front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Revelation\n\n1. Opening (1:1-20)\n2. Letters to the Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)\n3. Vision of God in Heaven, and a Vision of the Lamb with a Seven-sealed Scroll (4:1-5:14)\n4. The Seven Seals (6:1-8:1)\n5. The Seven Trumpets (8:2-11:19)\n6. Preparations for the Seven Bowls (12:1-14:20)\n A. The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon (12:1-18)\n B. The Beast from the Sea (13:1-10)\n C. The Beast from the Land (13:11-18)\n D. The Lamb's Overcomers, the Victory of the Martyrs, and the Harvest for God's Wine Press (14:1-20)\n7. The Seven Bowls (15:1-18:24)\n8. Worship in Heaven (19:1-10)\n9. The Lamb’s Judgment, the Defeat of the Beast, the Thousand Years, the Defeat of Satan, and the Final Judgment (20:11-15)\n10. The New Creation and the New Jerusalem (21:1-22:5)\n11. Jesus' Promise to Return, the Witness of the Angels, John’s Closing Words, Christ’s Message to his Church, the Invitation and the Warning (22:6-21)\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Revelation?\n\nThe author identified himself as John. This was probably the Apostle John. He wrote the Book of Revelation while on the island of Patmos. The Romans exiled John there for teaching people about Jesus.\n\n### What is the Book of Revelation about?\n\nJohn wrote the Book of Revelation to encourage believers to remain faithful even when they are suffering. John described visions he had of Satan and his followers fighting against and killing believers. In the visions God causes many terrible things to happen on the earth to punish wicked people. In the end, Jesus defeats Satan and his followers. Then Jesus comforts those who were faithful. And the believers will live forever with God in the new heavens and earth.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nTranslators may choose to call this book by one of its traditional titles, “Revelation,” “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” “The Revelation to Saint John,” or “The Apocalypse of John.” Or they may choose a possibly clearer title, such as “The Things that Jesus Christ Showed to John.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### What type of writing is the Book of Revelation?\n\nJohn used a special style of writing to describe his visions. John described what he saw by using many symbols. This style of writing is called symbolic prophecy or apocalyptic literature. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Are the events of Revelation past or future?\n\nSince early Christian times, scholars have interpreted Revelation differently. Some scholars think John described events that happened during his time. Some scholars think John described events happening from his time until the return of Jesus. Other scholars think John described events that will happen in a short period of time just before Christ returns.\n\nTranslators will not need to decide how to interpret the book before they translate it. Translators should leave the prophecies in the tenses that are used in the ULT.\n\n### Are there any other books in the Bible like Revelation?\n\nNo other book of the Bible is like the Book of Revelation. But, passages in Ezekiel, Zechariah, and especially Daniel are similar in content and style to Revelation. It may be beneficial to translate Revelation at the same time as Daniel since they have some imagery and style in common.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### Does one need to understand the Book of Revelation to translate it?\n\nOne does not need to understand all of the symbols in the Book of Revelation to translate it properly. Translators should not give possible meanings for the symbols or numbers in their translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in Revelation in the ULT?\n\nThe scriptures use these words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often
1:intro u1e2 0 # Revelation 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n### Outline of Chapter One of Revelation\n\nI. The Introduction to Revelation\n\nA. The Prologue (1:1-8)\n\n1. The Preface (1:1-3)\n2. The Address and the Doxology (1:4-6)\n3. The Book’s Theme (1:7-8)\n\nII. John’s Vision of Christ\n\nB. John’s Appointment to Write the Book of Revelation (1:9-20)\n\n1. The Initial Appointment to Write (1:9-11)\n2. The Source of the Appointment (1:12-16)\n3. The Appointment Repeated and Elaborated (1:17-20)\n\nThis chapter explains how the Book of Revelation records the vision John received on the island of Patmos.\n\nSome translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULT does this with the quoted words in verse 7.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Seven churches\n\nJohn wrote this book to seven actual churches in Asia Minor, which is now the country of Turkey.\n\n### The Seven Spirits\n\nThe number "seven" is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection. Here, the "seven spirits" could refer to: (1) The Spirit of God that is described with seven attributes in [Isaiah 11:2](../isa/11/02.md). Alternate translation: “the sevenfold Holy Spirit”. (2) Seven individual spirits which serve God and that also might be the “seven angels” in [8:2](../08/02.md). Alternate translation: “the seven spirit beings” or “the seven angelic spirits” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])\n\n### Seven golden lampstands\n\nThe "seven golden lampstands" refer to seven poles that each hold one or more oil lamps at the top. These seven lamp holders are made of gold. Apparently these lamp holders represent the seven assemblies of believers in the seven cities mentioned in the previous verse. The number "seven" is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection, so it may be that these seven churches represent Christ’s church as a whole, that is, all believers. Alternate translation: “seven golden stands holding oil lamps” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])\n\n### Seven stars\n\nThe "seven stars" of [Revelation 1:20](../rev/01/20.md) symbolizes the angels of the seven churches.\n\n\n### White\n\nThe Bible often speaks of something that belongs to a person as being “white.” This is metaphor and metonym for that person living rightly and pleasing God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])\n\n### “Him who is, and who was, and who is to come”\n\nGod exists now. He has always existed. He will always exist. Your language may have a different way of saying this.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### The Seven Spirits\n\nThe number "seven" is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection. Here, the "seven spirits" could refer to: (1) The Spirit of God that is described with seven attributes in [Isaiah 11:2](../isa/11/02.md). Alternate translation: “the sevenfold Holy Spirit”. (2) Seven individual spirits which serve God and that also might be the “seven angels” in [8:2](../08/02.md). Alternate translation: “the seven spirit beings” or “the seven angelic spirits” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])\n\n### Blood\n\nBlood is a metonym for death. Jesus “has released us from our sins by his blood.” John means that Jesus saved us from our sins by dying for us. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “He is coming with the clouds”\n\nJesus went into the clouds when he went up to heaven after God raised him from the dead. When Jesus returns, he will also be “with the clouds.” It is not clear whether he will be sitting or riding on clouds or coming in the clouds or “with the clouds” in some other way. Your translation should express this in a way that is natural in your language.\n\n### “One
1:1 rkh9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **revelation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “What God disclosed to Jesus Christ” or “The matters that God revealed to Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1:1 kv41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 This phrase could mean: (1) this book is **revelation** that came to Jesus from God. Alternate translation: “revelation to Jesus Christ” (2) this book is **revelation** that came from Jesus to the author of the book, namely John. Alternate translation: “revelation from Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1:1 ik5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **his servants** refers to people who believe in Jesus Christ and serve him as their Lord. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternative translation: “those who serve him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:1 x8bu ἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι ἐν τάχει 1 Alternate translation: “the events that must happen soon”
1:1 kez4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἐσήμανεν 1 The pronoun **he** here refers to **Jesus Christ** and **it** refers to the **revelation**. If this is not clear to your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus communicated that revelation” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1:1 hz2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἰωάννῃ 1 **John** is the name of a man who was Jesus’ disciple and one of the original twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1:1 pb4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ, Ἰωάννῃ 1 The Apostle **John** is referring to himself in the third person here. If this is confusing in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “to me, John, his servant” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1:2 tgts rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ὃς ἐμαρτύρησεν 1 The subject of this sentence is the author John. If this might confuse your readers, you could start a new sentence here and say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “John testified” or “I, John, testified” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1:2 va4c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, John uses **word** figuratively to refer to the message that God said by using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “about the message that God spoke” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:2 wb7z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **testimony**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what Jesus Christ testified” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1:2 b5se rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 John is using the possessive form to describe the **testimony** that **Jesus Christ** gave to him. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that Jesus Christ has given to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1:3 le65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ ἀναγινώσκων 1 Here, **the one who reads** does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone **who reads**the words of the prophecy aloud or in public. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “anyone who reads aloud” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
1:3 t0q3 τῆς προφητείας 1 Here, **this prophecy** refers to this whole book that John is writing. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “of this book of prophecy”
1:3 h37b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τηροῦντες τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ γεγραμμένα 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “who keep what John has written in it” or “who obey what they read in it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1:3 dod2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τηροῦντες 1 Here, the word **keep** means “to pay attention to” or “to heed” or “to obey”. There are various ways to render the idea or meaning of this word **keep** as a frequent idiomatic expression in the book of Revelation. See the chapter one introduction as well for the meaning of this idiom which can vary depending on the context of the book of Revelation. If your readers would not understand this idiom, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “who take to heart” or “who continually considers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:3 dwt8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς 1 Here, **the time** refers specifically to the appointed time when God will make the prophecies in this book come true. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the time for the fulfillment of what is written in this book is near” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:3 myem rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς 1 Here, John speaks figuratively of **time** as if it could be **near** something. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time will be soon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:4 vw1t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person Ἰωάννης 1 # General Information:\n\nIn this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the first person. If your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, you could also use that. Alternate translation: “I, John, am writing this letter” or “From John” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1:4 apl8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ταῖς ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησίαις ταῖς ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ 1 In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would then say to whom they were writing, naming those people in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “to you who are members of the seven churches that are in Asia” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1:4 y9yh rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing. Alternate translation: “May the one who is, and who was, and who is coming give you grace and peace” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])
1:4 lsun rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of **grace** and **peace**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May the one who is, and who was, and who is coming treat you kindly and give you peaceful relationships” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1:4 unul rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 These three phrases all refer to God. If this might confuse your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the God who is, and who was, and who is coming” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:4 qsu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 Here, the phrase **who is coming** could refer to: (1) the future tense, to complete the idea that God exists in the past, present, and future. In other words, John uses **is coming** figuratively to state that God will exist in the future. Alternate translation: “who will be” or “who will still exist in the future” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) (2) the physical act of coming, when God will be present on earth for a final judgment.
1:4 x38p rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων 1 The number **seven** is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection. Here, the **seven spirits** could refer to: (1) The Spirit of God that is described with seven attributes in [Isaiah 11:2](../isa/11/02.md). Alternate translation: “the sevenfold Holy Spirit”. (2) Seven individual spirits which serve God and that also might be the “seven angels” in [8:2](../08/02.md). Alternate translation: “the seven spirit beings” or “the seven angelic spirits” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
1:5 w24x καὶ ἀπὸ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 The first half of this verse continues the sentence from the previous verse. If you make this a new sentence, then you will need to repeat some of the information from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “And may grace be to you and peace also from Jesus Christ”
1:5 gz2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστός 1 This phrase **the faithful witness** is a title describing Jesus Christ. The phrase probably comes from [Psalm 89:37](../psa/089/037.md). Likewise, every title that is describing Jesus Christ in this verse comes from Psalm 89, including: **the firstborn from the dead** and **the ruler of the kings of the earth**. Psalm 89 itself refers to the promises that God gave to David in [2 Samuel 7](../2sa/07/01.md). So all of these titles describe Jesus Christ as the one who completes God’s promises to David. You may want to include some of this information in a footnote. You may also want to indicate the presence of an Old Testament quotation or allusion here by using a different typeface or indentation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1:5 l3h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν 1 This phrase **the firstborn from the dead** is an idiom meaning “the first person to die and become alive again”. The phrase probably alludes to [Psalm 89:27](../psa/89/27.md). If your readers would not understand this idiom, you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “the first person to be raised from death” or “the first person to come back to life to never die again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:5 j1xp rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns τῶν νεκρῶν 1 The word **dead** is a singular noun that refers to a group of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “from those who are dead” or “from those who have died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
1:5 gqw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations καὶ ὁ ἄρχων τῶν βασιλέων τῆς γῆς 1 This phrase **the ruler of the kings of the earth** is a title of Jesus Christ that describes his future dominion over the earth. This phrase alludes to [Psalm 89:27](../psa/089/027.md). As with the previous phrases from [Psalm 89](../psa/089/001.md), you may want to indicate the presence of an Old Testament quotation or allusion here by using a different typeface or formatting. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1:5 ttqn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure τῷ ἀγαπῶντι ἡμᾶς 1 A new sentence begins here that continues through the rest of the next verse. This sentence praises Jesus Christ. If it is helpful for your readers, you may want to state the main verb here at the beginning of the sentence and then repeat it again in the next verse. You may also want to break this long sentence into two or more shorter sentences. Alternate translation: “May Jesus Christ receive glory and power always because he loves us” or “May Jesus Christ receive glory and power always. He is the one who loves us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
1:5 tqfs rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns τῷ 1 Here, **the one** refers to Jesus Christ. If this is not clear to your readers, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “To Jesus Christ, who loves us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1:5 u6v7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor λύσαντι ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 Here John uses **released** figuratively of forgiving people for their **sins**. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “has forgiven us for our sins” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:5 rvmr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμᾶς & ἡμῶν 1 The words **us** and **our** here include both John and his readers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1:5 jpnq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 John uses **sins** figuratively to refer to the punishment for **sins**. He means that Jesus causes people who believe in him to escape eternal punishment for their sins. If this would confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the punishment for our sins” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:5 q64f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **blood** figuratively represents the death of Christ on the cross. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a comparable word that stands for death or express the idea in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “his death on the cross” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:6 nhfb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor βασιλείαν 1 Here, **a kingdom** functions as a metaphor for the unity that believers have as they belong to each other and to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the meaning of **kingdom** here explicitly. Alternate translation: “a group that belongs to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:6 iq7j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἱερεῖς 1 Here, the word **priests** functions as a metaphor for people who live to serve God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “people who work” or “people who live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:6 nesy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns βασιλείαν, ἱερεῖς τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ—αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for **glory** or **power**, you could express these ideas in other ways. Here, **power** refers to the authority that Jesus has to rule over his kingdom. Alternate translation: “may people glorify Jesus and may he rule over everyone” or “may people honor Jesus always and may he reign” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1:6 ne7x rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ 1 Here, the words **God** and **Father** refer to one person, not two. This is God the Father who exists with the Son and the Holy Spirit as God. The name **Father** is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Alternate translation: “for God, his Father” or “for God, who is the Father of Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1:6 nm1i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας 1 This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:7 ldv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks ἰδοὺ, ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν, καὶ ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς, καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς 1 # General Information:\n\nThe clauses **Behold, he is coming with the clouds**, **every eye will see him, even those who pierced him**, and **will mourn because of him** are quotations from the Old Testament. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
1:7 mx1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 Here, **Behold** is a word that focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:7 bbqj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν 1 The pronoun **he** here refers to Jesus Christ. If this is unclear to your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus is coming with the clouds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1:7 isa6 ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν 1 This phrase probably refers to [Daniel 7:13](../dan/07/13.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote.
1:7 k0qo ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν 1 Alternate translation: “He approaches on the clouds”
1:7 nxqe ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς, καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς 1 These phrases probably refer to [Zechariah 12:10](../zec/12/10.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote.
1:7 hb4i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς 1 Since people see with their eyes, the word **eye** is used to refer to people. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every person” or “everyone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1:7 ndf6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν 1 Jesus’ hands and feet were **pierced** when he was nailed to the cross and a soldier **pierced** his side with a spear. Here **those who pierced him** refers to the people who killed him. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even those who pierced and killed him” or “even those who stabbed him to death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:7 ewtl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν 1 John is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “even those who pierced him will see him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1:7 s0rd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ναί! ἀμήν! 1 Here, the phrase **Yes, Amen** has two words that mean basically the same thing. **Yes** affirms, emphasizes, and strengthens the following word, **Amen**. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Certainly it shall be thus!” or “Yes indeed, may this truly be so!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1:8 c96p rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος, ὁ Θεός, ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ὁ Παντοκράτωρ 1 Here, **says the Lord God** indicates that the clauses that come before and after this phrase are quotations. If this might confuse your readers, you could move this phrase to the beginning or end of the verse. Alternate translation: “The Lord God says, ‘I am the alpha and the omega, the one who is, and who was, and who is coming, the Almighty.’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1:8 ufix rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ 1 The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are **alpha** and **omega**. Comparing God to these letters means that he is the first and the last of all things. If it would be helpful in your language, you may consider using the first and last letters of your language’s alphabet, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the first and the last” or “the one who began and will end all things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:8 l1ss rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ 1 Here the phrase **the alpha and the omega** refers to the eternal nature of God the Father or that of Jesus Christ. The Greek alphabet represents time, and referring to the beginning and ending letters includes all of those in between. In other words, these letters represent all of time. Therefore, the idea here is that God always exists. The second part of the verse says this plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who always existed and will always exist” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
1:8 t0ga rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος 1 Some versions add the phrase “the Beginning and the End” after this statement. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the phrase it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of the ULT. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1:8 in5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 See how you translated the phrase **who is coming** in [verse 4](../01/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:8 c1ii rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj ὁ Παντοκράτωρ 1 God is using the adjective **Almighty** as a noun in order to describe who he is. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the one who is Almighty” or “the Almighty One” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1:9 qyu1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person Ἰωάννης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν, καὶ συνκοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει, καὶ βασιλείᾳ, καὶ ὑπομονῇ, ἐν Ἰησοῦ 1 The Apostle **John** refers to himself in the third person here in this verse. If this is confusing in your language, you could translate this in the first person primarily or predominantly. Alternate translation: “I … am experiencing affliction with you … ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1:9 mg1k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν 1 Here, **your** is plural and refers to the believers assembled among the seven churches mentioned in chapters 1–3 of this book. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the brother of you believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1:9 y5gy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἀδελφὸς 1 John is using the term **brother** to mean that he shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow believer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:9 ikek rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns βασιλείᾳ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **suffering**, **kingdom**, and **endurance**, you could express these ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “someone who is patiently enduring while suffering just as you are because we belong to Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1:9 o6k9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν Ἰησοῦ 1 Here John pictures **Jesus** as containing the **suffering**, **kingdom**, and **patient endurance** that everyone who believes in him experiences. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea plainly. Alternate translation: “that we all experience because we believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:9 c1a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 John uses **word of God** figuratively to describe the gospel message that came from God and that John proclaimed by using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of the message from God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:9 sim8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ 1 John is using the possessive form to describe the **testimony** about **Jesus** that John proclaimed. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that I proclaimed about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
1:10 s2sw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι 1 Here, **in the Spirit** could mean: (1) God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit) took control of John in order to influence John to receive divine revelation. Alternate translation: “I was influenced by the Spirit of God” or “God’s Spirit took control of me” (2) God caused John’s spirit to be in a state so that he could perceive revelation. Alternate translation: “God influenced my spirit” or “God took control of my spirit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:10 lnj2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῇ Κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ 1 Here, **the Lord’s day** refers specifically to Sunday, which was the day of the week when believers gathered to worship together in honor of the Lord’s resurrection. If this is unclear to your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Sunday, the Lord’s day” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:10 fa68 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile φωνὴν μεγάλην ὡς σάλπιγγος 1 The **voice** was very **loud** so that the noise sounded **like a trumpet**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a voice as loud as a trumpet being blown” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1:10 ggph rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy φωνὴν μεγάλην 1 Here, **a loud voice** refers to a person speaking loudly, who is later revealed to be Jesus Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a sound of someone speaking loudly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:10 fu9q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ὡς σάλπιγγος 1 A **trumpet** was an instrument for making a loud sound that, in John’s time, was probably made of metal. Usually "trumpets" are instruments for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. If you do not have trumpets in your culture, use a word in your language for a loud instrument. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1:11 y4ab rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations λεγούσης 1 Here, **saying** introduces a quotation. What follows is what the voice of the previous verse said. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. You may want to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “That voice said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
1:11 kq6x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἔφεσον & Σμύρναν & Πέργαμον & Θυάτειρα & Σάρδεις & Φιλαδέλφιαν & Λαοδίκιαν 1 These are names of cities in the region of western Asia Minor that are in the modern area of southwestern Turkey today. The logic of the order seems to begin with Ephesus, the most important city at the time and then proceed to move clockwise until it reaches the city that is the furthest south at Laodicea. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1:12 r89l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὴν φωνὴν ἥτις 1 Here, **voice** refers figuratively to the person speaking. The context indicates that Jesus Christ is the one speaking here. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:12 flem rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἑπτὰ λυχνίας χρυσᾶς 1 Here, **seven golden lampstands** refer to seven poles that each hold one or more oil lamps at the top. These seven lamp holders are made of gold. Apparently these lamp holders represent the seven assemblies of believers in the seven cities mentioned in the previous verse. The number **seven** is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection, so it may be that these seven churches represent Christ’s church as a whole, that is, all believers. Alternate translation: “seven golden stands holding oil lamps” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
1:13 xmx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὅμοιον Υἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου 1 The expression **like a son of man** describes a human figure that recalls the same phrase from [Daniel 7:13](../dan/07/13.md). The point of this comparison is that the figure John saw looked like a human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a being that looked like a man” or “a figure that resembled a human being” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1:13 y6qk rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ζώνην χρυσᾶν 1 A **sash** was a strip of cloth worn around the chest. This one had the appearance of gold and may have been woven from golden threads. A **sash** is not a belt that is worn around the waist. Alternate translation: “strap” or “band” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1:14 hqz1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἡ δὲ κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ αἱ τρίχες 1 Here, the phrase **head and hair** refers to the hair that is on the head. It does not mean that the skin of the head was white. Alternate translation: “the hair on his head” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1:14 mg7r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών 1 John uses repetition here in order to emphasize how white the hair was. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “extremely white like wool or snow” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1:14 j9w4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών 1 John is comparing the **hair** to **wool** and **snow** because those things are both very white. If your readers would not be familiar with those things, you could use the name of something in your area that is known to be very white, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “white as egret feathers” or “white as cotton” or “very, very white” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1:14 vp4t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ ὡς φλὸξ πυρός 1 It may be that the phrase **flame of fire** repeats information in a way that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can say it in a more natural way. Alternate translation: “his eyes blazed like fire” or “his eyes were glowing like flames” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo]])
1:15 u551 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ 1 The point of this comparison is that the **feet** were like **polished bronze**, which is very shiny. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his feet were very shiny like polished bronze” or “his feet were reflecting light like polished bronze” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1:15 qbno rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ 1 John refers here to **polished bronze**. If your readers would not be familiar with that metal, you could use a more general comparison or an expression without a comparison. Alternate translation: “his feet were very shiny like polished metal” or “his feet were shining” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1:15 d6je rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμένης 1 Here, **furnace** refers to a strong container for holding a very hot fire. People would put metal like **bronze** in it, and the hot fire would make the metal **refined** by melting away any impurities that were in the metal. Do not translate this verse in a way that would imply that the bronze was first polished and then refined in a furnace, which reverses the actual order of events. Alternate translation: “like bronze that has been purified in a hot furnace and then polished” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
1:15 izg6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἡ φωνὴ αὐτοῦ ὡς φωνὴ ὑδάτων πολλῶν 1 The point of this comparison is that **the sound** of **his voice** was very loud and powerful. The image could be that of a loud waterfall or loud ocean waves or a loud downpour of rain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his voice was very loud like the sound of rushing waters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1:16 qu9h καὶ ἔχων 1 Here, the subject of **having** continues from verse [1:13](../01/13.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could start a new sentence here and repeat the subject. Alternate translation: “This one like a son of man had” or “He had”
1:16 pp58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage καὶ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ῥομφαία δίστομος ὀξεῖα ἐκπορευομένη 1 Here, the imagery of the **sword** protruding from Christ’s mouth is most likely a metaphor for the spoken word, especially God’s word, as being figuratively sharp and able to pierce things, as in Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12. The symbolism may have been inspired by the fact that Roman **double-edged** swords were shaped like human tongues in their forms. The translator may wish to include some of this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “the blade of a sharp sword that cuts on both sides protruding from his mouth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
1:16 cb26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς ὁ ἥλιος φαίνει ἐν τῇ δυνάμει αὐτοῦ 1 Here, the phrase **shining as the sun at its strength** compares the face of Jesus Christ to the way that the sun shines in its full force during the middle of the day. Use a natural expression in your language for this. Alternate translation: “shining as bright as the noonday sun” or “shining as bright as the sun at mid-day” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1:17 vz4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns καὶ ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ 1 Here, the subject of **and he placed his right hand on me** should be assumed from earlier in the context at verse [1:13](../01/13.md). Verse [1:13](../01/13.md) mentions one **like a son of man** as a description of Jesus Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could explicitly state the subject as Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus placed his right hand on me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
1:17 jw5r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction καὶ ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ 1 Here, the phrase **and he placed his right hand on me** signifies a cultural gesture or symbolic action that expresses comfort and assurance for the person who is need of encouragement at the moment of fear. The symbolic action has the accompanying verbal expression of **Do not be afraid** so as to illustrate the significance and symbolism of the cultural gesture. Alternate translation: “and he touched me with his right hand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
1:17 uc3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος 1 Here, **the first and the last** refers to the eternal nature of Jesus because he is God. He existed before anything else and he will continue to exist after everything else is gone. In this expression, **first** refers to what is before everything and **last** refers to what is after everything. This is similar to the use of alpha and omega in [verse 8](../01/08.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who existed before everything and will exist after everything” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
1:18 zm05 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καὶ ὁ ζῶν καὶ ἐγενόμην νεκρὸς 1 Here, **the one who lives** also refers to the eternal nature of Jesus as God. It could refer to: (1) God possessing eternal life in himself. Alternate translation: “the living one” (2) God being the source of life. Alternate translation: “the one who gives life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:18 cc7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 Here, **behold** focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. See how you translated **behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). Alternate translation: “know this” or “you must understand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:18 ppy0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:18 a4e2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 John uses **keys** here figuratively to refer to authority or power. Just as **keys** have the ability to control the opening or locking of a door, so Jesus has the power to control death and Hades. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have the power over death and over Hades” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:18 pgql rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 This clause implies that Jesus can give life to those who have died and let them out of **Hades**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I have the power to give life to people who have died and to let them out of Hades” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:18 acrx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 The word **Hades** is the Greek name for the place where the spirits of dead people go. Many Bible translations just use this word as it is, and others translate it, using a word for the place of the dead in their language. The words **death** and **Hades** mean almost the same thing. Through **death** a person enters **Hades**. Alternate translation: “to release people from death, that is, from Hades” or “to free people from death and from the grave” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])
1:19 eupc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany ἃ εἶδες, καὶ ἃ εἰσὶν, καὶ ἃ μέλλει γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα 1 Here, **what you have seen, both the things that are and what must happen after these things** refers to the things that Jesus is showing to John throughout this book. These clauses could indicate (1) events in two time periods, present and future. In this case, the tense of **have seen** is from the perspective of John when he is writing. He cannot write something until he has seen it. Alternate translation: “what you see, that is, the things that exist now, and what must happen afterwards” or (2) events in three time periods, past, present, and future. Alternate translation: “what you have seen, what is, and what must happen afterwards” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])
1:20 ytmk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὸ μυστήριον τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων 1 Here, **the mystery** refers to a secret or symbolic meaning of the vision of the **seven stars**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the secret meaning of the seven stars” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:20 ttic rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis τὸ μυστήριον τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων, οὓς εἶδες ἐπὶ τῆς δεξιᾶς μου, καὶ τὰς ἑπτὰ λυχνίας τὰς χρυσᾶς 1 This sentence leaves out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words if it would be helpful in your language. Alternate translation: “I will explain the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1:20 fl5d rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage λυχνίας 1 See how you translated this word in [verse 12](../01/12.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
1:20 eek9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν 1 Here, **the angels of the seven churches** could refer to: (1) heavenly angels who protect the seven churches, or (2) human messengers who are sent to the seven churches. In the second case, **the angels** could either be human representatives who lead among each of the seven churches or, alternatively, the actual messengers who went from John bearing the book of Revelation to the seven churches mentioned in [verse 11](../01/11.md). The translator should use a word here that can allow for both interpretations, if possible. Alternate translation: “the seven messengers of the seven churches” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:20 e25n τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν 1 See how you translated this in [verse 11](../01/11.md).
2:intro zps2 0 # Revelation 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n### Outline of Chapters Two and Three of Revelation\n\nI. The Current Condition of the Churches (2:1-3:22)\n\nA. The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)\n\nB. The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)\n\nC. The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)\n\nD. The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)\n\nE. The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)\n\nF. The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)\n\nG. The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)\n\nChapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the “seven letters to the seven churches.” You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.\n\nSome translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 27.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches\n\nJesus uses the phrase **I know** to express his personal familiarity and knowledge at times of some of the churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. The phrase **I know** is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced among the various churches mentioned in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation. The idiomatic expression **I know** indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current conditions or circumstances in which the Christians were living. Although usually positive in a tone of assurance (see Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:8), the phrase **I know** sometimes expresses a critical or negative assessment that Jesus affirms (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression **I know** affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus, but the phrase also asserts a claim to be in a position to make a valid judgment as an impartial arbiter who might be critical at times. Therefore, the translator may wish to provide for his readership a textual note that explains the phrase **I know** as meaning something more than simply the awareness that Jesus has of the current religious, social, and moral conditions for the Christians which are addressed by Jesus (see Revelation chapters two and three). Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])\n\n### The use of the second person singular to refer to a plural group of people\n\nThe second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout chapters two and three of the book of Revelation are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual **angel**, so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])\n\n### Poverty and wealth\n\nThe Christians in Smyrna were poor because they did not have much money. But they were rich spiritually because God would reward them for their suffering. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])\n\n### “The devil is about to”\n\nPeople were about to take some of the Christians in Smyrna and throw them into prison and even kill some of them ([Revelation 2:10](../rev/02/10.md)). John does not say who these people were. But he does speak of them harming the Christians as if Satan himself were harming them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])\n\n### Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel\n\nBalaam, Balak, and Jezebel were people who lived long before
2:1 mn8x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 # General Information:\n\nThis is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Ephesus**. **Ephesus** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
2:1 kq5r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 Here, **the angel** could refer to: (1) a heavenly angel who protects the church in Ephesus, or (2) a human messenger who is sent to the church in Ephesus as a representative leader. In this case, **the angel** could either be a representative leader of the church in Ephesus or the actual messenger who went from John bearing the book of Revelation to the church in Ephesus. See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:1 mz7l rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 Here, **says these things** indicates that the words that come after this phrase are a direct quotation. Use a phrase that makes this clear in your language. Alternate translation: “says this message” or “says the following words” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
2:1 q1ck rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν 1 Here, the implied subject of the two clauses is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the assumed subject from the context established in the previous chapter one. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the intended reference to Jesus explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ, the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
2:1 ugs3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν 1 The **golden lampstands** are symbols that represent the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers. See how you translated **lampstands** in [Revelation 1:12](../01/12.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
2:2 mm3q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδα 1 For the expression **I know** that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15), please see the explanatory note for **I know** in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:2 jg1u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸν κόπον 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **labor**, you can express it with the verb “to work”. Alternate translation: “that you laboured very hard” or “that you worked very hard” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:2 iwe7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν ὑπομονήν 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **endurance**, you can express it with the verb “endure.” Alternate translation: “that you patiently suffered” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:2 l6mv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd τὰ ἔργα σου, καὶ τὸν κόπον καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου, καὶ ὅτι οὐ δύνῃ βαστάσαι κακούς; καὶ ἐπείρασας τοὺς λέγοντας ἑαυτοὺς ἀποστόλους, καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν, καὶ εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς 1 The second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout this verse and throughout chapters two and three are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual **angel** (see the previous verse), so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
2:2 sxbf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj κακούς 1 Here, **evil people** translates directly an adjective in the Greek that signifies simply “wicked” or **evil**. Thus, the translator must supply a noun that the adjective is describing through an assumed implication. The natural assumption for the noun to be supplied would be human individuals who were people in the surrounding community of those being addressed here. Alternate translation: “wayward people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
2:2 ka9e εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς 1 Here, **you have found them** indicates the literal translation of the Greek. However, the sense of **found** is something like “to understand” or simply to come to the knowledge about a certain reality. The understood reality is actually the falsehood of the claim of certain people to be apostles. Alternate translation: “you have recognized those people to be false apostles”
2:3 nn01 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καὶ ὑπομονὴν ἔχεις 1 Here, **and you have patient endurance** implies a missing affirmation of **I know** from the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternative translation: “I realize that you have patient endurance” or “I recognize that you have patient endurance” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:3 muq8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **name** is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ, since Jesus uses **name** here to refer to himself. The believers in Ephesus are suffering persecution and difficult circumstances for the sake of Jesus Christ as believers in him. The assembly in Ephesus suffers for the sake of the person and message of Jesus Christ within their society. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you believe in my name” or “because you believe in me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:3 j46d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐ κεκοπίακες 1 Being discouraged is spoken of as growing **weary**. The metaphor relates the notion of quitting an action with becoming tired since often people stop an action if they are tired. Alternate translation: “you have not become discouraged” or “you have not quit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:3 mg3z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes οὐ κεκοπίακες 1 Here, **have not grown weary** is a litotes expression that expresses emphasis by negating the opposite statement. In this case, Jesus emphasizes the act of persevering and not giving up despite obstacles by stating the opposite notion. The believers at Ephesus had persevered in trials but did not give up. Thus, they did not grow **weary** or become tired, but rather they continued to try hard. See the previous note about the metaphor in the figure of speech. Alternate translation: “you have not grown tired” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
2:4 j7gz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ, ὅτι 1 Here **I have against you that** indicates a negative, critical sentiment. It expresses the idea of a critical attitude in the person speaking, meaning something like: “I have something against you” or “there is something about you that I disapprove of”. Jesus is leaving out a word in the idiomatic expression that some languages would need in order for a clause to be complete. However, the following words in the context describe the matter of contention that Jesus is angry about. If your language requires an explanation of what Jesus is taking issue with the Ephesian church about, then you can supply it from the context. Alternate translation: “I disapprove of you because” or “I have a criticism to make of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
2:4 kx98 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην ἀφῆκες 1 To stop doing something is spoken of as leaving it **behind**. Here, **love** represents an object that can abandoned. Here, the expression presents a metaphor expressing **love** as an object that can be forsaken. Alternate translation: “you have stopped loving me as you did at the beginning” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:5 sfw2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πόθεν πέπτωκας 1 The notion of the church no longer loving as much as they used to love is spoken of as having **fallen** in the sense of “how far you have fallen from your original location”. Here, “falling” from a standing location is a metaphor for abandoning an earlier love and devotion for a person, in this case Jesus. Here, the metaphorical expression describes a tremendous decline in the love for Jesus among the Christians at Ephesus. Alternate translation: “how much you have changed” or “how much you once loved me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:5 cd8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy καὶ τὰ πρῶτα ἔργα ποίησον 1 Here, **the first works** is a metonym that describes the behavior or way of life of the Ephesian believers earlier in their Christian practice. Earlier in the Christian way of life of the Ephesian believers they made greater efforts in their stronger devotion for Jesus. Alternate translation: “and do the first efforts” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:5 hlyf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς 1 Here, **I will come to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place** could refer to: (1) a special coming in judgment that Jesus would make personally for only the church of Ephesus. (2) the final, second coming of Jesus to the earth in judgment. In both interpretation options, Jesus uses a metaphor from the actual Roman destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD. In 70 AD, the Romans entered the Jerusalem temple and removed the seven-branched lampstand from inside the sanctuary. However, the translator should not make either interpretive option explicit in the translation. Alternate translation: “I will come to you and I will extract your lampstand from its place” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:5 j8p5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς 1 The **lampstand** is a symbol that represents one of the seven churches. See how you translated **lampstand** in [Revelation 1:12](../01/12.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
2:6 g8gn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀλλὰ τοῦτο ἔχεις 1 **But you have this** is a metaphor in which **this** represents the fact that Jesus hates the works of the Nicolaitans. The metaphor in this idiomatic expression is that **this** is spoken of as if it were an object someone could have. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “But this is to your credit” or “But here is a good thing you are doing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:6 cvi5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names τῶν Νικολαϊτῶν 1 The **Nicolaitans** were people who followed the teachings or practices of a man named Nicolaus. The translator should not attempt to specify the actual teachings or practices of the **Nicolaitans** since there is no certainty about what Nicolaus taught or practiced. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
2:7 s3qg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. Here, the phrase **has an ear** presents a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey by association with the part of the body in which his listeners would have been receiving his teaching. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen to” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:7 tidg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, then listen to” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
2:7 zln0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:7 wzg1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῷ νικῶντι 1 The expression **To the one who conquers** refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). The expression represents a metaphor comparing the Christian life to a military battle, in which the Christian overcomes the forces of evil and any difficult obstacles in warfare. Alternate translation: “To the one who wins the victory” or “To the one who overcomes the obstacles” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:7 t84w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun τῷ νικῶντι 1 The expression **To the one who conquers** refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life. The generic noun phrase **the one who conquers** occurs in Revelation chapters two and three often (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). The expression is not specific to any one person, but can be applied to a plural entity or group of people. If the generic noun phrase would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase such as turning the singular word into a plural group reference. Alternate translation: “To anyone who has the victory” or “To those who have the victory” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
2:7 ng2d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς 1 John is using the possessive form of **tree** to describe the **tree** as giving **life**. The imagery recalls Genesis 3:22’s reference to **the tree of life** in the Garden of Eden. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the tree that grants life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
2:7 rmf5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate τῷ Παραδείσῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **paradise** is a Greek transliteration of a Persian word that describes a pleasure garden and zoo that Persian monarchs built at their residences. However, in the Bible **paradise** becomes a symbol for heaven. The symbolism for heaven might be seen in Luke 23:43 and 2 Corinthians 12:4, which both show that **paradise** is a name for the abode of God. Thus, **paradise** represents the eternal and permanent home of believers in Jesus Christ in the new heavens and the new earth of the future. Alternate translation: “the garden of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])
2:8 is3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σμύρνῃ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 # General Information:\n\nThis is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Smyrna**. **Smyrna** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
2:8 ie9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:8 nvn1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
2:8 huo8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν 1 Jesus is referring to himself in the third person here. If this is confusing in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I am the first and the last and I am the one who became dead but came to life again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
2:8 k7qk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος 1 Here, the **first and the last** refers to the eternal nature of Jesus Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:17](../01/17.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
2:8 t5l1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν 1 Here, the phrase **who became dead but came to life again** describes Jesus by the two extremes of his death on the cross as well as his current life after the resurrection. The figure of speech is a type of merism. See how you translated the very similar phrase in [Revelation 1:18](../01/18.md). However, note that there are slight differences between this verse and [Revelation 1:18](../01/18.md), such as in the order of the words. Alternate translation: “who became dead but lived again” or “who became dead but returned back to life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
2:9 s6ja rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd σου 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
2:9 p6hp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν θλῖψιν 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **affliction**, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “I know how you have suffered” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:9 ch4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν πτωχείαν 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **poverty**, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “how poor you are” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:9 lhuk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀλλὰ πλούσιος εἶ 1 Here, **rich** is a metaphor for the spiritual condition of the Christians in Smyrna. The Christians in Smyrna were physically poor because they did not have much money. However, they were spiritually rich because God would reward them for their suffering in the future. Thus, the metaphor uses the language of physical money to describe the spiritual condition of Smyrna’s Christians. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:9 f6bp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν βλασφημίαν ἐκ τῶν λεγόντων Ἰουδαίους εἶναι ἑαυτούς 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **slander**, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “how people have slandered you—those who say they are Jews” or “how people have said terrible things about you—those who say they are Jews” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:9 qf9p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν 1 Here, **but they are not** is irony in the sense of the fact that Jesus does not intend to say that the people are not literal Jews. Jesus actually means that these people are indeed Jews, although they do not behave in a manner that agrees with their ethnic identification. Jews should behave as if they were God’s people, but these people mentioned here do not act as if they were actually God’s chosen race. Alternate translation: “but they are not real Jews” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
2:9 a4yu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor συναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Here, **a synagogue of Satan** is a metaphor describing Jewish people in Smyrna that were slandering the Christians in the local church. The metaphor uses the imagery of the word **synagogue** as a place to gather together Jews for both worship and for learning. However, the Jews described in this verse gather together to slander the Christians of Smyrna. Therefore, these Jews actually gather and serve **Satan** as a **synagogue** in a certain sense. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:9 hv3o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession συναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Here, **a synagogue of Satan** signifies a synagogue that serves Satan in some metaphorical sense (see previous note). The phrase uses the possessive form to describe the fact that the synagogue of Jews serves Satan. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “a synagogue that follows Satan” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
2:10 a9ue rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **Behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:10 agx4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom μέλλει βάλλειν ὁ διάβολος ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν, ἵνα πειρασθῆτε 1 Here, **to throw** is a idiomatic expression for putting someone into prison or jail. The enemies of the Christians will test them, not God himself. Translators should avoid making the impression to their readers that God is in league with Satan as an author of evil or temptation. Alternate translation: “the devil will soon cause others to put some of you in prison” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:10 tlvz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd ἐξ ὑμῶν 1 See how you translated the second person pronouns and references in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
2:10 snk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡμερῶν δέκα 1 Here, **ten days** is probably metaphorical for a short time or limited amount of time for testing. Daniel 1:14 is most likely the source of the expression for a short time of testing. The translator should not avoid, however, rendering the time as a literal length of time of ten days, in contrast to some unspecified amount of time in a metaphorical expression. Alternate translation: “for a short time of testing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:10 f5t1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor γίνου πιστὸς ἄχρι θανάτου 1 The use of the word **until** does not mean that you should stop being faithful at death. Rather, the idea is to be faithful even to the point of death. Alternate translation: “Be faithful to me even if they kill you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:10 zhj8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς 1 Here, **the crown of life** refers as a metaphor to the reward of eternal life itself. Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the crown or the wreath as the prize of life itself. Eternal life is the reward in the metaphor of a crown. Alternate translation: “life as your crown” or “life as your wreath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
2:11 g7zq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:11 dc3n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
2:11 y88p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:11 s9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated this generic noun phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). For the metaphorical expression **one who conquers** that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **one who conquers** in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “anyone who conquers” or “all who conquer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
2:11 q6w2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου 1 Here, the clause **will certainly not be hurt** is a euphemism for experiencing the second death in actuality. The literal meaning of the clause gives the sense of mistreating or injuring someone. However, in this case, the euphemism represents the greater danger of a second, spiritual death (see next note). Alternate translation: “will not experience the second death” or “will not die the second death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
2:11 ayw1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου 1 Here, **by the second death** is a metaphor that describes the spiritual or eternal transition from normal life that occurs after the first natural death that people suffer at the end of life. The phrase **second death** is further described and defined in Revelation 20:6,14: 21:8. The translator should translate the phrase **the second death** literally and also give an explanatory note with references to Revelation 20:6,14; 21:8. Alternate translation: “by the eternal death” or “by the spiritual death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:12 ll17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Περγάμῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 # General Information:\n\nThis is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Pergamum**. **Pergamum** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
2:12 il7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:12 kf91 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
2:12 f6s5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὴν ῥομφαίαν τὴν δίστομον τὴν ὀξεῖαν 1 See how you translated this type of **sword** and its imagery in [Revelation 1:16](../01/16.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
2:13 ltx3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδα ποῦ κατοικεῖς 1 Here, **I know where you live** is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present condition and difficult circumstances that the Christians in Pergamum were experiencing at that time. The idiomatic expression indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current problems and difficult conditions of the people which he addresses here. Jesus not only expresses knowledge of the city of Pergamum as a location or place, but he also expresses his familiarity with the religious, social, and moral conditions which the Christians experienced while living in Pergamum. See the explanatory note for **I know** in the chapter two introduction contents. Alternate translation: “I know where you dwell” or “I know where you have your home” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:13 ryn6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ὁ θρόνος τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Here, **the throne of Satan** means the place that “Satan controls and gives power to his throne”. Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the place where Satan has power and control with a reference to a throne for describing the rule of Satan as a metonym. There is most likely a local reference to a giant altar to the god Zeus that existed in Pergamum at this time. Alternate translation: “where Satan rules” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
2:13 fxzt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom κρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **you hold tightly to my name** is a idiomatic expression meaning to firmly believe in the name of Jesus. Alternate translation: “you firmly believe in my name” or “you have a strong faith in my name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:13 tf7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **name** is a metonym for the person of Jesus. See how you translated the phrase **my name** in [Revelation 2:3](../02/03.md). Alternate translation: “you hold tightly to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:13 x6j6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὴν πίστιν μου 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **faith**, you can express it positively with the verb “believe.” Alternate translation: “you continued to tell people that you believe in me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:13 da1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὴν πίστιν μου 1 Here, **{your} faith in me** means “your faith that places trust in me.” Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the faith that the Christians had in Jesus as the object of their belief. Alternate translation: “your belief in me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
2:13 lu4b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἀντιπᾶς 1 **Antipas** is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
2:13 phzk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ὁ μάρτυς μου ὁ πιστός μου 1 Here, **my witness, my faithful one** means that Antipas “faithfully testified of me.” Jesus is using the possessive form to describe Antipas as a faithful witness to Jesus himself. Antipas faithfully witnessed about Jesus even up to the point of death so that one can simply call Antipas a “martyr.” Alternate translation: “my faithful martyr” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
2:13 xgge rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὃς ἀπεκτάνθη 1 Here, **who was killed** can be changed from the awkward passive form in some languages. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom those in your city killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2:13 biue rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd παρ’ ὑμῖν 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
2:13 v5lv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὅπου ὁ Σατανᾶς κατοικεῖ 1 Here, **where Satan lives** is an idiomatic expression that basically means where Satan rules. For this idiom and metaphorical imagery to describe Satan’s rule in Pergamum, see the note above for the phrase **the throne of Satan** in this same verse here. Alternate translation: “where Satan has power” or “where Satan rules” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:14 wu6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὀλίγα 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 2:4](../02/04.md), although in this case there is no actual ellipsis technically speaking with the presence of the object **a few things**. Alternate translation: “I disapprove of you because of a few things you have done” or “I am angry with you because of a few things you did” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
2:14 rd44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ 1 Here, **hold tightly** is an idiomatic expression for either: (1) people who teach what **Balaam** taught. (2) people who do what **Balaam** taught. The second option seems preferable in this context for the metaphor, as seen in the UST rendition. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “some who do the teaching of Balaam” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:14 j3nc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names τῷ Βαλὰκ 1 **Balak** was the name of a king in the Old Testament (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
2:14 hg4g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor βαλεῖν σκάνδαλον 1 Here, **to throw a stumbling block** is a metaphor for the act of leading and, thereby, causing people to sin. Therefore, this expression speaks of an action or behavior that leads people to sin as if it were a stone that sits in a road over which people stumble. The Greek word for **stumbling block** also can mean the trigger peg in an animal trap so that the phrase expresses the idea of setting a trap. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “to set a trap” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:14 mu6e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word **food sacrificed to idols**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is sacrificed rather than the person who does the sacrificing. If you must state who does the sacrificing, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “the things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2:14 rvjm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα 1 Here, **to eat food sacrificed to idols** speaks of eating food dedicated to a pagan god so that Jews considered the food to be unclean and, thus, forbidden to eat. The phrase **food sacrificed to idols** describes animals that are slaughtered, offered to a god, and then eaten. If your language has a specific word or phrase for meat from an animal that has been offered to a god, you could use it here. If your language does not have such a word, you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
2:14 u19f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πορνεῦσαι 1 Here, **to be sexually immoral** literally means immoral sexual activity. Yet, often people take the expression as a metaphor that signifies idolatry. If the expression is indeed a metaphor, then one should translate the word literally. However, if this might confuse the readers, one could use an equivalent expression in the target language, one could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to sin sexually” or “to commit sexual sin” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:15 jmzp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν 1 See how you the phrase **holding tightly to the teaching** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “doing the teaching” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:15 hc85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Νικολαϊτῶν 1 See how you translated **Nicolaitans** in [Revelation 2:6](../02/06.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
2:16 f8dy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis εἰ δὲ μή 1 If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can supply the verb from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “If you do not repent, I” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
2:16 qict rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔρχομαί 1 See how you translate this word in [Revelation 2:5](../02/05.md). Alternate translation: “I will punish” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:16 fd6u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πολεμήσω 1 Here, **will wage war** expresses a metaphor for judgment that utilizes the imagery of a sword coming from the mouth of Jesus. The translator may wish to maintain a fairly literal rendition in order to allow the metaphor to work with the sword imagery in this verse and from the prior verses of [Revelation 1:16](../01/16.md) and [Revelation 2:12](../02/12.md). Alternate translation: “I will punish” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:16 j52q rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ στόματός μου 1 This refers to the **sword** in [Revelation 1:16](../01/16.md) and [Revelation 2:12](../02/12.md). Although symbols in apocalyptic language are not normally to be replaced with the item they represent, translators may choose whether or not to show that this is a symbol which represents the words that Jesus speaks (see the UST). This symbol indicates that Jesus will defeat his enemies by giving a simple command. Alternate translation: “with the sword that is my mouth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
2:17 lm1j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:17 m867 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
2:17 unnj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:17 i61b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun τῷ νικῶντι 1 See how you translated this generic noun phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). For the metaphorical expression **one who conquers** that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **one who conquers** in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “anyone who conquers” or “all who conquer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
2:17 ngjb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τοῦ μάννα τοῦ κεκρυμμένου 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word **hidden manna**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is hidden rather than the person who does the hiding. If you must state who does the hiding, you could use an indefinite subject or Jesus himself (see the UST). Alternate translation: “manna that I have hid” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2:17 yeqt rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ψῆφον λευκήν 1 Here, **a white stone** could signify a variety of different interpretive options which relate to the social context of Pergamum when John wrote the book of Revelation. The translator should not choose any interpretation over another in this case, but simply maintain a fairly literal translation of the phrase **a white stone**. Hence, this note would suggest that the translator should not attempt to render **a white stone** in any way that seeks to be culturally relevant, since commentators are not exactly sure what the phrase signifies first in the original context here (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
2:17 l59r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὄνομα καινὸν γεγραμμένον 1 Here, **a new name written** could mean the name of Jesus, the name of God, or else, more likely, the new name of the person who conquers. The translator should not choose any interpretation over another in this case, but simply maintain a fairly literal translation of the phrase **a new name written**. If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word **written**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is written rather than the person who does the writing. If you must state who does the writing, you could use an indefinite subject or Jesus himself (see the UST). Alternate translation: “a new name that I wrote” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2:18 b83m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Θυατείροις ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 # General Information:\n\nThis is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Thyatira**. **Thyatira** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
2:18 nd4m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:18 j3xp rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
2:18 q3w9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 **Son of God** is an important title for Jesus (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
2:18 zbx5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁ ἔχων τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ ὡς φλόγα πυρός 1 Here, Jesus has **eyes** that are full of light so that they resemble **a flame of fire**. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “whose eyes glow like a flame of fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
2:18 p86i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ 1 People create objects of **bronze** and have them **polished** in order to make them shine and reflect light. Likewise, the feet of Jesus shine and reflect light like **polished bronze**. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:15](../01/15.md). Alternate translation: “whose feet are very shiny like polished bronze” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
2:19 oum6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated the clause **I know your works** in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:19 vj80 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd σου τὰ ἔργα, καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου, καὶ τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων 1 See how you translated the second person pronouns and second person individuals addressed in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). If the singular form of the second person address and the second person references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
2:19 bx33 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **love**, **faith**, **service**, and **endurance**, you can express them with their corresponding verbs that describe the actions. Alternate translation: “how you have loved, trusted, served, and endured patiently” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:19 y2mu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου 1 If your readers would misunderstand these abstract nouns in the clause then you can state the implied objects of these terms explicitly. Alternate translation: “how you have loved me and others, trusted me, served me and others, and endured troubles patiently” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:19 pi0k τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων 1 Here, the clause **your last works {are} greater than {your} first {works}** presents a comparison of previous labor or efforts to the current labor or efforts of the believers. If your readers would misunderstand the noun **works**, you can express it with the verb “to work” or “to do”. Alternate translation: “you do more now than you did at first”
2:20 wbu1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἀλλ’ ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 2:4](../02/04.md). Alternate translation: “But I disapprove of some of the things you are doing” or “But I am angry with you because of something you are doing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
2:20 f6e8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὴν γυναῖκα Ἰεζάβελ 1 Jesus spoke of a certain **woman** in their church at Thyatira as if she were the famous Queen **Jezebel**, because she did the same kinds of sinful actions that Jezebel had done in the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “the woman who is just like Jezebel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:20 mnom rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown πορνεῦσαι, καὶ φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα 1 See how you translated a similar clause with the same phrases in [Revelation 2:14](../02/14.md). It is possible to interpret both phrases as metaphors for idolatry or sinful actions in general (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
2:21 g7yh rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal ἔδωκα αὐτῇ χρόνον ἵνα μετανοήσῃ 1 Here, **I gave her time so that she might repent** represents a purpose clause. The word **so that** introduces a purpose clause. Jesus is stating a purpose for which he granted some time for the woman Jezebel to repent of her actions. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “I gave her time for the purpose of her repentance” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
2:21 rtai rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 Here, **her immorality** expresses the idea of impure passion. The word **immorality** always applies to females. The manner of expressing female immorality varies greatly in many languages. Use a natural idiom for expressing female immorality in your target language (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:22 kpoe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **Behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:22 twa2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην & εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην 1 Here, having Jezebel lie in **a bed** would be the result of Jesus making her very sick. The imagery of the bed is simply a metonym for the entire process of lying in bed when one is sick. The act of throwing someone into a bed causes the punishment to appear to be more intense and graphic in its idiomatic expression. Alternate translation: “I will make her lie sick in bed … I will make suffer greatly” or “I will make her very sick … I will make suffer greatly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:22 lj36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην, καὶ τοὺς μοιχεύοντας μετ’ αὐτῆς εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην 1 Here, Jesus speaks of causing people to suffer with the idiomatic expression of throwing them into suffering. The metaphor or idiomatic expression presents the imagery of causing suffering or hurt by the act of throwing someone into the suffering or hurt. Alternate translation: “I will throw her onto a bed, and I will make her and those who commit adultery with her to suffer greatly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:22 g53b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσουσιν ἐκ τῶν ἔργων αὐτῆς 1 This implies that they have participated with her in her wicked behavior. By repenting of **her deeds**, they also **repent** of participating in her behavior. Alternate translation: “if they do not repent from doing the evil that she does” or “if they do not repent of participating in her deeds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:23 cn5s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς 1 Jesus spoke of the disciples of Jezebel as if they were **her children**. Alternate translation: “her followers” or “her disciples” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:23 kx34 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς ἀποκτενῶ ἐν θανάτῳ 1 Here, **I will strike her children dead** expresses the idea of killing the disciples of Jezebel. The phrase implies death by a swift and ruthless action. The idiomatic language suggests the idea of killing by means of a pestilence. Alternate translation: “I will slay her children” or “I will exterminate her children” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:23 zm6t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy νεφροὺς καὶ καρδίας 1 The terms **kidneys** and **hearts** are metonyms that represents feelings and desires in the idiomatic language. Alternate translation: “what people think and want” or “secret thoughts and desires” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:23 bgs9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom δώσω ὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ 1 The phrase **I will give to each one of you** represents an idiomatic expression describing the distribution of punishment and reward. If this idiom might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will punish or reward each one of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:23 fptd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd ὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ὑμῶν 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
2:24 zqpg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd ὑμῖν δὲ λέγω τοῖς λοιποῖς τοῖς ἐν Θυατείροις, ὅσοι οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην, οἵτινες οὐκ ἔγνωσαν τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ, ὡς λέγουσιν; οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
2:24 tli6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὅσοι οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην 1 Here, to believe in a **teaching** is spoken of as to hold or to grasp the **teaching**. If this idiom might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to everyone who does not believe this teaching” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:24 scu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην 1 Here, **teaching** is an abstract noun that your readers might misunderstand without the use of a verbal phrase. If this abstract noun would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly with a verb. Alternate translation: “do not hold to what she teaches” or “do not believe what she teaches” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:24 d5i9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὰ βαθέα 1 Here, the adjective **deep** describes matters that that the disciples of Jezebel consider to be profound and very important. The adherents to Jezebel’s instruction kept this type of subject matter secret which they also thought to be **deep** in the sense of important or profound. Alternate translation: “the secret things” or “the profound matters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:24 y2t5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Jesus is using the possessive form to describe **the deep things** that Satan supposedly taught the disciples of Jezebel. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly with a verb. Alternate translation: “the deep things that Satan revealed to them” or “the deep things that Satan taught them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
2:24 sgil rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 Here, to **put any other burden** literally translates as “to throw another heavy load” onto someone to carry in a metaphorical manner. The phrase is an idiom for requiring another difficult command or burdensome order that one must perform besides already existing commands. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or explicit language. Alternate translation: “I do not place any other burden on you” or “I do not impose any other burden upon you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:24 ikkh rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 Here, **other** refers to the phrase “what you have” in the next verse. In other words, Jesus is saying that he will not give these people any additional command beyond what they already have from him. If this is confusing or if it would appear in your language that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it in the next verse, you could connect these ideas in a different way. If you do this, you will need to delete the word “However” in the next verse. Alternate translation: “the only burden I will put on you is this:” or “I will only burden you with obeying what I have already commanded you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
2:25 tfzk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit πλὴν ὃ ἔχετε 1 Here, **what you have** refers to the commands that Jesus has already given to the believers in Thyatira. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the commands that I have already given to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:25 vgxm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom κρατήσατε 1 See how you translated the verb to **hold on tightly to** in [Revelation 2:13](../02/13.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:26 z5xi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated this generic noun phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). For the metaphorical expression **one who conquers** that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **one who conquers** in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “anyone who conquers” or “all who conquer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
2:26 aiws rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τηρῶν 1 See how you translated this word in [Revelation 1:3](../01/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:26 v2e0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὰ ἔργα μου 1 Here, **my works** does not refer to the things that Jesus does, but rather, it refers to the things he orders his disciples to do. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the works that I give to you” or “the works that I require of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
2:27 c9gu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται 1 This entire verse is a loose citation or paraphrase of Psalm 2:8-9 in the Old Testament. The passage of Psalm 2:8-9 describes God promising to give the king of Israel authority over the entire world and its peoples. However, Jesus applies the passage of Psalm 2:8-9 here to those to whom he gives authority over all peoples and nations. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate that verse 2:27 is a quotation by setting off all of the words with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
2:27 e5kc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ 1 Here, **he will shepherd them with a rod of iron** expresses a metaphor that describes a king’s rule as if the king were a shepherd that punishes wrong with the threat of using an iron rod or staff. The symbol of an iron rod or staff indicates a rule that is so complete that the rule dominates all opposition to one’s dominion or power. If your readers would not understand what it means to rule as a shepherd with an iron rod, you could use an equivalent metaphor or idiom from your culture. Alternate translation: “he will rule them like a shepherd with a rod of iron” or “he will govern with a rod of iron” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:27 ksl1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται 1 Here, breaking **jars of clay** to **pieces** is a simile that represents either: (1) destroying people who do wicked acts, or (2) defeating enemies who oppose the rule of Jesus. If this expression would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “as jars of clay are smashed into pieces” or “as jars of clay are shattered to pieces” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
2:27 w8pp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive συντρίβεται 1 Here, **are broken into pieces** expresses a passive sense in the passive form. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will break them into pieces” or “he will smash them into pieces” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2:28 n9ts rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὡς κἀγὼ εἴληφα παρὰ τοῦ πατρός μου 1 Here, some languages may need to know what was **received**. This could mean: (1) he received **authority** from his Father. (2) He received the morning star from his Father. The second option is most likely, as reflected in the UST rendition of this verse. If such ambiguity might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as I also have received power from my Father” or “as I also have received dominion from my Father” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:28 hr39 rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ πατρός μου 1 Here, **my Father** is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
2:28 g5iy rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὸν ἀστέρα τὸν πρωϊνόν 1 Here, **the morning star** represents a **star** that appears just before dawn and early in the **morning**. It was a symbol of victory since the context suggests that those who are victorious with Jesus shall rule with the authority of Jesus as victors. There is much debate as to what the symbol of **the morning star** means or signifies for the believer that is victorious with Jesus. This symbol could mean: (1) Lucifer or Satan, (2) the resurrection of a believer, (3) the King of Babylon, (4) the planet Venus as a symbol of victory, (5) the eternal life of the righteous, (6) the Holy Spirit, (7) Jesus Christ Himself, or (8) a symbolic image that represents the future rule of the believers and the righteous in the kingdom of Jesus. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
2:29 ilk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:29 ikm8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
2:29 y6m4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:intro q1l9 0 # Revelation 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n### Outline of Chapters Two and Three of Revelation\n\nI. The Current Condition of the Churches (2:1-3:22)\n\nA. The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)\n\nB. The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)\n\nC. The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)\n\nD. The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)\n\nE. The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)\n\nF. The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)\n\nG. The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)\n\nChapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the “seven letters to the seven churches.” You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verse 7.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches\n\nJesus uses the phrase **I know** to express his personal familiarity and knowledge at times of some of the churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. The phrase **I know** is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced among the various churches mentioned in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation. The idiomatic expression **I know** indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current conditions or circumstances in which the Christians were living. Although usually positive in a tone of assurance (see Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:8), the phrase **I know** sometimes expresses a critical or negative assessment that Jesus affirms (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression **I know** affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus, but the phrase also asserts a claim to be in a position to make a valid judgment as an impartial arbiter who might be critical at times. Therefore, the translator may wish to provide for his readership a textual note that explains the phrase **I know** as meaning something more than simply the awareness that Jesus has of the current religious, social, and moral conditions for the Christians which are addressed by Jesus (see Revelation chapters two and three). Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])\n\n### The use of the second person singular to refer to a plural group of people\n\nThe second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout chapters two and three of the book of Revelation are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual **angel**, so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])\n\n### Seven spirits of God\n\nThese spirits are the seven spirits of [Revelation 1:4](../rev/01/04.md).\n\n### Seven stars\n\nThese stars are the seven stars of [Revelation 1:20](../rev/01/20.md).\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Look, I am standing at the door and am knocking\n\nJesus speaks of his desire to have the Christians in Laodicea obey him as if he were a man asking people in a house to allow him to enter and eat with them ([Revelation 3:20](../rev/03/20.md)). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### “Let the one who has an ear hear”\n\nJesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into pr
3:1 k6b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σάρδεσιν ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 # General Information:\n\nThis is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Sardis**. **Sardis** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
3:1 u1zs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:1 ouys rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
3:1 un3c rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα 1 The number **seven** is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The **seven spirits** refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits which serve God. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:4](../01/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
3:1 lpfk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated the clause **I know your works** in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:1 xtk2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὄνομα ἔχεις 1 Here, **name** is a metonym for the person who possesses the name. Essentially, the **name** represents the reputation of the person who has the name. See how you translated **name** in [Revelation 2:3](../02/03.md). Alternate translation: “you have a stature” or “you have a fame” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:1 ty18 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ζῇς, καὶ νεκρὸς εἶ 1 Here, being **alive** is a metaphor for obeying and honoring God. However, being **dead** is a metaphor for disobeying and dishonoring God. In other words, honoring God is spoken of as being **alive**, while, on the other hand, disobeying and dishonoring God is described as being **dead**. If these expressions of a spiritual condition would confuse your readers, you could say the meaning of the metaphors plainly. Alternate translation: “you are obedient, but you are disobedient” or “you honor me, but you dishonor me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:2 l7qg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor γίνου γρηγορῶν 1 Here, the command to **wake up** is a metaphor for the state of being alert or actively vigilant. In other words, being watchful or alert and vigilant is described by the action of waking up from sleep. If your readers would not understand what it means to **wake up** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Be alert!” or “Be awarel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:2 d8cw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification στήρισον τὰ λοιπὰ, ἃ ἔμελλον ἀποθανεῖν 1 Here, the **deeds** which the believers do are the same **works** mentioned in the previous verse. These **deeds** which the believers in Sardis do are described as if they were alive and also in danger of dying. Thus, **deeds** are referred to as if they were living persons or humans who live and die. If this figure of speech of personification might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative or explicit way. Alternate translation: “complete the work that remains, which is about to prove futile” or “finish the work that remains, which is about to prove useless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
3:2 ja1g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated this word **your deeds** in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “your works” or “your actions” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:2 jq58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession Θεοῦ μου 1 Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the **God** that Jesus possesses or claims has his own God. If this is not clear in your language, you could sasy the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the God I serve” or “the God I worship” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
3:3 wcs4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας 1 Here, this phrase **what you have received and heard** refers to God’s word or the teaching of God’s word which the believers had received and heard. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God’s word that you received and heard” or “the truth that you received and heard” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:3 e324 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τήρει 1 See how you translated this word in [Revelation 1:3](../01/03.md) and in [Revelation 2:26](../02/26.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:3 gwk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐὰν & μὴ γρηγορήσῃς 1 Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up in a metaphorical sense. See how you translated “wake up” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “If you are not alert” or “If you are not careful” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:3 ypw4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἥξω ὡς κλέπτης 1 Here, Jesus will **come** at a time when people do not expect him, just as a **thief** comes when he is not expected. The unexpected nature of the arrival of a thief is also explained in the following clause of this verse. However, if this simile would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express the meaning in a nonfigurative way. Alternate translation: “I will come unexpectedly” or “I will come without warning” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
3:4 bpg5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd ἀλλὰ ἔχεις 1 The second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout this verse and throughout chapters two and three are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. See how you translated the second person pronouns and the second person individuals referenced in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “But there are a few of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
3:4 fy7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὀλίγα ὀνόματα 1 Here, the word **names** represent the people themselves as a metonym for the persons. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “a few people” or “a few persons” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:4 imsu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν 1 Here, Jesus describes sins in a believer’s life as if they were dirty **clothes**. This figure of speech is a metaphor for how sin pollutes the life of a believer. Thus, to be holy or sacred to God relates to the imagery of what one wears as clothing or garments. If your readers do not understand what it means to be **stained** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a nonfigurative way. Alternate translation: “have not made dirty their clothes” or “have not polluted their clothes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:4 x2if rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν 1 Here, Jesus describes sins in a believer’s life as if they were dirty **clothes**. The metaphor may be stated positively or negatively. Here, the original Greek phrase is negative, as in they **have not stained their clothes**. However, one can state this same idea positively to make the meaning explicit. If your language does not use the negative language of this form, you can state this in the positive form or in another way that makes the meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “have kept their clothes clean” or “who have kept themselves pure” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:4 x48r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom περιπατήσουσιν μετ’ ἐμοῦ 1 Here, the word to **walk** is a idiomatic expression that describes life or living. People commonly spoke of living as a **walk**. If your readers do not understand what the idiom means in this context, you could use an equivalent idiom from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning of the idiom in a nonfigurative or plain way. Alternate translation: “they will live with me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:4 w5t9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν λευκοῖς 1 Clothes that are **white** represent a pure life without sin. The color of **white** also represents victory in eternal life, as stated in the next verse. If your readers do not understand what it means to be **white** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a nonfigurative or plain way. Alternate translation: “in purity” or “in victory” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:5 v69e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated this generic noun phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). For the metaphorical expression **one who conquers** that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **one who conquers** in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “anyone who conquers” or “all who conquer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
3:5 w5k4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive περιβαλεῖται ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς 1 Here, one can translate the passive verb **clothed** as an active verb in contrast to the passive voice. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will wear white clothes” or “will dress themselves in white clothes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3:5 hmy4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor λευκοῖς 1 See how you translated this metaphor of the color **white** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:5 wn1x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οὐ μὴ ἐξαλείψω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **I will certainly not wipe his name out** refers to a denial of ever deleting, erasing, removing, blotting out, or wiping out a name in any way. Here, the translator should translate the idea of wiping out with whatever verb is most naturally applied to the process of removing someone’s name from a book or list of some sort. If your readers would not understand this idiom, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I will certainly not delete his name out” or “I will certainly not remove his name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:5 yyu5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁμολογήσω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 Here **I will confess his name** does not simply mean that Jesus will say the name of the person. Rather, the expression means that Jesus will announce that he possesses the person. In other words, Jesus will proclaim that the person belongs to Jesus himself. Here, **his name** refers to the person himself by the figure of a metonym. If your readers would not understand this metonym, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “I will announce that he belongs to me” or “I will acknowledge that he is mine” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:5 bi3h rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 Here, **Father** is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus in the trinity. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
3:5 q22s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:6 zxc7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:6 k2k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
3:6 i49v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:7 rf9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Φιλαδελφίᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 # General Information:\n\nThis is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Philadelphia**. **Philadelphia** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
3:7 ksg4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:7 xarn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
3:7 ih6i rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὴν κλεῖν Δαυείδ 1 Here, **the key** is a symbol of authority, power, or ability to control something, which, in this case, is the Messiah’s kingdom of King David. Jesus speaks of his authority as the Messiah to decide who may enter into his kingdom as if he possessed the key that King of David had to open and close the city gates of Jerusalem. The symbolic imagery of Jesus having keys for his kingdom occurs also in [Matthew 16:19](../16/19.md). As the translator, you should not make the meaning of the figure explicit or attempt to specify the meaning of the symbolism beyond the plain or simple figure of the symbolic language. Alternate translation: “the key of David’s authority” or “the key of David’s kingdom” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
3:7 aam6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ὁ ἀνοίγων καὶ οὐδεὶς κλείσει, καὶ κλείων καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀνοίγει 1 Here, the phrase **the one who opens and no will shut, and he shuts and no one opens** expresses the authority, power, or ability to control the kingdom of King David by means of a merism. This merism lists the two opposite, extreme actions of authority by the analogy of opening and closing a door with a key, which are the the only two possibilities for action with a door. Jesus speaks of his authority as the Messiah to decide who may enter into his kingdom as if he possessed the key that King of David had to open and close the city gates of Jerusalem. The symbolic imagery of King David having a key for his kingdom to open and close doors also occurs in [Isaiah 22:22](../22/22.md). If this merism would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who opens and no one can shut, and he shuts and no one can open” or “the one who opens and no one may shut, and he shuts and no one may open” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
3:8 k48c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated the clause **I know your works** in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:8 t5hn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **Behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:8 j1x7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην 1 Here, **an open door** represents a symbolic figure for an opportunity for service or for proclamation of the gospel message. The language may also indicate a symbolic figure for a free entrance into the kingdom of Jesus the Messiah to the readers of the letter. As the translator, you should not make the meaning of the figure explicit or attempt to specify the meaning of the symbolism beyond the plain or simple figure of the symbolic language. Alternate translation: “I have set before you an open door” or “I have placed before you an open door” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
3:8 vp9n rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἣν οὐδεὶς δύναται κλεῖσαι αὐτήν 1 See how you translated the word here **to shut** and the symbolic language of this clause in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
3:8 h90i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom μικρὰν ἔχεις δύναμιν 1 Here, the phrase **you have little power** is an idiomatic expression that describes the social status of the believers as a community in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia assembly of believers had little influence or little social prestige in their community there in Philadelphia. As an idiomatic expression, one could say that the Philadelphia assembly had little power in their community or social context in the city of Philadelphia. If your readers do not understand what the idiom means in this context, you could use an equivalent idiom from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning of the idiom in a nonfigurative or plain way. Alternate translation: “you have little prestige” or “you do not have much power” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:8 xyw6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐτήρησάς 1 See how you translated this word in [Revelation 1:3](../01/03.md) and in [Revelation 2:26](../02/26.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:8 wsws rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession μου τὸν λόγον 1 Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the **word** or words that he spoke when he taught the believers in the city of Philadelphia. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the word that I spoke” or “my teaching” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
3:8 b3kz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **my name** is a metonym for the person who has that name, which in this case, is Jesus. If your readers would not understand this metonym, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “me” or “the name that I have” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:9 vfkb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ & ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **Behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:9 x78m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor συναγωγῆς τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Here, people who gather to obey or to honor **Satan** are spoken of as if they were in a **synagogue**. A **synagogue** is a place of worship and teaching for the Jewish people. See how you translated this same phrase in [Revelation 2:9](../02/09.md). In that verse and its context Jesus also declares there that certain Jewish people were not acting like true Jews as the representative people of God. The translator should retain here in this verse the metaphor and simply define the figure of speech of a **synagogue of Satan** in an explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:9 q496 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction προσκυνήσουσιν 1 Here, to **bow down** in front of a person’s feet represents a sign of submission. Thus, the action of bowing down is not a symbolic gesture that figuratively expresses worship. On the contrary, the gesture of bowing down symbolizes respect or obeisance. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “bow down in submission” or “prostrate themselves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
3:9 ah4w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche ἐνώπιον τῶν ποδῶν σου 1 Here, **feet** represents the person or the people before whom these individuals from the **synagogue of Satan** bow down. If this figure of speech of synecdoche would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “before you” or “to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
3:10 f9vi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐτήρησας & τηρήσω 1 See how you translated this word in [Revelation 1:3](../01/03.md) and in [Revelation 2:26](../02/26.md) for the meaning of the first instance of the word in this verse. However, the second instance of this word in this verse has a special sense of keeping someone safe or protected from something that will cause harm or injury to them. Thus, there is a wordplay between two senses of keeping within this verse in this case here. The translator should attempt to maintain the wordplay in his translation of both instances of the word in this verse, as the UST maintains in this verse and its context. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:10 k8mb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου 1 Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the **word** or command that he spoke when he taught the believers in the city of Philadelphia. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the word that I spoke about steadfastness” or “my teaching on steadfastness” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
3:10 y577 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῆς ὑπομονῆς 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **steadfastness**, you can express it with the verb “to endure.” See how you translated this word in [Revelation 1:9](../01/09.md) and in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “to suffer patiently” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3:10 ql9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τῆς ὥρας 1 The translator may wish to explain that **hour** is not sixty minutes. Rather, the **hour** is a moment of time, or a time period, of testing. If this idiom is not clear in your language, then you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the time” or “the moment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:10 gv5g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τῆς ὥρας τοῦ πειρασμοῦ 1 Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the **hour** as a time when God tests all of the world. The subject of **testing** is God who tests all people during the **hour** of great suffering. If it is not clear in your language that God is the one who tests the world, then you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the hour when God tests” or “the hour of God’s testing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
3:10 e6bw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῆς μελλούσης ἔρχεσθαι 1 Here, **to come** describes future being or existence. If your readers would not understand what it means for future existence **to come**, then you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a nonfigurative way. Alternative translation: “that will occur” or “that is about to be” or “that is about to exist” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:11 ih12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔρχομαι ταχύ 1 Here, **coming quickly** implies an arrival of Jesus to judge. It is understood that Jesus is **coming** in order to judge. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the implicit meaning in an explicit way. Alternate translation: “I am coming to judge quickly” or “I am coming to judge soon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:11 n9a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom κράτει ὃ ἔχεις 1 See how you translated the verb to **Hold fast to** in [Revelation 2:13](../02/13.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:11 a4m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν στέφανόν 1 Here, **crown** stands for a reward or a victory prize. See how you translated **crown** in [Revelation 2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:12 px36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated this generic noun phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). For the metaphorical expression **one who conquers** that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **one who conquers** in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “anyone who conquers” or “all who conquer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
3:12 xiwx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ποιήσω αὐτὸν στῦλον ἐν τῷ ναῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ μου 1 Jesus is speaking of victorious believers as if they were a **pillar** in the temple of God. Here, a **pillar** represents an important and permanent part of God’s kingdom. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will make him strong, like a pillar in the temple of my God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:12 k7dy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom γράψω ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ μου, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα τῆς πόλεως τοῦ Θεοῦ μου 1 The idiom of writing a name on an object or person usually indicates possession. Thus, this expression likely refers to the idea that the believers indicated here belong to Jesus or God. Likewise, **the name of the city** probably refers to the idea that the believers here are citizens of God's city of Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will write on him God's name, the name of my God's city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:12 ljn7 τὸ ὄνομά μου τὸ καινόν 1 Here, **my new name** may have a few possible references. The new name could be the "Lamb" of [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md), or the "Word of God" of [Revelation 19:12](../19/12.md), or the "King of kings and Lord of lords" of [Revelation 19:16](../19/16.md). It is difficult to know precisely what name, if any, is being referenced by the expression **my new name** specifically.
3:13 u5jk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:13 ug5m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
3:13 cm7r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:14 r6bz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 # General Information:\n\nThis is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Laodicea**. **Laodicea** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
3:14 jg3b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:14 wzg9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
3:14 f65v ὁ Ἀμήν 1 Here, **The Amen** is a name for Jesus Christ. Jesus confirms or guarantees God’s promises and plans by saying **Amen** to them. See how you translated the term **Amen** in [1:6](../01/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])
3:14 ru0n rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστὸς καὶ ἀληθινός 1 See how you translated the term **the faithful witness** in [1:5](../01/05.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
3:14 btv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς κτίσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **the beginning of the creation of God** could refer to: (1) the one who rules over everything that God created. (2) the one through whom God created everything. The meaning is not that Jesus is the first being that God created, but that Jesus rules over everything and is the one by means of whom God created all things. Alternate translation: "the origin of the creation of God" or "the source of the creation of God" or "the ruler of the creation of God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:15 c60l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated the clause **I know your works** in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:15 pf9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὔτε ψυχρὸς εἶ οὔτε ζεστός 1 The writer speaks of the Laodiceans as if they were water. Here, **cold** and **hot** could: (1) represent two extremes of spiritual interest or love for God, where “cold” is to be completely against God, and to be “hot” is to be zealous to serve him. (2) both refer to water that is useful for drinking or for cooking or healing, respectively. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are like water that is neither cold nor hot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:16 f59s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor χλιαρὸς εἶ, καὶ οὔτε ψυχρός, οὔτε ζεστὸς 1 See how you translated this metaphor with hot and cold water for an assembly's spiritual condition in [Revelation 3:15](../03/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:16 y9vt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor μέλλω σε ἐμέσαι ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου 1 Rejecting them is spoken of as vomiting them **out of** the **mouth**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will reject you as I would spit out lukewarm water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:17 r8l2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πλούσιός εἰμι, καὶ πεπλούτηκα, καὶ οὐδὲν χρείαν ἔχω 1 Jesus speaks of their spiritual condition as if he were speaking about their physical condition. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am rich and wealthy, I need nothing" or "I am rich and have become wealthy and have need of nothing spiritually" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:17 v1pj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor σὺ εἶ ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός 1 Jesus speaks of their spiritual condition as if he were speaking about their physical condition. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are like people who are miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:18 tmm7 ἀγοράσαι παρ’ ἐμοῦ χρυσίον πεπυρωμένον ἐκ πυρὸς, ἵνα πλουτήσῃς, καὶ ἱμάτια λευκὰ, ἵνα περιβάλῃ, καὶ μὴ φανερωθῇ ἡ αἰσχύνη τῆς γυμνότητός σου, καὶ κολλούριον ἐγχρῖσαι τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς σου, ἵνα βλέπῃς 1 Here, **to buy** represents receiving things from Jesus that have true spiritual value. The **gold refined by fire** represents spiritual wealth. The **brilliant white garments** represents righteousness. And the **salve to anoint your eyes** represents the ability to understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: “to come to me and receive spiritual wealth, which is more valuable than gold that is refined by fire. Receive from me righteousness, which is like brilliant white garments, so that you will not be ashamed. And receive from me wisdom, which is like salve for the eyes, so that you may understand spiritual things” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)
3:18 yxwq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῆς γυμνότητός σου 1 Here, **nakedness** is a metaphor for the shame of a lack of spirituality in the assembly, as also described with other metaphors in [Revelation 3:17](../03/17.md). Alternate translation: "of your nudity" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:20 e6f7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **Behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:20 i7gy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἕστηκα ἐπὶ τὴν θύραν καὶ κρούω 1 Jesus speaks about wanting people to relate to him as if he desires them to invite him into their home. Thus, the metaphor signified within the actions of Jesus waiting at the door and knocking represents the idea that Jesus seeks admission into the heart of the believer or the hearts of the assembly's members. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. \nAlternate translation: “I am like one standing at the door and knocking” \n(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:20 sr5y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction κρούω 1 When people want someone to welcome them into their home, they **knock** on the door. Thus, Jesus knocking on the door of a believer's home represents a symbolic action to show that Jesus seeks admission into the heart of a believer and/or into the hearts of the believers comprising the assemby of saints. If this would not be clear to your readers, you can explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “I want you to let me come inside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
3:20 m6n2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἀκούσῃ τῆς φωνῆς μου 1 Here, **my voice** refers to Christ speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “hears me speak” or “hears me call” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])\n
3:20 di8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go καὶ εἰσελεύσομαι πρὸς αὐτὸν 1 In a context such as this, your language might prefer the verb “go” here. Alternate translation: “I will indeed go into his home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
3:20 une1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor καὶ δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **eat with him** represents being together as friends. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and will have a meal with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:21 n83q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated this generic noun phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). For the metaphorical expression **one who conquers** that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **one who conquers** in the chapter two introduction. Alternate translation: “anyone who conquers” or “all who conquer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
3:21 h40e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom δώσω αὐτῷ 1 This expression refers to the permission of Jesus for the believer to take the privileges of a victory. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will allow him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:21 mn2c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy καθίσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐν τῷ θρόνῳ μου 1 To **sit down** on a **throne** means to rule as an expression of metonymy association with a king's throne. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to rule with me on my throne” or “to sit down on my throne and rule with me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:21 un17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 Here, **Father** is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
3:22 m13x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:22 mjv6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
3:22 vnr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter two and for chapter three to read this same same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4:intro cl9f 0 # Revelation 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n### Outline of Chapter Four of Revelation within 4:1-8:1\n\nThe Unrolling of the Seven-sealed Scroll (4:1-8:1)\n\nI. A Vision of God in Heaven (4:1-5:14)\n\nA. God Sitting on the Throne in Heaven (4:1-11)\nB. The Seven-sealed Scroll in Heaven that Jesus Takes (5:1-14)\n\nII. The Seven Seals (6:1-8:1)\n\nA. The Unrolling of the First Seal (6:1-2)\nB. The Unrolling of the Second Seal (6:3-4)\nC. The Unrolling of the Third Seal (6:5-6)\nD. The Unrolling of the Fourth Seal (6:7-8)\nE. The Unrolling of the Fifth Seal (6:9-11)\nF. The Unrolling of the Sixth Seal (6:12-17)\n 1. The Servants of God (7:1-17)\n a. The Servants of God on Earth (7:1-8)\n b. The Servants of God in Heaven (7:9-17)\nG. The Unrolling of the Seventh Seal (8:1)\n\n\nJohn has finished describing the letters to the churches. He now begins in chapter four of Revelation to describe a vision that God showed him. In chapter four of Revelation John has a vision of God sitting on his throne in heaven.\n \nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 8 and 11.\n\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Trumpet\n\nA **trumpet** is a instrument for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated **trumpet** in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n### Throne\n\nSee how you translated **throne** in [Revelation 1:4](../01/04.md). John does not specify to the reader that it is God who is sitting on the throne. However, later in the book John does specify that God is the one sitting on the throne (see 7:10, 15; 12:5; and 19:4).\n\n### Crown\n\nSee how you translated the word "crown" in [Revelation 2:10](../02/10.md).\n\n### Jasper, carnelian, and emerald\n\nThese words refer to kinds of special stones that the people in John’s day considered valuable. It may be difficult for you to translate these words if people in your culture do not value special kinds of stones.\n\n### Twenty-four elders\n\nInterpreters debate the symbolic meaning of **24** as the number of the elders. The symbolic significance of the term **elders** is also debated, but it probably indicates the church or the people of God at the time that John wrote the book of Revelation. In this sense, the leaders of the church represent the church or the believers that comprise the church. There were twelve tribes in Old Testament Israel and twelve apostles in the New Testament church. Alternate translation: “24 church leaders” or “24 older saints” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])\n\n### Seven spirits of God\n\nThese spirits are the seven spirits of [Revelation 1:4](../rev/01/04.md).\n\n### Four living creatures\n\nInterpreters debate what the symbolic significance of **four** and of **living creatures** precisely is. It is recommended that the translator keep the phrase literal and allow the symbolic significance to stand in the translation or rendition. Alternate translation: “four animate beings” or “four living things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])\n\n### Giving glory to God\n\nGod’s glory is the great beauty and radiant majesty that God has because he is God. Other Bible writers describe it as if it were a light so bright that no one can look at it. No one can give God this kind of glory, because it is already his. When people give glory to God or when God receives glory, people say that God has the glory that is his, that it is right for God to have that glory, and that people should worship God because he has that glory. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/worthy]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/worship]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Difficult images\n\nSuch things as bolts of lightning coming from the throne, lamps that are spirits, and a sea in front of th
4:1 vh4i μετὰ ταῦτα 1 The expression **after these things** represents a formal way to close one event and to begin another event. Usually the phrase marks the beginning of new vision that John observes, thereby introducing a new section in the book. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 7:1](../07/01.md). The expression occurs also in Revelation 7:9; 15:5; 18:1; and 19:1. Alternate translation: “After I had just seen these things” or "After these thing had happened"
4:1 suqj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). Here, it is more natural to avoid the usual “pay attention” in the UST. The translator should probably be less literal in the translation here of **behold** due to the unique context (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:1 z8r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor θύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ 1 The expression **open door in heaven** stands for the ability that God gave John to see into heaven, at least by means of a vision in John's spiritual state of mind. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "a door that had been opened in heaven" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:1 rgij rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἡ φωνὴ ἡ πρώτη ἣν ἤκουσα ὡς σάλπιγγος 1 See how you translated this simile expression in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
4:1 a49s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς σάλπιγγος λαλούσης μετ’ ἐμοῦ 1 If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can state explicitly how the voice was **like a trumpet**. Alternate translation: “speaking to me loudly like the sound of a trumpet” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
4:1 j713 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σάλπιγγος 1 A **trumpet** is a instrument for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated **trumpet** in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
4:1 jao4 ἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα 1 See how you translated a similar clause to this one in [Revelation 1:19](../01/19.md).
4:2 ie3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι 1 John speaks of being influenced by God’s **Spirit** as if he were **in the Spirit**. See how you translated this expression in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). Alternate translation: “I was influenced by the Spirit” or “the Spirit influenced me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4:2 nmlw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). Here, it is more natural to avoid the usual “pay attention” in the UST. The translator should probably be less literal in the translation here of **behold** due to the unique context (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:2 utn2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor 1 See how you translated **throne** in [Revelation 1:4](../01/04.md). John does not specify to the reader that it is God who is sitting on the throne. However, later in the book John does specify that God is the one sitting on the throne (see 7:10, 15; 12:5; and 19:4).
4:3 m4mi rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown λίθῳ, ἰάσπιδι καὶ σαρδίῳ 1 The terms **jasper** and **carnelian** refer to valuable stones. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal. However, in contrast, carnelian may have been red in color. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
4:3 aap1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σμαραγδίνῳ 1 An **emerald** is a valuable stone with a green tone or color. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
4:4 b695 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage εἴκοσι τέσσαρας πρεσβυτέρους 1 Interpreters debate the symbolic meaning of **24** as the number of the elders. The symbolic significance of the term **elders** is also debated, but it probably indicates the church or the people of God at the time that John wrote the book of Revelation. In this sense, the leaders of the church represent the church or the believers that comprise the church. Alternate translation: “24 church leaders” or “24 older saints” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
4:4 f6fo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor περιβεβλημένους ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς 1 See how you translated the idea of white clothing in [Revelation 3:4](../03/04.md). Alternate translation: “dressed in purity” or “dressed in victory” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:4 hjvi στεφάνους 1 Alternate translation: “crowns of gold” or “golden royal hats”. See how you translated the word "crown" in [Revelation 2:10](../02/10.md).
4:5 ryb1 ἀστραπαὶ 1 Use your language’s way of describing what **flashes of lightning** look like.
4:5 u1da φωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί 1 Here, **rumblings** are the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your language’s way of describing the sound of thunder.
4:5 e1jm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The number **seven** is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The **seven spirits** refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:4](../01/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
4:6 droz τοῦ θρόνου 1 See how you translated **throne** in [Revelation 1:4](../01/04.md). John does not specify to the reader that it is God who is sitting on the throne. However, later in the book John does specify that God is the one sitting on the throne (see 7:10, 15; 12:5; and 19:4).
4:6 ja33 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor θάλασσα ὑαλίνη 1 If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can state how it was like **glass** or a **sea**. This could mean: (1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: “a sea that was as smooth as glass” (2) glass is spoken of as if it were a sea. Alternate translation: “glass that was spread out like a sea”\n(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
4:6 cv9p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁμοία κρυστάλλῳ 1 If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can state how it was **like crystal**. Alternate translation: “clear as crystal” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
4:6 fr7x ἐν μέσῳ τοῦ θρόνου καὶ κύκλῳ τοῦ θρόνου 1 The description for the location of the **four living creatures** is difficult to understand. Most likely, the **four living creatures** are standing next to the throne, each one of them on each of the four sides respectively. Then, around the **four living creatures** the 24 elders are all sitting on thrones. Alternate translation: “immediately around the throne” or “close to the throne and around it”
4:6 b66k rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τέσσαρα ζῷα 1 Interpreters debate what the symbolic significance of **four** and of **living creatures** precisely is. It is recommended that the translator keep the phrase literal and allow the symbolic significance to stand in the translation or rendition. Alternate translation: “four animate beings” or “four living things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
4:7 d84n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile τὸ ζῷον τὸ πρῶτον ὅμοιον λέοντι, καὶ τὸ δεύτερον ζῷον ὅμοιον μόσχῳ, καὶ τὸ τρίτον ζῷον ἔχων τὸ πρόσωπον ὡς ἀνθρώπου, καὶ τὸ τέταρτον ζῷον ὅμοιον ἀετῷ πετομένῳ 1 How the head of each **living creature** appeared to John is expressed as a comparison with something more familiar to the readers of the book. John gives a total of four similes here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
4:7 b9tx rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ζῷον 1 See how you translated **living creature** in [Revelation 4:6](../04/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
4:8 n8g2 κυκλόθεν καὶ ἔσωθεν γέμουσιν ὀφθαλμῶν 1 The top and bottom of the six wings on each of the **four living creatures** was covered with **eyes**.
4:8 g4v6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 See how you translated the same expressions, although in a different order, in [Revelation 1:4](../01/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
4:8 zdzg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj Κύριος ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ 1 See how you translated the same title in [Revelation 1:8](../01/08.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
4:8 y1u5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 Existing in the future is spoken of as **coming**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n
4:9 tljo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ ζῷα 1 See how you translated **living creatures** in [Revelation 4:6](../04/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
4:9 g2zg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns δόξαν 1 See how you translated **glory** in [Revelation 1:6](../01/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
4:9 xil8 τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ 1 This is God that sits on the throne here. In other words, this is the same **one** who is sitting on the throne earlier in the book in [Revelation 4:2-3](../04/02.md).
4:9 o2tj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4:10 c2vg πεσοῦνται 1 The 24 elders purposely lie down facing the ground to show that they are worshiping. See how you translated a similar action in [Revelation 1:17](../01/17.md).
4:10 s4mw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage πρεσβύτεροι 1 See how you translated **elders** in [Revelation 4:4](../04/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
4:10 k09m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4:10 sly8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction βαλοῦσιν τοὺς στεφάνους αὐτῶν ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου 1 The elders were respectfully placing the **crowns** on the ground, showing that they were submitting to God’s authority to rule. Alternate translation: “they lay their crowns before the throne to show that they were submitting to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
4:11 idj1 ὁ Κύριος καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν 1 Here, **our Lord and God** is God, the one person who was sitting on the throne. See how you translated a similar title for God in [Revelation 1:8](../01/08.md).
4:11 h6ys rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἄξιος εἶ, ὁ Κύριος καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, λαβεῖν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν καὶ τὴν δύναμιν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to be praised for your glory, honor, and power” or “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, for everyone to praise you because you are glorious, honorable, and powerful” or “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, for everyone to praise you because you have glory, honor, and power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4:11 q91l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν 1 See how you translated the terms **the glory and the honor** in [Revelation 4:9](../04/09.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
5:intro g7ey 0 # Revelation 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n### Outline of Chapter Five of Revelation within 4:1-8:1\n\nThe Unrolling of the Seven-sealed Scroll (4:1-8:1)\n\nI. A Vision of God in Heaven (4:1-5:14)\n\nA. God Sitting on the Throne in Heaven (4:1-11)\nB. The Seven-sealed Scroll in Heaven that Jesus Takes (5:1-14)\n\nII. The Seven Seals (6:1-8:1)\n\nA. The Unrolling of the First Seal (6:1-2)\nB. The Unrolling of the Second Seal (6:3-4)\nC. The Unrolling of the Third Seal (6:5-6)\nD. The Unrolling of the Fourth Seal (6:7-8)\nE. The Unrolling of the Fifth Seal (6:9-11)\nF. The Unrolling of the Sixth Seal (6:12-17)\n 1. The Servants of God (7:1-17)\n a. The Servants of God on Earth (7:1-8)\n b. The Servants of God in Heaven (7:9-17)\nG. The Unrolling of the Seventh Seal (8:1)\n\nJohn continues a vision that God showed him of God's throne in heaven in chapter four of Revelation. John now sees Jesus as the Lamb. In chapter five of Revelation the Lamb takes a scroll that is sealed with seven seals or takes a scroll that is sealed with seven pieces of wax or seals.\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this in verses 9-13.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### The Lamb\n\nThe Lamb symbolically refers Jesus as a sacrifice. The translator should not change the symbol of the Lamb as a picture of sacrifice. Alternate translation: “a male sheep” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])\n\nThe “Lion of the tribe of Judah” and the “Root of David” are metaphors that refer to Jesus as the Lamb. Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah and the family of David. Lions are fierce, and all animals and people are afraid of them, so they are a metaphor for a king whom everyone obeys. The words **Root of David** speak of Israel’s King David as if he were a seed that God had planted and of Jesus as if he were a root growing from that seed. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### Sealed scroll\n\nKings and important people in John’s time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, “the one who was seated on the throne” had written the scroll. Only the person called “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” and “the Lamb” had the authority to open it. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/scroll]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/authority]])\n\n### A Scroll\n\nIn ancient times, a scroll was a type of book made of one long, rolled-up sheet of papyrus or leather. After writing on a scroll or reading from it, people rolled it up by using the rods attached to its ends. Scrolls were used for legal documents and scripture. Sometimes scrolls that were delivered by a messenger were sealed with wax. If the wax was still present when the scroll was received, then the receiver knew that no one had opened the scroll to read it or write on it since it had been sealed. Alternate translation: “a scroll with writing on the front and the back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n### Seven Seals\n\nHere, **seven seals** represents seven pieces of wax that secured documents closed. Melted wax was used to seal letters or other documents that needed to be protected. When the wax cooled and hardened, the letter could not be opened without breaking the wax seal. The person who received the letter would see the unbroken seal and know that no one had opened it. Alternate translation: “and it had seven seals keeping it closed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n### Twenty-four elders\n\nInterpreters debate the symbolic meaning of **24** as the number of the elders. The symbolic significance of the term **elders** is also debated, but it probably indicates the church or the people of God at the time that
5:1 w3yi εἶδον 1 See how you translated this word in [Revelation 4:1](../04/01.md).
5:1 xzbs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐπὶ τὴν δεξιὰν 1 The right hand can be used figuratively as a symbol of power, authority, or strength. However, sometimes the term “right hand” literally refers to a person’s right hand. Perhaps this is also the case here in this context. This should be translated using the term that the language uses to refer to this hand. Alternate translation: "in the hand" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:1 u3br τοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου 1 This is God that sits on the throne here. In other words, this is the same **one** who is sitting on the throne earlier in the book in [Revelation 4:2-3](../04/02.md).
5:1 yhm3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown βιβλίον, γεγραμμένον ἔσωθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν 1 In ancient times, a scroll was a type of book made of one long, rolled-up sheet of papyrus or leather. After writing on a scroll or reading from it, people rolled it up by using the rods attached to its ends. Scrolls were used for legal documents and scripture. Sometimes scrolls that were delivered by a messenger were sealed with wax. If the wax was still present when the scroll was received, then the receiver knew that no one had opened the scroll to read it or write on it since it had been sealed. Alternate translation: “a scroll with writing on the front and the back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
5:1 aj7m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown κατεσφραγισμένον σφραγῖσιν ἑπτά 1 Here, **seven seals** represents seven pieces of wax that secured documents closed. Melted wax was used to seal letters or other documents that needed to be protected. When the wax cooled and hardened, the letter could not be opened without breaking the wax seal. The person who received the letter would see the unbroken seal and know that no one had opened it. Alternate translation: “and it had seven seals keeping it closed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
5:2 r2vt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events τίς ἄξιος ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ? 1 Someone would need to break the **seals** in order **to open the scroll**. Alternate translation: “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
5:2 v4r4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίς ἄξιος ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ? 1 If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can translate it as a statement: “Show us who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
5:2 xdym rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὸ βιβλίον 1 See how you translated **scroll** in [Revelation 5:1](../05/01.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
5:2 fg13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὰς σφραγῖδας 1 See how you translated **seals** in [Revelation 5:1](../05/01.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
5:3 khd2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐδύνατο 1 This expression means literally "was able". However, the idiom refers to the idea of being sufficiently worthy or deserving to open the scroll. Thus, the expression does not simply convey the notion of being able to open the scroll. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “was worthy” or "was deserving" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
5:3 lj9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, οὐδὲ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς 1 Here, the entire clause and all of its descriptions of parts of the cosmos or universe represent a merism. Essentially, the entire clause means everywhere. In other words, the entire clause represents the following: the place where God and the angels live, the place where people and animals live, and the place where those who have died are. Alternate translation: “anywhere in heaven or on the earth or under the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
5:3 ww4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom βλέπειν 1 This expression means literally "to see". However, the idiom refers to the action of reading and not simply looking or seeing a book or scroll. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to view” or "to look inside" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
5:4 nzkf ἄξιος 1 See how you translated **worthy** in [Revelation 5:2](../05/02.md).
5:4 o8pc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive εὑρέθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Although it is not clear who attempted to find someone, the context suggests that John could not find anyone worthy to open and to read the scroll. Alternate translation: “I did not find" or "I did not see" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5:4 vfc7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, οὔτε βλέπειν αὐτό 1 See how you translated this same clause in [Revelation 5:3](../05/03.md).
5:5 dohb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν πρεσβυτέρων 1 See how you translated **elders** in [Revelation 4:4](../04/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:5 dm5p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **Behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:5 j67w ὁ λέων ὁ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰούδα 1 Here, **the Lion** is a title for the man **from the tribe of Judah** that God had promised would be the great king. This title probably refers to [Genesis 49:9](../../gen/49/09.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “The one who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah” or “The king who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah”
5:5 b6wg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ λέων 1 The king is spoken of as if he were a **Lion** because a lion is very strong. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:5 i89j rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ 1 Here, **the Root of David** is a title for the descendant of **David** that God had promised would be the great king. This title probably refers to [Isa 11:10](../../isa/11/10.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “the one who is called the Root of David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:5 z3vw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ 1 The descendant is spoken of as if David’s family were a tree and he were a root of that tree. Alternate translation: “the Descendant of David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:6 v99j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν μέσῳ τοῦ θρόνου καὶ τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων καὶ ἐν μέσῳ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων, Ἀρνίον ἑστηκὸς 1 Here, **in the middle of** describes a setting in which **the four living creatures** surround the central throne for the **Lamb** that exists in the center of the imagery or vision. The **elders** are sitting on thrones that also surround the central throne and **the four living creatures**. However, **the elders** are further out and even more removed in terms of relative space from the center of the throne for the **Lamb** than are the **the four living creatures**. Where the **Lamb** is standing in relation to **the throne** is not entirely clear and should not be translated very specifically. Thus, the translator should avoid specifying the exact details of where the **Lamb** stands in his relative location with **the throne**. If this spatial relationship is confusing in your language, then the translator might give a less confusing description by stating generally that the **Lamb** was standing near or at the throne. Alternate translation: “near the throne and the four living creatures and the elders” or “close to the throne and the four living creatures and the elders” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
5:6 zkxf rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων 1 See how you translated **living creatures** in [Revelation 4:6](../04/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:6 uegz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν πρεσβυτέρων 1 See how you translated **elders** in [Revelation 4:4](../04/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:6 du51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage Ἀρνίον 1 Here, **Lamb** symbolically refers Jesus as a sacrifice. The translator should not change the symbol of the **Lamb** as a picture of sacrifice. Alternate translation: “a male sheep” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:6 o15q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς ἐσφαγμένον 1 Here, **as though having been killed** translates a passive verb phrase that literally means “having been slain”. Thus, the passive verb phrase expresses the fact that the Lamb, although he was alive or living, actually had marks or cuts which indicated that he had died or was killed by others. If your language does not use the passive verb form in this way, you can state this witha an active verb form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as though someone had killed him” or “as though someone had murdered him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5:6 oz6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage κέρατα ἑπτὰ καὶ ὀφθαλμοὺς ἑπτά 1 The number **seven** is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection. See how you translated **seven** as a symbolic number in [Revelation 1:4](../01/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:6 erg2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The number **seven** is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The **seven spirits** refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this symbolic phrase in [Revelation 1:4](../01/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:6 t7d1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἀπεσταλμένοι εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν 1 If your language does not use a passive form like **sent out** here, then you can translate the passive expression with an active verb. Alternate translation: “which God sent out into all the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5:7 egp6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go ἦλθεν 1 He approached the throne. Some languages may use the verb “to go” with a form equivalent to the phrase “he went.” Use whichever verb is more natural in you language. Alternate translation: “he went” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
5:7 fkax rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐκ τῆς δεξιᾶς 1 See the explicit mention of **the scroll** in the next verse in [Revelation 5:8](../05/08.md). Alternate translation: “it from the right hand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
5:8 l8a3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ τέσσερα ζῷα 1 See how you translated **living creatures** in [Revelation 4:6](../04/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:8 hals rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage πρεσβύτεροι 1 See how you translated **elders** in [Revelation 4:4](../04/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:8 e3fh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:8 uv6w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἕκαστος 1 Here, **each one** could refer to: (1) each one of the elders and living creatures, or, (2) solely each one of the elders. The translator should not make the references explicit since the persons or characters are not clearly identified in the Greek language. Alternate translation: “everyone” or “all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
5:8 jy9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown θυμιαμάτων 1 The term **incense** refers to a mixture of fragrant spices that is burned to produce smoke that has a pleasant smell. God commanded that the Israelites burn incense as an offering to him. If your readers would not be familiar with what incense is, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “pleasant smoke" or "fragrant spices” or “good-smelling plants" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
5:8 qak6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage θυμιαμάτων 1 Here, **incense** symbolizes the **prayers** of the **saints** to God. Alternate translation: “aromatic herbs” or “aromatic resins” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:9 voro ἄξιος 1 See how you translated **worthy** in [Revelation 4:11](../04/11.md).
5:9 yu7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐσφάγης 1 Here, **you were slaughtered** is a passive verbal phrase that can be turned into an active verbal expression. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they slaughtered you” or “people killed you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5:9 qtv5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ αἵματί σου 1 Here, **blood** is a metonym that substitutes for blood. The phrase **with your blood** can mean “by your death” or “by dying.” Since **blood** represents a person’s life, losing the blood represents a death or the act of dying. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “with your death” or “with your act of dying.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
5:9 zzc7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany ἐκ πάσης φυλῆς, καὶ γλώσσης, καὶ λαοῦ, καὶ ἔθνους 1 The clause **from every tribe and tongue and people and nation** represents a litany. The list in this litany represents all **people** of the earth and includes every ethnic group that the world contains. Use words in your language that someone would use to include all types of people, races, and ethnic groups which inhabit the world. Alternate translation: “from every ethnic group and tongue and people and nation” or “from every tribe and tongue and race and nation.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])
5:10 wn87 βασιλείαν καὶ ἱερεῖς 1 See how you translated **kingdom** and **priests** in [Revelation 1:6](../01/06.md).
5:11 xuy1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers μυριάδες μυριάδων καὶ χιλιάδες χιλιάδων 1 Here, **myriads** and **thousands** refer to numbers that represent so many in their number that people cannot count them. The numbers **myriads** and **thousands** simply mean numbers that are so great that they are countless. If people will not understand these numbers in your target language, then you can simply use natural expressions in your language for numbers that are so great that one cannot count them. Use expressions in your language that show huge numbers that are difficult to count. Alternate translation: “millions” or “too many thousands to count” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
5:12 m6hy ἄξιόν 1 See how you translated **Worthy** in [Revelation 4:11](../04/11.md).
5:12 xzbc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὸ Ἀρνίον 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:12 gnv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive λαβεῖν 1 Here, **to receive** may be expressed with an active form in contrast to the passive. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated **to receive** in [Revelation 4:11](../04/11.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5:12 w0dv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns λαβεῖν τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ πλοῦτον, καὶ σοφίαν, καὶ ἰσχὺν, καὶ τιμὴν, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ εὐλογίαν 1 If your readers would misunderstand these abstract nouns, you can express them as verbs. See how you translated a similar sentence in [Revelation 4:11](../04/11.md). Alternate translation: “for everyone to honor, glorify, and praise him because he is powerful, wealthy, wise, and strong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
5:13 sad6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς 1 Here, the entire clause and all of its descriptions of parts of the cosmos or universe represent a merism. Essentially, the entire clause means everywhere. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:3](../05/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
5:13 l2sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῷ Ἀρνίῳ 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:13 abt1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
5:14 j2f3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἀμήν! 1 See how you translated **Amen** in [Revelation 1:6](../01/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
5:14 x82h 1 The elders purposely lie down facing the ground to show that they are worshiping. See how you translated a similar action in [Revelation 1:17](../01/17.md).
6:intro zkn7 0 # Revelation 6 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n### Outline of Chapter Six of Revelation within 4:1-8:1\n\nThe Unrolling of the Seven-sealed Scroll (4:1-8:1)\n\nI. A Vision of God in Heaven (4:1-5:14)\n\nA. God Sitting on the Throne in Heaven (4:1-11)\nB. The Seven-sealed Scroll in Heaven that Jesus Takes (5:1-14)\n\nII. The Seven Seals (6:1-8:1)\n\nA. The Unrolling of the First Seal (6:1-2)\nB. The Unrolling of the Second Seal (6:3-4)\nC. The Unrolling of the Third Seal (6:5-6)\nD. The Unrolling of the Fourth Seal (6:7-8)\nE. The Unrolling of the Fifth Seal (6:9-11)\nF. The Unrolling of the Sixth Seal (6:12-17)\n 1. The Servants of God (7:1-17)\n a. The Servants of God on Earth (7:1-8)\n b. The Servants of God in Heaven (7:9-17)\nG. The Unrolling of the Seventh Seal (8:1)\n\nThe author describes what happened after the Lamb opens each of the first six seals. The Lamb does not open the seventh seal until Chapter 8.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### The Lamb\n\nThe Lamb symbolically refers Jesus as a sacrifice. The translator should not change the symbol of the Lamb as a picture of sacrifice. Alternate translation: “a male sheep” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])\n\n### Sealed scroll\n\nKings and important people in John’s time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, “the one who was seated on the throne” had written the scroll. Only the person called “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” and “the Lamb” had the authority to open it. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/scroll]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/authority]])\n\n### A Scroll\n\nIn ancient times, a scroll was a type of book made of one long, rolled-up sheet of papyrus or leather. After writing on a scroll or reading from it, people rolled it up by using the rods attached to its ends. Scrolls were used for legal documents and scripture. Sometimes scrolls that were delivered by a messenger were sealed with wax. If the wax was still present when the scroll was received, then the receiver knew that no one had opened the scroll to read it or write on it since it had been sealed. Alternate translation: “a scroll with writing on the front and the back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n### Seven Seals\n\nHere, **seven seals** represents seven pieces of wax that secured documents closed. Melted wax was used to seal letters or other documents that needed to be protected. When the wax cooled and hardened, the letter could not be opened without breaking the wax seal. The person who received the letter would see the unbroken seal and know that no one had opened it. Alternate translation: “and it had seven seals keeping it closed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n### Twenty-four elders\n\nInterpreters debate the symbolic meaning of **24** as the number of the elders. The symbolic significance of the term **elders** is also debated, but it probably indicates the church or the people of God at the time that John wrote the book of Revelation. In this sense, the leaders of the church represent the church or the believers that comprise the church. There were twelve tribes in Old Testament Israel and twelve apostles in the New Testament church. Alternate translation: “24 church leaders” or “24 older saints” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])\n\n### Seven Seals\n\nKings and important people in John’s time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, the Lamb opens the seals. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### The Four Horsemen\n\nAs the
6:1 q571 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὸ Ἀρνίον 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
6:1 g13d rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal μίαν ἐκ τῶν ἑπτὰ 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the initial of the seven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
6:1 i392 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τῶν ἑπτὰ σφραγίδων 1 # Connecting Statement:\n\nSee how you translated **seven seals** in [Revelation 5:1](../05/01.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
6:1 v9td rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς φωνῇ βροντῆς 1 Here, **one of the living creatures** speaks with a very loud voice. John is using **thunder** figuratively in a simile to mean a very loud noise for the voice. Alternate translation: “as with a noise of thunder” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
6:2 t2qg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ στέφανος 1 Here, **to him was given a crown** might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he received a crown” or “God gave him a crown” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:3 bs66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν δευτέραν 1 The word **second** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number two” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
6:3 i1p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τοῦ δευτέρου ζῴου 1 The word **second** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another living creature” or “the next living creature” or “living creature number two” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
6:4 w57m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, ἐδόθη αὐτῷ 1 Here, **to the one sitting on it was granted to him** might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave permission to its rider” or “its rider received permission” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:4 je64 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ μάχαιρα μεγάλη 1 Here, **to him was given a huge sword** might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this rider received a huge sword” or “God gave this rider a huge sword” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:5 v4us rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν τρίτην 1 The word **third** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number three” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
6:5 zec1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τοῦ τρίτου ζῴου 1 The word **third** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another living creature” or “the next living creature” or “living creature number three” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
6:5 rm4y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ζυγὸν 1 Here, **a pair of scales** is a tool that people utilize to weigh scarce food. Most likely **a pair of scales** was a weighing device which included two round plates or bowls hanging by ropes to a pole which the rider holds in his hand. Translators should maintain the imagery of the ancient tool and not describe modern systems for weighing things. Alternate translation: “a pair of balances” or “a pair of weights” or “balancing scales” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
6:6 b5rr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume χοῖνιξ σίτου & τρεῖς χοίνικες κριθῶν 1 A **choenix** was a specific measure that was about one liter. The plural of **choenix** is “choenices.” Alternate translation: “one quart of wheat … three quarts of barley” or “one bowl of wheat … three bowls of barley” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])
6:6 v3sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney δηναρίου & δηναρίου 1 The **denarius** was a coin that was worth a day’s wages. A denarius was a silver coin equivalent to a day’s wage. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “one silver coin” or “the pay for one day of work” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])
6:6 c5ik rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ ἔλαιον καὶ τὸν οἶνον 1 The **oil** and the **wine** probably stand for the olive oil harvest and the grape harvest. In other words, **the oil and the wine** figuratively represent olive oil and grape harvest. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly.Alternate translation: “the olive and the grape” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
6:7 mu5f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν τετάρτην 1 The word **fourth** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number four” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
6:7 zj87 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τοῦ τετάρτου ζῴου 1 The word **fourth** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another living creature” or “the next living creature” or “living creature number four” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
6:8 t7y4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate ὁ Θάνατος, καὶ ὁ ᾍδης 1 See how you translated **Death** and **Hades** in [Revelation 1:18](../01/18.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])
6:8 qlly rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἐξουσία 1 Here, **authority was given to them** might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave the authority to them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:8 aj1h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction τὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς 1 Here, **one-fourth** means one part out of four equal parts. Alternate translation: “one out of every four of the people of the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
6:8 df32 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῆς γῆς 1 Here, **the earth** represents the people of the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “one-fourth of the people on the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
6:8 tjw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ῥομφαίᾳ 1 Here, **sword** represents war. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “war” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
6:9 bv8r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν πέμπτην σφραγῖδα 1 The word **fifth** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number five” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
6:9 t7hi rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου 1 An **altar** was a raised structure on which the Israelites burned animals and grains as offerings to God. During Bible times, simple altars were often made by forming a mound of packed-down dirt or by carefully placing large stones to form a stable pile. However, altars were often made of metal when John wrote the book of Revelation. If your readers would not be familiar with what an altar is, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “the cultic furniture" or "the offering stand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
6:9 b2kp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῶν ἐσφαγμένων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom others had killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:9 x1yr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν εἶχον 1 Here, **held** is a metaphor. Here, holding **the testimony** could refer to: (1) believing God’s word and testimony. Alternate translation: “because of the scriptures and what they taught about Jesus Christ” or “because they believed the word of God, which is his testimony” (2) testifying about the word of God. Alternate translation: “because they testified about the word of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6:9 tqdd τὴν μαρτυρίαν 1 See how you translated **the testimony** in [Revelation 1:2](../01/02.md).
6:10 qz1i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν 1 Here, **blood** represents the deaths of these believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “those who killed us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
6:11 x3a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἑκάστῳ στολὴ λευκή 1 Here, **to each of them was given a white robe** might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave to each of them a white robe” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:11 dqcl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor στολὴ λευκή 1 Clothes that are **white** represent a pure life without sin. The color of **white** also represents victory in eternal life. If your readers do not understand what it means to be **white** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a nonfigurative or plain way. Alternate translation: “a pure robe” or “a victorious robe” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6:11 jppt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive καὶ ἐρρέθη αὐτοῖς 1 Here, **and they were told** might be expressed with an active verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God told them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:11 bq1p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἕως πληρωθῶσιν καὶ οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτῶν, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῶν, οἱ μέλλοντες ἀποκτέννεσθαι ὡς καὶ αὐτοί 1 This entire clause implies that God had decided that a certain number of people should **be killed** by their enemies. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until people had killed the full number of their fellow servants and brothers that they were going to kill” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:11 p615 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἱ ἀδελφοὶ 1 Here, **brothers** mean “fellow believers in Jesus.” Christians are often spoken of as being one another’s **brothers**. Females were among those spoken of here. Alternate translation: “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6:12 z9qm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἕκτην 1 The word **sixth** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number six” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
6:12 g9dm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σεισμὸς μέγας 1 Here, **a great earthquake** is a natural disaster in which the ground shakes from geological movement. Your language and culture may have a term for an **earthquake** that you can use in your translation. You could also explain the meaning of the term **earthquake**, as UST does. Alternate translation: “a great shaking of the ground” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
6:12 xu8l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile μέλας ὡς σάκκος 1 Here, **sackcloth** is clothing for mourning that is made from black hair. People would wear **sackcloth** when they were mourning. The image of **sackcloth** is meant to lead people to think of death and mourning just like the color of black also evokes imagery of death and mourning. If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can explain that **sackcloth** is clothing made for mourning explicitly. Alternate translation: “black as mourning clothing” or “dark like sackcloth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
6:12 g7rt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς αἷμα 1 Here, the moon is like **blood** because the color of the moon changes to a dark red color. If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can state how the moon is like blood explicitly. Alternate translation: “red like blood” or “as red as blood” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
6:13 s137 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς συκῆ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς, ὑπὸ ἀνέμου μεγάλου σειομένη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “just as a stormy wind shakes a fig tree and causes it to drop its unripe fruit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:13 lkff rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς συκῆ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς 1 Here, the stars in the sky fall like immature figs fall from a fig tree during a storm. If your readers would misunderstand this simile with figs, you do not need to state explicitly that the falling fruits are figs. Alternate translation: “like a fruit tree drops its unripe fruit” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
6:14 jyb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον 1 The **sky** was normally thought of as being strong like a sheet of metal, but now it was weak like a sheet of paper and easily torn and **rolled up**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
6:14 xzn5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sky split open” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:14 gl0m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as a scroll folds up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:14 ic4p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive πᾶν ὄρος καὶ νῆσος ἐκ τῶν τόπων αὐτῶν ἐκινήθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “every mountain and island shifted from its place” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
6:15 m6j6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown οἱ χιλίαρχοι 1 Here, **the generals** refers to military officers or warriors who command in the battle. Alternate translation: “the war leaders” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
6:15 n984 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, καὶ οἱ μεγιστᾶνες, καὶ οἱ χιλίαρχοι, καὶ οἱ πλούσιοι, καὶ οἱ ἰσχυροὶ, καὶ πᾶς δοῦλος καὶ ἐλεύθερος 1 Here, all the nouns in the series or list refers to every type of person and people. The various examples refer to all kinds of people who exist in the world. The merism names various kinds or parts of society by stating the extreme ends of the society. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all types of people, whether rich, poor, powerful, or weak” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
6:15 vl6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὰ σπήλαια 1 These **caves** are large holes in the sides of hills. If your readers would not be familiar with **caves**, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the holes in the rocks” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
6:16 fxij rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification τοῖς ὄρεσιν καὶ ταῖς πέτραις 1 John is speaking of the **mountains** and the **rocks** as if they were living things that could move and fall upon people that speak to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The language of these clauses probably refer to [Hos 10:8](../../hos/10/08.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “to the cliffs and to the rocks” or “to the hills and to the rocks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
6:16 f4bj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy προσώπου τοῦ 1 Here, **face** represents “presence.” Alternate translation: “the presence of the one” or “the one” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
6:16 g0ed rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
6:17 bd8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἦλθεν ἡ ἡμέρα ἡ μεγάλη τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτῶν 1 The **great day of their wrath** refers to the time when God will punish wicked or unrighteous people. Alternate translation: "this is the great day when they will punish people" or “this is the terrible time when they will punish people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
6:17 i7t4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἦλθεν 1 Existing now is spoken of as having **come**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6:17 cq9e ὀργῆς αὐτῶν 1 Here, **their** refers to God who is on the throne and the Lamb. The language of this verse probably refers to [Nah 1:6](../../hos/01/06.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote.
6:17 r1ta rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τίς δύναται σταθῆναι? 1 Surviving, or staying alive, is spoken of as standing. Alternate translation: “Who can survive?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
6:17 pmn6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίς δύναται σταθῆναι? 1 This question is used to express their great sadness and fear that no one will be able to survive when God punishes them. Alternate translation: “no one can survive!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
7:intro f27i 0 # Revelation 7 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n## Outline of Chapter Seven of Revelation within 4:1-8:1\n\nThe Unrolling of the Seven-sealed Scroll (4:1-8:1)\n\nI. A Vision of God in Heaven (4:1-5:14)\n\nA. God Sitting on the Throne in Heaven (4:1-11)\nB. The Seven-sealed Scroll in Heaven that Jesus Takes (5:1-14)\n\nII. The Seven Seals (6:1-8:1)\n\nA. The Unrolling of the First Seal (6:1-2)\nB. The Unrolling of the Second Seal (6:3-4)\nC. The Unrolling of the Third Seal (6:5-6)\nD. The Unrolling of the Fourth Seal (6:7-8)\nE. The Unrolling of the Fifth Seal (6:9-11)\nF. The Unrolling of the Sixth Seal (6:12-17)\n 1. The Servants of God (7:1-17)\n a. The Servants of God on Earth (7:1-8)\n b. The Servants of God in Heaven (7:9-17)\nG. The Unrolling of the Seventh Seal (8:1)\n\nScholars have interpreted parts of this chapter in many different ways. Translators do not need to fully understand what this chapter means to accurately translate its contents. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\nIt is important to accurately translate the large numbers in this chapter. The number 144,000 is twelve times twelve thousand.\n\nTranslators should be aware that the tribes of the people of Israel are not listed in this chapter the same as they are generally listed in the Old Testament.\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 5-8 and 15-17.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Worship\n\nGod saves his people and keeps them through times of trouble. His people respond by worshipping him. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/worship]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### The Lamb\n\nThe Lamb symbolically refers Jesus as a sacrifice. The translator should not change the symbol of the Lamb as a picture of sacrifice. Alternate translation: “a male sheep” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])\n\n### Four Angels standing at the four corners of the earth\n\nJohn sees "four angels" standing at the four corners of the earth in Revelation chapter seven. The earth is spoken of as if it were a vast, flat square like a sheet of paper. The phrase "the four corners" refers to the north, south, east, and west. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this expression plainly. Alternate translation: “the four extremities of the earth" or "the four directions of the earth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])\n\n### Four Winds\n\nThe expression of "the four winds of the earth" occurs elsewhere in the Bible and is simply an idiom equivalent to the earlier idiomatic expression "the four corners of the earth". The language of this idiomatic expression probably refers back to [Jer 49:36](../../jer/49/36.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “the four extremities of the earth" or "the four directions of the earth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])\n\n### 144,000\n\nThe number 144,000 is twelve times twelve thousand and has some type of symbolic sense that the translator does not need to render the number. The number represents 12,000 from twelve tribes of Israel.
7:1 b1yl μετὰ τοῦτο εἶδον 1 See how you translated a similar phrase to **After this I saw** in [Revelation 4:1](../04/01.md). Alternate translation: "The next thing that I saw"
7:1 id3y τὰς τέσσαρας γωνίας τῆς γῆς 1 The **earth** is spoken of as if it were a vast, flat square like a sheet of paper. The phrase **the four corners** refers to the north, south, east, and west. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this expression plainly. Alternate translation: “the four extremities of the earth" or "the four directions of the earth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
7:1 pq9l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τοὺς τέσσαρας ἀνέμους τῆς γῆς 1 The expression of **the four winds of the earth** occurs elsewhere in the Bible and is simply an idiom equivalent to the earlier idiomatic expression **the four corners of the earth**. The language of this idiomatic expression probably refers back to [Jer 49:36](../../jer/49/36.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “the four extremities of the earth" or "the four directions of the earth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
7:2 sgq7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σφραγῖδα 1 See how you translated this term in [Revelation 5:1](../05/01.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
7:2 ecqf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Θεοῦ ζῶντος 1 See how you translated this term in [Revelation 1:18](../01/18.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
7:2 skdk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς 1 Here, **it was given to them** might be expressed with an active verbal phrase with the assumed divine subject of God. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: "God allowed" or "God permitted" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
7:2 h7nz ἀδικῆσαι τὴν γῆν καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν 1 See how you translated the verb **to harm** in [Revelation 6:6](../06/06.md).
7:3 rdn3 μὴ ἀδικήσητε τὴν γῆν 1 See how you translated the verb **harm** in [Revelation 6:6](../06/06.md).
7:3 upb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy σφραγίσωμεν τοὺς δούλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν 1 Here, to **seal** refers to placing a mark on something. This mark shows that the people belong to God and that he will protect them as his people. Alternate translation: "we might mark the servants of our God on their foreheads" or “we put a mark on the foreheads of the servants of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
7:3 e8zp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive σφραγίσωμεν 1 This **we** is exclusive, so that the **we** does not include the other four angels addressed in the context of the verse. So use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
7:3 j7sp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 This **our** is inclusive, so that the **our** includes the other four angels addressed in the context of the verse. So use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
7:3 je8m μετώπων 1 The **forehead** is the top of the face, above the eyes. If your readers would not be familiar with what a **forehead** is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable term for **forehead** in your culture or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “brows” or "temples" or "frons" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
7:4 m58v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῶν ἐσφραγισμένων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom God’s angel marked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
7:4 vefs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῶν ἐσφραγισμένων 1 See how you translated the verb **sealed** in [Revelation 7:3](../07/03.md). Alternate translation: "the ones that had been marked" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
7:4 lh7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers ἤκουσα τὸν ἀριθμὸν τῶν ἐσφραγισμένων, ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες 1 Alternate translation: "I heard the number of the ones that had been sealed, 144 thousands" or "I heard the number of the thousands having been sealed, 144 thousands." or “I heard the number of the thousands having been sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
7:9 cj5k General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nJohn begins to describe a second vision about a multitude praising God. This vision also takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal.
7:9 qjkz μετὰ ταῦτα εἶδον 1 See how you translated a similar phrase to **After these things I looked** in [Revelation 4:1](../04/01.md). Alternate translation: "The next thing that I saw"
7:9 au1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole ὄχλος πολύς, ὃν ἀριθμῆσαι αὐτὸν οὐδεὶς ἐδύνατο, 1 Here, **a huge multitude** is so great that John uses hyperbole when stating that **no one was able to count**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “a huge crowd” or "a great number of people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
7:9 peuz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany ἐκ παντὸς ἔθνους, καὶ φυλῶν, καὶ λαῶν, καὶ γλωσσῶν 1 The clause **from every nation and tribe and people and language** represents a litany. The list in this litany represents all **people** of the earth and includes every ethnic group that the world contains. Use words in your language that someone would use to include all types of people, races, and ethnic groups which inhabit the world. Alternate translation: “from every ethnic group and tongue and people and nation” or “from every tribe and tongue and race and nation.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])
7:9 ioxw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
7:9 chtc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown φοίνικες 1 Here, **palm branches** were branches from palm trees. Often palm branches indicate joy and celebration. If your readers would not be familiar with **palm branches**, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “branches of palms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
7:9 vkbx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor στολὰς λευκάς 1 See how you translated **white robes** in [Revelation 6:11](../06/11.md).\nAlternate translation: “pure robes” or “victorious robes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
7:10 vlv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ 1 The great crowd of the previous verse is here praising **God** and **the Lamb**. \nIf your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **salvation**, you could express the same idea in another way. For example, you can express **salvation** with the verb “to save.” Alternate translation: “Our God, who sits on the throne, and the Lamb have saved us!” or "Salvation comes from our God, from the one sitting on the throne, and from the Lamb!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
7:10 amuc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 Here, **our** could be either inclusive or exclusive. If the multitude is understood as addressing each other, then **our** is inclusive. On the other hand, if the multitude are addressing praise and worship to God and the Lamb, then the **our** is exclusive. Local worship practices in the receptor-language culture could help the translator decide which form to use in this case here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
7:10 zdeh τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ 1 See how you translated this descriptive phrase of God in [Revelation 4:2](../04/02.md).
7:10 e31m rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῷ Ἀρνίῳ 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
7:11 a45p τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων 1 These are the **four living creatures** mentioned in [Revelation 4:6-8](../04/06.md).
7:11 aja9 ἔπεσαν & ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν 1 The angels, the elders, and the four living creatures purposely lie down facing the ground to show that they are worshiping. See how you translated a similar action in [Revelation 1:17](../01/17.md).
7:12 dt83 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἀμήν 1 See how you translated **Amen** in [Revelation 1:6](../01/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
7:12 q3gt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἡ εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν 1 You can use the verb “give” to show how **praise**, **glory**, **wisdom**, **thanksgiving**, **honor**, **power**, and **strength** are to be **to our God**. If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas in this verse, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “We must give praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength to our God” or "Our God is worthy of all praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power and strength" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
7:12 upad rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 Here, **our** could be either inclusive or exclusive. If the worshipers are understood as addressing each other, then **our** is inclusive. On the other hand, if the multitude are addressing praise and worship to God, then the **our** is exclusive. Local worship practices in the receptor-language culture could help the translator decide which form to use in this case here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
7:12 kaok rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
7:13 n0uf rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν πρεσβυτέρων 1 See how you translated **elders** in [Revelation 4:4](../04/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
7:13 wz8z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor περιβεβλημένοι τὰς στολὰς τὰς λευκὰς 1 See how you translated **white robes** in [Revelation 6:11](../06/11.md).\nAlternate translation: “pure robes” or “victorious robes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
7:14 p6en rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἱ ἐρχόμενοι ἐκ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης 1 Here, **coming from** is an idiomatic expression that refers to surviving. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who have survived the great tribulation” or “the people who have lived through the great tribulation” or "the ones coming from the time when people suffer terribly" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
7:14 b7mi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔπλυναν τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐλεύκαναν αὐτὰς ἐν τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Being made righteous by **the blood of the Lamb** is spoken of as washing **their robes** in his blood. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they have been made righteous by washing their robes white in the blood of the Lamb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
7:14 ym21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **blood** is used to refer to the death of Lamb. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Lamb's blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
7:14 xl4x rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
7:15 qs23 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns εἰσιν & αὐτούς 1 Here, **they** and **them** refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation. It may be helpful to clarify this intended meaning for your readers. Alternate translation: “these believers" or "the believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
7:15 us3i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς 1 Here, **day** and **night** are used together to mean “all the time” or “without stopping”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alernate translation: “continually” or “always” or “unendingly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
7:15 n6v4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῷ ναῷ αὐτοῦ 1 See how you translated **temple** in [Revelation 3:12](../03/12.md) (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
7:15 w9we ὁ καθήμενος ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου 1 See how you translated this descriptive phrase of God in [Revelation 4:2](../04/02.md).
7:15 k9f2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor σκηνώσει ἐπ’ αὐτούς 1 Here, **will spread his tent over them** represents not only the idea of living, but also of sheltering and protection. Thus, protecting the believers in this context pictures metaphorically God giving the believers shelter to live under. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will shelter them” or “will protect them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
7:16 gbyx οὐ πεινάσουσιν ἔτι, οὐδὲ διψήσουσιν ἔτι, οὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος, οὐδὲ πᾶν καῦμα 1 The language of this verse probably refers back to [Isa 49:10](../../isa/49/10.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote.
7:16 p6u7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns οὐ πεινάσουσιν & αὐτοὺς 1 Here, **they** and **them** refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation. It may be helpful to clarify this intended meaning for your readers. Alternate translation: “these believers" or "the believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
7:16 anpb οὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος 1 The language of this clause probably refers back to [Psa 121:6](../../psa/121/06.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote.
7:16 t45h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος, οὐδὲ πᾶν καῦμα 1 The heat of the **sun** is compared to God's punishment that causes people to suffer terribly. However, **any burning heat** might mean "desert wind" or "dry wind". If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the sun will not burn them, nor any burning heat” or “and the sun will not make them weak, nor any burning heat” or “and the sun will not beat down on them at all, nor any desert heat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
7:17 bzs6 ὅτι τὸ Ἀρνίον τὸ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ θρόνου ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς, καὶ ὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ ζωῆς πηγὰς ὑδάτων 1 The language of these clauses probably refers back to [Isa 49:10](../../isa/49/10.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote.
7:17 b5rp rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὸ Ἀρνίον τὸ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ θρόνου 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). Alternate translation: “the Lamb, who is at the center of the area surrounding the throne” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
7:17 wc49 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns αὐτούς & αὐτοὺς 1 Here, **them** and **them** refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation. It may be helpful to clarify this intended meaning for your readers. Alternate translation: “these believers" or "the believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
7:17 bi5i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὅτι τὸ Ἀρνίον & ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς 1 John speaks of the Lamb’s care for his people as if it were a shepherd’s care for his sheep. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because the Lamb … will be like a shepherd to them” or “because the Lamb … will care for them as a shepherd cares for his sheep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
7:17 m6m8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ ζωῆς πηγὰς ὑδάτων 1 John speaks of the Lamb’s care for his people with a metaphor of a shepherd leading his sheep to drinking water. The figure contains the idea that what gives life is just like **springs** of fresh **water**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will guide them like a shepherd guiding his sheep to living water” or “he will guide them just as a shepherd guides his sheep to living water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
7:17 ze4f καὶ ἐξαλείψει ὁ Θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν 1 The language of this clause probably refers back to [Isa 25:8](../../isa/25/08.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote. The meaning of this clause's expression is that God will remove all pain and sorrow for the believers in this context.
7:17 g3d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξαλείψει ὁ Θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν 1 Here, a **tear** represents sadness by association of tears to the act of crying when one is sad. The meaning of this clause's expression is that God will remove all pain and sorrow for the believers in this context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will wipe away their sadness, like wiping away tears” or “God will cause them to not be sad anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
8:intro ma7f 0 # Revelation 8 General Notes\n\n## Outline of Chapter Eight of Revelation within 4:1-8:1 and 8:2-11:19\n\n### The Unrolling of the Seven-sealed Scroll (4:1-8:1)\n\nI. A Vision of God in Heaven (4:1-5:14)\n\nA. God Sitting on the Throne in Heaven (4:1-11)\nB. The Seven-sealed Scroll in Heaven that Jesus Takes (5:1-14)\n\nII. The Seven Seals (6:1-8:1)\n\nA. The Unrolling of the First Seal (6:1-2)\nB. The Unrolling of the Second Seal (6:3-4)\nC. The Unrolling of the Third Seal (6:5-6)\nD. The Unrolling of the Fourth Seal (6:7-8)\nE. The Unrolling of the Fifth Seal (6:9-11)\nF. The Unrolling of the Sixth Seal (6:12-17)\n 1. The Servants of God (7:1-17)\n a. The Servants of God on Earth (7:1-8)\n b. The Servants of God in Heaven (7:9-17)\nG. The Unrolling of the Seventh Seal (8:1)\n\n## The Seven Trumpets (8:2-11:19)\n\nI. The Sounding of the Seven Trumpets (8:2-11:19)\n\nA. The Prayers of God's People to Begin the Seven Trumpets (8:2-6)\nB. The First Trumpet (8:7)\nC. The Second Trumpet (8:8-9)\nD. The Third Trumpet (8:10-11)\nE. The Fourth Trumpet (8:12-13)\nF. The Fifth Trumpet (9:1-12)\nG. The Sixth Trumpet (9:13-21)\nH. Preparations for the Seventh Trumpet (10:1-11:14)\n 1. John eats the Book in an Angel's Hand (10:1-11)\n 2. John measures the Temple and the Second Woe occurs (11:1-14)\nI. The Seventh Trumpet (11:15-19)\n\n\nChapter eight begins the seven trumpets after the Lamb had finished unrolling the seven seals. The seven trumpets start in verse 8:2 and continue to 11:19 in total. Like the seals, the trumpets progress from one to seven in a chronological manner within John's vision.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### The Lamb\n\nThe Lamb symbolically refers Jesus as a sacrifice. The translator should not change the symbol of the Lamb as a picture of sacrifice. Alternate translation: “a male sheep” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])\n\n### Four Angels standing at the four corners of the earth\n\nJohn sees "four angels" standing at the four corners of the earth in Revelation chapter seven. The earth is spoken of as if it were a vast, flat square like a sheet of paper. The phrase "the four corners" refers to the north, south, east, and west. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this expression plainly. Alternate translation: “the four extremities of the earth" or "the four directions of the earth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])\n\n### Four Winds\n\nThe expression of "the four winds of the earth" occurs elsewhere in the Bible and is simply an idiom equivalent to the earlier idiomatic expression "the four corners of the earth". The language of this idiomatic expression probably refers back to [Jer 49:36](../../jer/49/36.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “the four extremities of the earth" or "the four directions of the earth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])\n\n### 144,000\n\nThe number 144,000 is twelve times twelve thousand and has some type of symbolic sense that the translator does not need to render the number. The number represents 12,000 from twelve tribes of Israel.\n\n### Seven trumpets\n\nSeven angels blow seven trumpets in Revelation 8:2-11:19. Trumpets are instruments for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated "trumpet" in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n### Incense\n\nThe term "incense" refers to a mixture of fragrant spices that is burned to produce smoke that has a pleasant smell. God commanded that the Israelites burn incense as an offering to him. If your readers would not be familiar with what incense is, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “pleasant smoke" or "fragrant spices” or “good-smelling plants" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Passive voice\n\nJohn uses the
8:1 yd7b rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἤνοιξεν 1 The pronoun **he** refers to the Lamb of the previous verse and in the immediate context. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the Lamb opened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
8:1 ac8b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἑβδόμην 1 See how you translated **seal** in [Revelation 5:1](../05/01.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
8:1 mh2b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἑβδόμην 1 This is the last of the seven seals on the scroll. The word **seventh** is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “the final seal” or “seal number seven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
8:1 p4ns ἐγένετο σιγὴ 1 Here, **there there was silence** means there was complete silence or lack of sound for a short period of time in heaven. The length of the quiet time is not really significant here. The particularly significant aspect for the translator to render is that heaven was quiet during a brief period of time. Alternate translation: “there was no sound" or “it was completely quiet”
8:2 jec9 τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀγγέλους, οἳ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ ἑστήκασιν 1 Interpreters often link the **seven angels** here with the **seven spirits** in [Revelation 1:4](../01/10.md) and [Revelation 4:5](../04/05.md). This connection seems logical, but it is not explicit in the text.
8:2 fri9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθησαν αὐτοῖς ἑπτὰ σάλπιγγες 1 Each of the seven angels were given one trumpet. This could mean: (1) God gave them seven trumpets. (2) the Lamb gave them seven trumpets. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave seven trumpets to them" or "Jesus gave seven trumpets to them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
8:2 bne0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ἑπτὰ σάλπιγγες 1 Here, **trumpets** are instruments for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated "trumpet" in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
8:3 gzhb rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου 1 See how you translated **altar** in [Revelation 6:9](../06/09.md). Alternate translation: “the cultic furniture" or "the offering stand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
8:3 cgym rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown λιβανωτὸν χρυσοῦν 1 The term **censor** refers to a container, usually a metal bowl, in which one burns incense, most often during a religious or cultic ceremony. Usually a **censor** had a handle so that a priest could carry it to an altar, as in this context. Incense, which is placed in the **censor**, is a mixture of fragrant spices that is burned to produce smoke that has a pleasant smell. If your readers would not be familiar with what a **censor** is, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “gold incense container" or "gold incense bowl" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
8:3 fkxi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ θυμιάματα πολλὰ 1 Here, **was given** could indicate that: (1) God gave much incense. (2) the Lamb gave much incense. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave much incense to him" or "Jesus gave much incense to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
8:3 fm59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown θυμιάματα 1 The term **incense** refers to a mixture of fragrant spices that is burned to produce smoke that has a pleasant smell. God commanded that the Israelites burn incense as an offering to him. If your readers would not be familiar with what incense is, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “pleasant smoke" or "fragrant spices” or “good-smelling plants" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
8:3 f9g9 δώσει 1 Alternate translation: "he would offer the incense" or “he would give it"
8:3 paml rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὸ θυσιαστήριον τὸ χρυσοῦν 1 See how you translated **altar** in [Revelation 6:9](../06/09.md). This **altar** here appears to be distinct or different from the one mentioned earlier in this verse. However, such a distinction is not entirely clear. It seems preferable that the translator not attempt to indicate any relation between the two occurrences of **altar** in this verse, but only separately render the two distinct occurrences of **altar**. Alternate translation: “the golden cultic furniture" or "the golden offering stand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
8:4 xpyu ὁ καπνὸς τῶν θυμιαμάτων 1 Here, **the smoke of the incense** literally is the incense smoke that went up from burning the incense. Alternate translation: "the smoke that rose from the incense burning" or "the smoke that went up from the incense burning"
8:4 lq1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐκ χειρὸς τοῦ ἀγγέλου 1 Here, **the hand** refers to the golden censer in the angel's hand. If it would be helpful in your language, you make it clear that the incense was burning within a censer and not directly touching the hand of the angel. Alternate translation: “from the censer in the angel's hand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
8:4 kol8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 This expression **before God** refers to the presence of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “toward God” or "to where God was" or "into the presence of God"(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
8:5 dovr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy καὶ εἴληφεν ὁ ἄγγελος τὸν λιβανωτόν, καὶ ἐγέμισεν αὐτὸν ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου 1 Here, **the fire** probably refers to burning coals. The angel took live coals from the altar and put them in a censer before throwing the burning incense and the live coals upon the earth. If it would be clearer for your readers, in your translation you could just refer to the “censer for burning incense". Alternate translation: "And the angel took the incense container and filled it with the fire of the altar" or "And the angel took the censor and filled it with the burning coals of the altar" or "And the angel took the censor and filled it with coals of fire from the altar" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
8:5 l79w βρονταὶ 1 See how you translated **thunder** in [Revelation 4:5](../04/05.md).
8:5 hctz σεισμός 1 See how you translated **earthquake** in [Revelation 6:12](../06/12.md).
8:7 eyfz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown χάλαζα 1 Here, **hail** usually refers to lumps of frozen water that fall from the sky. Hail that comes down from the sky is in the form of balls or chunks of ice called “hailstones.” Usually hailstones are small (only a few centimeters wide), but sometimes there are hailstones that are as big as 20 centimeters wide and that weigh over a kilogram. If your readers would not be familiar with what hail is, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “hailstones” or "ice balls" or "balls of ice" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
8:7 g5gp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the angel threw the hail and fire mixed with blood down onto the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
8:7 ga1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν δένδρων κατεκάη, καὶ πᾶς χόρτος χλωρὸς κατεκάη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it burned up a third of the earth, a third of the trees, and all the green grass” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
8:7 ylwk rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction τὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη, καὶ τὸ τρίτον 2 A **third** means one part out of three equal parts. Alternate translation: “one out of every three parts of the earth was burned up, and one out of every three parts" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
8:7 gx1e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy πᾶς χόρτος χλωρὸς 1 Here the expression **all the green grass** refers to "all plants" or "all vegetation". The context suggests that all the vegetation that grew on this particular one third section of the earth's surface was destroyed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the green plants” or "all the green vegetation" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
8:8 rnh8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ δεύτερος ἄγγελος 1 The word **second** is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next angel” or “angel number two” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
8:8 egta rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς ὄρος μέγα πυρὶ καιόμενον 1 The point of this comparison is that the huge solid object had a size and shape of a large mountain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “something as huge as a great mountain burning with fire" or “something as large as a great mountain burning with fire"\n(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
8:8 uw2h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς ὄρος μέγα πυρὶ καιόμενον, ἐβλήθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God threw something like a great mountain burning with fire” or "the angel threw something like a great mountain burning with fire" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
8:8 ev7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction ἐγένετο τὸ τρίτον τῆς θαλάσσης αἷμα 1 A **third** means one part out of three equal parts. If your readers would misunderstand the fraction **a third**, you can explain it in translation. Alternate translation: “it was like the sea was divided into three parts, and one of those parts became blood” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
8:8 act2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἐγένετο τὸ τρίτον τῆς θαλάσσης αἷμα 1 The clause compares the a third of the earth's sea to blood in some way. The clause seems to mean that the color of the water became red in color like blood. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a third of the sea turned red" or "a third of the sea appeared red" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
8:9 ht6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction τὸ τρίτον τῶν κτισμάτων τῶν ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ τὰ ἔχοντα ψυχάς, καὶ τὸ τρίτον 2 A **third** means one part out of three equal parts. If your readers would misunderstand the fraction **a third**, you can explain it in translation. Alternate translation: “one out of every three creatures having life in the sea died and one out of every three" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
8:9 vgf4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τῶν κτισμάτων τῶν ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ τὰ ἔχοντα ψυχάς 1 Here, **of the creatures having life in the sea** refers to the earth's marine animals or the earth's marine life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the things living in the sea” or “of the fish and other animals that live in the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
8:10 qana rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ τρίτος 1 The word **third** is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next angel” or “angel number three” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
8:10 n8ue rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἔπεσεν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἀστὴρ μέγας, καιόμενος ὡς λαμπάς 1 The fire of the **huge star** looked similar to the fire of **a torch**. John is comparing the similarity of a torch's fire to the appearance of fire when the huge star shines or blazes in this context. Alternate translation: “a huge star that was blazing like a torch fell from the sky” or “a huge star fell from the sky, shining as a torch” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
8:10 int4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown λαμπάς 1 A **torch** a stick with one end lit on fire to provide light. If your readers would not be familiar with what a **torch** is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a lamp" or "a lantern" or "a firebrand" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
8:10 uk3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction τὸ τρίτον τῶν ποταμῶν, καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς πηγὰς τῶν ὑδάτων 1 A **third** means one part out of three equal parts of fresh water sources on the earth, such as rivers or fountains. If your readers would misunderstand the fraction **a third**, you can explain it in translation. Alternate translation: “one out of every three rivers and one out of every three springs of water" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
8:10 cvxy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὰς πηγὰς τῶν ὑδάτων 1 Here, **the springs of water** refers to all the springs or fountains of fresh water on the earth's surface. The context makes clear that a third of all the fresh water sources on the earth's surface are in view here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the fresh water sources" or "the fountains of fresh water" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
8:11 as2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ ἀστέρος λέγεται ὁ Ἄψινθος 1 **Wormwood** is a drug that is made from an aromatic shrub that tastes bitter. When one added the **Wormwood** drug to water, it turned the water sour or bitter to the taste. People often made medicine from **Wormwood**, but many people considered **Wormwood** to be poisonous. Alternate translation: “the name of the star is Bitterness” or “the name of the star is Bitter Medicine” or "“the name of the star is Bitter Drug” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
8:11 gei4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐγένετο τὸ τρίτον τῶν ὑδάτων εἰς ἄψινθον 1 The bitter taste of the water is spoken of as if it were **wormwood**. Alternate translation: “a third of the waters became bitter like wormwood” or “a third of the waters became bitter” or "a third of the waters turned bitter" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
8:11 aw1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction τὸ τρίτον 1 A **third** means one part out of three equal parts. If your readers would misunderstand the fraction **a third**, you can explain it in translation. Alternate translation: “one out of every three parts" or "one of three parts" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
8:11 wf5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 John uses the masculine word men in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
8:11 g4q5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἀπέθανον ἐκ τῶν ὑδάτων, ὅτι ἐπικράνθησαν 1 Here, **died from the waters** means that the people who drank the water died from the fact that the water became bitter or poisonous. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “died from drinking the waters that became bitter” or “died when they drank the bitter water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
8:12 t197 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ τέταρτος 1 The word **fourth** is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next angel” or “angel number four” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
8:12 z936 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῆς σελήνης, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀστέρων 1 John is speaking as if God struck or hit the sun, moon, and stars with a great force. John means that the sun, moon, and stars suffered an injury or damage, in a metaphorical way. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. "God damaged a third of the sun, and a third of the moon and a third of the stars" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
8:12 dfm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, but the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation:\n"God struck a third of the sun, and a third of the moon and a third of the stars" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
8:12 t3xq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῆς σελήνης, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀστέρων; ἵνα σκοτισθῇ τὸ τρίτον 4 A **third** means one part out of three equal parts. If your readers would misunderstand the fraction **a third**, you can explain it in translation. Alternate translation: “one out of every three parts" or "one of three parts" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
8:12 ukh6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive σκοτισθῇ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῶν 1 The phrase **a third of then turned dark** could mean: (1) one third of the time, they were dark. (2) one third of the sun, one third of the moon, and one third of the stars became dark. The first option seems more likely. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a third of them did not shine" or "a third of them did not give light" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
8:12 t1ag ἡ ἡμέρα μὴ φάνῃ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῆς, καὶ ἡ νὺξ ὁμοίως 1 Here, **likewise** means that the same changes that happened to the sun, the moon, and the stars during the day also happened to them during the night. Both changes probably describe the duration of the light from the sun, the moon, and the stars as being shorter in duration. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “there was no light during one third of the day and one third of the night” or “they did not shine during one third of the day and one third of the night” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
8:13 hzlz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἑνὸς ἀετοῦ πετομένου ἐν μεσουρανήματι 1 Here, **mid-heaven** means relatively high in the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “one eagle flying high in the sky" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
8:13 xzvg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἑνὸς ἀετοῦ πετομένου ἐν μεσουρανήματι, λέγοντος φωνῇ μεγάλῃ 1 John speaks of a flying eagle as if it were a human speaking with a human voice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “one eagle flying in the mid-heaven, speaking in a loud voice" or “one eagle flying in the mid-heaven, announcing in a loud voice" (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
8:13 rlzd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οὐαὶ, οὐαὶ, οὐαὶ 1 The exclamation **Woe, woe, woe** expresses horror and dismay at the horrible suffering that comes upon the people of the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “disaster" or "calamity" or "misfortune" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
8:13 x375 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐκ τῶν λοιπῶν φωνῶν τῆς σάλπιγγος τῶν τριῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν μελλόντων σαλπίζειν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because the three angels who have not yet sounded their trumpets are about to sound them” or “because the three angels who have not yet blown their trumpets are about to blow them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:intro sq5c 0 # Revelation 9 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n### Outline of Chapter Nine of Revelation within 8:2-11:19\n\n## The Seven Trumpets (8:2-11:19)\n\nI. The Sounding of the Seven Trumpets (8:2-11:19)\n\nA. The Prayers of God's People to Begin the Seven Trumpets (8:2-6)\nB. The First Trumpet (8:7)\nC. The Second Trumpet (8:8-9)\nD. The Third Trumpet (8:10-11)\nE. The Fourth Trumpet (8:12-13)\nF. The Fifth Trumpet (9:1-12)\nG. The Sixth Trumpet (9:13-21)\nH. Preparations for the Seventh Trumpet (10:1-11:14)\n 1. John eats the Book in an Angel's Hand (10:1-11)\n 2. John measures the Temple and the Second Woe occurs (11:1-14)\nI. The Seventh Trumpet (11:15-19)\n\nIn this chapter, John continues to describe what happens when angels sound seven trumpets. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n\n### Woe\n\n\n\nJohn describes several “woes” in the Book of Revelation. This chapter begins to describe three “woes” announced at the end of Chapter 8. Woes signify calamity, disaster, or a terrible event.\n\n\n### Seven trumpets\n\nSeven angels blow seven trumpets in Revelation 8:2-11:19. Trumpets are instruments for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated "trumpet" in [Revelation 1:10](../01/10.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n### Animal imagery\n\nThis chapter includes several animals: locusts, scorpions, horses, lions, and snakes. Animals convey different qualities or traits. For example, a lion is powerful and dangerous. Translators should use the same animals in their translation if possible. If the animal is unknown, one with similar qualities or traits should be used.\n\n### Locusts\n\nThe locusts are insects that fly together in large groups. People fear them because they can eat up the leaves in gardens and on trees. If your readers would not be familiar with what locusts are, in your translation you could use the name of a similar flying insect in your culture, or you could use a general expression. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n### Bottomless pit\n\nThis image is seen several times in the Book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and the opposite direction as heaven. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/hell]])\n\n### Abaddon and Apollyon\n\n“Abaddon” is a Hebrew word. “Apollyon” is a Greek word. Both words mean “Destroyer.” John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. The ULT and UST write the sounds of both words with English letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate these words using the letters of the target language. The original Greek readers would have understood “Apollyon” to mean “Destroyer.” So translators may also supply what it means in the text or in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])\n\n### Repentance\n\nDespite great signs, people are described as not repenting and so remain in their sin. People refusing to repent are also mentioned in Chapter 16. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Simile\n\nJohn uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])\n\n### Generic Sense\n\nSeveral times in this chapter John uses the masculine word men in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women such as “people” or “humanity.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
9:1 d26c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal 1 See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 8:2](../08/02.md). If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number five” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
9:1 jim6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive καὶ ἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἡ κλεὶς τοῦ φρέατος τῆς Ἀβύσσου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “{Someone} gave the key to the shaft of the abyss” or “{the star} received the key to the shaft of the abyss” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:1 cjr9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τῆς Ἀβύσσου 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the term abyss literally means a bottomless pit, and here it describes a place of punishment. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate the term with an explanatory phrase. Alternate translation: “the deep pit where God punishes demons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
9:2 dfs5 τὸ φρέαρ τῆς Ἀβύσσου 1 See how you translated the term abyss in [Revelation 9:1](../09/01.md).
9:2 way2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς καπνὸς καμίνου μεγάλης 1 A **huge furnace** was a big oven that burned wood or coal to make bread, pottery, or even to smelt metals like iron. Often furnaces would give off a great amount of thick, dark **smoke**. If your readers would not be familiar with what a furnace is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “huge kiln" or "huge oven" or "huge stove” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
9:2 tp79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς καπνὸς καμίνου μεγάλης 1 The point of this comparison is the **huge furnace** gives off a great amount of thick, dark **smoke**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “like the great amount of smoke that comes from a huge furnace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
9:2 nd4n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐσκοτώθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form **were darkened**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “became dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:3 mb9m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ἀκρίδες 1 The **locusts** are insects that fly together in large groups. People fear them because they can eat up the leaves in gardens and on trees. If your readers would not be familiar with what **locusts** are, in your translation you could use the name of a similar flying insect in your culture, or you could use a general expression. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
9:3 va04 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “authority was given to them” or "God gave to them power" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:3 a4e7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία, ὡς ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν οἱ σκορπίοι 1 These **scorpions** have the ability to sting and poison people. You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “ability was given to them as scorpions have power" or "they have the ability to sting people as scorpions do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
9:3 mjf1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σκορπίοι 1 A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger on its tail. Its sting is extremely painful and the pain lasts a long time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
9:4 cl6p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐρρέθη αὐταῖς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The text does not say who **told** these locusts to not damage the earth's vegetation, but it implies that God commanded the locusts to not damage the world's vegetation. Alternate translation: “God told them” or “God commanded them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:4 pb9q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis εἰ μὴ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but only to harm the men” “but only to damage the men”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
9:4 tz3f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations τοὺς ἀνθρώπους 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and in several other places in this chapter John uses the masculine word men in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
9:4 gi1a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὴν σφραγῖδα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **seal** refers to a tool that is used to press a mark onto a wax seal. In this case the tool would be used to put a mark on God’s people. See how you translated “seal” in [Revelation 7:3](../07/03.md). Alternate translation: “the marker of God” or “the stamp of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
9:4 tl6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μετώπων 1 The **forehead** is the top of the face, above the eyes. If your readers would not be familiar with what a **forehead** is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable term for **forehead** in your culture or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “brows” or "temples" or "frons" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
9:5 rui1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Here, **them** refers to the locusts in [Revelation 9:3](../09/03.md). The text does not say who did allow the locusts to kill the people, but it implies that God commanded the locusts to not kill the people. Alternate translation: “God did not give to them" or "God did not permit them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:5 nm7q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive βασανισθήσονται 1 If your language does not use a passive form like **will be tormented**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the locusts tortured them" or "the locusts tortured the people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:5 u29s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁ βασανισμὸς αὐτῶν ὡς βασανισμὸς σκορπίου, ὅταν παίσῃ ἄνθρωπον 1 The point of this comparison is the locusts bite people like scorpions sting humans, so as to give people a very similar, intense pain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “as the torment of a scorpion when it would sting a man" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
9:5 qtk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown βασανισμὸς σκορπίου 1 A **scorpion** is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death. If your readers would not be familiar with what a **scorpion** is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable insect or animal in your culture. Alternate translation: “stinging insect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
9:5 t3i7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἄνθρωπον 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 9:4](../09/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
9:6 nazt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations οἱ ἄνθρωποι 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 9:4](../09/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
9:6 p4mb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸν θάνατον, 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **death**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “end of living" or “to live no more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
9:6 f1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification φεύγει ὁ θάνατος ἀπ’ αὐτῶν 1 John is speaking figuratively of **death** as if it were a person or animal that could run away or can flee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they cannot die” or “they will not die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
9:7 zh82 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὅμοια ἵπποις ἡτοιμασμένοις εἰς πόλεμον 1 The point of this comparison is the locusts appeared ready for battle just like horses are prepared with protective covering for warfare. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “like horses arrayed for war” or "like horses made ready for war" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
9:7 pf0k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς στέφανοι ὅμοιοι χρυσῷ 1 The point of this comparison is the locusts had **crowns like gold** that suggest victory or that they are able to conquer as if they are kings that wear crowns. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “what appeared as crowns like gold” or "{were something} like golden crowns" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
9:7 buts rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς πρόσωπα ἀνθρώπων 1 The point of this comparison is the locusts had **faces** that resembled human faces on the whole head, including the ears. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “what appeared as faces of men” or "{were} like human faces" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
9:7 e5u8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 9:4](../09/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
9:10 mac3 ἔχουσιν οὐρὰς 1 Here, **they** refers to the locusts.
9:10 qdc3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁμοίας σκορπίοις καὶ κέντρα 1 A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 9:6](../09/06.md). Alternate translation: “with stingers like scorpion stingers” or “with stingers that could cause terrible pain as scorpion stingers can” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
9:10 lim1 ἐν ταῖς οὐραῖς αὐτῶν ἡ ἐξουσία αὐτῶν ἀδικῆσαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους μῆνας πέντε 1 This could mean: (1) they had power for five months to harm people. (2) they could sting people and the people would be in pain for five months.
9:11 bkg6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἀβαδδών & Ἀπολλύων 1 Both **Abaddon** and **Apollyon** mean “Destroyer.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
9:12 ts26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔρχεται ἔτι δύο οὐαὶ 1 Existing in the future is spoken of as **coming**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
9:13 cyb6 Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe sixth of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.
9:13 x4md rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche ἤκουσα φωνὴν μίαν ἐκ 1 The **voice** refers to the one who was speaking. John does not say who the speaker was, but it may have been God. Alternate translation: “I heard someone speaking” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
9:13 q3a3 τῶν κεράτων τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου τοῦ χρυσοῦ 1 These are horn-shaped extensions at each of the four corners of the top of the **altar**.
9:14 iq5t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche λέγουσαν 1 This one who is speaking is the voice in verse 13. Alternate translation: “the voice said” or “the speaker said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
9:14 su17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τοὺς τέσσαρας ἀγγέλους, τοὺς δεδεμένους 1 The text does not say who has **bound** the **angels**, but it implies that God told someone to bind them. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the four angels whom God has commanded them to bind” or “the four angels whom God has commanded someone to bind” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:15 ijx2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐλύθησαν οἱ τέσσαρες ἄγγελοι, οἱ ἡτοιμασμένοι εἰς τὴν ὥραν, καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ μῆνα, καὶ ἐνιαυτόν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the angel released the four angels who had been prepared for that hour and day and month and year” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:15 p3w1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οἱ τέσσαρες ἄγγελοι, οἱ ἡτοιμασμένοι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the four angels whom God had prepared” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:15 b3d6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism εἰς τὴν ὥραν, καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ μῆνα, καὶ ἐνιαυτόν 1 These words are used to show that there is a specific, chosen time and not just any time. Alternate translation: “for that exact time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
9:16 h8uf General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nSuddenly, a huge number of soldiers on horseback appear in John’s vision. John is no longer speaking about the four angels mentioned in the previous verse.
9:16 ays5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers δύο μυριάδες μυριάδων 1 Some ways to express **two myriads** are: “two hundred million” or “two hundred thousand thousand” or “twenty thousand times ten thousand.” If your language does not have a specific number for this, you could also see how you translated a similar large number in [Revelation 5:11](../05/11.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
9:17 j5n9 πυρίνους 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 6:3](../06/03.md). Alternate translation: “red like fire” or “bright red”
9:17 pqe8 θειώδεις 1 Alternate translation: “yellow like sulfur” or “bright yellow like sulfur”
9:18 x4fr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 See how you translated “A third” in [Revelation 8:7](../08/07.md). Alternate translation: “One third of the people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
9:20 xf3t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οἳ οὐκ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν ταῖς πληγαῖς ταύταις 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom the plagues had not killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
9:20 d3vn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish ἃ οὔτε βλέπειν δύνανται, οὔτε ἀκούειν, οὔτε περιπατεῖν 1 This phrase reminds us that idols are not alive and do not deserve to be worshiped. But the people did not stop worshiping them. Alternate translation: “even though these idols cannot see, hear, or walk” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
10:intro ys3l 0 # Revelation 10 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Seven thunders\n\nJohn here describes the seven thunders as making sounds that he could understand as words. However, translators should use their normal word for “thunder” when translating these verses. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### “The mystery of God”\n\nThis refers to some aspect of the hidden plan of God. It is not necessary to know what this mystery is to translate it. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Simile\n\nJohn uses similes to help him describe the face, legs, and voice of the mighty angel. Translators should understand other objects in this chapter, such as the rainbow and the cloud, with their normal meanings. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
10:1 xr6f General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nJohn begins to describe a vision of a mighty angel holding a scroll. In John’s vision he is viewing what is happening from earth. This takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.
10:1 jj2e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor περιβεβλημένον νεφέλην 1 John speaks of the angel as if he were wearing **a cloud** as his clothing. This expression may be understood as metaphor. However, because very unusual things were often seen in visions, it might be understood as a literally true statement in its context. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
10:1 qax6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος 1 John compares the brightness of **his face** with the brightness of **the sun**. Alternate translation: “his face was bright like the sun” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
10:1 p81x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὡς στῦλοι πυρός 1 Here, **feet** refers to the legs. Alternate translation: “his legs were like pillars of fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
10:3 r4j6 ἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ 1 The **seven thunders** are described as if they were people who could speak. Alternate translation: “the seven thunders made a loud noise” or “the thunder sounded very loudly seven times”
10:3 qag8 ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ 1 This may refer to thunder occurring **seven** times, yet being spoken of as if it were **seven** different **thunders**.
10:4 az1z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche καὶ ἤκουσα φωνὴν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 Here, **voice** refers to words spoken by someone other than the angel. Alternate translation: “but I heard someone speaking from heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
10:5 l5xy rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction ἦρεν τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ τὴν δεξιὰν εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν 1 He **raised his right hand to heaven** to show that he was swearing by God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
10:6 t2f6 ὤμοσεν τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 Alternate translation: “and he asked that what he was going to say would be confirmed by the one who lives forever and ever”
10:6 gmm8 τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 Here, **the one who lives forever and ever** refers to God.
10:6 egm1 χρόνος οὐκέτι ἔσται 1 Alternate translation: “There will be no more waiting” or “God will not delay”
10:7 c5gy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐτελέσθη τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will accomplish his mystery” or “God will complete his secret plan” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
10:8 t61f Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nJohn hears the voice from heaven, which he had heard in [Revelation 10:4](../10/04.md), speak to him again.
10:8 v6a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche ἡ φωνὴ ἣν ἤκουσα ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 Here, **voice** refers to the speaker. Alternate translation: “the one I heard speak from heaven” or “the one who had spoken to me from heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
10:8 tkq7 ἤκουσα 1 John heard.
10:9 x13b λέγει μοι 1 Alternate translation: “the angel said to me”
10:9 tg31 πικρανεῖ σου τὴν κοιλίαν 1 This refers to a bad taste from the **stomach** after eating something that is not good. Alternate translation: “it will make your stomach sour”
10:11 ahb4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy γλώσσαις 1 Here, **tongues** refers to the people who speak the languages. Alternate translation: “many language communities” or “many groups of people who speak their own languages” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
11:intro s117 0 # Revelation 11 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 15 and 17-18.\n\n### Woe\n\nJohn describes several “woes” in the book of Revelation. This chapter describes a second and third “woe” announced at the end of Chapter 8.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Gentiles\n\nThe word “Gentiles” here refers to ungodly people groups and not Gentile Christians. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])\n\n### Two witnesses\n\nScholars have suggested many different ideas about these two witnesses. Translators do not need to understand this passage to accurately translate it. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])\n\n### Bottomless pit\n\nThis image is seen several times in the Book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and the opposite direction as heaven. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/hell]])
11:1 ba9b General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nJohn begins to describe a vision about receiving a measuring rod and two witnesses that God appointed. This vision also takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.
11:1 lkn6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη μοι κάλαμος ὅμοιος ῥάβδῳ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “sSomeone gave me a reed like a measuring rod” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
11:1 ha6e τοὺς προσκυνοῦντας ἐν αὐτῷ 1 Alternate translation: “count those who worship in the temple”
11:2 jae6 πατήσουσιν 1 To **trample** to treat something as worthless by walking on it.
11:3 h8vh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit περιβεβλημένοι σάκκους 1 You can make it explicit why they will wear **sackcloth**. Alternate translation: “wearing rough mourning clothes” or “wearing scratchy clothes to show that they are very sad” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
11:4 pa44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage οὗτοί εἰσιν αἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Κυρίου τῆς γῆς ἑστῶτες 1 The **two olive trees** and the **two lampstands** symbolize these people, but they are not literally the people. Alternate translation: “The two olive trees and the two lampstands that have stood before the Lord of the earth represent these witnesses” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
11:4 p6mi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit αἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ 1 John expects his readers to know about the **two olive trees and the two lampstands** because many years earlier another prophet had written about them. Alternate translation: “the two olive trees and the two lampstands, told about in scripture, that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
11:5 nr2s πῦρ ἐκπορεύεται ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτῶν, καὶ κατεσθίει τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν 1 Because this is about future events, you can state this in the future tense. Alternate translation: “fire will come out of their mouth and devour their enemies”
11:5 ab6b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πῦρ & κατεσθίει τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν 1 Here, **fire** burning and killing people is spoken of as if it were an animal that could eat them up. Alternate translation: “fire … will destroy their enemies” or “fire … will completely burn up their enemies” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:6 cac1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κλεῖσαι τὸν οὐρανόν, ἵνα μὴ ὑετὸς βρέχῃ 1 John speaks of **the sky** as if it had a door that someone can open to let **rain** **fall** or close to stop the rain. Alternate translation: “to keep rain from falling from the sky” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:6 kth7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πατάξαι τὴν γῆν ἐν πάσῃ πληγῇ 1 John speaks of the plagues as if they were a stick that someone could hit the earth with. Alternate translation: “to cause all kinds of trouble to occur on earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:7 i679 Ἀβύσσου 1 The **abyss** is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in [Revelation 9:1](../09/01.md).
11:8 r45p τὰ πτώματα αὐτῶν 1 Here, **their corpses** refers to the bodies of the two witnesses.
11:8 p9fu ἐπὶ τῆς πλατείας τῆς πόλεως τῆς μεγάλης 1 The city had more than one **street**. This was a public place where people could see them. Alternate translation: “in one of the streets of the great city” or “in the main street of the great city”
11:8 iea1 ὁ Κύριος αὐτῶν 1 They served the **Lord**, and like him, would die in that city.
11:9 h3i2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers ἡμέρας τρεῖς καὶ ἥμισυ 1 Alternate translation: “three full days and one half day” or “3.5 days” or “3-1/2 days” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
11:9 bp61 τὰ πτώματα αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀφίουσιν τεθῆναι εἰς μνῆμα 1 They will leave their bodies in the street as a sign of disrespect.
11:10 dm89 χαίρουσιν ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς, καὶ εὐφραίνονται 1 Alternate translation: “will rejoice and celebrate that the two witnesses have died”
11:10 trs2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction δῶρα πέμψουσιν ἀλλήλοις 1 Sending **gifts to one another** shows how happy the people were. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
11:10 h4pq ὅτι οὗτοι οἱ δύο προφῆται ἐβασάνισαν τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 This is the reason that the people will be so happy that the witnesses have died.
11:11 x3gn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers τὰς τρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ ἥμισυ 1 Alternate translation: “three full days and one half day” or “3.5 days” or “3-1/2 days.” See how you translated this in [Revelation 11:9](../11/09.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
11:11 al5w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πνεῦμα ζωῆς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς αὐτούς 1 The ability to breathe is spoken of as if it were something that can go into people. Alternate translation: “God will cause the two witnesses to breathe again and live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:11 u265 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor φόβος μέγας ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τοὺς θεωροῦντας αὐτούς 1 Here, **fear** is spoken of as if it were a object that can fall on people. Alternate translation: “those who see them will be extremely afraid” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:12 f8ze καὶ ἤκουσαν 1 Here, **they heard** could mean: (1) the two witnesses will hear. (2) the people will hear what is said to the two witnesses.
11:12 mkq9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy φωνῆς μεγάλης ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 Here, **a loud voice** refers to the one who speaks. Alternate translation: “someone speak loudly to them from heaven and” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
11:12 l1x7 λεγούσης αὐτοῖς 1 Alternate translation: “saying to the two witnesses”
11:13 fa14 οἱ λοιποὶ 1 Alternate translation: “those who do not die” or “those who are still living”
11:13 f4r2 ἔδωκαν δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 Alternate translation: “said that the God of heaven is glorious”
11:14 l7jp ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ δευτέρα ἀπῆλθεν 1 See how you translated “The first woe is past” in [Revelation 9:12](../09/12.md). Alternate translation: “The second terrible event is over”
11:14 j1m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ τρίτη ἔρχεται ταχύ 1 Existing in the future is spoken of as **coming**. Alternate translation: “The third woe will happen soon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:15 l1be Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe last of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.
11:15 sxx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ ἕβδομος ἄγγελος 1 This is the last of the seven angels. See how you translated **seventh** in [Revelation 8:1](../08/01.md). The word **seventh** is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the final angel” or “angel number seven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
11:15 zt2f ἐγένοντο φωναὶ μεγάλαι ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ λέγουσαι 1 The phrase **loud voices** represents speakers who spoke loudly. Alternate translation: “speakers in heaven spoke loudly and said”
11:15 jsm2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **kingdom** refers to the authority to rule **the world**. Alternate translation: “The authority to rule the world has become the authority that belongs to our Lord and his Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
11:15 en51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τοῦ κόσμου 1 Here, **the world** refers to every person in **the world**. Alternate translation: “everyone in the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
11:15 sw4u ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 Alternate translation: “Our Lord and his Christ are now the rulers of the world”
11:16 s2nv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔπεσαν ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν 1 Here, **fell upon their faces** is an idiom that means they lay down facing the ground. See how you translated “prostrated themselves” in [Revelation 4:10](../04/10.md). Alternate translation: “they bowed down” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
11:17 dw6v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish σοι, Κύριε ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ, ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν 1 You can state these phrases as sentences. Alternate translation: “you, Lord God, the ruler over all. You are the one who is, and you are the one who was” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
11:17 fq4b ὁ ὢν 1 Alternate translation: “the one who exists” or “the one who lives”
11:17 ea29 ὁ ἦν 1 Alternate translation: “who has always existed” or “who has always lived”
11:17 fe2b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit εἴληφας τὴν δύναμίν σου τὴν μεγάλην 1 If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state explicitly what God did with his **great power**. Alternate translation: “you have defeated with your power everyone who has rebelled against you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
11:18 qw72 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThe words **you** and **your** refer to God.
11:18 iv5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἦλθεν ἡ ὀργή σου 1 Existing in the present is spoken of as having **come**. Alternate translation: “you are ready to show your anger” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
11:18 h833 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῶν νεκρῶν κριθῆναι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for God to judge the dead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
11:18 zk1u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τῶν νεκρῶν 1 If your readers would misunderstand the nominal adjective **dead**, you can state it as a verb or adjective. Alternate translation: “for those who have died” or “for the dead people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
11:18 k3ba rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τοῖς φοβουμένοις τὸ ὄνομά σου 1 Here, **name** is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “to those who fear you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
11:19 c7pd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive καὶ ἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then someone opened God’s temple in heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
11:19 d9z7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὤφθη ἡ κιβωτὸς τῆς διαθήκης τοῦ Κυρίου ἐν τῷ ναῷ αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I saw the ark of his covenant in his temple” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
11:19 b6ly ἀστραπαὶ 1 Use your language’s way of describing what **lightning** looks like each time it appears. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:5](../04/05.md).
11:19 ap5g φωναὶ, καὶ βρονταὶ 1 Here, **loud sounds and crashes of thunder** refers to the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your language’s way of describing the sound of thunder. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:5](../04/05.md).
12:intro cq7x 0 # Revelation 12 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 10-12.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Serpent\n\nThe Book of Revelation uses imagery from the Old Testament. For example, John refers to Satan as the serpent. This image comes from the account of the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “A great sign was seen in heaven”\n\nBy using the passive voice here, John does not say who saw this great sign in heaven. The translation may be difficult when the subject is unclear, if your language does not have a passive voice. Many English translations use the past tense here and say “A great sign appeared in heaven.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])
12:1 n4ii General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nJohn begins to describe a woman who appears in his vision.
12:1 j9yl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive γυνὴ περιβεβλημένη τὸν ἥλιον, καὶ ἡ σελήνη ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν αὐτῆς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a woman who was wearing the sun and had the moon under her feet” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
12:3 y4c1 Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nJohn describes a dragon that appears in his vision.
12:3 s1j6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage δράκων 1 The **dragon** was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
12:4 ii1k rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction τὸ τρίτον 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 8:7](../08/07.md). Alternate translation: “one third” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
12:5 zr5q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ποιμαίνειν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ 1 Here, ruling harshly is spoken of as ruling **with an iron rod**. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 2:27](../02/27.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
12:5 kfr1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἡρπάσθη τὸ τέκνον αὐτῆς πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God quickly took her child to himself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
12:7 wh37 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage δράκοντος 1 The **dragon** was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3](../12/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
12:8 uj6a οὐδὲ τόπος εὑρέθη αὐτῶν ἔτι ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ 1 Alternate translation: “so the dragon and his angels could no longer stay in heaven”
12:9 pk5u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish ὁ δράκων ὁ μέγας, ὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος, ὁ καλούμενος, Διάβολος, καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς, ὁ πλανῶν τὴν οἰκουμένην ὅλην; ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν, καὶ οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐβλήθησαν 1 You can give the information about the serpent in a separate sentence after the statement that it was thrown down to the earth. Alternate translation: “the great dragon was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. He is the old serpent who deceives the world and is called the devil or Satan” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
12:9 v1tp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐβλήθη ὁ δράκων ὁ μέγας, ὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος, ὁ καλούμενος, Διάβολος, καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς, ὁ πλανῶν τὴν οἰκουμένην ὅλην; ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν, καὶ οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐβλήθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw the great dragon—the ancient serpent, who people also call the devil and Satan—and his angels out of heaven and sent them to the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
12:10 jb7z ἤκουσα 1 The word **I** refers to John.
12:10 i112 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἤκουσα φωνὴν μεγάλην ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ 1 Here, the **voice** refers to someone who speaks. Alternate translation: “I heard someone saying loudly from heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
12:10 nt1j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἄρτι ἐγένετο ἡ σωτηρία, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 God saving people by his power is spoken of as if his **salvation** and **power** were things that **have come**. God’s ruling and Christ’s authority are also spoken of as if they have come. Alternate translation: “Now God has saved his people by his power, God rules as king, and his Christ has all authority” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
12:10 a5fm ἐγένετο 1 God is revealing these things because their time to occur has **come**. It is not that they did not exist before. Alternate translation: “have begun to really exist” or “have appeared” or “have become real”
12:10 yg1a ἐβλήθη ὁ κατήγορος τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν 1 Here, **the accuser of our brothers** is the dragon that was thrown down in [Revelation 12:9](../12/09.md).
12:10 a9wf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν 1 Fellow believers are spoken of as if they were **brothers**. Alternate translation: “our fellow believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
12:10 jn6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός 1 These two parts of the day are used together to mean “all the time” or “without stopping” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
12:11 zt7v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy διὰ τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **the blood** refers to the death of the Lamb. Alternate translation: “because the Lamb had shed his blood and died for them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
12:11 lht6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns διὰ τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **testimony**, you can express it with the verb “testify” and you can state who they testified. Alternate translation: “by what they said when they testified” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
12:11 kuj5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit διὰ τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν 1 If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state explicitly what they testified. Alternate translation: “by what they said when they testified to others about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
12:11 n6wk ἄχρι θανάτου 1 The believers told the truth about Jesus, even though they knew that their enemies might try to kill them because of it. Alternate translation: “but they kept testifying even though they knew that they might die for it”
12:13 x7st rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive εἶδεν ὁ δράκων ὅτι ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the dragon realized that God had thrown him out of heaven and sent him to earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
12:13 kgv9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ὁ δράκων 1 The **dragon** was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3](../12/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
12:14 sxw1 τοῦ ὄφεως 1 Here, **the serpent** is another way of referring to the dragon.
12:15 c73v ὄφις 1 Here, **the serpent** is the same being as the dragon mentioned earlier in [Revelation 12:9](../12/09.md).
12:15 y5ml rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς ποταμόν 1 The water flowed from his mouth **like a river** flows. Alternate translation: “in large volume” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
12:15 a9wh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive αὐτὴν ποταμοφόρητον ποιήσῃ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he might sweep her away with a flood” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
12:16 i4u5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἤνοιξεν ἡ γῆ τὸ στόμα αὐτῆς, καὶ κατέπιεν τὸν ποταμὸν, ὃν ἔβαλεν ὁ δράκων ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **the earth** is spoken of as if it were a living thing, and a hole in the earth is spoken of as if it were a **mouth** that could drink up the water. Alternate translation: “a hole in the ground opened up and the river from the dragon went down into the hole” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
12:16 lgt7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage δράκων 1 The **dragon** was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3](../12/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
12:17 f754 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τηρούντων 1 See how you translated this word in [Revelation 1:3](../01/03.md) and in [Revelation 2:26](../02/26.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
12:17 t6jf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **testimony**, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “who continue to testify about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
13:intro c9mw 0 # Revelation 13 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the words of verse 10, which are from the Old Testament.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Similes\n\nJohn uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Unknown animals\n\nJohn uses different animals to try to describe what he saw. Some of these animals may not be known in the target language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
13:1 su49 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nJohn begins to describe a beast who appears in his vision. Here, **I** refers to John.
13:2 k6qh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage δράκων 1 The **dragon** was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3](../12/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
13:2 xa3a ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ δράκων τὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ 1 The **dragon** made the beast as powerful as he was. He did not lose **his power**, however, by giving it to the beast.
13:2 c4wx ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ δράκων τὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐξουσίαν μεγάλην 1 The words **power**, **throne**, and **authority** are three ways of referring to the dragon’s authority, and together they emphasize that the authority was great.
13:2 gyv9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **throne** refers to the dragon’s authority to rule as king. Alternate translation: “his royal authority” or “his authority to rule as king” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
13:3 yt22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive καὶ ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ ἐθεραπεύθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but its fatal wound healed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:3 ba2z ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου 1 This is an injury that is serious enough to cause a person to die. Alternate translation: “deadly wound”
13:3 jc7x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὅλη ἡ γῆ 1 Here, **the whole earth** refers to all the people who live anywhere on it. Alternate translation: “all the people on the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
13:4 t15f rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage δράκοντι 1 The **dragon** was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3](../12/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
13:4 yuu8 ἔδωκεν τὴν ἐξουσίαν τῷ θηρίῳ 1 Alternate translation: “he had caused the beast to have as much authority as he had”
13:4 ep4n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίς ὅμοιος τῷ θηρίῳ, καὶ τίς δύναται πολεμῆσαι μετ’ αὐτοῦ? 1 This question shows how amazed they were about the beast. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can translate it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one is as powerful as the beast or able to fight against it and win!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
13:5 p2n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ & ἐδόθη αὐτῷ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave the beast” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:5 y29e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐδόθη αὐτῷ στόμα λαλοῦν 1 Being **given a mouth** refers to being allowed to speak. Alternate translation: “the beast was allowed to speak” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
13:6 ru6v εἰς βλασφημίας πρὸς τὸν Θεόν 1 Alternate translation: “to say disrespectful things about God”
13:6 k71y βλασφημῆσαι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὴν σκηνὴν αὐτοῦ, τοὺς ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ σκηνοῦντας 1 These phrases tell how the beast spoke blasphemies against God.
13:7 fyp6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἐξουσία 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave authority to the beast” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:7 f5rl πᾶσαν φυλὴν, καὶ λαὸν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ ἔθνος 1 This means that people from every ethnic group are included. See how you translated a similar list in [Revelation 5:9](../05/09.md).
13:8 vyy8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς 1 This phrase clarifies who on the earth will worship the beast. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone whose names the Lamb did not write in the Book of Life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:8 nj7e ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου 1 Alternate translation: “when God created the world”
13:8 vac6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 A lamb is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
13:8 bcu5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τοῦ ἐσφαγμένου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the people slaughtered” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:9 tdy8 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThese verses are a break from John’s account of his vision. Here he give a warning to the people reading his account.
13:9 rr9a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy εἴ τις ἔχει οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. Here, **has an ear** is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “If anyone is willing to listen, listen” or “If anyone is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
13:9 tx89 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person εἴ τις ἔχει οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
13:10 r6sx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit εἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν 1 This expression means that someone has decided who should be taken. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you may state explicitly who decided it. Alternate translation: “If God has decided that someone should be taken captive” or “If it is God’s will that someone should be taken into captivity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
13:10 ilzz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns εἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **captivity**, you can express it with the verb “capture.” Alternate translation: “If it is God’s will for a certain person to captured” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
13:10 ipw7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive εἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “If it is God’s will for the enemy to capture a certain person” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:10 mtu9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive εἴ τις ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτενεῖ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “If it is God’s will for the enemy to kill a certain person with a sword” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:10 d2rw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive δεῖ αὐτὸν & ἀποκτανθῆναι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the enemy will kill him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:10 pk8r ὧδέ ἐστιν ἡ ὑπομονὴ καὶ ἡ πίστις τῶν ἁγίων 1 Alternate translation: “God’s holy people must endure patiently and be faithful”
13:11 pg7g Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nJohn begins to describe another beast who appears in his vision.
13:11 e7aw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἐλάλει ὡς δράκων 1 Harsh speech is spoken of as if it were the roar of **a dragon**. Alternate translation: “it spoke harshly like a dragon speaks” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
13:11 k9g8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage δράκων 1 The **dragon** was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3](../12/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
13:12 a2fp τὴν γῆν καὶ τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ κατοικοῦντας 1 Alternate translation: “everyone on the earth”
13:12 ys3n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οὗ ἐθεραπεύθη ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the one who had a lethal wound that healed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:12 jc77 ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου 1 This was an injury that was serious enough that it could have made him die. Alternate translation: “deadly wound”
13:13 z2ws ποιεῖ 1 Alternate translation: “the beast from the earth performed”
13:15 dl87 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God permitted the beast from the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:15 cw55 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy δοῦναι πνεῦμα τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου 1 Here, **breath** represents life. Alternate translation: “to give life to the beast’s image” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
13:15 dey8 τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου 1 This is **the image** of the first **beast** that had been mentioned.
13:15 ruk5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ποιήσῃ ὅσοι ἐὰν μὴ προσκυνήσωσιν τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου ἀποκτανθῶσιν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “might put to death anyone who refused to worship the first beast” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
13:16 h9u9 καὶ ποιεῖ πάντας 1 Alternate translation: “And the beast from the earth also forced everyone”
13:17 t7wm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μή τις δύνηται ἀγοράσαι ἢ πωλῆσαι, εἰ μὴ ὁ ἔχων τὸ χάραγμα, τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου 1 The implicit information is that the beast from the earth commanded these things. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “he commanded that people could buy or sell things only if they had the mark of the beast” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
13:17 j8x4 τὸ χάραγμα, τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου 1 The **mark** indicated that the person who received it worshiped **the beast**.
13:18 i46m General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThis verse is a break from John’s account of his vision. Here he gives another warning to the people reading his account.
13:18 uk74 ὧδε ἡ σοφία ἐστίν 1 Alternate translation: “Wisdom is needed” or “You need to be wise about this”
13:18 z8tz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ὁ ἔχων νοῦν ψηφισάτω 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **insight**, you can express it with the verb “understand.” Alternate translation: “If anyone is able to understand things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
13:18 ri1y ψηφισάτω τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου 1 Alternate translation: “he should discern what the number of the beast means” or “he should figure out what the number of the beast means”
13:18 bbn2 ἀριθμὸς & ἀνθρώπου ἐστίν 1 The **number** could represent: (1) one person. (2) all of humanity.
14:intro q71v 0 # Revelation 14 General Notes\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Harvest\n\nHarvest is when people go out to gather ripe food from plants. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about him so those people can be part of God’s kingdom. This chapter uses the metaphor of two harvests. Jesus gathers in his people from the whole earth. Then an angel gathers in wicked people whom God will punish. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])
14:1 e7u7 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThe word **I** refers to John.
14:1 ck6y Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nJohn begins to describe the next part of his vision. There are 144,000 believers standing before the Lamb.
14:1 a3kz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὸ Ἀρνίον 1 A lamb is a young sheep. Here, **the Lamb** it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
14:1 uc96 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 7:4](../07/04.md). Alternate translation: “one hundred forty-four thousand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
14:1 z963 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἔχουσαι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, γεγραμμένον ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “on whose foreheads the Lamb and his Father had written their names” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
14:1 rf47 rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ 1 **Father** is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
14:3 sz1f ᾄδουσιν ᾠδὴν καινὴν 1 This phrase explains what the sound was that John heard in verse 2. Alternate translation: “that sound was a new song that they sang” or “the sound was the 144,000 people singing a new song”
14:3 ii11 τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων 1 See how you translated “living creature” in [Revelation 4:6](../04/06.md)
14:3 m75y τῶν πρεσβυτέρων 1 Here, **the elders** refers to the twenty-four elders around the throne. See how you translated “elders” in [Revelation 4:4](../04/04.md).
14:3 q6fc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 7:4](../07/04.md). Alternate translation: “one hundred forty-four thousand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
14:4 jet6 μετὰ γυναικῶν οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν 1 This could mean: (1) they have never had immoral sexual relations with a woman. (2) they have never had sexual relations with a woman. Defiling oneself with women may be a symbol of worshiping idols.
14:4 a7ir παρθένοι 1 This could mean: (1) they did not have sexual relations with a woman who was not their wife. (2) they are virgins.
14:4 q3hg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἱ ἀκολουθοῦντες τῷ Ἀρνίῳ ὅπου ἂν ὑπάγει 1 Doing what the Lamb does is spoken of as following him. Alternate translation: “they do whatever the Lamb does” or “they obey the Lamb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
14:4 mlw3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἠγοράσθησαν ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀπαρχὴ 1 Here, **firstfruits** is a metaphor for the first offering to be made to God in celebration of harvest. Alternate translation: “have been purchased out of the midst of the rest of mankind as a special celebration of salvation” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
14:5 ga8p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος 1 Here, **their mouth** refers to “what they said.” Alternate translation: “they never lied when they spoke” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
14:6 n1fr Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nJohn begins to describe the next part of his vision. This is the first of three angels who proclaim judgment on the earth.
14:6 pp1l πᾶν ἔθνος, καὶ φυλὴν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ λαόν 1 This means that people from every ethnic group are included. See how you translated a similar list in [Revelation 5:9](../05/09.md).
14:7 cj5z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **the hour** represents the time that has been chosen for something, and the hour having **come** is a metaphor for now being the chosen time. Alternate translation: “now is the time that God has chosen for judgment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
14:7 reu7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **judgment**, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “it is now the time for God to judge people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
14:8 b18s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔπεσεν, ἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη 1 The angel speaks of **Babylon** having been destroyed as if it had **fallen**. Alternate translation: “Babylon the great has been destroyed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
14:8 jh3r rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη 1 This was probably a symbol for the city of Rome, which was large, wealthy, and sinful. Alternate translation: “Babylon the large city” or “the important city of Babylon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
14:8 kg1i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἣ & πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 Babylon is spoken of as if it were a person, instead of a city filled with people. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
14:8 ldz2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἣ ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς, πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 Here, **to drink from the wine** is a symbol for participating in her sexually **immoral passion**. Alternate translation: “to be sexually immoral like her” or “to get drunk like her in sexual sin” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
14:8 v3zk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 Babylon is spoken of as if it were a prostitute who has caused other people to sin along with her. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
14:8 bey2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 Here, **immoral passion** may well have a double meaning: literal sexual immorality and also the worship of false gods. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
14:10 qw28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage καὶ αὐτὸς πίεται ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **to drink from the wine of the wrath of God** is a symbol for being punished by God. Alternate translation: “will also drink some of the wine that represents God’s wrath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
14:10 fe83 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τοῦ κεκερασμένου ἀκράτου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God has poured full strength” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
14:10 bb38 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ κεκερασμένου ἀκράτου 1 This means that the wine has no water mixed into it. It is strong, and a person who drinks much of it will get very drunk. As a symbol, it means that God will be extremely angry, not just a little angry. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
14:10 zl4g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῷ ποτηρίῳ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ 1 This symbolic **cup** holds the wine that represents God’s **anger**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
14:11 dds6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ καπνὸς τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῶν 1 The phrase **their torment** refers to the fire that torments them. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the fire that torments them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
14:11 z5ea οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἀνάπαυσιν 1 Alternate translation: “they have no relief” or “the torment does not stop”
14:12 me1j ὧδε ἡ ὑπομονὴ τῶν ἁγίων ἐστίν 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 13:10](../13/10.md).
14:12 wo34 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τηροῦντες 1 See how you translated this word in [Revelation 1:3](../01/03.md) and in [Revelation 2:26](../02/26.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
14:13 hy1a οἱ ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκοντες 1 This may refer to believers who are killed by their enemies. Alternate translation: “who are united to the Lord and die” or “who die because they are united to the Lord”
14:13 v4xz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification τὰ & ἔργα αὐτῶν ἀκολουθεῖ μετ’ αὐτῶν 1 These **deeds** are spoken of as if they were alive and able to **follow** those who did them. This could mean: (1) others will know the good deeds these people have done. (2) God will reward them for their deeds. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
14:14 ft6v rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nJohn begins to describe the next part of his vision. This part is about the Son of Man harvesting the earth. Harvesting the grain is a symbol of God’s judging people. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
14:14 gvw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὅμοιον Υἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου 1 Here, the expression **a son of man** describes a human figure, someone who looks human. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:13](../01/13.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
14:14 l89c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown δρέπανον ὀξύ 1 A **sickle** is a tool with a curved blade used for cutting grass, grain, and vines (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
14:15 v6dy ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ 1 Alternate translation: “came out of the heavenly temple”
14:15 v2xf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα θερίσαι 1 Existing in the present is spoken of as having **come**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
14:16 nt7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐθερίσθη ἡ γῆ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he harvested the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
14:18 jp7l ὁ ἔχων ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τοῦ πυρός 1 Here, **authority over** refers to responsibility to tend **the fire**.
14:19 f3mn τὴν ληνὸν τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ τὸν μέγαν 1 Alternate translation: “the large wine vat where God will show his wrath”
14:20 b1bw ληνὸς 1 This is “the great winepress” of [Revelation 14:19](../14/19.md).
14:20 xt4z ἄχρι τῶν χαλινῶν τῶν ἵππων 1 Alternate translation: “as high as the bridle in a horse’s mouth”
14:20 m2i9 τῶν χαλινῶν 1 A **bridle** is device made of leather straps that goes around a horse’s head and is used for directing the horse.
14:20 gdl8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers σταδίων χιλίων ἑξακοσίων 1 Alternate translation: “one thousand six hundred stadia” or “sixteen hundred stadia” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
14:20 dbz1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance σταδίων χιλίων ἑξακοσίων 1 A “stadium” is 185 meters. The plural form of “stradium” is **stadia**. In modern measures this would be about “300 kilometers” or “200 miles.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
15:intro zxt7 0 # Revelation 15 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nIn this chapter, John describes events and pictures that occur in heaven.\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 3-4.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### “Victorious over the beast”\n\nThese people are spiritually victorious. While most spiritual battles cannot be seen, the Book of Revelation pictures spiritual battles as openly occurring. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### “The temple having the tent of witness, was open in heaven”\n\nScripture elsewhere indicates the earthly temple copied God’s perfect dwelling place in heaven. Here John seems to refer to God’s heavenly dwelling place or temple. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### Songs\n\nThe Book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. They worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped.
15:1 p98c General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThis verse is a summary of what will happen in 15:6-16:21.
15:1 l345 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet μέγα καὶ θαυμαστόν 1 The words **great** and **marvelous** have similar meanings and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “something that greatly amazed me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
15:1 w6lf ἀγγέλους ἑπτὰ ἔχοντας πληγὰς ἑπτὰ 1 Alternate translation: “seven angels who had authority to send seven plagues on the earth”
15:1 mw7g τὰς ἐσχάτας 1 Alternate translation: “and after them, there will not be any more plagues”
15:1 ij3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὅτι ἐν αὐταῖς ἐτελέσθη ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for these plagues will complete the wrath of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
15:1 gdt5 ὅτι ἐν αὐταῖς ἐτελέσθη ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 This could mean: (1) these plagues will show all of God’s anger. (2) after these plagues, God will no longer be angry.
15:2 ytq6 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nHere John begins to describe his vision of the people who had been victorious over the beast and who are praising God.
15:2 n9yj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor θάλασσαν ὑαλίνην 1 You can state explicitly how it was like **glass** or **a sea**. This could mean: (1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: “a sea that was as smooth as glass” (2) glass if spoken of as if it were a sea. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:6](../04/06.md). Alternate translation: “glass that was spread out like a sea” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
15:2 pt8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τοὺς νικῶντας ἐκ τοῦ θηρίου, καὶ ἐκ τῆς εἰκόνος αὐτοῦ 1 You can state explicitly how they were **victorious**. Alternate translation: “who had been victorious over the beast and his image by not worshiping them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
15:2 dbz9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐκ τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ 1 You can state explicitly how they were victorious over **the number**. Alternate translation: “over the number representing his name by not being marked with that number” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
15:2 lra7 τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ 1 This refers to **the number** described in [Revelation 13:18](../13/18.md).
15:3 l5hu ᾄδουσιν 1 Alternate translation: “those who had been victorious over the beast were singing”
15:4 hh87 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίς οὐ μὴ φοβηθῇ, Κύριε, καὶ δοξάσει τὸ ὄνομά σου, ὅτι μόνος ὅσιος? 1 This question is used to show their amazement at how great and glorious the Lord is. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Lord, everyone will fear you and glorify your name because you are holy!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
15:4 j9gj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy δοξάσει τὸ ὄνομά σου 1 The phrase **your name** refers to God. Alternate translation: “glorify you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
15:4 ei9k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὰ δικαιώματά σου ἐφανερώθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you have made everyone know about your righteous deeds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
15:5 v4ye Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe seven angels with the seven plagues come out of the most holy place. They were spoken of previously in [Revelation 15:1](../15/01.md).
15:5 da6n μετὰ ταῦτα 1 Alternate translation: “after the people finished singing”
15:6 f9gq οἱ ἑπτὰ ἄγγελοι οἱ ἔχοντες τὰς ἑπτὰ πληγὰς 1 These **seven angels** were seen as **holding** **seven plagues** because in [Revelation 17:7](../17/07.md) they are given seven bowls full of the wrath of God.
15:6 nei2 λίθον 1 Linen is a fine, expensive cloth made from flax.
15:6 w9kw ζώνας χρυσᾶς 1 A sash is a decorative piece of cloth worn on the upper body.
15:7 s4dj τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων 1 See how you translated **living creatures** in [Revelation 4:6](../04/06.md)
15:7 z1wz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἑπτὰ φιάλας χρυσᾶς, γεμούσας τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The word **wrath** here refers to punishment. Alternate translation: “seven gold bowls full of something that represents the wrath of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
15:8 s67r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἄχρι τελεσθῶσιν αἱ ἑπτὰ πληγαὶ τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀγγέλων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until the seven angels finished sending the seven plagues to the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
16:intro v1cm 0 # Revelation 16 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter continues the vision of chapter 15. Together they give the seven plagues that complete the wrath of God. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/wrath]])\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 5-7.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### “I heard a loud voice call out of the temple”\n\nThis is the same temple that was mentioned in chapter 15.\n\n### Seven bowls of God’s wrath\n\nThis chapter reveals severe judgments. They are pictured as angels pouring out seven bowls of God’s wrath. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\nThe tone of this chapter is meant to astonish the reader. Translations should not minimize the vivid language expressed in this chapter.\n\n### Armageddon\n\nThis is a Hebrew word. It is the name of a place. John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate it using the letters of the target language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])
16:1 nj83 Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nJohn continues to describe the part of the vision about the seven angels with the seven plagues. The seven plagues are the seven bowls of God’s wrath.
16:1 t995 ἤκουσα 1 Here, **I** refers to John.
16:1 k2nq rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage φιάλας τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 15:7](../15/07.md). Alternate translation: “bowls full of something that represents God’s wrath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
16:2 n7mw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ 1 The word **bowl** refers to what is in it. Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:2 e66u ἕλκος κακὸν καὶ πονηρὸν 1 These could be infections from diseases or injuries that have not healed.
16:2 nux1 τὸ χάραγμα τοῦ θηρίου 1 The **mark of the beast** was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast. See how you translated this in [Revelation 13:17](../13/17.md).
16:3 nc6a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ 1 The word **bowl** refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2](../16/02.md). Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:3 sx66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche τὴν θάλασσαν 1 Here, **the sea** refers to all the salt water lakes and oceans. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
16:4 p4ae rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ 1 The word **bowl** refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2](../16/02.md). Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:4 xu1y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche τοὺς ποταμοὺς καὶ τὰς πηγὰς τῶν ὑδάτων 1 This refers to all bodies of fresh **water**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
16:5 f35a τοῦ ἀγγέλου τῶν ὑδάτων 1 This could refers to: (1) the third **angel** who was in charge of pouring out God’s wrath on the rivers and springs of water. (2) another **angel** who was in charge of all the waters.
16:5 e45u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you δίκαιος εἶ 1 Here, **You** refers to God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
16:5 itg7 ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 1:4](../01/04.md). Alternate translation: “God who is and who was”
16:6 b6wa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy αἷμα ἁγίων καὶ προφητῶν ἐξέχεαν 1 Here, **poured out the blood** means they killed them. Alternate translation: “they murdered God’s holy people and the prophets” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:6 jy6a καὶ αἷμα αὐτοῖς ἔδωκας πιεῖν 1 God will make the evil people **drink** the waters that he turned to **blood**.
16:7 p4c5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἤκουσα τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου λέγοντος 1 Here, **altar** here refers perhaps to someone at the altar. “I heard someone at the altar reply” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:8 nne6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ 1 The word **bowl** refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2](../16/02.md). Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:8 l6n2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἐδόθη αὐτῷ καυματίσαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους 1 John speaks about the sun as if it were a person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
16:8 jf31 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ καυματίσαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and caused the sun to severely burn the people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
16:9 i2du rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐκαυματίσθησαν οἱ ἄνθρωποι καῦμα μέγα 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the extreme heat burned them badly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
16:9 pr4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐβλασφήμησαν τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **the name of God** represents God. Alternate translation: “they blasphemed God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:9 aza1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ, τοῦ ἔχοντος τὴν ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τὰς πληγὰς ταύτας 1 This phrase reminds readers of something they already know about **God**. It helps to explain why the people were blaspheming God. Alternate translation: “God because he has the power over these plagues” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
16:9 rd4f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὴν ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τὰς πληγὰς ταύτας 1 This refers to the power to inflict **these plague** on people, and the power to stop the plagues. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
16:10 f1pm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ 1 The word **bowl** refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2](../16/02.md). Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:10 a2ud rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν θρόνον τοῦ θηρίου 1 The **throne of the beast** is where the beast reigns from. It may refer to the capital city of his kingdom. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:10 hit6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ ἐσκοτωμένη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the contents of the bowl made the kingdom of the beast dark” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
16:10 pb1u ἐμασῶντο 1 Here, **they** refers to the people in the beast’s kingdom.
16:11 kna6 ἐβλασφήμησαν 1 Here, **they** refers to the people in the beast’s kingdom.
16:12 kv5y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ 1 The word **bowl** refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2](../16/02.md). Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:12 amf1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὸν Εὐφράτην, καὶ ἐξηράνθη τὸ ὕδωρ αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. You can also make it into two sentences. Alternate translation: “the Euphrates, and caused its water to dry up” or “the Euphrates. Its water dried up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
16:13 bb6d ὡς βάτραχοι 1 A frog is a small animal that lives near water. Jews considered them unclean animals.
16:13 ai28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ δράκοντος 1 A **dragon** is a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3](../12/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
16:15 u3v8 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nVerse 15 is a break from the main story line of John’s vision. These are words spoken by Jesus. The story line continues in verse 16.
16:15 l16g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit (ἰδοὺ, ἔρχομαι ὡς κλέπτης; μακάριος ὁ γρηγορῶν καὶ τηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ, ἵνα μὴ γυμνὸς περιπατῇ, καὶ βλέπωσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην αὐτοῦ.) 1 This is in parentheses to show that it is not part of the story line in the vision. Rather, this is something that the Lord Jesus said. You can state explicitly that the Lord Jesus said this, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
16:15 lgi6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἔρχομαι ὡς κλέπτης 1 Jesus will **come** at a time when people do not expect him, just as **a thief** comes when not expected. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 3:3](../03/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
16:15 b6f4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τηρῶν 1 See how you translated this word in [Revelation 1:3](../01/03.md) and in [Revelation 2:26](../02/26.md). However, the occurence of the word here in this verse has a special sense of holding on to something so as not to give it up or lose it. The meaning is close or similar to the meaning found in the second instance of the word in [Revelation 3:10](../03/10.md). Thus, the translator should attempt to distinguish the translation of the word here from the other instances of the word in the book of Revelation, as the UST distinguishes here in this verse and its context. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
16:15 an84 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ 1 Living the right way is spoken of as keeping one’s clothes on. Alternate translation: “doing what is right, like keeping his clothes on” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
16:15 cia7 τηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ 1 Some versions translate this phrase as, “keeps his garments with him.”
16:15 qwa2 βλέπωσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην αὐτοῦ 1 Here the word **they** refers to other people.
16:16 m2v7 συνήγαγεν αὐτοὺς 1 Alternate translation: “the spirits of the demons brought the kings and their armies together”
16:16 cdx1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὸν τόπον τὸν καλούμενον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the place that people call” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
16:16 x6ff rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἁρμαγεδών 1 **Armageddon** is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
16:17 ny8p Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe seventh angel pours out the seventh bowl of God’s wrath.
16:17 nhs7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ 1 The word **bowl** refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2](../16/02.md). Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:17 a15p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy καὶ ἐξῆλθεν φωνὴ μεγάλη ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ θρόνου 1 This means someone sitting on **the throne** or someone standing near the throne spoke loudly. It is unclear who is speaking. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:18 x586 ἀστραπαὶ 1 Use your language’s way of describing what **lightning** looks like each time it appears. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:5](../04/05.md).
16:18 c9fa φωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί 1 These **sounds and crashes** are the loud noises that **thunder** makes. Use your language’s way of describing the sound of thunder. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:5](../04/05.md).
16:19 q8lg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐγένετο ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη εἰς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the earthquake split the great city into” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
16:19 r2vh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 This does not mean that God remembered something he had forgotten. Alternate translation: “then God remembered Babylon the Great” or “then God thought of Babylon the Great” or “then God started to pay attention to Babylon the Great” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
16:19 g6s8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage δοῦναι αὐτῇ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **the wine** is a symbol of his **wrath**. Making people drink it is a symbol of punishing them. Alternate translation: “he made the people of that city drink the wine that represents his wrath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
16:20 byn4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὄρη οὐχ εὑρέθησαν 1 The inability to see any **mountains** is metonymy expressing the idea that no mountains existed any longer. Alternate translation: “there were no longer any mountains” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16:21 i43r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight ταλαντιαία 1 You may convert the **talent** to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “33 kilograms” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])
17:intro ysn1 0 # Revelation 17 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter begins to describe how God will destroy Babylon.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Prostitute\n\nScripture often pictures idolatrous Jews as adulterous people and sometimes as prostitutes. This is not the reference here. The translator should allow this illustration to be vague. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### Seven hills\n\nThis possibly refers to the city of Rome, which was known as the city on seven hills. However, the translator should not attempt to identify Rome in the translation.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nJohn uses many different metaphors in this chapter. He explains some of their meanings, but allows them to remain relatively unclear. The translator should attempt to do the same. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “The beast you saw existed, does not exist now, but is about to come up”\n\nThis and similar phrases in this chapter contrast the beast with Jesus. Jesus is called “the one who is, and who was, and who is to come” elsewhere in the Book of Revelation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n### Paradox\n\nA paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in 17:11 is a paradox: “the beast … is itself also an eighth king; but it is one of those seven kings.” The translator should not attempt to resolve this paradox. It should remain a mystery. ([Revelation 17:11](../rev/17/11.md))
17:1 ppd7 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nJohn begins to describe the part of his vision about the great prostitute.
17:1 c6f4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸ κρίμα τῆς πόρνης τῆς μεγάλης 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun “judgment”, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “how God will judge the great prostitute” or “how God will condemn the great prostitute”(See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
17:1 f7ry rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῆς πόρνης τῆς μεγάλης 1 Here, **the great prostitute** represents a certain sinful city. Alternate translation: “the prostitute that everyone knows about” or “a certain sinful city” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
17:1 crs4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐπὶ ὑδάτων πολλῶν 1 If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a more specific word for the kind of water. Alternate translation: “on many rivers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
17:2 paa4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἐμεθύσθησαν οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν γῆν ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 Here to be **drunk from the wine of her sexual immorality** represents fully giving themselves over to doing sexually immoral acts. Alternate translation: “the people of the earth fully engaged in every kind of sexual immorality” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
17:2 f1yb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 Here, **the wine** represents **sexual immorality**. Alternate translation: “her wine, that is, they were sexually immoral” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
17:2 ayw3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 This may well have a double meaning: **sexual immorality** among people and also the worship of false gods. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
17:3 hf43 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background ἀπήνεγκέν με εἰς ἔρημον ἐν Πνεύματι 1 The setting changes from John being in heaven to being in **a wilderness**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
17:4 rw19 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μαργαρίταις 1 A pearl is a beautiful and valuable white bead that is formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
17:5 az5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐπὶ τὸ μέτωπον αὐτῆς ὄνομα γεγραμμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had written on her forehead a name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
17:5 l75t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Βαβυλὼν ἡ Μεγάλη 1 If it needs to be made explicit that the name refers to the woman, it can be put in a new sentence. Alternate translation: “I am Babylon, the powerful one” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
17:6 iq7b General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThe angel begins to explain to John the meaning of the prostitute and the red beast. The angel explains these things through verse 18.
17:6 iwz1 μεθύουσαν ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος & καὶ ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος 1 Alternate translation: “was drunk because she had drunk the blood … and had drunk the blood”
17:6 yqi7 τῶν μαρτύρων Ἰησοῦ 1 Alternate translation: “of the believers who have died because they told others about Jesus”
17:6 ydi9 ἐθαύμασα 1 Alternate translation: “I was amazed” or “I was surprised”
17:7 j412 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion διὰ τί ἐθαύμασας? 1 The angel used this question to gently scold John. If your readers would misunderstand thuis question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be astonished!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
17:8 upm7 τῆς Ἀβύσσου 1 The **abyss** is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in [Revelation 9:1](../09/01.md).
17:8 usl4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns καὶ εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **destruction**, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “and then he will be destroyed” or “and God will destroy him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
17:8 glf1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει 1 The certainty of what will happen in the future is spoken of as if the beast were going to it. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
17:8 r6h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὰ ὀνόματα 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whose names God did not write” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
17:9 p6lr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ὧδε ὁ νοῦς ὁ ἔχων σοφίαν 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns **mind** and **wisdom**, you can express them with “think” and “wise” or “wisely.” Alternate translation: “You need to think wisely in order to understand this” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
17:9 xcyo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὧδε ὁ νοῦς ὁ ἔχων σοφίαν 1 You can state explicitly why a wise **mind** is needed. Alternate translation: “A wise mind is needed in order to understand this” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
17:9 nr42 αἱ ἑπτὰ κεφαλαὶ ἑπτὰ ὄρη εἰσίν 1 Here, **are** means “stand for” or “represent.”
17:10 yk93 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἱ πέντε ἔπεσαν 1 The angel speaks of dying as falling. Alternate translation: “five kings have died” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
17:10 d2wx ὁ εἷς ἔστιν 1 Alternate translation: “one is king now” or “one king is alive now”
17:10 kw95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἄλλος οὔπω ἦλθεν 1 Not having existed yet is spoken of as not yet having **come**. Alternate translation: “the other has not yet become king” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
17:10 v8vx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὅταν ἔλθῃ, ὀλίγον αὐτὸν δεῖ μεῖναι 1 The angel speaks of someone continuing to be king as if he were remaining in a place. Alternate translation: “he can be king only for a little while” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
17:11 b1ct ἐκ τῶν ἑπτά ἐστιν 1 This could mean: (1) the beast rules twice: first as one of the seven kings, and then as the eighth king. (2) the beast belongs to that group of seven kings because he is like them.
17:11 w7sk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει 1 The certainty of what will happen in the future is spoken of as if the beast were **going** to it. Alternate translation: “it will certainly be destroyed” or “God will surely destroy it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
17:12 gq2m Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe angel explains the meaning of the ten horns of the beast.
17:12 n2rd rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μίαν ὥραν 1 If your language does not divide the day into 24 hours, you may need to use a more general expression. Alternate translation: “for a very short time” or “for a very small part of a day” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
17:13 w7jb οὗτοι μίαν γνώμην ἔχουσιν 1 Alternate translation: “These all think the same thing” or “These all agree to do the same thing”
17:14 wt9k rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 A lamb is a young sheep. Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
17:14 abb5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive κλητοὶ, καὶ ἐκλεκτοὶ, καὶ πιστοί 1 This refers to one group of people. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state the words **called** and **chosen** in active form. Alternate translation: “the called, chosen, and faithful ones” or “the ones whom God has called and chosen, who are faithful to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
17:15 kq1e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὰ ὕδατα 1 If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a more specific word for the kind of **water**. See how you translated “many waters” in [Revelation 17:1](../17/01.md). Alternate translation: “The rivers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
17:15 zsh5 ὄχλοι 1 large groups of people
17:15 ua3s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy γλῶσσαι 1 Here, **tongues** refers to people who speak the languages. See how you translated this in [Revelation 10:11](../10/11.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
17:16 j157 ἠρημωμένην ποιήσουσιν αὐτὴν καὶ γυμνήν 1 Alternate translation: “they will steal everything that she has and leave her with nothing”
17:16 f9as rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὰς σάρκας αὐτῆς φάγονται 1 Destroying her completely is spoken of as eating all **her flesh**. Alternate translation: “they will destroy her completely” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
17:17 y8cn ὁ γὰρ Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν ποιῆσαι τὴν γνώμην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ποιῆσαι μίαν γνώμην, καὶ δοῦναι τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτῶν τῷ θηρίῳ, ἄχρι τελεσθήσονται οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 They would agree to give their power **to the beast**, but it would not be that they want to obey **God**. Alternate translation: “For God has put it into their hearts to agree to give their kingdom to the beast until God’s words are fulfilled, and by doing this, they would carry out God’s purpose”
17:17 sb1d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ γὰρ Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν ποιῆσαι 1 Here, **heart** is a metonym for desires. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
17:17 j0ts rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ γὰρ Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν ποιῆσαι 1 Making them want to do something is spoken of as putting it **into their hearts** to do it. Alternate translation: “God has made them want to do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
17:17 el9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἄχρι τελεσθήσονται οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until God fulfills what he said will happen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
17:18 w2lu Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe angel finishes speaking to John about the prostitute and the beast.
17:18 uy1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ ἔχουσα βασιλείαν 1 When it says that the **city** rules, it means that the leader of the city rules. Alternate translation: “the great city whose leader rules” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:intro j5qc 0 # Revelation 18 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 1-8.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Prophecy\n\nThe angel prophesies about Babylon falling, which here means being destroyed. It is spoken of as having already happened. This is common in prophecy. It emphasizes that the coming judgment will certainly happen. The angel also prophesies that the people will lament over Babylon falling. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nProphecy frequently uses metaphors. This chapter has a slightly different apocalyptic style than the Book of Revelation overall. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:1 xxe5 Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nAnother angel comes down from heaven and speaks. This is a different angel than the one in the previous chapter, who spoke about the prostitute and the beast.
18:2 a2f5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη 1 The angel speaks of **Babylon** having been destroyed as if it had fallen. See how you translated this in [Revelation 14:8](../14/08.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:2 fl3m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη 1 The angel speaks of the city of Babylon as if it were a prostitute. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
18:3 l5jq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 Here, **the nations** is a metonym for the people of those nations. Alternate translation: “the people of all the nations” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:3 kpp1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς, πέπτωκαν 1 Here, drinking **from the wine of her immoral passion** is a symbol for participating in her sexually immoral passion. Alternate translation: “have become sexually immoral like her” or “have become drunk like her in sexual sin” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
18:3 j1at rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 This may well have a double meaning: literal sexual immorality and also the worship of false gods. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:3 kp3p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification μετ’ αὐτῆς ἐπόρνευσαν 1 Babylon is spoken of as if it were a prostitute who has caused other people to sin along **with her**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
18:3 ejc5 ἔμποροι 1 A merchant is a person who sells things.
18:3 ql37 ἐκ τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ στρήνους αὐτῆς 1 Alternate translation: “because she spent so much money on sexual immorality”
18:4 nz77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἄλλην φωνὴν 1 Here, **voice** refers to the speaker, which is probably either Jesus or the Father. Alternate translation: “someone else” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:5 e32w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐκολλήθησαν αὐτῆς αἱ ἁμαρτίαι ἄχρι τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 The voice speaks of Babylon’s **sins** as if they were objects that could form a pile. Alternate translation: “her sins are so many they are like a pile that reaches heaven” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:5 u2yu ἐμνημόνευσεν 1 This does not mean that God **remembered** something he had forgotten. See how you translated “called to mind” in [Revelation 16:19](../16/19.md). Alternate translation: “has thought of” or “has started to pay attention to”
18:6 ec42 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀπόδοτε αὐτῇ ὡς καὶ αὐτὴ ἀπέδωκεν 1 The voice speaks of punishment as if it were repayment. Alternate translation: “Punish her as she has punished others” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:6 pa62 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor διπλώσατε τὰ διπλᾶ 1 The voice speaks of punishment as if it were repayment. Alternate translation: “punish her twice as much” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:6 xba5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ ποτηρίῳ ᾧ ἐκέρασεν, κεράσατε αὐτῇ διπλοῦν 1 The voice speaks of causing others to suffer as preparing strong wine for them to drink. Alternate translation: “prepare for her the wine of suffering that is twice as strong as what she made for others” or “make her suffer twice as much as she made others suffer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:6 l3n5 κεράσατε & διπλοῦν 1 Here, **mix double** could mean: (1) they should prepare twice the amount. (2) they should make it twice as strong.
18:7 we2t ἐδόξασεν αὑτὴν 1 Alternate translation: “the people of Babylon glorified themselves”
18:7 yt32 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὅτι ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς λέγει 1 Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: “For she says to herself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:7 m3mg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile κάθημαι βασίλισσα 1 She claims to be a ruler, having her own authority. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
18:7 dy5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor χήρα οὐκ εἰμί 1 She implies that she will not be dependent on other people. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:7 eh5r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πένθος οὐ μὴ ἴδω 1 Experiencing mourning is spoken of as seeing **mourning**. Alternate translation: “I will never mourn” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:8 u6r9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἥξουσιν αἱ πληγαὶ αὐτῆς 1 Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:8 vkk2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν πυρὶ κατακαυθήσεται 1 Being burned up by fire is spoken of as being eaten up **by fire**. Alternate translation: “she will be completely burned up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:8 tjd9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐν πυρὶ κατακαυθήσεται 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “fire will completely burn her up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
18:9 lj14 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn these verses the word **her** refers to the city of Babylon.
18:9 wk13 μετ’ αὐτῆς πορνεύσαντες καὶ στρηνιάσαντες 1 Alternate translation: “sinned sexually and did whatever they wanted just as the people of Babylon did”
18:10 j3ln rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns διὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **torment**, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “because they were afraid that they would be tormented like Babylon” or “because they were afraid that God would torment them as he torments Babylon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
18:10 qn81 οὐαὶ, οὐαί 1 The word **Woe** is repeated for emphasis.
18:10 hkd8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἦλθεν ἡ κρίσις σου 1 Existing in the present is spoken of as having **come**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:11 fe7u πενθοῦσιν ἐπ’ αὐτήν 1 Alternate translation: “mourn for the people of Babylon”
18:12 krs3 λίθου τιμίου, καὶ μαργαριτῶν 1 See how you translated these in [Revelation 17:4](../17/04.md). Alternate translation: “many kinds of expensive stones”
18:12 hnk1 βυσσίνου 1 The **fine linen** is an expensive cloth made from flax. See how you translated “linen” in [Revelation 15:6](../15/06.md).
18:12 xm9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown πορφύρας, καὶ σιρικοῦ, καὶ κοκκίνου 1 Purple cloth is a very dark red cloth that was very expensive at that time. Silk is a soft, strong cloth made from the fine string that silkworms make when they make their cocoons. Scarlet cloth was an expensive red cloth. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
18:12 hir4 πᾶν σκεῦος ἐλεφάντινον 1 Alternate translation: “all kinds of containers made of ivory”
18:12 yri7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σκεῦος ἐλεφάντινον 1 Ivory is a beautiful hard, white material that people get from the tusks or teeth of very large animals such as elephants or walruses. Alternate translation: “container made from tusks” or “container made from valuable animal teeth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
18:12 b8xc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μαρμάρου 1 Marble is a precious stone that is used for building and to make statues, furniture, and many other things. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
18:13 gz3v κιννάμωμον 1 Cinnamon is a spice that smells nice and comes from the bark of a certain kind of tree.
18:13 z894 ἄμωμον 1 Spice is a substance used to add flavor to food or a good smell to oil.
18:14 x3kl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ ὀπώρα 1 The **autumn fruit** refers to fruit that ripens in the fall. Here, it is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “result” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:14 a1aa τῆς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ψυχῆς 1 Alternate translation: “what you wanted very much”
18:14 p7f7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀπώλετο ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν 1 Not to **be found** stands for not existing. Alternate translation: “has vanished, and they will never exist again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:14 z9rv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἀπώλετο ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν 1 If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you can state it in active form. Alternate translation: “has vanished; you will never have them again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
18:15 s4iq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns διὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns **fear** and **torment**, you can express them as verbs. Alternate translation: “because they will be afraid of God tormenting them they way he torments her” or “because they will be afraid of suffering the way she is suffering” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
18:15 ii7v κλαίοντες καὶ πενθοῦντες 1 The merchants are the ones who will be **weeping and mourning loudly**. Alternate translation: “and the merchants will weep and mourn loudly”
18:16 i7ip rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον 1 Throughout this chapter, Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “the great city, which was like a woman dressed in fine linen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:16 qlo3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον 1 The merchants speak of Babylon as being **dressed in fine linen** because its people were dressed in fine linen. Alternate translation: “the great city, whose women were dressed in fine linen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:16 nji6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that wore fine linen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
18:16 v6q3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive κεχρυσωμένη ἐν χρυσίῳ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “adorned herself with gold” or “adorned themselves with gold” or “wore gold” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
18:16 rtm9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μαργαρίτῃ 1 Pearls are beautiful and valuable white beads that are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. See how you translated this in [Revelation 17:4](../17/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
18:17 ap3v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὴν θάλασσαν ἐργάζονται 1 The phrase **work the sea** refers to what they do on the sea. Alternate translation: “who travel on the sea to make their living” or “who sail on the sea to different places in order to trade things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:18 v7qe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίς ὁμοία τῇ πόλει τῇ μεγάλῃ? 1 This question shows the people the importance of the **city** of Babylon. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could translate it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No other city is like the great city, Babylon!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
18:20 ld6c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ κρίμα ὑμῶν ἐξ αὐτῆς 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **judgment**, you can express it with the verb “judge.” Alternate translation: “God has judged her for you” or “God has judged her because of the bad things she did to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
18:21 b94u Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nAnother angel begins to speak about Babylon. This is a different angel than the ones who have spoken previously.
18:21 el4e μύλινον μέγαν 1 A **millstone** large round stone used to crush grain.
18:21 dlp4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις, καὶ οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι 1 To be **thrown down** and **not be seen anymore** speaks of complete destruction of the **city**. Alternate translation: “Babylon will be completely destroyed and will no longer exist” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:21 kwsy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις, καὶ οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will violently throw down Babylon, the great city, and it will no longer exist” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
18:21 kre6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι 1 Not being **seen** here means that it will not exist. Alternate translation: “it will not exist anymore” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:22 j6aq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive φωνὴ κιθαρῳδῶν, καὶ μουσικῶν, καὶ αὐλητῶν, καὶ σαλπιστῶν, οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one in your city will ever again hear the sound that harpists, musicians, flute players, and trumpeters make” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
18:22 da3h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe ἐν σοὶ 1 The angel speaks as if Babylon were there listening to him. Alternate translation: “in Babylon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
18:22 c88l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι 1 Not being **heard** here means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: “they will not be in your city anymore” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:22 cu19 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy πᾶς τεχνίτης οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἐν σοὶ 1 Not being **found** there means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: “no craftsman of any kind will be in your city” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:22 c7p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy φωνὴ μύλου οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι 1 The sound of something not being **heard** means that no one will make that sound. Alternate translation: “no one will use a mill in your city” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:23 d3yq Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe angel who threw the millstone finishes talking.
18:23 d67i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive φωνὴ νυμφίου καὶ νύμφης οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will ever again hear in Babylon the happy voices of a bridegroom and a bride” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
18:23 ja6m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι 1 Not being **heard** here means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: “will not be in your city anymore” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:23 q8qm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἱ ἔμποροί σου ἦσαν οἱ μεγιστᾶνες τῆς γῆς 1 The angel speaks of important and powerful people as if they were **princes**. Alternate translation: “your merchants were like princes of the earth” or “your merchants were the most important men in the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18:23 j3iy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐν τῇ φαρμακείᾳ σου ἐπλανήθησαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you deceived the people of the nations with your magic spells” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
18:24 s8bp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐν αὐτῇ αἷμα προφητῶν καὶ ἁγίων εὑρέθη, καὶ πάντων τῶν ἐσφαγμένων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 Here, **blood** being **found** means that the people of the city were guilty of killing people. Alternate translation: “in her is the guilt for the death of the prophets and saints, along with all the other people in the world who were killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
18:24 btz5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐν αὐτῇ αἷμα προφητῶν καὶ ἁγίων εὑρέθη, καὶ πάντων τῶν ἐσφαγμένων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Babylon is guilty of killing the prophets and believers and all the other people in the world who were killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:intro h785 0 # Revelation 19 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThe beginning of chapter 19 concludes the topic of Babylon falling.\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 1-8.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Songs\n\nThe Book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. They worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]])\n\n### Wedding celebration\n\nThe wedding celebration or feast is an important image in Scripture. Jewish culture often pictured paradise, or life with God after death, as a feast. Here, the wedding feast is for the Lamb, who is Jesus, and his bride, who is all his people.
19:1 qu5h General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThis is the next part of John’s vision. Here he describes the rejoicing in heaven over the fall of the great prostitute, who is the city of Babylon.
19:1 lr94 ἤκουσα 1 Here, **I** refers to John.
19:1 nk8x ἁλληλουϊά 1 The word **Hallelujah** means “Praise God” or “Let us praise God.”
19:2 u1rp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὴν πόρνην τὴν μεγάλην 1 Here John refers to the city of Babylon whose wicked people rule over all the people of the earth and lead them to worship false gods. He speaks of the wicked people of Babylon as if they were a **great prostitute**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
19:2 ky99 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἥτις ἔφθειρεν τὴν γῆν 1 Here, **the earth** is a metonym for its inhabitants. Alternate translation: “who corrupted the people of the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
19:2 d9j7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ αἷμα τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **the blood** is a metonym that represents murder. Alternate translation: “the murder of his servants” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
19:3 jm9m εἴρηκαν 1 Here, **they** refers to the crowd of people in heaven.
19:3 h1k4 ἁλληλουϊά 1 The word **Hallelujah** means “Praise God” or “Let us praise God.” See how you translated this in [Revelation 19:1](../19/01.md).
19:3 zy6e καπνὸς αὐτῆς ἀναβαίνει 1 The word **her** refers to the city of Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a prostitute. The **smoke** is from the fire that destroys the city. Alternate translation: “smoke rises from that city”
19:4 r43f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers οἱ πρεσβύτεροι οἱ εἴκοσι τέσσαρες 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:4](../04/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
19:4 y4qd τὰ τέσσερα ζῷα 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:6](../04/06.md) Alternate translation: “the four living beings” or “the four living things”
19:4 dns7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “who sat on the throne” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:5 w9qe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification φωνὴ ἀπὸ τοῦ θρόνου ἐξῆλθεν 1 Here John speaks of a **voice** as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “someone spoke from the throne” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
19:5 c3lm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive αἰνεῖτε τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν 1 Here, **our** refers to the speaker and all God’s servants. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
19:5 cck3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οἱ φοβούμενοι αὐτόν 1 Here, **fear** does not mean to be afraid of God, but to honor him. Alternate translation: “all you who honor him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
19:5 qdb3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism οἱ μικροὶ καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι 1 The speaker uses the words **small** and **great** together to include all of God’s people. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
19:6 kq7n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile καὶ ἤκουσα ὡς φωνὴν ὄχλου πολλοῦ, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν ὑδάτων πολλῶν, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν βροντῶν ἰσχυρῶν 1 John speaks of what he is hearing as if it were like the sound made by a very large **crowd** of people, a large body of rushing water, and very loud **thunder**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
19:6 mdj6 ἁλληλουϊά 1 The word **Hallelujah** means “Praise God” or “Let us praise God.” See how you translated this in [Revelation 19:1](../19/01.md).
19:7 hi52 Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe voice of the crowd from the previous verse continues speaking.
19:7 api6 χαίρωμεν 1 Here, **us** refers to all of God’s servants.
19:7 m5av δῶμεν τὴν δόξαν αὐτῷ 1 Alternate translation: “give God the glory” or “honor God”
19:7 bwf9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ γάμος τοῦ Ἀρνίου & ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ ἡτοίμασεν ἑαυτήν 1 Here John speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people together forever as if it were a **wedding celebration** and his people were **his bride**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
19:7 r5xt rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 A lamb is a young sheep. Here, **the Lamb** used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
19:7 j6d7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἦλθεν 1 Existing in the present is spoken of as having **come**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
19:7 q9e4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ ἡτοίμασεν ἑαυτήν 1 John speaks of God’s people as if they were a **bride** who has gotten **herself ready** for her wedding. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
19:8 pz72 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐδόθη αὐτῇ ἵνα περιβάληται βύσσινον λαμπρὸν καθαρόν 1 Here, **her** and **she** refer to the people of God. John speaks of the righteous acts of God’s people as if they were a bright and clean dress that a bride wears on her wedding day. Alternate translation: “and it was permitted to them to wear a dress of bright and clean fine linen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
19:8 oz7x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῇ ἵνα περιβάληται βύσσινον λαμπρὸν καθαρόν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God allowed her to wear a dress of bright and clean fine linen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:9 ayc4 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nAn angel begins to speak to John. This is likely the same angel who began to speak to John in [Revelation 17:1](../17/01.md).
19:9 l72p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οἱ & κεκλημένοι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the people whom God invites” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:9 q4ya rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ δεῖπνον τοῦ γάμου τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here the angel speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people forever as if it were a **wedding supper**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
19:10 uq6h ἔπεσα ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ 1 This means that John purposely lay on the ground and stretched himself out in reverence or submission. This action was an important part of worship, to show respect and willingness to serve. See note in [Revelation 19:3](../19/03.md).
19:10 i2yq τῶν ἀδελφῶν σου 1 Here the word **brothers** here refers to all believers, male and female.
19:10 up6l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῶν ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ 1 Here holding stands for believing in or announcing. Alternate translation: “who speak the truth about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
19:10 rku2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἡ γὰρ μαρτυρία Ἰησοῦ ἐστιν τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς προφητείας 1 Here, **the spirit of prophecy** refers to God’s Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “for it is the Spirit of God who gives people the power to speak the truth about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
19:11 xx12 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThis is the beginning of a new vision. John begins to describe a rider on a white horse.
19:11 m1qn καὶ εἶδον τὸν οὐρανὸν ἠνεῳγμένον 1 This imagery is used to signify the beginning of a new vision. See how you translated this idea in [Revelation 4:1](../04/01.md) and [Revelation 11:19](../11/19.md) and [Revelation 15:5](../15/05.md).
19:11 hcs8 ὁ καθήμενος ἐπ’ αὐτὸν 1 The rider is Jesus.
19:11 lp9a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ κρίνει καὶ πολεμεῖ 1 Here, **righteousness** refers to what is right. Alternate translation: “he judges all people and wages war according to what is right” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
19:12 p9ak rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile οἱ & ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ φλὸξ πυρός 1 John speaks of the rider’s **eyes** as if they shone like a **flame** of fire. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
19:12 yhr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἔχων ὄνομα γεγραμμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and someone has written a name on him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:12 kk9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns ὃ οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, εἰ μὴ αὐτός 1 Here, **except himself** means that he is the only one. Alternate translation: “on him, and only he knows the meaning of that name” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
19:13 vny3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive περιβεβλημένος ἱμάτιον βεβαμμένον αἵματι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and blood had covered his robe” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:13 hdk1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy κέκληται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **Word of God** is a metonym for Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “his name is called the Message of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
19:13 p7ts rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive κέκληται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “his name is also the Word of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:15 m9yn ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ἐκπορεύεται ῥομφαία ὀξεῖα 1 The **sword** blade was sticking out of **his mouth**. The sword itself was not in motion. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 1:16](../01/16.md).
19:15 a88t πατάξῃ τὰ ἔθνη 1 Alternate translation: “he could destroy the nations” or “he could bring the nations under his control”
19:15 uq4z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ 1 John speaks of the rider’s power as if he were ruling with **an iron rod**. See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:5](../12/05.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
19:15 nb4y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor αὐτὸς πατεῖ τὴν ληνὸν τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Παντοκράτορος 1 John speaks of the rider’s destroying his enemies as if they were grapes that a person **tramples** in a **winepress**. Alternate translation: “he crushes his enemies according to the wrath of God Almighty, just as a person crushes grapes in a winepress” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
19:15 vhk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit αὐτὸς πατεῖ τὴν ληνὸν τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Παντοκράτορος 1 Here, **wrath** refers to God’s punishment of evil persons. Alternate translation: “he crushes his enemies according to the judgment of God Almighty” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
19:16 a61a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἔχει ἐπὶ τὸ ἱμάτιον καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν μηρὸν αὐτοῦ, ὄνομα γεγραμμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone has written a name on his robe and thigh:” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:17 m6dt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy εἶδον ἕνα ἄγγελον ἑστῶτα ἐν τῷ ἡλίῳ 1 Here, **the sun** is a metonym for the light of the sun. Alternate translation: “Then I saw an angel standing in the light of the sun” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
19:18 khs9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐλευθέρων τε καὶ δούλων, καὶ μικρῶν καὶ μεγάλων 1 The angel uses these two sets of opposite-meaning words together to refer to all people. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
19:20 q83v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐπιάσθη τὸ θηρίον, καὶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ὁ ψευδοπροφήτης 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the rider on the white horse captured the beast and the false prophet” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:20 gs37 τὸ χάραγμα τοῦ θηρίου 1 The **mark of the beast** was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast. See how you translated this in [Revelation 13:17](../13/17.md).
19:20 ht8g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ζῶντες ἐβλήθησαν οἱ δύο 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw the beast and the false prophet alive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:20 blr1 τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρὸς, τῆς καιομένης ἐν θείῳ 1 Alternate translation: “place full of fire that burns with sulfur”
19:21 h6ea rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οἱ λοιποὶ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ ἵππου, τῇ ἐξελθούσῃ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the rider of the horse killed the remainder of the beast’s armies with the sword that extended from his mouth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
19:21 qk9t τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ & τῇ ἐξελθούσῃ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ 1 The **sword** blade was sticking out of **his mouth**. The sword itself was not in motion. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 1:16](../01/16.md).
20:intro c7eh 0 # Revelation 20 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### The thousand-year reign of Christ\n\nIn this chapter, Jesus is said to reign for a thousand years, at the same time that Satan is bound. Scholars are divided over whether this refers to a future period of time or to Jesus reigning now from heaven. It is not necessary to understand this passage in order to translate it accurately. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])\n\n### Final rebellion\n\nThis chapter also describes what happens after the thousand years are ended. During this time, Satan and many people will attempt to rebel against Jesus. This will result in God’s ultimate and final victory over sin and evil. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])\n\n### Great white throne\n\nThis chapter ends with God judging all people who ever lived. God separates people who believe in Jesus from those who do not believe in him. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Book of Life\n\nThis is a metaphor for eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Hades and the lake of fire\n\nThese appear to be two distinct places. The translator may wish to do further research to determine how to translate these two places differently. They should not be made the same as each other in translation. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/hell]])
20:1 rkv7 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nJohn begins to describe a vision of an angel throwing the devil into the bottomless pit.
20:1 n8b8 καὶ εἶδον 1 Here, **I** refers to John.
20:1 c18c τῆς Ἀβύσσου 1 The **abyss** is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in [Revelation 9:1](../09/01.md).
20:2 r6es rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὸν δράκοντα 1 The **dragon** was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
20:3 xj22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐσφράγισεν ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ 1 The angel **sealed** the abyss to keep anyone from opening it. Alternate translation: “sealed it to prevent anyone from opening it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
20:3 el4f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy μὴ πλανήσῃ & τὰ ἔθνη 1 Here, **nations** is a metonym for the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “he would not deceive the people-groups” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
20:3 y9xd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive δεῖ αὐτὸν λυθῆναι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will command the angel to free him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:4 lw2r General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThis is the next part of John’s vision. He describes suddenly seeing thrones and the souls of believers.
20:4 qzt1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive κρίμα ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God had given authority to them to judge” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:4 u3u8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῶν πεπελεκισμένων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whose heads others had cut off” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:4 tut2 διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Alternate translation: “because they had spoken the truth about Jesus and about the word of God”
20:4 xz5l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **the word of God** is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “for what they taught about the scriptures” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
20:4 cc1v ἔζησαν 1 Alternate translation: “they came back to life” or “they became alive again”
20:5 cw4j οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν νεκρῶν 1 Alternate translation: “All of the other dead people”
20:5 e1pm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη 1 Alternate translation: “the end of the thousand years” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
20:6 f3gz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἐπὶ τούτων ὁ δεύτερος θάνατος οὐκ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν 1 Here John describes **the second death** as a person with power. Alternate translation: “These people will not experience the second death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
20:6 v4z3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ὁ δεύτερος θάνατος 1 The **second death** is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in [Revelation 20:14](../20/14.md) and [Revelation 21:8](../21/08.md). See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate translation: “the final death in the lake of fire” or “dying a second time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
20:7 y1vw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive λυθήσεται ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐκ τῆς φυλακῆς αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will release Satan from his prison” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:8 g429 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὧν ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτῶν ὡς ἡ ἄμμος τῆς θαλάσσης 1 The comparison to **the sand of the sea** emphasizes the extremely large **number** of soldiers in Satan’s army. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
20:9 jlc6 ἀνέβησαν 1 Alternate translation: “Satan’s army went up”
20:9 jhq8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification κατέβη πῦρ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ κατέφαγεν αὐτούς 1 Here John speaks of **fire** as if it were alive. Alternate translation: “God sent fire from heaven to burn them up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
20:10 pif3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁ διάβολος, ὁ πλανῶν αὐτοὺς, ἐβλήθη εἰς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw the devil, who had deceived them, into” or “God’s angel threw the devil, who had deceived them, into” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:10 rjv1 τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρὸς καὶ θείου 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 19:20](../19/20.md). Alternate translation: “the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” or “place full of fire that burns with sulfur”
20:10 t5h2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive βασανισθήσονται 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will torment them” or “the fire will torment them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:11 n8h9 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThis is the next part of John’s vision. He describes suddenly seeing a great white throne and the dead being judged.
20:11 pm1z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification οὗ ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου ἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός 1 John describes **the earth and the heaven** as if they were people who were trying to escape God’s judgment. This means that God completely destroyed the old heaven and earth. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
20:11 slhm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός, καὶ τόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς 1 Here, not having a **place** means that God completely destroyed the old heaven and earth. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
20:12 gap2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive βιβλία ἠνοίχθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone opened the books” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:12 lt7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐκρίθησαν οἱ νεκροὶ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God judged the people who had died and now lived again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:12 vvc4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐκ τῶν γεγραμμένων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “by what he had recorded” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:13 ea2h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἔδωκεν ἡ θάλασσα τοὺς νεκροὺς & ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἔδωκαν τοὺς νεκροὺς 1 Here John speaks of **the sea**, **Death**, and **Hades** as if they were living persons. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
20:13 bg4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐκρίθησαν ἕκαστος 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God judged each of the dead people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:13 pk3k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ᾍδης 1 Here, **Hades** is a metonym that represents the place where unbelievers go when they die, to wait for God’s judgment. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
20:14 lw6b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἐβλήθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw Death and Hades” or “God’s angel threw Death and Hades” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:14 qv55 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερός 1 The **second death** is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in [Revelation 20:14](../20/14.md) and [Revelation 21:8](../21/08.md). See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate translation: “the final death in the lake of fire” or “dying a second time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
20:15 c9pb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive εἴ τις οὐχ εὑρέθη & γεγραμμένος 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if God’s angel did not find a person’s name written” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
20:15 wq31 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρός 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the angel threw him into the lake of fire” or “the angel threw him into the place where fire burns forever” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
21:intro pai8 0 # Revelation 21 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter gives a detailed picture of the new Jerusalem.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Second death\n\nDeath is a type of separation. The first death is physically dying, when the soul is separated from the body. The second death is being eternally separated from God. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/death]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/soul]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Book of Life\n\nThis is a metaphor for eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### New heaven and new earth\n\nIt is unclear whether this is an entirely new heaven and earth or if it is remade out of the present heaven and earth. The same is also true of the new Jerusalem. It is possible this will affect translation in some languages. The word “new” in the original language means different and better than the old. It does not mean new in time.
21:1 tj16 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nJohn begins to describe his vision of the new Jerusalem.
21:1 vks1 εἶδον 1 Here, **I** refers to John.
21:2 er4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς νύμφην, κεκοσμημένην τῷ ἀνδρὶ αὐτῆς 1 John compares the new Jerusalem to **a bride** who has made herself beautiful for her bridegroom. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
21:3 i8za rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy φωνῆς μεγάλης ἐκ τοῦ θρόνου λεγούσης 1 The **great voice** refers to the one who speaks. Alternate translation: “someone speak loudly from the throne saying” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
21:3 gk3m ἰδοὺ 1 The word **Behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
21:3 hpt1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ σκηνώσει μετ’ αὐτῶν 1 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that God will, indeed, live among men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
21:4 w39g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξαλείψει πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν 1 Here, tears represent sadness. See how you translated this in [Revelation 7:17](../07/17.md). Alternate translation: “God will wipe away their sadness, like wiping away tears” or “God will cause them to not be sad anymore” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
21:5 rq2q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί εἰσιν 1 Here, **these words** refers to the message that they formed. Alternate translation: “this message is trustworthy and true” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
21:6 dq8n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize God’s eternal nature. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
21:6 mfc7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος 1 These two phrases mean that God exists from the beginning of everything to the end of it, including everything in between. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
21:6 li7s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ 1 The **alpha** and the **omega** are first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and who ends all things. (2) the one who has always lived and who always will live. If your readers would misunderstand this, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the first and the last” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
21:6 bf1p ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος 1 This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and the one who will cause all things to end. (2) the one who existed before all things and who will exist after all things.
21:6 wk2c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῷ διψῶντι δώσω ἐκ τῆς πηγῆς τοῦ ὕδατος τῆς ζωῆς δωρεάν 1 God speaks of a person’s desire for eternal life as if it were thirst and of that person receiving eternal life as if he were drinking life-giving **water**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
21:7 vms6 Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThe one seated on the throne continues to speak to John.
21:8 hma7 τοῖς & δειλοῖς 1 Alternate translation: “those who are too afraid to do what is right”
21:8 k8yp ἐβδελυγμένοις 1 Alternate translation: “those who do terrible things”
21:8 zu27 τῇ λίμνῃ τῇ καιομένῃ πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ 1 See how you translated this in [Revelation 19:20](../19/20.md). Alternate translation: “the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” or “place full of fire that burns with sulfur”
21:8 k1hl rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερος 1 The **second death** is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in [Revelation 20:14](../20/14.md) and [Revelation 21:8](../21/08.md). See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate translation: “the final death in the lake of fire” or “dying a second time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
21:9 cf2m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὴν νύμφην, τὴν γυναῖκα τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 The angel speaks of Jerusalem as if it were a **bride** who is about to marry her groom, **the Lamb**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
21:9 bil2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 A **lamb** is a young sheep. Here, **Lamb** is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
21:10 czp2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background ἀπήνεγκέν με ἐν Πνεύματι 1 The setting changes as **the Spirit** takes John to a high mountain where he can see the city of Jerusalem. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 17:3](../17/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
21:10 fq8f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Ἰερουσαλὴμ 1 Jerusalem is a metonymy for those believers who will inhabit it. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
21:11 g44j ἔχουσαν 1 This refers to the “Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven” that he described in the previous verse and not to the physical Jerusalem.
21:11 xvg6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism ὁ φωστὴρ αὐτῆς ὅμοιος λίθῳ τιμιωτάτῳ, ὡς λίθῳ ἰάσπιδι κρυσταλλίζοντι 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the **brilliance** of Jerusalem by naming a specific jewel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
21:11 vvq1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ἰάσπιδι 1 Jasper is a valuable stone. This **jasper** may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:3](../04/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
21:12 qgh3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐπιγεγραμμένα 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had written” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
21:14 mm12 τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **the Lamb** refers to Jesus. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md).
21:16 fs8z rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance σταδίων δώδεκα χιλιάδων 1 You may convert **12,000 stadia** to modern measures. Alternate translation: “2,200 kilometers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
21:17 eut1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν 1 You may convert **144 cubits** to modern measures. Alternate translation: “66 meters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
21:18 n3hu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile χρυσίον καθαρὸν, ὅμοιον ὑάλῳ καθαρῷ 1 The **gold** was so **clear** that it is spoken of as if it were **glass**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
21:18 h239 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ἴασπις 1 Jasper is a valuable stone. It may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:3](../04/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
21:19 ick5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οἱ θεμέλιοι τοῦ τείχους τῆς πόλεως & κεκοσμημένοι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone adorned the foundations of the city wall” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
21:19 ke4b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ἴασπις & σάπφειρος & χαλκηδών & σμάραγδος 1 These are valuable stones. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated it in [Revelation 4:3](../04/03.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
21:20 a2tm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σαρδόνυξ & σάρδιον & χρυσόλιθος & βήρυλλος & τοπάζιον & χρυσόπρασος & ὑάκινθος & ἀμέθυστος 1 These are all precious gems. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
21:21 yn6i rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μαργαρῖται 1 Pearls are beautiful and valuable white beads that are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. See how you translated this in [Revelation 17:4](../17/04.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
21:21 g75r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἀνὰ εἷς ἕκαστος τῶν πυλώνων ἦν ἐξ ἑνὸς μαργαρίτου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had made each of the gates from a single pearl” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
21:21 vp22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile χρυσίον καθαρὸν ὡς ὕαλος διαυγής 1 The **gold** was so **pure** that it is spoken of as if it was clear glass. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 21:18](../21/18.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
21:22 m2ew rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ & Κύριος ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ ναὸς αὐτῆς ἐστιν, καὶ τὸ Ἀρνίον 1 The **temple** represented God’s presence. This means the new Jerusalem does not need a temple because **God** and **the Lamb** will live there. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
21:23 v2m9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ λύχνος αὐτῆς τὸ Ἀρνίον 1 Here the glory of Jesus, **the Lamb**, is spoken of as if it were a **lamp** that gives light to the city. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
21:24 j3lk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy περιπατήσουσιν τὰ ἔθνη 1 Here, **the nations** are a metonym for the people who live in the nations. Alternate translation: “the people from all the different nations will walk” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
21:24 ma5n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor περιπατήσουσιν τὰ ἔθνη 1 Here, **walk** here is a metaphor for “live.” Alternate translation: “the people from all the different nations will live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
21:25 lq1z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οἱ πυλῶνες αὐτῆς οὐ μὴ κλεισθῶσιν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will ever shut the gates” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
21:26 ps25 οἴσουσιν 1 Alternate translation: “the kings of the earth will bring”
21:27 n3nh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτὴν πᾶν κοινὸν, καὶ ὁ 1 If your readers would misunderstand this double negative, you can state it in positive form. Alternate translation: “only what is clean will ever enter, and never anyone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
21:27 g7fr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive εἰ μὴ οἱ γεγραμμένοι ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but only those whose names the Lamb wrote in his book of life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
21:27 cw99 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 A lamb is a young sheep. Here, **the Lamb** is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
22:intro e1ya 0 # Revelation 22 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter emphasizes that Jesus is coming soon.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Tree of life\n\nThere is probably an intended connection between the tree of life in the Garden of Eden and the tree of life mentioned in this chapter. The curse that began in Eden will end at this time.\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Alpha and omega\n\nThese are the names of the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. The ULT spells out their names in English. This strategy can serve as a model for translators. Some translators, however, may decide to use the first and last letters in their own alphabet. This would be “A and Z” in English.
22:1 b1ad Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nJohn continues to describe the new Jerusalem as the angel shows it to him.
22:1 uu7b ἔδειξέν μοι 1 Here, **me** refers to John.
22:1 vl23 ποταμὸν ὕδατος ζωῆς 1 Alternate translation: “the river flowing with life-giving water”
22:1 yn2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ποταμὸν ὕδατος ζωῆς 1 Eternal **life** is spoken of as if it were provided by life-giving **water**. See how you translated this in [Revelation 21:6](../21/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:1 mxp4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 A lamb is a young sheep. Here, **the Lamb** is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6](../05/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])
22:2 l2aq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῶν ἐθνῶν 1 Here, **the nations** refers to the people who live in every nation. Alternate translation: “the people of all nations” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
22:3 d5fq πᾶν κατάθεμα οὐκ ἔσται ἔτι 1 This could mean: (1) there will never be anyone there that God will **curse**. (2) there will not be anyone there who is under God’s **curse**.
22:3 by36 οἱ δοῦλοι αὐτοῦ λατρεύσουσιν αὐτῷ 1 Here, **his** and **him** could refer to: (1) God the Father. (2) both God and the Lamb, who rule together as one.
22:4 zy4x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὄψονται τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **see his face** is an idiom that refers to being in God’s presence. Alternate translation: “they will be in God’s presence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
22:6 j51i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nThis is the beginning of the end of John’s vision. In verse 6 the angel is speaking to John. In verse 7, Jesus is speaking. You can state this explicitly as is in the UST. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
22:6 xaw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί 1 Here, **words** refers to the message that they formed. See how you translated this in [Revelation 21:5](../21/05.md). Alternate translation: “This message is trustworthy and true” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
22:6 cr31 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πνευμάτων τῶν προφητῶν 1 Here, **spirits** refers to: (1) the inward disposition of the **prophets** and indicates that God inspires them. Alternate translation: “God who inspires the prophets” (2) the Holy Spirit who inspires the **prophets**. Alternate translation: “God who gives his Spirit to the prophets” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
22:7 p72h ἰδοὺ 1 Here Jesus begins to speak. The word **behold** adds emphasis to what follows.
22:7 afr9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔρχομαι ταχύ 1 It is understood that he is **coming** in order to judge. See how you translated this in [Revelation 3:11](../03/11.md). Alternate translation: “I am coming to judge soon!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
22:7 x0sy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τηρῶν 1 See how you translated this word in [Revelation 1:3](../01/03.md) and in [Revelation 2:26](../02/26.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
22:8 xr17 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nJohn tells his readers about how he responded to the angel.
22:8 uvk3 ἔπεσα προσκυνῆσαι ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ποδῶν 1 This means that John purposely lay on the ground and stretched himself out in reverence or submission. This action was an important part of **worship**, to show respect and willingness to serve. See how you translated similar words in [Revelation 19:10](../19/10.md).
22:9 tcs2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τηρούντων 1 See how you translated this word in [Revelation 1:3](../01/03.md) and in [Revelation 2:26](../02/26.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
22:10 ct48 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μὴ σφραγίσῃς τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου 1 To **seal** a **book** was to keep it closed with something that makes it impossible for anyone to read what was inside without breaking the seal. The angel is telling John not to keep the message a secret. Alternate translation: “Do not keep secret … this book” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
22:10 xc15 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου 1 Here, **words** refers to the message that they formed. See how you translated this in [Revelation 22:7](../22/07.md). Alternate translation: “This prophetic message of this book” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
22:12 idc6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nAs the book of Revelation is ending, Jesus gives a closing greeting. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])
22:13 f5jl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος 1 These three phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that Jesus has existed and will exist for all time. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
22:13 uup6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος 1 These three phrases are merisms. They each represent everything included between the two ends. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are **alpha** and **omega**. They represent all the letters in between. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate translation: “the A and the Z, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
22:13 c9e8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ 1 This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and who ends all things. (2) the one who has always lived and who always will live. If your readers would misunderstand this, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:13 cpl9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος 1 This refers to the eternal nature of Jesus. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:17](../01/17.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:13 nnm2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος 1 This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and the one who will cause all things to end. (2) the one who existed before all things and who will exist after all things. See how you translated this in [Revelation 21:6](../21/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:14 i54w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἱ πλύνοντες τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν 1 Becoming righteous is spoken of as if it were washing one’s clothing. See how you translated as similar phrase in [Revelation 7:14](../07/14.md). Alternate translation: “those who have become righteous, as if they have washed their robes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:15 aw1h ἔξω 1 This means they are outside the city and not allowed to enter.
22:15 tkd7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οἱ κύνες 1 In that culture, **dogs** were considered to be unclean, despised animals. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
22:15 h0ih rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἱ κύνες 1 Here the word **dogs** is derogatory and refers to people who are wicked. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:16 pu85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you μαρτυρῆσαι ὑμῖν 1 Here the word **you** is plural. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
22:16 t2v9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἡ ῥίζα καὶ τὸ γένος Δαυείδ 1 The words **root** and **descendant** mean basically the same thing. Together the words emphasize that Jesus belongs to the family of David. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
22:16 afw1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ ῥίζα καὶ τὸ γένος Δαυείδ 1 Jesus speaks of being a **descendant** as if he were a **root** that grew out of David. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:16 g9uj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἀστὴρ ὁ λαμπρός, ὁ πρωϊνός 1 Jesus speaks of himself as if he were the **bright** **star** that sometimes appears early in the **morning** and indicates that a new day is about to begin. See how you translated “morning star” in [Revelation 2:28](../02/28.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:17 gig5 Connecting Statement: 0 # Connecting Statement:\n\nThis verse is a response to what Jesus said.
22:17 lt8j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ νύμφη 1 Believers are spoken of as if they were a **Bride** about to be married to her groom, Jesus. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:17 m9at rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔρχου 1 Here, **Come** could mean: (1) this is an invitation for people to come and drink the water of life. Alternate translation: “Come and drink!” (2) this is a polite request for Jesus to return. Alternate translation: “Please come!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
22:17 e2m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω; ὁ θέλων λαβέτω ὕδωρ ζωῆς δωρεάν 1 A person’s desire for eternal **life** is spoken of as if it were thirst and of that person receiving eternal life as if he were drinking life-giving **water**. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:17 dwb6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὕδωρ ζωῆς 1 Eternal **life** is spoken of as if it were provided by life-giving **water**. See how you translated this in [Revelation 21:6](../21/06.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
22:18 fd5l General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nJohn gives his final remarks about the book of Revelation.
22:18 d95j μαρτυρῶ ἐγὼ 1 Here, **I** refers to John.
22:18 s36m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου 1 Here, **the words** refers to the message that they formed. See how you translated this in [Revelation 22:7](../22/07.md). Alternate translation: “this prophetic message of this book” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
22:18 jzu8 ἐάν τις ἐπιθῇ ἐπ’ αὐτά, ἐπιθήσει ὁ Θεὸς ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὰς πληγὰς τὰς γεγραμμένας ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ 1 This is a strong warning to not change anything about this prophecy.
22:18 d4sc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὰς γεγραμμένας ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “which I have written about in this book” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
22:19 ss3y ἐάν τις ἀφέλῃ ἀπὸ τῶν λόγων τοῦ βιβλίου τῆς προφητείας ταύτης, ἀφελεῖ ὁ Θεὸς τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς καὶ ἐκ τῆς πόλεως τῆς ἁγίας, τῶν γεγραμμένων ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ 1 This is a strong warning to not change anything about this prophecy.
22:20 u6mb General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn these verses John gives his and Jesus’ closing greetings.
22:20 y9p2 ὁ μαρτυρῶν 1 Alternate translation: “Jesus, who testifies”
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