15 i2fw figs-doublenegatives οὐ ... ἔχομεν ἀρχιερέα μὴ δυνάμενον συνπαθῆσαι ... δὲ 1 we do not have a high priest who cannot feel sympathy ... Instead, we have This double negative means that, in fact, Jesus does feel sympathy with people. Alternate translation: "we have a high priest who can feel sympathy ... Indeed, we have" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 4 15 d26h figs-activepassive πεπειρασμένον ... κατὰ πάντα καθ’ ὁμοιότητ 1 who has in all ways been tempted as we are This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who has endured temptation in every way that we have" or "whom the devil has tempted in every way that he tempts us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 4 15 fve3 χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας 1 he is without sin "he did not sin" HEB 4 16 aj1p figs-metonymy τῷ θρόνῳ τῆς χάριτος 1 to the throne of grace "to God's throne, where there is grace." Here "throne" refers to God ruling as king. Alternate translation: "to where our gracious God is sitting on his throne" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 4 16 py6d figs-metaphor λάβωμεν ἔλεος καὶ χάριν εὕρωμεν εἰς εὔκαιρον βοήθειαν 1 we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need Here "mercy" and "grace" are spoken of as if they were objects that can be given or can be found. Alternate translation: "God may be merciful and gracious and help us in time of need" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 5 intro b67j 0 # Hebrews 05 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 5:5-6.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### High priest

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Milk and solid food

The writer speaks of Christians who are only able to understand simple things about Jesus as if they were babies, who drink only milk and cannot eat solid food. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
HEB 5 1 dn18 0 Connecting Statement: The writer describes the sinfulness of the Old Testament priests, then he shows that Christ has a better kind of priesthood, not based on Aaron's priesthood but on the priesthood of Melchizedek. HEB 5 1 whq1 figs-activepassive ἐξ ἀνθρώπων λαμβανόμενος 1 chosen from among people This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God chooses from among the people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 5 1 ndz7 figs-activepassive καθίσταται 1 is appointed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God appoints" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 5 1 mzd9 ὑπὲρ ἀνθρώπων καθίσταται 1 to act on the behalf of people "to represent the people" HEB 5 2 gt9j figs-activepassive τοῖς ... πλανωμένοις 1 those ... who have been deceived This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those ... whom others have deceived" or "those ... who believe what is false" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 5 2 f781 πλανωμένοις 1 who have been deceived "who believe false things and so behave badly" HEB 5 2 ny8u figs-metaphor περίκειται ἀσθένειαν 1 is subject to weakness The high priest's own weakness is spoken of as if it were a another person who rules over him. Alternate translation: "is spiritually weak" or "is weak against sin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 5 2 ihs9 ἀσθένειαν 1 weakness the desire to sin HEB 5 3 q5xi figs-activepassive ὀφείλει 1 he also is required This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God also requires him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 5 4 c45n 0 General Information: This quotation is from the Psalms in the Old Testament. HEB 5 4 c336 figs-metaphor λαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν 1 takes this honor Honor is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could grasp in his hands. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 5 4 n2e1 figs-metonymy λαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν 1 takes this honor The "honor" or praise and respect that people gave to the high priest stand for his task. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 5 4 p6hc figs-activepassive καλούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, καθώσπερ καὶ Ἀαρών 1 he is called by God, just as Aaron was This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God called him, just as he called Aaron" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 5 5 pr3f ὁ λαλήσας πρὸς αὐτόν 1 the one speaking to him said "God said to him" HEB 5 5 i694 figs-parallelism Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε 1 You are my Son; today I have become your Father These two phrases mean essentially the same thing. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 1:5](../01/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) HEB 5 5 mfa8 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱός 1 Son ... Father These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God the Father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) HEB 5 6 bce6 0 General Information: This prophecy is from a Psalm of David. HEB 5 6 ds6v figs-ellipsis καὶ ... λέγει 1 he also says To whom God is speaking can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "he also says to Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) HEB 5 6 k5uw ἐν ἑτέρῳ 1 in another place "in another place in the scriptures" HEB 5 6 ede5 κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ 1 after the manner of Melchizedek This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: "in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest" HEB 5 7 mv2c figs-metonymy ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ 1 During the days of his flesh Here "the days" stands for a period of time. And, "flesh" stand for Jesus's earthly life. Alternate translation: "While he lived on earth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 5 7 iel9 figs-doublet δεήσεις ... καὶ ἱκετηρίας 1 prayers and requests Both of these words mean basically the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) HEB 5 7 p6zm τὸν δυνάμενον σῴζειν αὐτὸν ἐκ θανάτου 1 the one able to save him from death Possible meanings are 1) God was able to save Christ so that he would not die. Alternate translation: 'to save him from dying" or 2) God was able to save Christ after Christ's death by making him alive again. If possible, translate this in a way that allows both interpretations. HEB 5 7 e75a figs-activepassive εἰσακουσθεὶς 1 he was heard This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God heard him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 5 8 mk8z guidelines-sonofgodprinciples υἱός 1 a son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) HEB 5 9 z2bv 0 Connecting Statement: In verse 11 the writer begins his third warning. He warns these believers that they are still not mature and encourages them to learn God's word so they can understand right from wrong. HEB 5 9 i29c figs-activepassive τελειωθεὶς 1 He was made perfect This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God made him perfect" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 5 9 n5qt τελειωθεὶς 1 made perfect Here this means being made mature, able to honor God in all aspects of life. HEB 5 9 p9ug figs-abstractnouns ἐγένετο πᾶσιν τοῖς ὑπακούουσιν αὐτῷ αἴτιος σωτηρίας αἰωνίου 1 became, for everyone who obeys him, the cause of eternal salvation The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "now he saves all who obey him and causes them to live forever" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 5 10 b9su figs-activepassive προσαγορευθεὶς ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 He was designated by God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God designated him" or "God appointed him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 5 10 hd47 κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ 1 after the manner of Melchizedek This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: "to be the sort of high priest that Melchizedek was" HEB 5 11 cm78 figs-pronouns πολὺς ἡμῖν ὁ λόγος 1 We have much to say Even though the author uses the plural pronoun "we," he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: "I have much to say" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]]) HEB 5 11 r2u2 figs-metaphor νωθροὶ γεγόνατε ταῖς ἀκοαῖς 1 you have become dull in hearing The ability to understand and obey is spoken of as if it were the ability to listen. And the ability to listen is spoken of as if it were a metal tool that becomes dull with use. Alternate translation: "you have trouble understanding it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 5 12 lw1a στοιχεῖα τῆς ἀρχῆς 1 basic principles Here "principles" means a guideline or standard for making decisions. Alternate translation: "basic truths" HEB 5 12 wy2h figs-metaphor γεγόνατε χρείαν ἔχοντες γάλακτος 1 You need milk Teaching about God that is easy to understand is spoken of as if it were milk, the only food that infants can take. Alternate translation: "You have become like babies and can drink only milk" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 5 12 yk1q figs-metaphor γάλακτος, οὐ στερεᾶς τροφῆς 1 milk, not solid food Teaching about God that is difficult to understand is spoken of as if it were solid food, suitable for adults. Alternate translation: "milk instead of solid food that adults can eat" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 5 13 nhx3 figs-metonymy μετέχων γάλακτος 1 takes milk Here "takes" stands for "drinks." Alternate translation: "drinks milk" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 5 13 vl7k figs-metaphor νήπιος γάρ ἐστιν 1 because he is still a little child Spiritual maturity is compared with the kind of food that a growing child eats. Solid food is not for a tiny baby, and that is a figure describing a young Christian who only learns simple truths; but later, more solid food is given to the little child, just as when a person matures he can learn about matters that are more difficult. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 5 14 e3yh figs-metonymy τῶν διὰ τὴν ἕξιν τὰ αἰσθητήρια γεγυμνασμένα, ἐχόντων πρὸς διάκρισιν, καλοῦ τε καὶ κακοῦ 1 who because of their maturity have their understanding trained for distinguishing good from evil People trained to understand something are spoken of as if their ability to understand had been trained. Alternate translation: "who are mature and can distinguish between good and evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 6 intro nz5i 0 # Hebrews 06 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Abrahamic Covenant

In the covenant that God made with Abraham, God promised to make Abraham's descendants into a great nation. He also promised to protect Abraham's descendants and to give them land of their own. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])
HEB 6 1 f1nk 0 Connecting Statement: The writer continues with what immature Hebrew believers need to do to become mature Christians. He reminds them of the foundational teachings. HEB 6 1 i4xr figs-metaphor ἀφέντες τὸν τῆς ἀρχῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ λόγον, ἐπὶ τὴν τελειότητα φερώμεθα 1 let us leave the beginning of the message of Christ and move forward to maturity This speaks about the basic teachings as if they were the beginning of a journey and the mature teachings as if they were the end of a journey. Alternate translation: "let us stop only discussing what we first learned and start understanding more mature teachings as well" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 1 thw8 figs-metaphor μὴ πάλιν θεμέλιον καταβαλλόμενοι ... πίστεως ἐπὶ Θεόν 1 Let us not lay again the foundation ... of faith in God Basic teachings are spoken of as if they were a building whose construction begins by laying a foundation. Alternate translation: "Let us not repeat the basic teachings ... of faith in God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 1 d5q3 figs-metaphor νεκρῶν ἔργων 1 dead works Sinful deeds are spoken of as if they belonged to the world of the dead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 2 s1cv figs-metaphor διδαχὴν ... κρίματος αἰωνίου 1 nor the foundation of teaching ... eternal judgment Basic teachings are spoken of as if they were a building whose construction begins by laying a foundation. Alternate translation: "nor the basic teachings ... eternal judgment" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 2 xww5 ἐπιθέσεώς τε χειρῶν 1 laying on of hands This practice was done to set someone apart for special service or position. HEB 6 4 e7px figs-metaphor τοὺς ἅπαξ φωτισθέντας 1 those who were once enlightened Understanding is spoken of as if it were illumination. Alternate translation: "those who once understood the message about Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 4 l5mc figs-metaphor γευσαμένους ... τῆς δωρεᾶς τῆς ἐπουρανίου 1 who tasted the heavenly gift Experiencing salvation is spoken of as if it were tasting food. Alternate translation: "who experienced God's saving power" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 4 d2lp figs-metaphor μετόχους γενηθέντας Πνεύματος Ἁγίου 1 who were sharers of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit, who comes to believers, is spoken of as if he were an object that people could share. Alternate translation: "who received the Holy Spirit" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 5 vp46 figs-metaphor καλὸν γευσαμένους Θεοῦ ῥῆμα 1 who tasted God's good word Learning God's message is spoken of as if it were tasting food. Alternate translation: "who learned God's good message" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 5 tw1u figs-metonymy δυνάμεις ... μέλλοντος αἰῶνος 1 the powers of the age to come This means the power of God when his kingdom is fully present in all the world. In this sense, "the powers" refer to God himself, who holds all power. Alternate translation: "learned how God will work powerfully in the future" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 6 6 l8nx πάλιν ἀνακαινίζειν εἰς μετάνοιαν 1 it is impossible to restore them again to repentance "it is impossible to bring them back to repent again" HEB 6 6 dj3g figs-metaphor ἀνασταυροῦντας ἑαυτοῖς τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 they crucify the Son of God for themselves again When people turn away from God, it is as though they crucify Jesus again. Alternate translation: "it is like they crucify for themselves the very Son of God again" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 6 y47b guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) HEB 6 7 p4tf figs-personification γῆ ... ἡ πιοῦσα τὸν ... ὑετόν 1 the land that drinks in the rain Farmland that benefits from much rain is spoken of as if it were a person who drinks in the rainwater. Alternate translation: "the land that absorbs the rain" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 6 7 r32n figs-personification τίκτουσα βοτάνην 1 that gives birth to the plants Farmland that produces crops is spoken of as if it gives birth to them. Alternate translation: "that produces plants" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 6 7 da68 figs-personification μεταλαμβάνει εὐλογίας ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the land that receives a blessing from God Rain and crops are seen as proof that God has helped the farmland. The farmland is spoken of as if it were a person who could receive God's blessing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 6 7 qq1x εὐλογίας ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 a blessing from God Here "blessing" means help from God, not spoken words. HEB 6 8 pp48 figs-metaphor κατάρας ἐγγύς 1 is near to a curse This speaks of "curse" as if it were a place to which a person could draw near. Alternate translation: "is in danger of God cursing it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 8 a2bk ἧς τὸ τέλος εἰς καῦσιν 1 Its end is in burning The farmer will burn everything in the field. HEB 6 9 sb4a figs-pronouns πεπείσμεθα 1 we are convinced Even though the author uses the plural pronoun "we," he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: "I am convinced" or "I am certain" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]]) HEB 6 9 jt3k περὶ ὑμῶν ... τὰ κρείσσονα 1 about better things concerning you This means they are doing better than those who have rejected God, disobeyed him, and now can no longer repent so that God will forgive them ([Hebrews 6:4-6](./04.md)). Alternate translation: "that you are doing better things than what I have mentioned" HEB 6 9 npu2 figs-abstractnouns ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας 1 things that concern salvation The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "things that concern God saving you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 6 10 t2hb figs-doublenegatives οὐ γὰρ ἄδικος ὁ Θεὸς ἐπιλαθέσθαι 1 For God is not so unjust that he would forget This double negative can mean that God in his justice will remember what good things his people have done. Alternate translation: "For God is just and therefore will certainly remember" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 6 10 r9xx figs-metonymy εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 for his name God's "name" is a metonym that stands for God himself. Alternate translation: "for him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 6 11 j7f5 figs-pronouns ἐπιθυμοῦμεν 1 We greatly desire Even though the author uses the plural pronoun "we," he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: "I greatly desire" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]]) HEB 6 11 k4si σπουδὴν 1 diligence careful, hard work HEB 6 11 xfy1 figs-explicit ἄχρι τέλους 1 to the end The implicit meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "to the end of your lives" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 6 11 i2yc πρὸς τὴν πληροφορίαν τῆς ἐλπίδος 1 in order to make your hope certain "in order to have complete certainty that you will receive what God has promised you" HEB 6 12 yrh2 μιμηταὶ 1 imitators An "imitator" is someone who copies the behavior of someone else. HEB 6 12 q8ry figs-metaphor κληρονομούντων τὰς ἐπαγγελίας 1 inherit the promises Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: "receive what God promised them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 14 ymh2 λέγων 1 He said God said HEB 6 14 n47a figs-metonymy πληθύνων, πληθυνῶ σε 1 I will greatly increase you Here "increase" stands for give descendants. Alternate translation: "I will give you many descendants" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 6 15 x5zs figs-activepassive τῆς ἐπαγγελίας 1 what was promised This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what God promised him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 6 17 rpv9 figs-metaphor τοῖς κληρονόμοις τῆς ἐπαγγελίας 1 to the heirs of the promise The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: "to those who would receive what he promised" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 17 ug6j τὸ ἀμετάθετον τῆς βουλῆς αὐτοῦ 1 the unchangeable quality of his purpose "that his purpose would never change" or "that he would always do what he said he would do" HEB 6 18 gjw3 figs-metaphor οἱ καταφυγόντες 1 we, who have fled for refuge Believers, who trust in God for him to protect them, are spoken of as if they were running to a safe place. Alternate translation: "we, who have trusted him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 18 gk6n figs-metaphor ἰσχυρὰν παράκλησιν ἔχωμεν ... κρατῆσαι τῆς προκειμένης ἐλπίδος 1 will have a strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope set before us Trust in God is spoken of as if encouragement were an object that could be presented to a person and that person could hold on to it. Alternate translation: "will continue to trust in God just has he encouraged us to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 18 hs84 figs-activepassive προκειμένης 1 set before us This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God has placed before us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 6 19 w66k 0 Connecting Statement: Having finished his third warning and encouragement to the believers, the writer of Hebrews continues his comparison of Jesus as priest to Melchizedek as priest. HEB 6 19 ng9i figs-metaphor ὡς ἄγκυραν ... τῆς ψυχῆς ἀσφαλῆ καὶ βεβαίαν 1 as a secure and reliable anchor for the soul Just as an anchor keeps a boat from drifting in the water, Jesus keeps us secure in God's presence. Alternate translation: "that causes us to live securely in God's presence" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 19 vdt3 figs-doublet ἄγκυραν ... ἀσφαλῆ ... καὶ βεβαίαν 1 a secure and reliable anchor Here the words "secure" and "reliable" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the complete reliability of the anchor. Alternate translation: "a completely reliable anchor" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) HEB 6 19 d223 figs-personification ἣν ... καὶ εἰσερχομένην εἰς τὸ ἐσώτερον τοῦ καταπετάσματος 1 hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain Confidence is spoken of as if it were a person who could go into the most holy place of the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 6 19 aj2m figs-metaphor τὸ ἐσώτερον 1 the inner place This was the most holy place in the temple. It was thought to be the place where God was most intensely present among his people. In this passage, this place stands for heaven and God's throne room. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 6 20 zgj6 κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ 1 after the order of Melchizedek This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: "in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest" HEB 7 intro y8j3 0 # Hebrews 07 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 7:17, 21, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### High priest

Only a high priest could offer sacrifices so that God could forgive sins, so Jesus had to be a high priest. The law of Moses commanded that the high priest be from the tribe of Levi, but Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. God made him a priest like the priest Melchizedek, who lived at the time of Abraham, before there was a tribe of Levi.
HEB 7 1 mwy8 0 Connecting Statement: The writer of Hebrews continues his comparison of Jesus as priest to Melchizedek as priest. HEB 7 1 rfc9 translate-names Σαλήμ 1 Salem This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) HEB 7 1 rx36 figs-explicit Ἀβραὰμ ὑποστρέφοντι ἀπὸ τῆς κοπῆς τῶν βασιλέων 1 Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings This is refers to when Abraham and his men went and defeated the armies of four kings in order to rescue his nephew, Lot, and his family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 7 2 q87x ᾧ 1 It was to him "It was to Melchizedek" HEB 7 2 abh4 βασιλεὺς δικαιοσύνης ... βασιλεὺς εἰρήνης 1 king of righteousness ... king of peace "righteous king ... peaceful king" HEB 7 3 q4eh ἀπάτωρ, ἀμήτωρ, ἀγενεαλόγητος, μήτε ἀρχὴν ἡμερῶν, μήτε ζωῆς τέλος ἔχων 1 He is without father, without mother, without ancestors, with neither beginning of days nor end of life It is possible to think from this passage that Melchizedek was neither born nor did he die. However, it is likely that all the writer means is that the Scriptures provide no information about Melchizedek's ancestry, birth, or death. HEB 7 4 h2bg 0 Connecting Statement: The writer states that the priesthood of Melchizedek is better than Aaron's priesthood and then reminds them that the priesthood of Aaron did not make anything perfect. HEB 7 4 w2gg οὗτος 1 this man was "Melchizedek was" HEB 7 5 l9zq figs-distinguish τῶν υἱῶν Λευεὶ τὴν ἱερατείαν λαμβάνοντες 1 The sons of Levi who receive the priesthood The author says this because not all of Levi's sons became priests. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Levi who became priests" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) HEB 7 5 hn3k τὸν λαὸν 1 from the people "from the people of Israel" HEB 7 5 ri2y τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτῶν 1 from their brothers Here "brothers" means they are all related to each other through Abraham. Alternate translation: "from their relatives" HEB 7 5 x4za figs-metaphor ἐξεληλυθότας ἐκ τῆς ὀσφύος Ἀβραάμ 1 they, too, have come from Abraham's body This is a way of saying that they were descendants of Abraham. Alternate translation: "they, too, are descendants of Abraham" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 7 6 r2rs ὁ ... μὴ γενεαλογούμενος ἐξ αὐτῶν 1 whose descent was not traced from them "who was not a descendant of Levi" HEB 7 6 d2hq figs-metaphor τὸν ἔχοντα τὰς ἐπαγγελίας 1 the one who had the promises The things that God promised to do for Abraham are spoken of as if they were objects that he could possess. Alternate translation: the one to whom God had spoken his promises" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 7 7 k6pc figs-activepassive τὸ ἔλαττον ὑπὸ τοῦ κρείττονος εὐλογεῖται 1 the lesser person is blessed by the greater person This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the more important person blesses the less important person" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 7 8 sf79 ὧδε μὲν ... ἐκεῖ 1 In this case ... in that case These phrases are used to compare the Levite priests with Melchizedek. Your language may have a way to emphasize that the author is making a comparison. HEB 7 8 c9zz figs-metaphor μαρτυρούμενος ὅτι ζῇ 1 is testified that he lives on It is never explicitly written in scripture that Melchizedek dies. The author of Hebrews speaks of this absence of information about Melchizedek's death in scripture as if it were a positive statement that he is still alive. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "scripture shows that he lives on" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 7 9 v1yu figs-metaphor δι’ Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ Λευεὶς, ὁ δεκάτας λαμβάνων, δεδεκάτωται 1 Levi, who received tithes, also paid tithes through Abraham Since Levi had not been born yet, the author speaks of him as still being in Abraham's body. In this way, the author argues that Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 7 10 g26s figs-metaphor ἐν τῇ ὀσφύϊ τοῦ πατρὸς ἦν 1 Levi was in the body of his ancestor Since Levi had not been born yet, the author speaks of him as still being in Abraham's body. In this way, the author argues that Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 7 11 kdb8 μὲν οὖν 1 Now This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. HEB 7 11 wgp5 figs-rquestion τίς ἔτι χρεία κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ, ἕτερον ἀνίστασθαι ἱερέα, καὶ οὐ κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Ἀαρὼν λέγεσθαι? 1 what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the manner of Melchizedek, and not be considered to be after the manner of Aaron? This question emphasizes that it was unexpected that priests come after the order of Melchizedek. Alternate translation: "no one would have needed another priest, one who was like Melchizedek and not like Aaron, to arise." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 7 11 hi4e ἀνίστασθαι 1 to arise "to come" or "to appear" HEB 7 11 cc5f κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ 1 after the manner of Melchizedek This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: "in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest" HEB 7 11 kt3a figs-activepassive οὐ κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Ἀαρὼν λέγεσθαι 1 not be considered to be after the manner of Aaron This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "not be after the manner of Aaron" or "who is not a priest like Aaron" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 7 12 c7f1 figs-activepassive μετατιθεμένης γὰρ τῆς ἱερωσύνης, ἐξ ἀνάγκης καὶ νόμου μετάθεσις γίνεται 1 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For when God changed the priesthood, he also had to change the law" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 7 13 k9zi ὃν γὰρ 1 For the one This refers to Jesus. HEB 7 13 m9mm figs-activepassive ἐφ’ ὃν ... λέγεται ταῦτα 1 about whom these things are said This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "about whom I am speaking" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 7 14 t3dm γὰρ 1 Now This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. HEB 7 14 qsk5 ἐξ Ἰούδα ἀνατέταλκεν ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν 1 it is from Judah that our Lord was born The words "our Lord" refer to Jesus. HEB 7 14 ln94 ἐξ Ἰούδα 1 from Judah "from the tribe of Judah" HEB 7 15 i17g 0 General Information: This quote comes from a psalm of King David. HEB 7 15 jn1p figs-inclusive περισσότερον ἔτι κατάδηλόν ἐστιν 1 What we say is clearer yet "We can understand even more clearly." Here "we" refers to the author and his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) HEB 7 15 md9i εἰ ... ἀνίσταται ἱερεὺς ἕτερος 1 if another priest arises "if another priest comes" HEB 7 15 z1yl κατὰ τὴν ὁμοιότητα Μελχισέδεκ 1 in the likeness of Melchizedek This means that Christ as a priest has things in common with Melchizedek as a priest. Alternate translation: "in the same way that Melchizedek was a priest" HEB 7 16 fr4a ὃς οὐ κατὰ νόμον 1 It was not based on the law "His becoming priest was not based on the law" HEB 7 16 erq7 figs-metonymy νόμον ἐντολῆς σαρκίνης 1 the law of fleshly descent The idea of human descent is spoken of as if it had only to do with the flesh of one's body. Alternate translation: "the law of human descent" or "the law about priests' descendants becoming priests" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 7 17 xmj8 figs-personification μαρτυρεῖται γὰρ 1 For scripture witnesses about him This speaks about scripture as if it were a person who could witness about something. Alternate translation: "For God witnesses about him through the scriptures" or "For this is what was written about him in the scripture" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 7 17 g6zd κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ 1 according to the order of Melchizedek There were two groups of priests. One was made up of the descendants of Levi. The other was made up of Melchizedek and Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "according to the line of Melchizedek" or "according to the priesthood of Melchizedek" HEB 7 18 d6vn figs-metaphor ἀθέτησις μὲν ... γίνεται προαγούσης ἐντολῆς 1 the former regulation is set aside Here "set aside" is a metaphor for making something invalid. This can be stated in active form. AT "God made the commandment invalid" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 7 19 ia8j figs-personification οὐδὲν ... ἐτελείωσεν ὁ νόμος 1 the law made nothing perfect The law is spoken of as if it were a person who could act. Alternate translation: "no one could become perfect by obeying the law" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 7 19 stc2 figs-activepassive ἐπεισαγωγὴ ... κρείττονος ἐλπίδος 1 a better hope is introduced This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has introduced a better hope" or "God has given us reason for a more confident hope (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 7 19 c9tz figs-metaphor δι’ ἧς ἐγγίζομεν τῷ Θεῷ 1 through which we come near to God Worshiping God and having his favor are spoken of coming near to him. Alternate translation: "and because of this hope we approach God" or "and because of this hope we worship God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 7 20 f3cd 0 General Information: This quote comes from the same psalm of David as [Hebrews 7:17](../07/17.md)). HEB 7 20 vf69 figs-explicit καὶ καθ’ ὅσον οὐ χωρὶς ὁρκωμοσίας 1 And it was not without an oath! The word "it" refers to Jesus becoming the eternal priest. It can be stated clearly who made the oath. Alternate translation: "And God did not choose this new priest without swearing an oath!" or "And it was because God swore an oath that the Lord became the new priest!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 7 22 h462 0 Connecting Statement: The writer then assures these Jewish believers that Christ has the better priesthood because he lives forever and the priests that descended from Aaron all died. HEB 7 22 e23d κρείττονος διαθήκης γέγονεν ἔγγυος 1 has given the guarantee of a better covenant "has told us that we can be sure that there will be a better covenant" HEB 7 24 u941 figs-abstractnouns ἀπαράβατον ἔχει τὴν ἱερωσύνην 1 he has a permanent priesthood A priest's work is spoken of as if it were an object that Jesus possesses. This can be worded to avoid the abstract noun. Alternate translation: "he is a priest permanently" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 7 25 a4gg figs-explicit ὅθεν ... δύναται 1 Therefore he You can make explicit what "Therefore" implies. Alternate translation: "Because Christ is our high priest who lives forever, he" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 7 25 b182 τοὺς προσερχομένους δι’ αὐτοῦ τῷ Θεῷ 1 those who approach God through him "those who come to God because of what Jesus has done" HEB 7 26 cmq1 figs-metaphor ὑψηλότερος τῶν οὐρανῶν γενόμενος 1 has become higher than the heavens "God has raised him up to the highest heavens." The author speaks of possessing more honor and power than anyone else as if it were position that is up above all things. Alternate translation: "God has given him more honor and power than anyone else" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 7 27 b6nv 0 General Information: Here the words "He," "his," and "himself" refer to Christ. HEB 7 28 n693 figs-metonymy ὁ νόμος ... ἀνθρώπους καθίστησιν ἀρχιερεῖς ἔχοντας ἀσθένειαν 1 the law appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses Here "the law" is a metonym for the men who appointed the high priests according to the law of Moses. The focus is not on the men who did this, but on the fact that they did this according to the law. Alternate translation: "according to the law, men appoint as high priests men who have weaknesses" or "for according to the law, men who have weaknesses are appointed as high priests" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 7 28 u5ny ἀνθρώπους ... ἔχοντας ἀσθένειαν 1 men who have weaknesses "men who are spiritually weak" or "men who are weak against sin" HEB 7 28 yez2 figs-metonymy ὁ λόγος ... τῆς ὁρκωμοσίας, τῆς μετὰ τὸν νόμον, Υἱόν 1 the word of the oath, which came after the law, appointed a Son The "word of the oath" represents God who made the oath. Alternate translation: "God appointed a Son by his oath, which he made after he gave the law" or "after he had given the law, God swore an oath and appointed his Son" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 7 28 msa4 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱόν 1 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) HEB 7 28 fkl3 figs-activepassive τετελειωμένον 1 who has been made perfect This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who has completely obeyed God and become mature" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 8 intro ks94 0 # Hebrews 08 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 8:8-12, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### New covenant

The author tells how Jesus has established a new covenant that is better than the covenant that God established with the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])
HEB 8 1 nb8q 0 Connecting Statement: The writer, having shown that Christ's priesthood is better than the earthly priesthood, shows that the earthly priesthood was a pattern of heavenly things. Christ has a superior ministry, a superior covenant. HEB 8 1 tw7l δὲ 1 Now This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. HEB 8 1 z4dh figs-exclusive λεγομένοις 1 we are saying Even though the author uses the plural pronoun "we," he is most likely referring only to himself. Because the writer does not include his readers here, the word "we" is exclusive. Alternate translation: "I am saying" or "I am writing" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]]) HEB 8 1 m2b4 figs-inclusive ἔχομεν ἀρχιερέα 1 We have a high priest The author is including the readers here, so the word "we" is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) HEB 8 1 b8qy translate-symaction ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θρόνου τῆς Μεγαλωσύνης 1 sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Hebrews 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: "sat down at the place of honor and authority beside the throne of the Majesty" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) HEB 8 2 lrb7 τῆς σκηνῆς τῆς ἀληθινῆς, ἣν ἔπηξεν ὁ Κύριος, οὐκ ἄνθρωπος 1 the true tabernacle that the Lord, not a man, set up People built the earthly tabernacle out of animal skins fastened to a wooden framework, and they set it up in the manner of a tent. Here "true tabernacle" means the heavenly tabernacle that God created. HEB 8 3 su9j figs-activepassive πᾶς γὰρ ἀρχιερεὺς ... καθίσταται 1 For every high priest is appointed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For God appoints every priest" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 8 4 p2v6 οὖν 1 Now This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. HEB 8 4 gfz1 κατὰ νόμον 1 according to the law "as God requires in the law" HEB 8 5 t3i8 figs-metaphor οἵτινες ὑποδείγματι καὶ σκιᾷ λατρεύουσιν τῶν ἐπουρανίων 1 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things The words "copy" and "shadow" have similar meanings and are metaphors meaning that something is not the real thing but it is similar to the real thing. These words emphasize that the priesthood and the earthly temple were images of Christ, the true high priest, and the heavenly temple. Alternate translation: "They serve what is a vague image of the heavenly things" or "They serve what is only similar to the heavenly things" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) HEB 8 5 k5r1 figs-activepassive καθὼς κεχρημάτισται Μωϋσῆς μέλλων 1 It is just as Moses was warned by God when he was This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It is just as God warned Moses when Moses was" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 8 5 qb7g figs-explicit μέλλων ἐπιτελεῖν τὴν σκηνήν 1 was about to construct the tabernacle Moses did not construct the tabernacle himself. He ordered the people to construct it. Alternate translation: "was about to command the people to construct the tabernacle" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 8 5 jk6i ὅρα 1 See that "Make sure that" HEB 8 5 wf1p κατὰ τὸν τύπον 1 to the pattern "to the design" HEB 8 5 s9xe figs-activepassive τὸν δειχθέντα σοι 1 that was shown to you This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I showed you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 8 5 j3tz figs-explicit ἐν τῷ ὄρει 1 on the mountain You can make explicit that "mountain" refers to Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: "on Mount Sinai" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 8 6 qdj6 0 Connecting Statement: This section begins to show that the new covenant is better than the old covenant with Israel and Judah. HEB 8 6 rt2a διαφορωτέρας 1 Christ has received "God has given Christ" HEB 8 6 spy1 κρείττονός ... διαθήκης μεσίτης 1 mediator of a better covenant This means Christ caused a better covenant between God and humans to exist. HEB 8 6 aw58 figs-activepassive διαθήκης ... ἥτις ἐπὶ κρείττοσιν ἐπαγγελίαις νενομοθέτηται 1 covenant, which is based on better promises This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "covenant. It was this covenant that God made based on better promises" or "covenant. God promised better things when he made this covenant" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 8 7 wb9d translate-ordinal ἡ πρώτη ἐκείνη ... δευτέρας 1 first covenant ... second covenant The words "first" and "second" are ordinal numbers. Alternate translation: "old covenant ... new covenant" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) HEB 8 7 gig6 ἦν ἄμεμπτος 1 had been faultless "had been perfect" HEB 8 8 ya4n 0 General Information: In this quotation the prophet Jeremiah foretold of a new covenant that God would make. HEB 8 8 sqb4 αὐτοῖς 1 with the people "with the people of Israel" HEB 8 8 xhp8 ἰδοὺ 1 See "Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you" HEB 8 8 c6zm figs-metaphor τὸν οἶκον Ἰσραὴλ καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον Ἰούδα 1 the house of Israel and with the house of Judah The people of Israel and Judah are spoken of as if they were houses. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel and with the people of Judah" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 8 9 dde5 figs-metaphor ἐπιλαβομένου μου τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῶν ἐξαγαγεῖν αὐτοὺς ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου 1 I took them by their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt This metaphor represents God's great love and concern. Alternate translation: "I led them out of Egypt like a father leads his young child" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 8 10 fh1c 0 General Information: This is a quotation from the prophet Jeremiah. HEB 8 10 k2ew figs-metaphor τῷ οἴκῳ Ἰσραὴλ 1 the house of Israel The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a house. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 8 10 q78u μετὰ τὰς ἡμέρας ἐκείνας 1 after those days "after that time" HEB 8 10 gbw3 figs-metaphor διδοὺς νόμους μου εἰς τὴν διάνοιαν αὐτῶν 1 I will put my laws into their minds God's requirements are spoken of as if they were objects that could be placed somewhere. People's ability to think is spoken of as if it were a place. Alternate translation: "I will enable them to understand my laws" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 8 10 e45g figs-metonymy ἐπὶ καρδίας αὐτῶν ἐπιγράψω αὐτούς 1 I will also write them on their hearts Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's inner being. The phrase "write them on their hearts" is a metaphor for enabling people to obey the law. Alternate translation: "I will also put them in their hearts" or "I will enable them to obey my law" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 8 10 hs53 ἔσομαι αὐτοῖς εἰς Θεόν 1 I will be their God "I will be the God they worship" HEB 8 10 xgm3 αὐτοὶ ἔσονταί μοι εἰς λαόν 1 they will be my people "they will be the people for whom I care" HEB 8 11 lsq6 0 General Information: This continues the quotation from the prophet Jeremiah. HEB 8 11 jl1h figs-quotations οὐ μὴ διδάξωσιν ἕκαστος τὸν πολίτην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἕκαστος τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ λέγων, γνῶθι ‘τὸν Κύριον’ 1 They will not teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord.' This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "They will not need to teach their neighbors or brothers to know me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) HEB 8 11 wne2 figs-doublet τὸν πολίτην ... τὸν ἀδελφὸν 1 neighbor ... brother Both of these refer to fellow Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) HEB 8 11 q5ki figs-metonymy γνῶθι ‘τὸν Κύριον’ ... πάντες εἰδήσουσίν με 1 Know the Lord ... will all know me "Know" here stands for acknowledge. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 8 12 cu1b figs-metonymy ταῖς ἀδικίαις αὐτῶν 1 toward their evil deeds This stands for the people who committed these evil deeds. Alternate translation: "to those who did evil deeds" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 8 12 a1xr figs-metonymy τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν οὐ μὴ μνησθῶ ἔτι 1 their sins I will not remember any longer Here "remember" stands for "think about." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 9 intro p8vy 0 # Hebrews 09 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Will

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

### Blood

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

### Return of Christ

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

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### First covenant

This refers to the covenant that God made with Moses. However, before he made this covenant, God had made a covenant with Abraham. But this was the first covenant that God had made with the people of Israel. You may decide to translate "the first covenant" as "the earlier covenant."
HEB 9 1 af6x 0 Connecting Statement: The writer makes clear to these Jewish believers that the laws and the tabernacle of the old covenant were only pictures of the better, new covenant. HEB 9 1 av9i οὖν 1 Now This word marks a new part of the teaching. HEB 9 1 d3vs ἡ πρώτη 1 first covenant See how you translated this in [Hebrews 8:7](../08/07.md). HEB 9 1 pw63 εἶχε ... δικαιώματα 1 had regulations "had detailed instructions" or "had rules" HEB 9 2 e3em γὰρ 1 For The author is continuing the discussion from [Hebrews 8:7](../08/07.md). HEB 9 2 f6k7 figs-activepassive σκηνὴ ... κατεσκευάσθη 1 a tabernacle was prepared A tabernacle was constructed and made ready for use. This idea can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Israelites prepared a tabernacle" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 9 2 t13a ἥ τε λυχνία καὶ ἡ τράπεζα, καὶ ἡ Πρόθεσις τῶν ἄρτων 1 the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the presence These objects are all accompanied by the definite article "the," because the author assumes that his readers already know about these things. HEB 9 2 gw3p figs-abstractnouns ἡ Πρόθεσις τῶν ἄρτω 1 bread of the presence This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "presence" is expressed as the verb "display" or "present." Alternate translation: "bread on display before God" or "bread the priests presented to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 9 3 j7w3 μετὰ ... τὸ δεύτερον καταπέτασμα 1 Behind the second curtain The first curtain was the outer wall of the tabernacle, so the "second curtain" was the curtain between the "holy place" and the "most holy place." HEB 9 3 ssr9 translate-ordinal δεύτερον 1 second This is the ordinal word for number two. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) HEB 9 4 kt3u ἐν 1 Inside it "Inside the ark of the covenant" HEB 9 4 jj9y figs-explicit ἡ ῥάβδος Ἀαρὼν ἡ βλαστήσασα 1 Aaron's rod that budded This was the rod Aaron had when God proved to the people of Israel that he had chosen Aaron as his priest by making Aaron's rod bud. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 9 4 md1f ἡ βλαστήσασα 1 that budded "from which leaves and flowers had grown" HEB 9 4 q9w3 αἱ πλάκες τῆς διαθήκης 1 tablets of the covenant Here "tablets" are flat pieces of stone that had writing on them. This refers to the stone tablets on which the ten commandments were written. HEB 9 5 ue5q Χερουβεὶν δόξης κατασκιάζοντα τὸ ἱλαστήριον 1 glorious cherubim overshadowed the atonement lid When the Israelites were making the ark of the covenant, God commanded them to carve two cherubim facing each other, with their wings touching, over the atonement lid of the ark of the covenant. Here they are spoken of as providing shade for the ark of the covenant. Alternate translation: "glorious cherubim covered the atonement lid with their wings" HEB 9 5 fh6g figs-metonymy Χερουβεὶν 1 cherubim Here "cherubim" means figures of two cherubim. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 9 5 f1je figs-pronouns περὶ ὧν οὐκ ἔστιν 1 which we cannot Even though the author uses the plural pronoun "we," he is most likely referring only to himself. Alternate translation: "which I cannot" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]]) HEB 9 6 mra7 figs-activepassive τούτων ... οὕτως κατεσκευασμένων 1 After these things were prepared This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After the priests prepared these things" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 9 7 xs9l figs-doublenegatives οὐ χωρὶς αἵματος 1 not without blood This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "he always brought blood" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 9 7 xtk5 αἵματος 1 blood This is the blood of the bull and goat that the high priest had to sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. HEB 9 8 a26f τῶν ἁγίων 1 the most holy place Possible meanings are 1) the inner room of the tabernacle on earth or 2) God's presence in heaven. HEB 9 8 e14c figs-metonymy ἔτι τῆς πρώτης σκηνῆς ἐχούσης στάσιν 1 the first tabernacle was still standing Possible meanings are 1) "the outer room of the tabernacle was still standing" or 2) "the earthly tabernacle and the sacrificial system still existed." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 9 9 cu76 ἥτις παραβολὴ 1 This was an illustration "This was a picture" or "This was a symbol" HEB 9 9 fl6i εἰς τὸν καιρὸν τὸν ἐνεστηκότα 1 for the present time "for now" HEB 9 9 g16u figs-activepassive προσφέρονται 1 that are now being offered This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the priests now offer" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 9 9 qsa1 figs-metaphor μὴ δυνάμεναι κατὰ συνείδησιν τελειῶσαι τὸν λατρεύοντα 1 are not able to perfect the worshiper's conscience The writer speaks of a person's conscience as if it were an object that could be made better and better until it was without fault. A person's conscience is his knowledge of right and wrong. It is also his awareness of whether or not he has done wrong. If he knows he has done wrong, we say that he feels guilty. Alternate translation: "are not able to make the worshiper free from guilt" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 9 9 c31d figs-genericnoun συνείδησιν ... τὸν λατρεύοντα 1 the worshiper's conscience The writer appears to refer to only one worshiper, but he means all those who came to worship God at the tabernacle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) HEB 9 10 hqs8 μέχρι καιροῦ διορθώσεως 1 until the time of the new order "until God created the new order" HEB 9 10 kqc1 διορθώσεως 1 new order "new covenant" HEB 9 11 bnc6 0 Connecting Statement: Having described the service of the tabernacle under God's law, the writer makes clear that Christ's service under the new covenant is better because it is sealed with his blood. It is better also because Christ has entered the true "tabernacle," that is, God's own presence in heaven, instead of entering, as other high priests, into the earthly tabernacle, which was only an imperfect copy. HEB 9 11 da2i ἀγαθῶν 1 good things This does not refer to material things. It means the good things that God promised in his new covenant. HEB 9 11 czx6 τῆς μείζονος καὶ τελειοτέρας σκηνῆς 1 the greater and more perfect tabernacle This refers to the heavenly tent or tabernacle, which is more important and more perfect than the earthly tabernacle. HEB 9 11 lxw8 figs-activepassive οὐ χειροποιήτου 1 that was not made by human hands This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that humans hands did not make" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 9 11 mtj9 figs-synecdoche χειροποιήτου 1 human hands Here "hands" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "humans" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) HEB 9 12 wp9n figs-metaphor ἅγια 1 most holy place God's presence in heaven is spoken of as if it were the most holy place, the innermost room in the tabernacle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 9 13 ch3c σποδὸς δαμάλεως, ῥαντίζουσα τοὺς κεκοινωμένους 1 sprinkling of a heifer's ashes on those who have become unclean The priest would drop small amounts of the ashes on the unclean people. HEB 9 13 seb3 figs-metonymy πρὸς τὴν τῆς σαρκὸς καθαρότητα 1 for the cleansing of their flesh Here "flesh" refers to the entire body. Alternate translation: "for the cleansing of their bodies" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 9 14 t58w figs-rquestion πόσῳ μᾶλλον τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς διὰ Πνεύματος αἰωνίου, ἑαυτὸν προσήνεγκεν ἄμωμον τῷ Θεῷ, καθαριεῖ τὴν συνείδησιν ὑμῶν ἀπὸ νεκρῶν ἔργων, εἰς τὸ λατρεύειν Θεῷ ζῶντι! 1 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God? The author uses this question to emphasize that Christ's sacrifice was the most powerful. Alternate translation: "then certainly Christ's blood will cleanse our conscience even more from dead works to serve the living God! Because, through the eternal Spirit, he offered himself without blemish to God." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 9 14 r22p figs-metonymy τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the blood of Christ The "blood" of Christ stands for his death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 9 14 xj6g figs-metaphor ἄμωμον 1 without blemish This is a small sin or moral fault spoken of here as if it were a small, unusual spot or defect on Christ's body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 9 14 rkh4 figs-metonymy καθαριεῖ τὴν συνείδησιν ὑμῶν 1 cleanse our conscience Here "conscience" refers to a person's feeling of guilt. Believers no longer have to feel guilty for the sins they have committed because Jesus sacrificed himself and has forgiven them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 9 14 suu7 figs-metaphor καθαριεῖ 1 cleanse Here "cleanse" stands for the action of relieving our consciences from guilt for the sins we have committed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 9 14 zbj1 figs-metaphor νεκρῶν ἔργων 1 dead works Sinful deeds are spoken of as if they belonged to the world of the dead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 9 15 x3xr διὰ τοῦτο 1 For this reason "As a result" or "Because of this" HEB 9 15 p2kg διαθήκης καινῆς μεσίτης ἐστίν 1 he is the mediator of a new covenant This means Christ caused the new covenant between God and humans to exist. HEB 9 15 q3x3 τῇ πρώτῃ διαθήκῃ 1 first covenant See how you translated this in [Hebrews 8:7](../08/07.md). HEB 9 15 z29a figs-metonymy εἰς ἀπολύτρωσιν τῶν ἐπὶ πρώτῃ διαθήκῃ παραβάσεων 1 to free those under the first covenant from their sins "to take away the sins of those who were under the first covenant." Possible meanings are 1) here "their sins" is a metonym for the guilt of their sins. Alternate translation: "to take away the guilt of those who were under the first covenant" or 2) here "their sins" is a metonym for the punishment for their sins. Alternate translation: "to take away the punisment for sins of those who were under the first covenant" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 9 15 ve3v figs-activepassive οἱ κεκλημένοι 1 those who are called This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom God has chosen to be his children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 9 15 xb9f figs-metaphor κληρονομίας 1 inheritance Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 9 16 rng2 διαθήκη 1 a will a legal document in which a person states who should receive his possessions when he himself dies HEB 9 16 um9a θάνατον ἀνάγκη φέρεσθαι τοῦ διαθεμένου 1 the death of the person who made it must be proven This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must prove that the person who made the will has died" HEB 9 18 wpf1 figs-activepassive ὅθεν οὐδ’ ἡ πρώτη χωρὶς αἵματος ἐνκεκαίνισται 1 So not even the first covenant was established without blood This can be stated in active and positive form. Alternate translation: "So God established even the first covenant with blood" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 9 18 kq87 πρώτη 1 first covenant See how you translated this in [Hebrews 8:7](../08/07.md). HEB 9 18 v838 figs-metonymy αἵματος 1 blood The death of animals sacrificed to God is spoken of as if it were nothing but blood. Alternate translation: "the death of animals sacrificed to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 9 19 zl2n translate-symaction λαβὼν τὸ αἷμα ... μετὰ ὕδατος ... τὸ βιβλίον ... πάντα τὸν λαὸν, ἐράντισεν 1 took the blood ... with water ... and sprinkled ... the scroll ... and all the people The priest dipped the hyssop in the blood and the water and then shook the hyssop so drops of blood and water would fall on the scroll and on the people. Sprinkling was a symbolic action done by the priests by which they applied the benefits of the covenant to people and to objects. Here the scroll and the people's acceptability to God are renewed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) HEB 9 19 tgc2 ὑσσώπου 1 hyssop a woody shrub with flowers in summer, used in ceremonial sprinkling HEB 9 20 j7en figs-metonymy τὸ αἷμα τῆς διαθήκης 1 the blood of the covenant Here "blood" refers to the death of the animals sacrificed to carry out the covenant's requirements. Alternate translation: "the blood that brings into effect the covenant" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 9 21 k6dm ἐράντισεν 1 he sprinkled "Moses sprinkled" HEB 9 21 l27v translate-symaction ἐράντισεν 1 sprinkled Sprinkling was a symbolic action done by the priests by which they applied the benefits of the covenant to people and to objects. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 9:19](../09/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) HEB 9 21 xa9q πάντα τὰ σκεύη τῆς λειτουργίας 1 all the containers used in the service A container is an object that can hold things. Here it may refer to any kind of utensil or tool. Alternate translation: "all the utensils used in the service" HEB 9 21 ec4h figs-activepassive τῆς λειτουργίας 1 used in the service This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priests used in their work" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 9 21 cl3v figs-metonymy τῷ αἵματι 1 blood Here the animal "blood" is talking about the animal's death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 9 22 g3ef figs-metaphor σχεδὸν ἐν αἵματι πάντα καθαρίζεται 1 almost everything is cleansed with blood Making something acceptable to God is spoken of as if it were cleansing that thing. This idea can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priests use blood to cleanse almost everything" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 9 22 v8bj figs-metonymy χωρὶς αἱματεκχυσίας οὐ γίνεται ἄφεσις 1 Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness Here "shedding of blood" refers to something dying as a sacrifice to God. This double negative can mean that all forgiveness comes through the shedding of blood. Alternate translation: "Forgiveness only comes when something dies as a sacrifice" or "God only forgives when something dies as a sacrifice" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 9 22 v1tr figs-explicit ἄφεσις 1 forgiveness You can state explicitly the implied meaning. Alternate translation: "forgiveness of the sins of the people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 9 23 nh15 0 Connecting Statement: The writer emphasizes that Christ (now in heaven interceding for us) had to die only once for sins and that he will return to earth a second time. HEB 9 23 q79n figs-activepassive τὰ μὲν ὑποδείγματα τῶν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς τούτοις καθαρίζεσθαι 1 the copies of the things in heaven should be cleansed with these animal sacrifices This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priests should use these animal sacrifices to cleanse what are copies of things that are in heaven" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 9 23 y9b7 figs-activepassive αὐτὰ δὲ τὰ ἐπουράνια κρείττοσι θυσίαις παρὰ ταύτας 1 the heavenly things themselves had to be cleansed with much better sacrifices That is, better than the sacrifices used to cleanse the earthly copies. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as for the heavenly things themselves, God had to cleanse them with much better sacrifices" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 9 24 cy2x figs-synecdoche χειροποίητα ... ἅγια 1 the most holy place made with hands, which Here "with hands" means "by humans." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the most holy place, which humans made, and which" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 9 24 g5lp τῶν ἀληθινῶν 1 of the true one "of the true most holy place" HEB 9 25 f17a οὐδ’ 1 He did not go there "He did not enter heaven" HEB 9 25 rnh3 κατ’ ἐνιαυτὸν 1 year by year "every year" or "each year" HEB 9 25 zpf3 ἐν αἵματι ἀλλοτρίῳ 1 with the blood of another This means with the blood of an animal victim, not with his own blood. HEB 9 26 lhi3 ἐπεὶ 1 If that had been the case "If he had to offer himself often" HEB 9 26 dq7m figs-metaphor εἰς ἀθέτησιν ἁμαρτίας διὰ τῆς θυσίας αὐτοῦ 1 to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself Doing away with sin represents having God forgive it. Alternate translation: "to cause God to forgive sins by sacrificing himself" or "to sacrifice himself so that God can forgive sin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 9 28 p8b6 figs-activepassive ὁ Χριστός ἅπαξ προσενεχθεὶς 1 Christ was offered once This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Christ offered himself once" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 9 28 hv2t figs-metaphor εἰς τὸ ... ἀνενεγκεῖν ἁμαρτίας 1 to take away the sins The act of making us innocent rather than guilty for our sins is spoken of as if our sins were physical objects that Christ could carry away from us. Alternate translation: "so that God would forgive the sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 9 28 p6th figs-metonymy τὸ ἁμαρτίας 1 the sins Here "sins" mean the guilt that people have before God because of the sins they committed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 10 intro nev1 0 # Hebrews 10 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

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

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 10:5-7, 15-17, 37-38, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### God's judgment and reward

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

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

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

### "The covenant that I will make"
It is unclear whether this prophecy was being fulfilled as the author was writing or whether it was to occur later. The translator should try to avoid making a claim about the time this covenant begins. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])
HEB 10 1 kwq1 0 Connecting Statement: The writer shows the weakness of the law and its sacrifices, why God gave the law, and the perfection of the new priesthood and Christ's sacrifice. HEB 10 1 kj83 figs-metaphor σκιὰν ... ἔχων ὁ νόμος τῶν μελλόντων ἀγαθῶν 1 the law is only a shadow of the good things to come This speaks about the law as if it were a shadow. The author means the law is not the good things that God had promised. It only hints at the good things that God is going to do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 1 r6ly οὐκ αὐτὴν τὴν εἰκόνα τῶν πραγμάτων 1 not the real forms of those things themselves "not the real things themselves" HEB 10 1 at4v κατ’ ἐνιαυτὸν 1 year after year "every year" HEB 10 2 aw6g figs-rquestion οὐκ ἂν ἐπαύσαντο προσφερόμεναι 1 would the sacrifices not have ceased to be offered? The author uses a question to state that the sacrifices were limited in their power. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they would have ceased offering those sacrifices." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 2 zc3d ἐπαύσαντο 1 ceased "stopped being" HEB 10 2 mu42 figs-metaphor τοὺς λατρεύοντας ... κεκαθαρισμένους 1 the worshipers would have been cleansed Here being cleansed represents no longer being guilty of sin. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sacrifices would have taken away their sin" or "God would have made them no longer guilty of sin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 2 m9tj τὸ μηδεμίαν ἔχειν ἔτι συνείδησιν ἁμαρτιῶν 1 would no longer have any consciousness of sin "would no longer think that they are guilty of sin" or "would know that they are no longer guilty of sin" HEB 10 4 di8i figs-metaphor ἀδύνατον γὰρ αἷμα ταύρων καὶ τράγων ἀφαιρεῖν ἁμαρτίας 1 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins Sins are spoken of as if they were objects that animal blood could sweep away as it flowed. Alternate translation: "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to cause God to forgive sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 4 bvu5 figs-metonymy αἷμα ταύρων καὶ τράγων 1 the blood of bulls and goats Here "blood" refers to these animals dying as sacrifices to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 10 5 q4ye 0 General Information: Christ's words when he was on earth were foretold in this quotation from a psalm of David. HEB 10 5 ml8e figs-you οὐκ ἠθέλησας 1 you did not desire Here "you" is singular and refers to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) HEB 10 5 cu51 σῶμα ... κατηρτίσω 1 a body you have prepared "you have made a body ready" HEB 10 7 zn6c τότε εἶπον 1 Then I said Here "I" refers to Christ. HEB 10 8 c8eb 0 General Information: Though changing the wording slightly, the author repeats these quotations from a psalm of David for emphasis. HEB 10 8 rlv8 θυσίας ... προσφορὰς 1 sacrifices ... offerings See how you translated these words in [Hebrews 10:5](./05.md). HEB 10 8 n7kc ὁλοκαυτώματα ... περὶ ἁμαρτίας 1 whole burnt offerings ... sacrifices for sin See how you translated similar words in [Hebrews 10:6](./06.md). HEB 10 8 d3ek figs-activepassive αἵτινες ... προσφέρονται 1 that are offered This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that priests offer" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 9 k5kv ἰδοὺ 1 See "Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you" HEB 10 9 n29v figs-abstractnouns ἀναιρεῖ τὸ πρῶτον, ἵνα τὸ δεύτερον στήσῃ 1 He takes away the first practice in order to establish the second practice The abstract noun "practice" here refers to a way of atoning for sins. Stopping doing it is spoken of as if it were an object that could be taken away. Starting the second way of atoning for sins is spoken of as establishing that practice. Alternate translation: "He stops people atoning for sins the first way in order to atone for sins the second way" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 9 ja8n translate-ordinal τὸ πρῶτον ... τὸ δεύτερον 1 first practice ... the second practice The words "first" and "second" are ordinal numbers. Alternate translation: "old practice ... the new practice" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) HEB 10 10 xj9i figs-activepassive ἡγιασμένοι ἐσμὲν 1 we have been sanctified This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has sanctified us" or "God has dedicated us to himself" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 10 xk24 figs-abstractnouns διὰ τῆς προσφορᾶς τοῦ σώματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ The abstract noun "offering" can be expressed with the verb "offer" or "sacrifice." Alternate translation: "because Jesus Christ offered his body as a sacrifice" or "because Jesus Christ sacrificed his body" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 10 11 f4wd καθ’ ἡμέραν 1 Day after day "day by day" or "every day" HEB 10 11 jq4i figs-metaphor οὐδέποτε δύνανται περιελεῖν ἁμαρτίας 1 can never take away sins This speaks of "sins" as if they are an object that a person can take away. Alternate translation: "can never cause God to forgive sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 12 fy8w translate-symaction ἐκάθισεν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 he sat down at the right hand of God To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Hebrews 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: "he sat down at the place of honor and authority beside God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) HEB 10 13 s6sn figs-metaphor ἕως τεθῶσιν οἱ ἐχθροὶ αὐτοῦ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ 1 until his enemies are made a stool for his feet The humiliation of Christ's enemies is spoken of as if they were made a place for him to rest his feet. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until God humiliates Christ's enemies and they become like a stool for his feet" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 14 dz9n figs-activepassive τοὺς ἁγιαζομένους 1 those who are being sanctified This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom God is sanctifying" or "those whom God has dedicated to himself" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 15 qk8j 0 General Information: This is a quotation from the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament. HEB 10 16 czh3 πρὸς αὐτοὺς 1 with them "with my people" HEB 10 16 s783 μετὰ τὰς ἡμέρας ἐκείνας 1 after those days "when the time of the first covenant with my people has finished" HEB 10 16 xx53 figs-metonymy διδοὺς νόμους μου ἐπὶ καρδίας αὐτῶν 1 I will put my laws in their hearts Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's inner being. The phrase "put them in their hearts" is a metaphor for enabling people to obey the law. Alternate translation: "I will enable them to obey my laws" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 17 vkw4 0 General Information: This continues the quotation from the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament. HEB 10 17 qn7w figs-explicit τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν, καὶ τῶν ἀνομιῶν αὐτῶν, οὐ μὴ μνησθήσομαι ἔτι 1 Their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no longer." "I will no longer remember their sins and lawless deeds.'" or "I will no longer think about their sins and lawless deeds.'" This is the second part of the Holy Spirit's testimony ([Hebrews 10:15-16](./15.md)). You can make this explicit in the translation by ending the quotation at the end of verse 16 and starting a new quotation here. Alternate translation: "Then next he said, 'Their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no longer.'" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 10 17 pql9 figs-doublet τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν, καὶ τῶν ἀνομιῶν αὐτῶν 1 Their sins and lawless deeds The words "sins" and "lawless deeds" mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize how bad the sin is. Alternate translation: "The things they did that were forbidden and how they broke the law" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) HEB 10 18 pje1 δὲ 1 Now This is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. It does not mean "at this moment." HEB 10 18 pjh5 figs-abstractnouns ὅπου ... ἄφεσις 1 where there is forgiveness for these This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "forgiveness" is expressed as the verb "forgive." Alternate translation: "when God has forgiven these things" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 10 18 z351 figs-abstractnouns οὐκέτι προσφορὰ περὶ ἁμαρτίας 1 there is no longer any sacrifice for sin This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "sacrifice" is expressed as the verb "make offerings." Alternate translation: "people no longer need to make offerings for sin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 10 19 ih5u 0 Connecting Statement: Having made it clear that there is only one sacrifice for sin, the writer continues with the picture of the most holy place in the temple, where only the high priest could enter each year with the blood of the sacrifice for sins. He reminds the believers that they now worship God in his presence as if they were standing in the most holy place. HEB 10 19 f6g3 figs-metaphor ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here this means all believers in Christ whether male or female. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters" or "fellow believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 10 19 fii7 figs-metaphor τῶν ἁγίων 1 the most holy place This means the presence of God, not the most holy place in the old tabernacle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 19 zl87 figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ αἵματι Ἰησοῦ 1 by the blood of Jesus Here "blood of Jesus" refers to the death of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 10 20 l7wh ὁδὸν ... ζῶσαν 1 living way Possible meanings are 1) this new way to God that Jesus has provided results in believers living forever or 2) Jesus is alive, and he is the way believers enter into the presence of God. HEB 10 20 c3ve figs-metaphor διὰ τοῦ καταπετάσματος 1 through the curtain The curtain in the earthly temple represents the separation between people and God's true presence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 20 ega9 figs-metonymy τοῦτ’ σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ 1 his flesh Here "flesh" stands for the body of Jesus, and his body stands for his sacrificial death. Alternate translation: "by means of his death" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 10 21 uh6i καὶ ἱερέα μέγαν ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 we have a great priest over the house of God This must be translated in such a way as to make it clear that Jesus is this "great priest." HEB 10 21 bmh1 ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον 1 over the house "in charge of the house" HEB 10 21 d1u1 figs-metaphor τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the house of God This speaks about God's people as if they were a literal house. Alternate translation: "all the people of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 22 l4ik figs-metonymy προσερχώμεθα 1 let us approach Here "approach" stands for worshiping God, as a priest would go up to God's altar to sacrifice animals to him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 10 22 wez1 figs-metonymy μετὰ ἀληθινῆς καρδίας 1 with true hearts "with faithful hearts" or "with honest hearts." Here "hearts" stands for the genuine will and motivation of the believers. Alternate translation: "with sincerity" or "sincerely" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 10 22 i7ti ἐν πληροφορίᾳ πίστεως 1 in the full assurance of faith "and with a confident faith" or "and trusting completely in Jesus" HEB 10 22 zkg5 figs-activepassive ῥεραντισμένοι τὰς καρδίας 1 having our hearts sprinkled clean This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as if had he made our hearts clean with his blood" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 22 w775 figs-metonymy ῥεραντισμένοι τὰς καρδίας 1 hearts sprinkled clean Here "hearts" is a metonym for the conscience, the awareness of right and wrong. Being made clean is a metaphor for being forgiven and being given the status of righteousness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 22 pc1a translate-symaction ῥεραντισμένοι 1 sprinkled Sprinkling was a symbolic action done by the priests by which they applied the benefits of the covenant to people and to objects. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 9:19](../09/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) HEB 10 22 p2sk figs-activepassive λελουμένοι τὸ σῶμα ὕδατι καθαρῷ 1 having our bodies washed with pure water This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as if he had washed our bodies in pure water" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 22 tk9p figs-metonymy λελουμένοι τὸ σῶμα ὕδατι καθαρῷ 1 our bodies washed with pure water If the translator understands this phrase as referring to Christian baptism, then "water" is literal, not figurative. But if water is taken as literal, then "pure" is figurative, standing for the spiritual purity that baptism is said here to accomplish. The "washing" stands for the believer being made acceptable to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 23 k5ui figs-metaphor κατέχωμεν τὴν ὁμολογίαν τῆς ἐλπίδος 1 Let us also hold tightly to the confession of our hope Here "hold tightly" is a metaphor that refers to a person determining to do something and refusing to stop. The abstract nouns "confession" and "expectation" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "Let us be determined to continue confessing the things that we confidently expect from God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 10 23 jy4t figs-metaphor ἀκλινῆ 1 without wavering Being uncertain about something is spoken of as if he were wavering or leaning from side to side. Alternate translation: "without being unsure" or "without doubting" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 25 v4fa figs-explicit μὴ ἐγκαταλείποντες τὴν ἐπισυναγωγὴν ἑαυτῶν 1 Let us not stop meeting together You can make explicit that the people met to worship. Alternate translation: "Let us not stop coming together to worship" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 10 25 k9c7 figs-metaphor ὅσῳ βλέπετε ἐγγίζουσαν τὴν ἡμέραν 1 as you see the day coming closer A future time is spoken of as if it were an object coming closer to the speaker. Here "the day" refers to when Jesus will return. Alternate translation: "as you know that Christ will return soon" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 10 26 gm7l 0 Connecting Statement: The writer now gives his fourth warning. HEB 10 26 byv6 ἑκουσίως ... ἁμαρτανόντων ἡμῶν 1 we deliberately go on sinning "we know we are sinning but we do it again and again" HEB 10 26 hj5s figs-metaphor μετὰ τὸ λαβεῖν τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τῆς ἀληθείας 1 after we have received the knowledge of the truth Knowledge of the truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be given by one person to another. Alternate translation: "after we have learned the truth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 26 b1r7 figs-explicit τῆς ἀληθείας 1 the truth The truth about God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 10 26 l7sv figs-explicit οὐκέτι περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν ἀπολείπεται θυσία 1 a sacrifice for sins no longer exists No one is able to give a new sacrifice because Christ's sacrifice is the only one that works. Alternate translation: "no one can offer a sacrifice for which God will forgive our sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 10 26 sil4 περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν ... θυσία 1 a sacrifice for sins Here "sacrifice for sins" stands for "an effective way to sacrifice animals to take away sins" HEB 10 27 fza4 figs-explicit κρίσεως 1 of judgment Of God's judgment, that is, that God will judge. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 10 27 t6da figs-metaphor πυρὸς ζῆλος ἐσθίειν μέλλοντος τοὺς ὑπεναντίους 1 a fury of fire that will consume God's enemies God's fury is spoken of as if it were fire that would burn up his enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 28 c1aj figs-explicit δυσὶν ἢ τρισὶν μάρτυσιν 1 two or three witnesses It is implied that this means "of at least two or three witness." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 10 29 gv5z figs-rquestion πόσῳ δοκεῖτε χείρονος, ἀξιωθήσεται τιμωρίας, ὁ ... τῆς χάριτος ἐνυβρίσας! 1 How much worse punishment do you think one deserves ... grace? The author is emphasizing the greatness of the punishment for those who reject Christ. Alternate translation: "This was severe punishment. But the punishment will be even greater for anyone ... grace!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 10 29 jd69 figs-metaphor τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ καταπατήσας 1 has trampled underfoot the Son of God Disregarding Christ and scorning him are spoken of as if someone had walked on him. Alternate translation: "has rejected the Son of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 29 d2z9 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the Son of God This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) HEB 10 29 m7lw τὸ αἷμα τῆς διαθήκης κοινὸν ἡγησάμενος 1 who treated the blood of the covenant as unholy This shows how the person has trampled the Son of God. Alternate translation: "by treating the blood of the covenant as unholy" HEB 10 29 el74 figs-metonymy τὸ αἷμα τῆς διαθήκης 1 the blood of the covenant Here "blood" stands for Christ's death, by which God established the new covenant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 10 29 wj2p figs-activepassive τὸ αἷμα ... ἐν ᾧ ἡγιάσθη 1 the blood by which he was sanctified This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the blood by which God sanctified him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 29 qr6c τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς χάριτος 1 the Spirit of grace "the Spirit of God, who provides grace" HEB 10 30 ynr1 figs-inclusive 0 General Information: The word "we" here refers to the writer and all believers. These two quotations come from the law that Moses gave in the Old Testament. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) HEB 10 30 v8ad figs-metaphor ἐμοὶ ἐκδίκησις 1 Vengeance belongs to me Vengeance is spoken of as if it were an object that belongs to God, who has the right to do as he wishes with what he owns. God has the right to take vengeance on his enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 30 pdw9 figs-metaphor ἐγὼ ἀνταποδώσω 1 I will pay back God taking vengeance is spoken of as if he were paying back the harmful things that someone has done to others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 31 hhu7 figs-metaphor τὸ ἐμπεσεῖν εἰς χεῖρας 1 to fall into the hands Receiving God's full punishment is spoken of as if the person falls into God's hands. Here "hands" refers to God's power to judge. Alternate translation: "to receive God's full punishment" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 10 32 tlh3 τὰς πρότερον ἡμέρας 1 the former days "the time in the past" HEB 10 32 p3q3 figs-metaphor φωτισθέντες 1 after you were enlightened Learning the truth is spoken of as if God shined a light on the person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after you learned the truth about Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 32 v25j πολλὴν ἄθλησιν ὑπεμείνατε παθημάτων 1 how you endured a great struggle in suffering "how much suffering you had to endure" HEB 10 33 cig1 figs-activepassive ὀνειδισμοῖς ... καὶ θλίψεσιν θεατριζόμενοι 1 You were exposed to public ridicule by insults and persecution This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People ridiculed you by insulting and persecuting you in public" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 10 33 u1gk κοινωνοὶ τῶν ... γενηθέντες 1 you were sharing with those "you joined those" HEB 10 34 cjr6 figs-metaphor κρείσσονα ὕπαρξιν, καὶ μένουσαν 1 a better and everlasting possession God's eternal blessings are spoken of as a "possession." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 35 xh64 0 General Information: In 10:37 is a quotation from the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament. HEB 10 35 m35c figs-metaphor μὴ ἀποβάλητε οὖν τὴν παρρησίαν ὑμῶν, ἥτις ἔχει μεγάλην μισθαποδοσίαν 1 do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward A person no longer having confidence is spoken of as if the person were to throw confidence away, like a person would discard something worthless. The abstract noun "confidence" can be translated with the adjective "confident" or the adverb "confidently." Alternate translation: "do not stop being confident, because you will receive a great reward for being confident" or "do not stop confidently trusting in God, who will reward you greatly" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 10 37 st8v figs-explicit ἔτι γὰρ μικρὸν ὅσον, ὅσον 1 For in a very little while You can make this explicit. Alternate translation: "As God said in the scriptures, 'For in a very little while" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 10 37 cna2 ἔτι ... μικρὸν ὅσον, ὅσον 1 in a very little while "very soon" HEB 10 38 j2ck 0 General Information: In 10:38 the author quotes from the prophet Habakkuk, which directly follows the quotation from the prophet Isaiah in 10:37. HEB 10 38 j6d1 figs-genericnoun ὁ ... δίκαιός μου ... ἐὰν ὑποστείληται ... ἐν αὐτῷ 1 My righteous one ... If he shrinks ... with him These refer to any of God's people in general. Alternate translation: "My faithful people ... If any one of them shrinks ... with that person" or "My faithful people ... If they shrink ... with them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) HEB 10 38 r8mh ὁ ... δίκαιός μου ... εὐδοκεῖ 1 My righteous ... I will Here "My" and "I" refer to God. HEB 10 38 h5bw ὑποστείληται 1 shrinks back stops doing the good thing he is doing HEB 10 39 i9zh figs-metaphor ὑποστολῆς εἰς ἀπώλειαν 1 who turn back to destruction A person who loses courage and faith are spoken of as if he were stepping back in fear from something. And "destruction" is spoken of as if it were a destination. Alternate translation: "who stop trusting God, which will cause him to destroy us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 10 39 dv8y figs-metaphor εἰς περιποίησιν ψυχῆς 1 for keeping our soul Living eternally with God is spoken of as if it were keeping one's soul. Here "soul" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: ", which will result in us living with God forever" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) HEB 11 intro g4cc 0 # Hebrews 11 General Notes
## Structure

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

## Important concepts in this chapter

### Faith

In both the old and new covenants, God required faith. Some people with faith performed miracles and were very powerful. Other people with faith suffered greatly.
HEB 11 1 a371 0 Connecting Statement: The author tells three things about faith in this brief introduction. HEB 11 1 d95i δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here the author starts to explain the meaning of "faith." HEB 11 1 dne9 ἔστιν ... πίστις ἐλπιζομένων ὑπόστασις 1 faith is being sure of the things hoped for This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when we have faith, we are sure of the things we hope for" or "faith is what allows a person to confidently expect certain things" HEB 11 1 hiq2 ἐλπιζομένων 1 hoped for Here this refers specifically to the sure promises of God, especially the certainty that all believers in Jesus will live with God forever in heaven. HEB 11 1 ybd8 figs-activepassive πραγμάτων ἔλεγχος οὐ βλεπομένων 1 certain of things that are not seen This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that we still have not seen" or "that still have not happened" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 2 smr4 ἐν ταύτῃ γὰρ 1 For because of this "Because they were certain about events that had not happened" HEB 11 2 kmq6 figs-activepassive ἐμαρτυρήθησαν οἱ πρεσβύτεροι 1 the ancestors were approved This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God approved of our ancestors because they had faith" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 2 u66c figs-explicit οἱ πρεσβύτεροι 1 the ancestors The author is speaking to the Hebrews about Hebrew ancestors. Alternate translation: "our ancestors" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 11 3 u5i9 figs-activepassive κατηρτίσθαι τοὺς αἰῶνας ῥήματι Θεοῦ 1 the universe was created by God's command This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God created the universe by commanding it to exist" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 3 e7fs τὸ μὴ ἐκ φαινομένων τὸ βλεπόμενον γεγονέναι 1 what is visible was not made out of things that were visible This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God did not create what we see out of things that were visible" HEB 11 4 w5de 0 Connecting Statement: The writer then gives many examples (mostly from Old Testament writings) of people who lived by faith even though they did not receive what God had promised while they lived on the earth. HEB 11 4 r2m8 figs-activepassive ἐμαρτυρήθη εἶναι δίκαιος 1 he was attested to be righteous This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God declared him to be righteous" or "God declared that Abel was righteous" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 4 g52j figs-metaphor ἔτι λαλεῖ 1 Abel still speaks Reading the scriptures and learning about Abel's faith is spoken of as if Abel himself were still speaking. Alternate translation: "we still learn from what Abel did" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 11 5 r3yl figs-activepassive πίστει Ἑνὼχ μετετέθη, τοῦ μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον 1 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It was by faith that Enoch did not die because God took him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 5 ki2t figs-metaphor ἰδεῖν θάνατον 1 see death This speaks of death as if it were an object that people can see. It means to experience death. Alternate translation: "die" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 11 5 kb5l figs-activepassive πρὸ ... τῆς μεταθέσεως 1 before he was taken up This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "before God took him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 5 jbx2 figs-activepassive μεμαρτύρηται εὐηρεστηκέναι τῷ Θεῷ 1 it was testified that he had pleased God This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "God said that Enoch had pleased him" or 2) "people said that Enoch pleased God." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 6 hd94 χωρὶς δὲ πίστεως 1 Now without faith Here "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. HEB 11 6 r9nb figs-doublenegatives χωρὶς ... πίστεως ἀδύνατον εὐαρεστῆσαι 1 without faith it is impossible to please him This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "a person can please God only if he has faith in God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 11 6 b438 figs-metaphor τὸν προσερχόμενον τῷ Θεῷ 1 that anyone coming to God Wanting to worship God and belong to his people is spoken of as if the person is literally coming to God. Alternate translation: "that anyone who wants to belong to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 11 6 xl5v τοῖς ἐκζητοῦσιν ... μισθαποδότης γίνεται 1 he is a rewarder of those "he rewards those" HEB 11 6 i8e9 figs-metaphor τοῖς ἐκζητοῦσιν αὐτὸν 1 those who seek him Those who learn about God and make an effort to obey him are spoken of as if they were seeking to find him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 11 7 r67b figs-activepassive χρηματισθεὶς 1 having been given a divine message This can be stated in active form and in other terms. Alternate translation: "because God told him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 7 p3pn figs-activepassive περὶ τῶν μηδέπω βλεπομένων 1 about things not yet seen This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "about things no one had ever seen before" or "about events that had not happened yet" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 7 pf7b figs-metonymy τὸν κόσμον 1 the world Here "world" refers to the world's human population. Alternate translation: "the people living in the world at that time" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 11 7 c9yc figs-metaphor τῆς ... δικαιοσύνης, ἐγένετο κληρονόμος 1 became an heir of the righteousness Noah is spoken of as if he were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: "received from God the righteousness" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 11 7 et9l κατὰ πίστιν 1 that is according to faith "that God gives to those who have faith in him" HEB 11 8 a7c2 figs-activepassive καλούμενος 1 when he was called This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when God called him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 8 kkt5 ἐξελθεῖν εἰς τόπον 1 went out to the place "left his home to go to the place" HEB 11 8 d1zf figs-metaphor ὃν ἤμελλεν λαμβάνειν εἰς κληρονομίαν 1 that he was to receive as an inheritance The land that God promised to give Abraham's descendants is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Abraham was to receive. Alternate translation: "that God would give him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 11 8 sq21 ἐξῆλθεν 1 He went out "He left his home" HEB 11 9 pmb6 figs-abstractnouns παρῴκησεν εἰς γῆν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας ὡς ἀλλοτρίαν 1 he lived in the land of promise as a foreigner This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "promise" is expressed as the verb "promised." Alternate translation: "he lived as a foreigner in the land God had promised to him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 11 9 s5fw figs-metaphor τῶν συνκληρονόμων 1 fellow heirs "heirs together." This speaks about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as if they were heirs that would receive an inheritance from their father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 11 10 f3z8 figs-metonymy τὴν τοὺς θεμελίους ἔχουσαν πόλιν 1 the city with foundations "the city that has foundations." Having foundations indicates that the city is permanent. Alternate translation: "the eternal city" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 11 10 fd98 ἧς τεχνίτης καὶ δημιουργὸς ὁ Θεός 1 whose architect and builder is God "which is designed and built by God" or "which God would design and build" HEB 11 10 ufe6 τεχνίτης 1 architect a person who designs buildings and cities HEB 11 11 ks44 0 General Information: Many versions interpret this verse as referring to Sarah, and others interpret it as referring to Abraham. HEB 11 11 mk6i πίστει καὶ αὐτῇ Σάρρᾳ δύναμιν εἰς καταβολὴν σπέρματος ἔλαβεν, καὶ παρὰ καιρὸν ἡλικίας, ἐπεὶ ... ἡγήσατο 1 It was by faith, even though Sarah herself was barren, that Abraham received ability to father a child. This happened even though he was too old, since he considered Some versions interpret this verse as referring to Sarah. "By faith Sarah, herself also barren, received power to bear children even beyond the time of maturity, since she considered" HEB 11 11 mtf2 figs-abstractnouns πίστει 1 It was by faith The abstract noun "faith" can be expressed with the verb "believe." Possible meanings are 1) it was by Abraham's faith. Alternate translation: "It was because Abraham believed God" or 2) it was by Sarah's faith. Alternate translation: "It was because Sarah believed God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 11 11 dgu6 δύναμιν εἰς καταβολὴν σπέρματος ἔλαβεν 1 received ability to father a child "received ability to become a father" or "received ability to have a child" HEB 11 11 wgp6 ἐπεὶ πιστὸν ἡγήσατο τὸν ἐπαγγειλάμενον 1 since she considered as faithful the one who had given the promise "because he believed God, who had give the promise, to be faithful" HEB 11 12 x8b2 figs-simile ἐγεννήθησαν ... “καθὼς τὰ ἄστρα τοῦ οὐρανοῦ τῷ πλήθει, καὶ ὡς ἡ ἄμμος, ἡ παρὰ τὸ χεῖλος τῆς θαλάσσης, ἡ ἀναρίθμητος 1 descendants as many as the stars in the sky and as countless as sand by the seashore This simile means Abraham had very many descendants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) HEB 11 12 mu4e ὡς ἡ ἄμμος, ἡ παρὰ τὸ χεῖλος τῆς θαλάσσης, ἡ ἀναρίθμητος 1 as countless as sand by the seashore This means that just as there are so many grains of sand on the seashore that no one can count them all, Abraham had so many descendants that no one can count them all. HEB 11 13 yin6 figs-metaphor μὴ λαβόντες τὰς ἐπαγγελίας 1 without receiving the promises This speaks of promises as if they are objects that a person receives. Alternate translation: "without receiving what God had promised them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 11 13 g5ut figs-metaphor πόρρωθεν αὐτὰς ἰδόντες καὶ ἀσπασάμενοι 1 after seeing and greeting them from far off Future promised events are spoken of as if they were travelers arriving from far away. Alternate translation: "after learning what God will do in the future" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 11 13 n71b ὁμολογήσαντες 1 they admitted "they acknowledged" or "they accepted" HEB 11 13 q1nq figs-doublet ξένοι καὶ παρεπίδημοί εἰσιν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 they were foreigners and exiles on earth Here "foreigners" and "exiles" mean basically the same thing. This emphasizes that this earth was not their true home. They were waiting for their true home that God would make for them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) HEB 11 14 xwa4 πατρίδα 1 a homeland "a country for them to belong to" HEB 11 16 ea1a ἐπουρανίου 1 heavenly one "heavenly country" or "country in heaven" HEB 11 16 cvh1 figs-activepassive οὐκ ἐπαισχύνεται αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς, Θεὸς ἐπικαλεῖσθαι αὐτῶν 1 God is not ashamed to be called their God This can be expressed in active and positive form. Alternate translation: "God is happy to have them call him their God" or "God is proud to have them say that he is their God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) HEB 11 17 bk7a figs-activepassive πειραζόμενος 1 when he was tested This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when God tested him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 18 wy2j figs-activepassive πρὸς ὃν ἐλαλήθη 1 to whom it had been said This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to whom God said" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 18 c23z figs-activepassive κληθήσεταί σοι σπέρμα 1 your descendants will be named Here "named" means assigned or designated. This sentence can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I will designate your descendants" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 11 19 p43u ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγείρειν δυνατὸς ὁ Θεός 1 God was able to raise up Isaac from the dead "God was able to cause Isaac to live again" HEB 11 19 sar1 ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγείρειν 1 to raise up ... from the dead In this verse, "to raise up" is to make alive again. The words "from the dead" speak of all dead people together in the underworld. HEB 11 19 aea3 ἐν παραβολῇ 1 figuratively speaking "in a manner of speaking." This means that what the author says next is not to be understood literally. God did not bring Isaac back from death literally. But because Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac when God stopped him, it was as if God brought him back from the dead. HEB 11 19 k7u3 ὅθεν αὐτὸν 1 from there "it was from the dead" HEB 11 19 g19x αὐτὸν ... ἐκομίσατο 1 he received him back "Abraham received Isaac back" HEB 11 21 sg26 Ἰακὼβ ... προσεκύνησεν 1 Jacob worshiped "Jacob worshiped God" HEB 11 22 lkp6 figs-euphemism τελευτῶν 1 when his end was near Here "his end" is a polite way of referring to death. Alternate translation: "when he was about to die" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) HEB 11 22 hhs3 περὶ τῆς ἐξόδου τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραὴλ ἐμνημόνευσεν 1 spoke of the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt "spoke of when the children of Israel would leave Egypt" HEB 11 22 t6i5 τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραὴλ 1 the sons of Israel "the Israelites" or "the descendants of Israel" HEB 11 22 nl1i figs-explicit περὶ τῶν ὀστέων αὐτοῦ ἐνετείλατο 1 instructed them about his bones Joseph died while in Egypt. He wanted his people to take his bones with them when they left Egypt so they could bury his bones in the land that God promised them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 11 23 g2wx figs-activepassive Μωϋσῆς, γεννηθεὶς, ἐκρύβη τρίμηνον ὑπὸ τῶν πατέρων αὐτοῦ 1 Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 24 h5wz μέγας γενόμενος 1 had grown up "had become an adult" HEB 11 24 mq2x figs-activepassive ἠρνήσατο λέγεσθαι 1 refused to be called This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "refused to allow people to call him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 26 i9sc figs-abstractnouns τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 the disgrace of following Christ This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "disgrace" is express as the verb "disrespect." Alternate translation: "the experience of people disrespecting him because he did what Christ would want" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 11 26 xq6t figs-metaphor τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 following Christ Obeying Christ is spoken of as if it were following him down a path. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 11 26 t588 figs-metaphor ἀπέβλεπεν ... εἰς τὴν μισθαποδοσίαν 1 fixing his eyes on his reward Fully concentrating on achieving a goal is spoken of as if a person were staring at an object and refusing to look away. Alternate translation: "doing what he knew would earn him a reward in heaven" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 11 27 rc43 figs-simile τὸν ... ἀόρατον ὡς ὁρῶν, ἐκαρτέρησεν 1 he endured as if he were seeing the one who is invisible Moses is spoken of as if he saw God, who is invisible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) HEB 11 27 cc8w τὸν ... ἀόρατον 1 the one who is invisible "the one no one can see" HEB 11 28 tz7k πεποίηκεν τὸ Πάσχα καὶ τὴν πρόσχυσιν τοῦ αἵματος 1 he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood This was the first Passover. Moses kept it by obeying God's commands concerning the Passover and by commanding the people to obey them every year. Alternate translation: "he commanded the people to obey God's commands concerning the Passover and to sprinkle blood on their doors" or "he established the Passover and the sprinkling of blood" HEB 11 28 bef7 figs-explicit τὴν πρόσχυσιν τοῦ αἵματος 1 the sprinkling of the blood This refers to God's command to the Israelites to kill a lamb and spread its blood on the doorposts of every house where Israelites lived. This would prevent the destroyer from harming their firstborn sons. This was one of the Passover commands. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 11 28 bm2f figs-metonymy μὴ ... θίγῃ 1 should not touch Here "touch" refers to harming or to killing someone. Alternate translation: "would not harm" or "would not kill" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 11 29 z2yj 0 General Information: Here the first word "they" refers to the Israelites, the second "they" refers to the Egyptians, the third "they" refers to the walls of Jericho. HEB 11 29 a67h διέβησαν τὴν Ἐρυθρὰν Θάλασσαν 1 they passed through the Sea of Reeds "the Israelites passed through the Sea of Reeds" HEB 11 29 hq2y figs-activepassive κατεπόθησαν 1 they were swallowed up This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the water swallowed up the Egyptians" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 29 kmy8 figs-personification κατεπόθησαν 1 they were swallowed up The water is spoken of as if it were an animal. Alternate translation: "the Egyptians drowned in the water" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 11 30 lnw4 figs-activepassive κυκλωθέντα ἐπὶ ἑπτὰ ἡμέρας 1 they had been circled around for seven days This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Israelites had marched around them for seven days" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 30 dw7v translate-numbers ἑπτὰ ἡμέρας 1 seven days "7 days" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) HEB 11 31 ftc8 δεξαμένη τοὺς κατασκόπους μετ’ εἰρήνης 1 had received the spies in peace "had peacefully received the spies" HEB 11 32 f7ip 0 Connecting Statement: The writer continues to speak of what God did for the ancestors of the people of Israel. HEB 11 32 rh6y figs-rquestion τί ἔτι λέγω? 1 What more can I say? The author uses a question to emphasize that there are many examples that he could have quoted. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "And there are many more examples." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 11 32 bs7h ἐπιλείψει ... με ... ὁ χρόνος 1 the time will fail me "I will not have enough time" HEB 11 32 ni55 translate-names Βαράκ 1 Barak This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) HEB 11 33 f3jx οἳ διὰ πίστεως 1 It was through faith Here "they" does not mean that each person listed in 11:32 did all the things the author is about to mention. The author means in general these are the kinds of things that those with faith were able to do. Alternate translation: "It was through faith that men like these" HEB 11 33 v5w8 οἳ ... κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας 1 they conquered kingdoms Here "kingdoms" refers to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: "they defeated the people of foreign kingdoms" HEB 11 33 u2su figs-metaphor ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων 1 They stopped the mouths of lions These words begin a list of some of the ways God saved believers from death. Alternate translation: "They kept lions from eating them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 11 34 j6sv figs-metaphor ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρης 1 extinguished the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword These are some of the ways God saved believers from death. Alternate translation: "they kept fire from burning them, they kept their enemies from killing them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 11 34 iri4 figs-activepassive ἐδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας 1 were healed of illnesses This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "received healing from God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 34 sy63 ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ ... ἔκλιναν 1 became mighty in battle, and defeated "and they became mighty in battle and defeated" HEB 11 35 t9sp figs-abstractnouns ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν 1 Women received back their dead by resurrection This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "resurrection." The word "dead" is a nominal adjective. It can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Women received back alive those who had died" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) HEB 11 35 ne1u figs-activepassive ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν 1 Others were tortured, not accepting release It is implied that their enemies would have released them from prison under certain conditions. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Others accepted torture rather than release from prison" or "Others allowed their enemies to torture them rather than doing what their enemies required of them in order to release them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 11 35 faq3 ἐτυμπανίσθησαν 1 tortured made to suffer great mental or physical pain HEB 11 35 jyw7 κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως 1 a better resurrection Possible meanings are 1) these people will experience a better life in heaven than what they experienced in this world or 2) these people will have a better resurrection than those who did not have faith. Those with faith will live forever with God. Those without faith will live forever separated from God. HEB 11 36 e9al figs-activepassive ἕτεροι ... ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον 1 Others had testing in mocking and whippings These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People mocked and whipped others" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 36 nx7u figs-abstractnouns ἕτεροι ... ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς 1 Others had testing in mocking and whippings, and even chains and imprisonment This can be reworded so that the abstract nouns are expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: "God tested others by allowing their enemies to mock and whip them and even put them in chains and imprison them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 11 37 fg8c figs-activepassive ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρης ἀπέθανον 1 They were stoned. They were sawn in two. They were killed with the sword These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People mocked and whipped others ... People threw stones at others. People sawed others in two. People killed others with the sword" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 37 r3gx περιῆλθον 1 went about "went from place to place" or "lived all the time" HEB 11 37 qf89 ἐν μηλωταῖς ἐν αἰγίοις δέρμασιν 1 in sheepskins and goatskins "wearing only the skins of sheep and goats" HEB 11 37 x2jf ὑστερούμενοι 1 destitute "They had nothing" or "They were very poor" HEB 11 38 a721 figs-metonymy οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος 1 The world was not worthy Here "world" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "The people of this world were not worthy" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 11 38 j9lp πλανώμενοι 1 They wandered about This was because they had no place to live. HEB 11 38 li8j σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς 1 caves and holes in the ground "caves, and some lived in holes in the ground" HEB 11 39 l5wd figs-activepassive οὗτοι πάντες μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως, οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν 1 Although all these people were approved by God because of their faith, they did not receive the promise This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God honored all these because of their faith, but they did not themselves receive what God had promised" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 11 39 vgw2 figs-metonymy τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν 1 the promise This expression stands for "what God had promised them." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 11 40 p9uu figs-activepassive ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσιν 1 so that without us, they would not be made perfect This can be stated in positive and active form. Alternate translation: "in order that God would perfect us and them together" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 intro h1qb 0 # Hebrews 12 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

After telling of the value discipline, the author begins a series of exhortations. (See; [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/exhort]])

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 12:5-6, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Discipline

God wants his people to do what is right. When they do what is wrong, he needs to correct or punish them. He does this just as earthly fathers correct and punish children whom they love. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/discipline]])
HEB 12 1 jg6w figs-inclusive 0 General Information: The words "we" and "us" refer to the author and his readers. The word "you" is plural and here refers to the readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) HEB 12 1 k8mr 0 Connecting Statement: Because of this great number of Old Testament believers, the author talks of the life of faith that believers should live with Jesus as their example. HEB 12 1 f6u9 figs-metaphor ἡμεῖς, τοσοῦτον ἔχοντες περικείμενον ἡμῖν νέφος μαρτύρων 1 we are surrounded by such a large cloud of witnesses The writer speaks about the Old Testament believers as if they were a cloud that surrounded the present-day believers. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "such a large cloud of witnesses surrounds us" or "there are so many examples of faithful people about whom we learn in the scriptures" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 1 hf97 μαρτύρων 1 witnesses Here "witnesses" refers to the Old Testament believers in chapter 11 who lived before the race of faith that believers now run. HEB 12 1 yw1t figs-metaphor ὄγκον ἀποθέμενοι πάντα καὶ τὴν εὐπερίστατον ἁμαρτίαν 1 let us lay aside every weight and easily entangling sin Here "weight" and "easily entangling sin" are spoken of as if a person could take them off himself and put them down. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 1 zln7 figs-metaphor ὄγκον ... πάντα 1 every weight Attitudes or habits that keep believers from trusting and obeying God are spoken of as if they were loads that would make it difficult for a person to carry while running. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 1 t6wu figs-metaphor τὴν εὐπερίστατον ἁμαρτίαν 1 easily entangling sin Sin is spoken of as if it were a net or something else that can trip people up and make them fall. Alternate translation: "sin that makes obeying God difficult" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 1 g5dn figs-metaphor τρέχωμεν τὸν προκείμενον ἡμῖν ἀγῶνα 1 Let us patiently run the race that is placed before us Following Jesus is spoken of as if it were running a race. Alternate translation: "Let us continue obeying what God has commanded us, just like a runner keeps going until the race is over" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 2 a946 τὸν τῆς πίστεως ἀρχηγὸν καὶ τελειωτὴν 1 the founder and perfecter of the faith Jesus gives us faith and makes our faith perfect by causing us to reach our goal. Alternate translation: "creator and finisher of our faith" or "the one who enables us to have faith from beginning to end" HEB 12 2 za14 figs-metaphor ἀντὶ τῆς προκειμένης αὐτῷ χαρᾶς 1 For the joy that was placed before him The joy that Jesus would experience is spoken of as if God the Father had placed it before him as a goal to reach. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 2 y7me αἰσχύνης καταφρονήσας 1 despised its shame This means he was not concerned about the shame of dying on a cross. HEB 12 2 vm9b translate-symaction ἐν δεξιᾷ τε τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ Θεοῦ κεκάθικεν 1 sat down at the right hand of the throne of God To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Hebrews 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: "sat down at the place of honor and authority beside the throne of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) HEB 12 3 i1xl figs-metonymy κάμητε ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν 1 weary in your hearts Here "hearts" represents a person's thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "discouraged" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 12 4 q1w8 0 Connecting Statement: The author of Hebrews has been comparing the Christian life to a race. HEB 12 4 b9b7 figs-personification οὔπω ... ἀντικατέστητε, πρὸς τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ἀνταγωνιζόμενοι 1 You have not yet resisted or struggled against sin Here "sin" is spoken of as if it were a person whom someone fights in a battle. Alternate translation: "You have not yet had to endure attacks of sinners" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 12 4 i4ip figs-metaphor μέχρις αἵματος 1 to the point of blood Resisting opposition so much that one dies for it is spoken of as if one reached a certain place where he would die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 4 uwg6 figs-metonymy αἵματος 1 of blood Here "blood" refers to death. Alternate translation: "of death" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 12 5 y6cv figs-personification τῆς παρακλήσεως ἥτις ὑμῖν ... διαλέγεται 1 the encouragement that instructs you Old Testament scripture is spoken of as if it were a person who could encourage others. Alternate translation: "what God has instructed you in the scriptures to encourage you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) HEB 12 5 e6a9 figs-gendernotations ὡς υἱοῖς ... υἱέ μου 1 as sons ... My son The word translated "sons" and "son" is specifically the word for a male child. In that culture the family line continued through the sons, not normally through the daughters. However, as stated by the UST and some English versions, the author is directing his words to both males and females. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 12 5 a7vf υἱέ μου ... ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ ἐλεγχόμενος 1 My son ... corrected by him Here the author is quoting from the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament, which was the words of Solomon to his male children. HEB 12 5 cxe9 figs-litotes μὴ ὀλιγώρει παιδείας Κυρίου, μηδὲ ἐκλύου 1 do not think lightly of the Lord's discipline, nor grow weary This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "take it very seriously when the Lord disciplines you, and do not grow weary" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) HEB 12 5 cjq5 μηδὲ ἐκλύου 1 nor grow weary "and do not become discouraged" HEB 12 5 i1a6 figs-activepassive ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ ἐλεγχόμενος 1 you are corrected by him This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he corrects you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 6 zu3c πάντα υἱὸν ὃν παραδέχεται 1 every son whom he receives The word translated "son" is specifically the word for a male child. In that culture the family line continued through the sons, not normally through the daughters. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations) HEB 12 7 y3z3 εἰς παιδείαν ὑπομένετε 1 Endure suffering as discipline "Understand that during suffering God teaches us discipline" HEB 12 7 v1gu figs-simile ὡς υἱοῖς ὑμῖν προσφέρεται ὁ Θεός 1 God deals with you as with sons This compares God disciplining his people to a father disciplining his sons. You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "God deals with you the same way a father deals with his sons" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) HEB 12 7 i3k4 figs-gendernotations ὑμῖν ... υἱὸς 1 sons ... son All occurrences of these words may be stated to include males and females. Alternate translation: "children ... child" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 12 7 jb38 figs-rquestion τίς γὰρ υἱὸς ὃν οὐ παιδεύει πατήρ? 1 what son is there whom his father does not discipline? The author makes the point throught this question that every good father disciplines his children. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "every father disciplines his children!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) HEB 12 8 kwc6 figs-abstractnouns εἰ δὲ χωρίς ἐστε παιδείας, ἧς μέτοχοι γεγόνασι πάντες 1 But if you are without discipline, which all people share in You can restate the abstract noun "discipline" as the verb "disciplining." Alternate translation: "So if you have not experienced God disciplining you like he disciplines all his children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 12 8 s5u9 figs-metaphor ἄρα νόθοι καὶ οὐχ υἱοί ἐστε 1 then you are illegitimate and not his sons Those whom God does not discipline are spoken of as if they are sons born to a man and a woman who are not married each other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 9 r4lb figs-exclamations πολὺ ... μᾶλλον ὑποταγησόμεθα τῷ Πατρὶ τῶν πνευμάτων, καὶ ζήσομεν? 1 How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! The author uses an exclamation to emphasize that we should obey God the Father. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "Therefore even more so, we should obey the Father of spirits and live." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) HEB 12 9 cl95 figs-idiom τῷ Πατρὶ τῶν πνευμάτων 1 the Father of spirits This idiom contrasts with "fathers in the flesh." Alternate translation: "our spiritual Father" or "our Father in heaven" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) HEB 12 9 pem8 καὶ ζήσομεν 1 and live "so that we will live" HEB 12 10 l1a3 figs-metaphor εἰς τὸ μεταλαβεῖν τῆς ἁγιότητος αὐτοῦ 1 so that we can share in his holiness This metaphor speaks of "holiness" as if it were an object that can be shared among people. Alternate translation: "so that we may become holy as God is holy" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 11 g13e figs-metaphor καρπὸν εἰρηνικὸν ... ἀποδίδωσιν δικαιοσύνης 1 it produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness "Fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate translation: "it produces the peaceful result of righteousness" or "it produces righteousness, which results in peace" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 11 xbg8 figs-personification τοῖς δι’ αὐτῆς γεγυμνασμένοις 1 who have been trained by it "who have been trained by discipline." The discipline or correction done by the Lord is spoken of as if it were the Lord himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God has trained by disciplining them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 12 cvp9 figs-metaphor τὰς παρειμένας χεῖρας καὶ τὰ παραλελυμένα γόνατα ἀνορθώσατε 1 strengthen your hands that hang down and your weak knees. Possibly this continues the metaphor about the race in [Hebrews 12:1](../12/01.md). It is in this way that the author speaks about living as Christians and helping others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 13 yi9n figs-metaphor τροχιὰς ὀρθὰς ποιεῖτε τοῖς ποσὶν ὑμῶν 1 Make straight paths for your feet Possibly this continues the metaphor about the race in [Hebrews 12:1](../12/01.md). It is in this way that the author speaks about living as Christians and helping others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 13 qmq7 figs-metaphor τροχιὰς ὀρθὰς 1 straight paths Living so as to honor and please God is spoken of as if it were a straight path to follow. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 13 i19d figs-metaphor μὴ τὸ χωλὸν ἐκτραπῇ 1 what is lame will not be sprained In this metaphor of running a race, "lame" represents another person in the race who is hurt and wants to quit. This, in turn, represent the Christians themselves. Alternate translation: "whoever is weak and wants to quit will not sprain his ankle" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 13 euf9 figs-metaphor μὴ ... ἐκτραπῇ 1 will not be sprained Someone who stops obeying God is spoken of as if he injured his foot or ankle on a path. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will not sprain his ankle" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 13 wq18 figs-metaphor ἰαθῇ ... μᾶλλον 1 rather be healed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "instead become strong" or "instead God will heal him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 14 b6ef 0 General Information: The man Esau, who was told about in the writings of Moses, refers to Isaac's first son and Jacob's brother. HEB 12 14 h45r figs-metaphor εἰρήνην διώκετε μετὰ πάντων 1 Pursue peace with everyone Here the abstract noun "peace" is spoken of as if it were something that a person must chase after and can be translated with an adverb. Alternate translation: "Try to live peacefully with everyone" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 12 14 pa9a figs-doublenegatives καὶ τὸν ἁγιασμόν, οὗ χωρὶς οὐδεὶς ὄψεται τὸν Κύριον 1 also the holiness without which no one will see the Lord This can be expressed as a positive encouragement. Alternate translation: "also work hard to be holy, because only holy people will see the Lord" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 12 14 v9z7 figs-ellipsis καὶ τὸν ἁγιασμόν 1 also the holiness You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "also pursue the holiness" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) HEB 12 15 at8j μή τις ὑστερῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ' τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 no one lacks God's grace "no one receives God's grace and then lets go of it" or "no one rejects God's grace after first trusting in him" HEB 12 15 nh7g figs-metaphor μή τις ῥίζα πικρίας ἄνω φύουσα ἐνοχλῇ, καὶ δι’ αὐτῆς μιανθῶσιν πολλοί 1 that no root of bitterness grows up to cause trouble, so that many do not become polluted by it Hateful or resentful attitudes are spoken of as if they were a plant bitter to the taste. Alternate translation: "that no one becomes like a bitter root, which when it grows causes trouble and harms many people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 17 j6x8 figs-activepassive ἀπεδοκιμάσθη 1 he was rejected This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his father, Isaac, refused to bless him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 17 d6he figs-abstractnouns μετανοίας γὰρ τόπον οὐχ εὗρεν 1 because he found no opportunity for repentance The abstract noun "repentance" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "because it was not possible for him to repent" or "because it was not possible for him to change his decision" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) HEB 12 17 b7k3 καίπερ μετὰ δακρύων ἐκζητήσας αὐτήν 1 even though he sought it with tears Here "he" refers to Esau. HEB 12 18 y1ed 0 General Information: The words "you" and "You" refer to the Hebrew believers to whom the author wrote. The word "they" refers to people of Israel after Moses led them out of Egypt. The first quotation comes from the writings of Moses. God reveals in this passage in Hebrews that Moses said he shook at seeing the mountain. HEB 12 18 xti4 0 Connecting Statement: The author gives a contrast between what believers in Moses' time had while living under the law and what present day believers have after coming to Jesus under the new covenant. He illustrates the experience of the Israelites by describing how God appeared to them at Mount Sinai. HEB 12 18 a43l figs-explicit οὐ γὰρ προσεληλύθατε, ψηλαφωμένῳ 1 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched The implicit information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "For you have not come, as the people of Israel came, to a mountain that can be touched" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 12 18 w6j6 figs-activepassive προσεληλύθατε 1 that can be touched This means that believers in Christ have not come to a physical mountain like Mount Sinai that a person can touch or see. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that a person can touch" or "that people can perceive with their senses" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 19 s3x2 σάλπιγγος ἤχῳ 1 You have not come to a trumpet blast "You have not come to a place where there is the loud sound of a trumpet" HEB 12 19 x2qk figs-metonymy καὶ φωνῇ ῥημάτων, ἧς οἱ ἀκούσαντες παρῃτήσαντο, μὴ προστεθῆναι αὐτοῖς λόγον 1 nor to a voice that speaks words whose hearers begged that not another word be spoken to them Here "voice" refers to someone speaking. The phrase "be spoken" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "or where God was speaking in such a way that those who heard him begged him not to speak another word to them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 20 p7qu figs-activepassive τὸ διαστελλόμενον 1 what was commanded This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what God commanded" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 20 x31x figs-activepassive λιθοβοληθήσεται 1 it must be stoned This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must stone it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 22 w9jj 0 General Information: The man Abel was the son of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. Cain, also their son, murdered Abel. HEB 12 22 r9dz figs-metaphor Σιὼν Ὄρει 1 Mount Zion The writer speaks of Mount Zion, the temple mount in Jerusalem, as if it were heaven itself, the residence of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 22 k1kv μυριάσιν ἀγγέλων 1 tens of thousands of angels "an uncountable number of angels" HEB 12 23 j94e figs-metaphor πρωτοτόκων 1 the firstborn This speaks of believers in Christ as if they were firstborn sons. This emphasizes their special place and privilege as God's people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 23 km4a figs-activepassive ἀπογεγραμμένων ἐν οὐρανοῖς 1 registered in heaven "whose names are written in heaven." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whose names God has written in heaven" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 23 i7qb figs-activepassive τετελειωμένων 1 who have been made perfect This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God has made perfect" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 24 kq1v διαθήκης νέας μεσίτῃ 1 the mediator of a new covenant This means Jesus caused the new covenant between God and humans to exist. See how you translated this phrase in [Hebrews 9:15](../09/15.md). HEB 12 24 nz8l figs-personification αἵματι ῥαντισμοῦ, κρεῖττον λαλοῦντι παρὰ τὸν Ἂβελ 1 the sprinkled blood that speaks better than Abel's blood The blood of Jesus and the blood of Abel are spoken of as if they were people calling out. Alternate translation: "the sprinkled blood of Jesus that says better things than the blood of Abel" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 12 24 z7uq figs-metonymy αἵματι 1 blood Here "blood" stands for Jesus' death, as Abel's blood stands for his death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 12 25 pnn5 figs-you 0 General Information: This quotation is from the prophet Haggai in the Old Testament. The word "you" continues to refer to believers. The word "we" continues to refer to the writer and the readers who are believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) HEB 12 25 c9cn 0 Connecting Statement: Having contrasted the Israelites' experience at Mount Sinai with the believers' experience after Christ died, the writer reminds believers that they have the same God who warns them today. This is the fifth main warning given to believers. HEB 12 25 nnk9 figs-doublenegatives μὴ παραιτήσησθε τὸν λαλοῦντα 1 you do not refuse the one who is speaking This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "you pay attention to the one who is speaking" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) HEB 12 25 gkn1 figs-explicit εἰ ... ἐκεῖνοι οὐκ ἐξέφυγον 1 if they did not escape The implicit information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "if the people of Israel did not escape judgment" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 12 25 fy9u ἐπὶ γῆς ... τὸν χρηματίζοντα 1 the one who warned them on earth Possible meanings are 1) "Moses, who warned them here on earth" or 2) "God, who warned them at Mount Sinai" HEB 12 25 s5lj figs-metaphor ἡμεῖς οἱ τὸν ἀπ’ οὐρανῶν ἀποστρεφόμενοι 1 if we turn away from the one who is warning Disobeying God is spoken of as if a person were changing direction and walking away from him. Alternate translation: "if we disobey the one who is warning" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 12 26 rf4e οὗ ἡ φωνὴ τὴν γῆν ἐσάλευσεν 1 his voice shook the earth "when God spoke, the sound of his voice caused the earth to shake" HEB 12 26 i1c8 ἐσάλευσεν ... σείσω 1 shook ... shake Use the word for what an earthquake does in moving the ground. This refers back to [Hebrews 12:18-21](./18.md) and what happened when the people saw the mountain where Moses received the law from God. HEB 12 27 ylq9 0 General Information: Here the quotation from the prophet Haggai is repeated from the previous verse. HEB 12 27 z6ys figs-abstractnouns δηλοῖ τῶν σαλευομένων μετάθεσιν, ὡς πεποιημένων 1 mean the removal of those things that can be shaken, that is, of the things The abstract noun "removal" can be translated with the verb "remove." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "mean that God will remove the things that he can shake, that is, the things" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 27 l29r τῶν σαλευομένων 1 shaken Use the word for what an earthquake does in moving the ground. This refers back to [Hebrews 12:18-21](./18.md) and what happened when the people saw the mountain where Moses received the law from God. See how you translated "shook" and "shake" in [Hebrews 12:26](../12/26.md). HEB 12 27 s3xt figs-activepassive πεποιημένων 1 that have been created This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God has created" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 27 ta84 figs-activepassive τὰ μὴ σαλευόμενα 1 the things that cannot be shaken This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the things that do not shake" or "the things that cannot shake" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 27 zr9x figs-activepassive τὰ μὴ σαλευόμενα 1 that cannot be shaken This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that does not shake" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 12 28 m44c writing-connectingwords βασιλείαν ... παραλαμβάνοντες 1 receiving a kingdom You can add the words "because we are" to make clear the logical connection between this statement and the next statement. Alternate translation: "because we are receiving a kingdom" or "because God is making us members of his kingdom" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-connectingwords]]) HEB 12 28 btf6 ἔχωμεν χάριν 1 let us be grateful "let us give thanks" HEB 12 28 f382 figs-doublet μετὰ εὐλαβείας καὶ δέους 1 with reverence and awe The words "reverence" and "awe" share similar meanings and emphasize the greatness of reverence due to God. Alternate translation: "with great respect and dread" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) HEB 12 29 f899 figs-metaphor ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν πῦρ καταναλίσκον 1 our God is a consuming fire God is spoken of here as if he were a fire that can burn up anything. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 13 intro c8gg 0 # Hebrews 13 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

The author finishes the list of exhortations he began in chapter 12. Then he asks the readers to pray for him and ends the letter.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 13:6, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Hospitality

God wants his people to invite other people to come to their homes to eat food and even to sleep. His people should do this even if they do not know well the people they are inviting. In the Old Testament, Abraham and his nephew Lot both showed hospitality to people they did not know. Abraham served a costly meal to them, and then Lot invited them to sleep in his house. They learned later that those people were actually angels.
HEB 13 1 sf1n 0 Connecting Statement: In this closing section, the author gives specific instructions to believers on how they are supposed to live. HEB 13 1 g819 ἡ φιλαδελφία μενέτω 1 Let brotherly love continue "Continue to show your love for other believers as you would for a member of your family" HEB 13 2 rh7r figs-litotes μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε 1 Do not forget This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Be sure to remember" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) HEB 13 2 y7cd φιλοξενίας 1 hospitality "to welcome and show kindness to strangers" HEB 13 3 mx5r figs-activepassive ὡς συνδεδεμένοι 1 as if you were bound with them This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as if you were tied up along with them" or "as if you were in prison with them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 13 3 d3ze figs-activepassive τῶν κακουχουμένων 1 who are mistreated This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom others are mistreating" or "who are suffering" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 13 3 g4ap figs-activepassive ὡς καὶ αὐτοὶ ὄντες ἐν σώματι 1 as if you also were them in the body This phrase encourages believers to think about other people's suffering as they would think about their own suffering. Alternate translation: "as if you were the one suffering" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 13 4 ix27 figs-activepassive τίμιος ὁ γάμος ἐν πᾶσιν 1 Let marriage be respected by everyone This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Men and women who are married to each other must respect each other" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 13 4 ix79 figs-euphemism ἡ κοίτη ἀμίαντος 1 Let the marriage bed be pure This refers to the act of sexual union as if it were only the bed of a married couple. Alternate translation: "Let husbands and wives honor their marriage relationship to one another and not sleep with other people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 5 sz35 ἀφιλάργυρος ὁ τρόπος 1 Let your conduct be free from the love of money Here "conduct" refers to a person's character or the way he lives, and "free from the love of money" refers to not greatly desiring to have more money. A person who loves money is not content with the amount of money he has. Alternate translation: "Let your conduct not be affected by the love of money" or "Do not greatly wish to have more money" HEB 13 5 n19c ἀρκούμενοι 1 Be content "Be satisfied" HEB 13 6 c8w6 figs-explicit Κύριος ἐμοὶ βοηθός ... ποιήσει μοι ἄνθρωπος 1 The Lord is my helper ... do to me This is a quotation from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) HEB 13 6 q8ie figs-rquestion οὐ φοβηθήσομαι; τί ποιήσει μοι ἄνθρωπος? 1 I will not be afraid. What can a man do to me? The author uses a question to emphasize that he does not fear people because God is helping him. Here "man" means any person in general. Alternate translation: "I will not fear what any person can do to me!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 13 7 e6b5 τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 God's word "what God has said" HEB 13 7 ym9m τὴν ἔκβασιν τῆς ἀναστροφῆς 1 the result of their conduct "the outcome of the way they behave" HEB 13 7 tvu6 figs-metonymy μιμεῖσθε τὴν πίστιν 1 Imitate their faith Here the trust in God and the way of life led by these leaders are spoken of as "their faith." Alternate translation: "Trust and obey God in the same way they do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 8 dv5g figs-metonymy ἐχθὲς καὶ σήμερον, ὁ αὐτός, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας 1 is the same yesterday, today, and forever Here "yesterday" means all times in the past. Alternate translation: "is the same in the past, the present, and in the future forever" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 9 y92c 0 General Information: This section refers to animal sacrifices made by believers in God in Old Testament times, which covered their sins temporarily until the death of Christ came about. HEB 13 9 dp5w figs-metaphor διδαχαῖς ποικίλαις καὶ ξέναις, μὴ παραφέρεσθε 1 Do not be carried away by various strange teachings Being persuaded by various teachings is spoken of as if a person were being carried away by a force. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let others persuade you to believe their various strange teachings" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 13 9 fe6i διδαχαῖς ποικίλαις καὶ ξέναις 1 various strange teachings "many, different teachings that are not the good news we told you" HEB 13 9 tmt1 figs-metaphor καλὸν ... χάριτι βεβαιοῦσθαι τὴν καρδίαν, οὐ βρώμασιν, ἐν οἷς οὐκ ὠφελήθησαν οἱ περιπατοῦντες 1 it is good that the heart should be strengthened by grace, not by foods that do not help those who walk by them This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we become stronger when we think of how God has been kind to us, but we do not become stronger by obeying rules about food" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 13 9 t28u figs-metonymy βεβαιοῦσθαι τὴν καρδίαν 1 the heart should be strengthened Here "heart" is a metonym for the "inner being." Alternate translation: "we should be strengthened inwardly" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 9 ar93 figs-metonymy βρώμασιν 1 foods Here "foods" stands for rules about food. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 9 kf3b figs-metaphor οἱ περιπατοῦντες 1 those who walk by them Living is spoken of as if it were walking. Alternate translation: "those who live by them" or "those who regulate their lives by them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 13 10 jjy3 figs-metonymy ἔχομεν θυσιαστήριον 1 We have an altar Here "altar" stands for "place of worship." It also stands for the animals that the priests in the old covenant sacrificed, from which they took meat for themselves and their families. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 11 luf7 figs-activepassive ὧν ... εἰσφέρεται ζῴων τὸ αἷμα περὶ ἁμαρτίας εἰς τὰ ἅγια διὰ τοῦ ἀρχιερέως 1 the blood of the animals killed for sins is brought by the high priest into the holy place This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the high priest brings into the holy place the blood of the animals that the priests killed for sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 13 11 iv19 figs-activepassive τούτων τὰ σώματα κατακαίεται 1 while their bodies are burned This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "while the priests burn the animals' bodies" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 13 11 f7nb ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς 1 outside the camp "away from where the people lived" HEB 13 12 x48h 0 Connecting Statement: There is a comparison here between Jesus' sacrifice and the tabernacle sacrifices of the Old Testament. HEB 13 12 fw9g διὸ 1 So "In the same way" or "Because the bodies of the sacrifices were burned outside the camp" ([Hebrews 13:11](../13/11.md)) HEB 13 12 eq6t figs-metonymy ἔξω τῆς πύλης 1 outside the city gate This stands for "outside the city." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 13 zf8v figs-metaphor τοίνυν ἐξερχώμεθα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς 1 Let us therefore go to him outside the camp Obeying Jesus is spoken of as if a person were leaving the camp to go out where Jesus is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 13 13 h3j4 figs-metaphor τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν αὐτοῦ φέροντες 1 bearing his shame Disgrace is spoken of as if it were an object that had to be carried in one's hands or on one's back. Alternate translation: "while allowing others to insult us just like people insulted him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 13 14 u2wn ἐπιζητοῦμεν 1 looking for "waiting for" HEB 13 15 zfy9 figs-metaphor θυσίαν αἰνέσεως 1 a sacrifice of praise Praise is spoken of as if it were a sacrifice of animals or incense. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 13 15 b4p1 figs-metaphor αἰνέσεως ... τοῦτ’ ἔστιν καρπὸν χειλέων 1 praise that is the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name Praise is spoken of as if it were fruit produced by the lips of people. Alternate translation: "praise that is produced by the lips of those who acknowledge his name" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 13 15 zr2d figs-synecdoche χειλέων ὁμολογούντων τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ ὁμολογούντων τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ 1 lips that acknowledge his name Here "lips" represents people who speak. Alternate translation: "the lips of those who acknowledge his name" or "those who acknowledge his name" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) HEB 13 15 v52x figs-metonymy τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ 1 his name A person's name represents that person. Alternate translation: "him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 16 ma8c figs-litotes τῆς ... εὐποιΐας καὶ κοινωνίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε 1 Let us not forget doing good and helping one another This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Let us always remember to do good and help others" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) HEB 13 16 kp76 figs-metaphor τοιαύταις ... θυσίαις 1 with such sacrifices Doing good and helping others is spoken of as if they were sacrifices on an altar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 13 17 n5e8 figs-metaphor ἀγρυπνοῦσιν ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ὑμῶν 1 keep watch over your souls The believers' souls, that is, the believers' spiritual well-being, are spoken of as if they were objects or animals that guards could keep watch over. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 13 17 z2yp figs-metonymy μὴ στενάζοντες 1 not with groaning Here "groaning" stands for sadness or grief. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 18 d5hf 0 Connecting Statement: The author closes with a blessing and greetings. HEB 13 18 xmh1 figs-exclusive προσεύχεσθε περὶ ἡμῶν 1 Pray for us Here "us" refers to the author and his companions, but not to the readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) HEB 13 18 n6gb figs-metaphor πειθόμεθα ... ὅτι καλὴν συνείδησιν ἔχομεν 1 we are persuaded that we have a clean conscience Here "clean" stands for being free from guilt. Alternate translation: "we are certain that we have no guilt" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 13 19 cg4l figs-activepassive ἵνα τάχειον ἀποκατασταθῶ ὑμῖν 1 that I will be returned to you sooner This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God will quickly remove the things that stop my coming to you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 13 20 n66e δὲ 1 Now This marks a new section of the letter. Here the author praises God and gives a final prayer for his readers. HEB 13 20 d8yq ὁ ἀναγαγὼν ἐκ νεκρῶν τὸν Ποιμένα τῶν προβάτων τὸν μέγαν ... τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ 1 brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus "raised the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, to life" HEB 13 20 k6n6 ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 from the dead From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To raise someone from among them speaks of causing that person to become alive again. HEB 13 20 gn9w figs-metaphor τὸν Ποιμένα τῶν προβάτων τὸν μέγαν 1 the great shepherd of the sheep Christ in his role of leader and protector of those who believe in him is spoken of as if he were a shepherd of sheep. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) HEB 13 20 qxb8 figs-metonymy ἐν αἵματι διαθήκης αἰωνίου 1 by the blood of the eternal covenant Here "blood" stands for the death of Jesus, which is the basis for the covenant that will last forever between God and all believers in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 21 qj79 καταρτίσαι ὑμᾶς ἐν παντὶ ἀγαθῷ, εἰς τὸ ποιῆσαι τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ 1 equip you with everything good to do his will "give you every good thing you need in order to do his will "make you capable of doing every good thing according to his will" HEB 13 21 r3mi figs-inclusive ποιῶν ἐν ἡμῖν 1 working in us The word "us" refers to the author and the readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]]) HEB 13 21 u6iq ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 to whom be the glory forever "whom all people will praise forever" HEB 13 22 wa9r δὲ 1 Now This marks a new section of the letter. Here the author gives his final comments to his audience. HEB 13 22 b27j figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers This refers to all the believers to whom he is writing whether male or female. Alternate translation: "fellow believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) HEB 13 22 d5e6 ἀνέχεσθε τοῦ λόγου τῆς παρακλήσεως 1 bear with the word of encouragement "patiently consider what I have just written to encourage you" HEB 13 22 l8b3 figs-metonymy τοῦ λόγου τῆς παρακλήσεως 1 the word of encouragement Here "word" stands for a message. Alternate translation: "the encouraging message" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) HEB 13 23 w3m2 figs-activepassive ἀπολελυμένον 1 has been set free This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "is no longer in prison" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) HEB 13 24 r7kn ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰταλίας 1 Those from Italy greet you Possible meanings are 1) the author is not in Italy, but there is a group of believers with him who have come from Italy or 2) the author is in Italy while writing this letter. HEB 13 24 kk9c translate-names τῆς Ἰταλίας 1 Italy This is the name of a region at that time. Rome was the then-capital city of Italy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])