Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy front

Introduction to Deuteronomy

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Deuteronomy

1. Moses reminds Israel of how Yahweh guided them through the wilderness (1:1–3:29)
2. Moses appeals for Israel to obey the law of Yahweh (4:1–43)
3. The Ten Commandments (5:1–10:22)
4. Rules and warnings from the Law (11:1–26:19)
5. Instructions for entering Canaan (27:1–26)
6. Blessings for obeying and curses for disobeying (28:1-68)
7. The covenant renewed (29:1-30:20)
8. Last words of Moses, the Song of Moses, and his death (31:1–34:12)

What is the Book of Deuteronomy about?

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses repeats the laws of the covenant that God made with the people of Israel. The people of Israel were about to go into the Promised Land. Before they entered the land, Moses reminded them of what Yahweh did for them and what he expected from them. Moses warned the people about worshipping idols and no longer trusting Yahweh once they settled in the Promised Land. Yahweh promised to judge those who disobey him and to bless those who obey his Law. (See: covenant)

How should the title of this book be translated?

The name “Deuteronomy” means “Second Law” or “the retelling of the Law.” Translators may decide on a title such as, “A Repeat of the Law” or “Moses Explains the Law Again.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Who wrote the Book of Deuteronomy?

The writers of both the Old and New Testament present Moses as being very involved with writing the Book of Deuteronomy. However, many scholars think that Joshua wrote chapter 34. This chapter tells how Moses died.

What are the important features of the Book of Deuteronomy?

The book contains a series of speeches that Moses gave to Israel before he died. He spoke these things just before the people entered the Promised Land. (See: Promised Land)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Why did Yahweh command the Israelites to completely destroy the people who lived in the Promised Land?

As God prepared the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, he commanded them to completely destroy the Canaanite people who lived there. The Israelites would then not be tempted to join them and worship their false gods.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What is the role of God’s name in Deuteronomy?

God’s name is mentioned over thirty times in the book of Deuteronomy. The use of God’s name in this book usually represents God’s honor or fame. At other times in Deuteronomy, God’s name represents his presence. God said he would choose a place and make his name dwell there. This means God’s presence would be there. The people were to go to that place to worship him.

Can this book be translated before the rest of the Pentateuch?

The Books of Genesis and Exodus help to explain what happens in Deuteronomy. For this reason, those books should be translated before the Book of Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 1

Deuteronomy 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter forms a continuation with the last chapter of the book of Numbers.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s victory

The chapter explains that Israel’s conquering of the Promised Land will be done by Yahweh. They are not to fear the people of Canaan but be obedient to Yahweh. Yahweh is bringing about his judgement upon the people of Canaan. (See: Promised Land and judge, judgment)

Possessing the land

While the Promised Land belongs to Israel, they do not possess the land. Possessing the land is an important theme. Posessing the land depended on Israel’s faithfulness. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Deuteronomy 1:1

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he spoke to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “east of the Jordan”

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 1:2

Alternate translation: “It takes eleven days to walk from Horeb … to Kadesh Barnea”

This is a mountainous area south of the Dead Sea. The area is also called “Edom.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “11” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 1:3

The ordinal numbers can be translated as cardinal numbers. Alternate translation: “They had lived in the wilderness for 40 years, 11 months, and 1 day, when Moses spoke” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

40th (See: Numbers)

This is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of January on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

11th (See: Numbers)

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Deuteronomy 1:4

Alternate translation: “Yahweh had enabled the Israelites to defeat”

These are names of kings. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 1:5

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 1:1. Alternate translation: “East of the Jordan River”

Deuteronomy 1:6

The word “us” refers to Moses and the other people of Israel.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “You do not need to stay near this mountain any longer” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 1:7

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.

The word “turn” is an idiom for beginning action. Alternate translation: “Start again on your journey” (See: Idiom)

Yahweh is describing places in the land that he has promised to give to the Israelites.

This is an area in the hills near the place where the Amorites lived.

an area of land that is low and flat

Deuteronomy 1:8

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to say”

Alternate translation: “I am now giving this land to you”

Yahweh is speaking as if he were another person. Alternate translation: “that I, Yahweh, swore” (See: Pronouns)

The word “fathers” is a synecdoche for all ancestors. Alternate translation: “ancestors” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 1:9

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.

Here “I” refers to Moses. The phrase “at that time” refers to when the Israelites were at Horeb, which is the same as Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: “When we were at Horeb, I spoke to you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “to carry you” means “to lead you” or “to govern you.” Alternate translation: “It is too much for me to lead you by myself” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 1:10

This is an exaggeration that means God has greatly increased the number of Israelites. Alternate translation: “a great crowd of many people” (See: Hyperbole and Simile)

Deuteronomy 1:11

The phrase “a thousand” is a metaphor for “very many.” Alternate translation: “very many times” (See: Metaphor)

1,000 (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 1:12

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Moses uses a question to emphasize that he cannot solve all of their problems by himself. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot carry your loads, your burdens, and your disputes by myself.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Moses speaks as if the people’s problems and complaints that he needed to take care of were heavy physical objects that he had been carrying. Alternate translation: “take care of your problems, your complaints” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “your arguments” or “your disagreements”

Deuteronomy 1:13

Alternate translation: “men from each tribe whom the people of Israel respect”

Deuteronomy 1:15

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “men whom your people respected.” See how this is translated in Deuteronomy 1:13.

Alternate translation: “of groups of 1,000…of groups of 100…of groups of 50…and groups of 10” (See: Numbers)

These are titles for different leaders in Israel’s government.

Alternate translation: “from each of your tribes”

Deuteronomy 1:16

Alternate translation: “make right and fair decisions about the disputes Israelites have with each other”

Deuteronomy 1:17

Moses continues speaking to the judges, so the commands are plural. (See: Pronouns)

Alternate translation: “Do not show partiality”

These two extremes “small” and “great” represent all people. Alternate translation: “you will treat all people alike” (See: Merism)

The word “face” is a metonym for the whole person. “You will not” is a command. “Do not be afraid of anyone” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 1:18

This means the time when they were at Horeb, at Mount Sinai. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 1:19

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Alternate translation: “large and dangerous desert that you crossed through”

Deuteronomy 1:20

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:21

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if he were speaking to one man, so these forms should be singular, not plural. (See: Pronouns)

Alternate translation: “is now giving this land to you.” See how this is translated in Deuteronomy 1:8.

Deuteronomy 1:22

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:23

Alternate translation: “12 men” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 1:24

Turning is an idiom for beginning to obey a command. Alternate translation: “They left that place and went” (See: Idiom)

This is a valley in the Hebron region, which is south of Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “looked for places they could attack”

Deuteronomy 1:25

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Alternate translation: “The 12 men took”

Alternate translation: “picked some of the produce of the land”

The speaker speaks as if a “word” were a physical object that someone could bring. Alternate translation: “told us” (See: Metaphor)

The direct quotation can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “said that the land that Yahweh our God was giving to us was good”

Deuteronomy 1:26

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

God commanded the Israelites to attack and destroy the Amorites, but the Israelites were afraid and refused to fight them. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 1:27

Here “into the hand” means to give the Amorites power over them. Alternate translation: “into the power of the Amorites” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 1:28

Here this question emphasizes how afraid they were. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have nowhere to go.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This means that they became afraid. Alternate translation: “made us very afraid” (See: Idiom)

This is an exaggeration that emphasizes how frightened the people were because the cities were so large and strong. Alternate translation: “have walls so high it is like they reach up to the heavens” (See: Hyperbole)

These are descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 1:29

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Alternate translation: “I said to your ancestors”

Deuteronomy 1:30

Here the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they saw. Alternate translation: “which you yourselves saw” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 1:31

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here Yahweh’s care for his people is compared to that of a father. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God has taken care of you, like a father takes care of his son” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “until you came to this land that God promised to give you”

Deuteronomy 1:32

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:33

Alternate translation: “put up your tents”

Deuteronomy 1:34

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.

Alternate translation: “heard what you were saying”

God made a vow not to allow those who rebelled against him to enter the land he promised to give them.

Deuteronomy 1:35

Alternate translation: “will enter”

Deuteronomy 1:36

Alternate translation: “except Caleb”

This is the name of Caleb’s father. (See: How to Translate Names)

Yahweh speaks as if he were someone else. Alternate translation: “he has completely obeyed me” (See: Pronouns)

Deuteronomy 1:37

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

This refers to when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 1:38

This is the name of Joshua’s father. (See: How to Translate Names)

Why Joshua stands before Moses can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “who stands before you as your servant” or “who helps you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 1:39

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:40

Alternate translation: “turn around and go back on the road you have come on”

Deuteronomy 1:41

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Alternate translation: “we have rebelled against Yahweh by disobeying him”

Alternate translation: “we will obey”

Here the metonym “hill country” represents the people that live there. Alternate translation: “to attack the people who live in the hill country” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 1:42

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: “your enemies will defeat you because I will not be with you” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 1:43

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

The metonym “hill country” stands for the people who live there. Alternate translation: “attacked the people who live in the hill country” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 1:44

A “bee” is a small, flying insect that flies in large groups and stings people who threaten them. This means that so many Amorites attacked the Israelite soldiers that they had to leave the battle. (See: Simile and Translate Unknowns)

This is the name of a piece of land. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “killed many of your soldiers”

Deuteronomy 1:45

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Alternate translation: “returned to Kadesh and wept”

Deuteronomy 2

Deuteronomy 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant faithfulness

Yahweh is faithful to the covenant he made with Abraham. He is also faithful to the promises he made with Esau and Lot. Because of this, Israel was given specific land it was able to conquer in Canaan. (See: covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty, covenant love, faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and covenant and promise, promised)

Deuteronomy 2:1

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Alternate translation: “Then we turned around and went”

This could mean: (1) the Israelites traveled around the mountain called Seir for a very long time or (2) the Israelites wandered in a region called Mount Seir for a very long time.

This is a mountainous area south of the Dead Sea. The area is also called “Edom.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:2 (See: How to Translate Names)

Some languages translate this as “many nights.”

Deuteronomy 2:4

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Alternate translation: “of your relatives, the descendants of Esau”

Deuteronomy 2:5

Yahweh is reminding the Israelites that he has given this territory to the descendants of Esau.

Deuteronomy 2:6

Moses continues to instruct Israel in how they are to treat the descendants of Esau.

Yahweh is giving them permission or instruction, not a command, and he is telling them not to steal. “I permit you to purchase food from them” or “If you need food, you are to purchase it from them”

Alternate translation: “from Esau’s descendants”

If these words are not needed or make the translation unclear, you may omit them.

Deuteronomy 2:7

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

The “work of your hand” refers to all the work they had done. Alternate translation: “all of your work” (See: Synecdoche)

Here what happened to the people while they were walking is spoken of as their “walking.” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “40 years” (See: Numbers)

This is a litotes for “you have had everything you needed.” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 2:8

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “by our relatives”

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “we kept going” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 2:9

This is the end of a part of Moses’ speech reminding the Israelites of how Yahweh guided them in the wilderness. (See: Background Information)

The word “Moab” represents the people of Moab. Alternate translation: “Do not trouble the people of Moab” (See: Metonymy)

This is the name of a city in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

The people of Israel were related to the descendants of Moab. Moab was the son of Lot. Lot was the nephew of Abraham. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 2:10

The writer begins to give background information about the people of the land. These words are not part of Moses’ speech to the Israelites. (See: Background Information)

These words give background information about the Emite people, who had lived in the land before the Moabites. Your language may have a special way to mark background information. (See: Background Information)

This is the name of a people group that were considered giants. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:28.

Deuteronomy 2:11

This continues the background information about the different people groups that had lived in the land. (See: Deuteronomy 2:10 and Background Information).

This is the name of a people group that were considered giants. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:12

This continues the background information about the different people groups that had lived in the land. (See: Deuteronomy 2:10 and Background Information).

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “killed all of them so none of them were left living with them” or “removed them from their presence by killing all of them”

Deuteronomy 2:13

Moses continues reminding the Israelites of what had happened to them in the wilderness.

Alternate translation: “‘Then Yahweh said, “Now rise up … Zered.’ So.” This can be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh told us to rise up … Zered. So” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

begin to do something (See: Idiom)

This stream flows into the Dead Sea from the southeast and creates the border between Edom and Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:14

The word “now” marks a change from the story to background information about how long the people of Israel traveled and about God’s anger towards that generation. If your language has a way of showing that what follows is background information, you should use it here. (See: Background Information)

Alternate translation: “38 years” (See: Numbers)

This is a polite way of saying “had died.” (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 2:15

Here “the hand of Yahweh” refers to Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh used his power against” or “Yahweh punished” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 2:16

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.

Deuteronomy 2:18

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is the name of a city in Moab. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 2:9. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:19

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the command and the word “you” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

The people of Israel were related to the descendants of Ammon. Ammon was the son of Lot. Lot was the nephew of Abraham. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 2:20

These verses begin to give background information about the people groups who lived in the land. If your language has a way of showing that what follows is background information, you should use it here. (See: Background Information)

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: “People also consider that” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:11. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:21

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:28. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “allowed the Ammonites to defeat them” or “allowed the Ammonites to kill them all”

Alternate translation: “the Ammonites took over everything the Rephaim had owned and have lived where the Rephaim had lived”

Deuteronomy 2:22

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:12. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “took over everything the Horites had owned and have lived where the Horites had lived”

Deuteronomy 2:23

The writer finishes describing how God enabled Esau to conquer the land Esau is now inhabiting.

These are names of people groups. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a place. It may be another name for the island of Crete located in the Mediterranean Sea. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “destroyed the Avvim”

Alternate translation: “lived where the Avvim had lived”

Deuteronomy 2:24

The writer has finished giving background information and is now again telling what Moses said to the Israelites.

Yahweh is telling Moses what the people should do. “Now get up” or “Now go.”

Alternate translation: “continue your journey”

This is the name of the valley of the Arnon River. It creates the border between Moab and the Amorites. (See: How to Translate Names)

The metonym “into your hand” means “into your control or power.” Alternate translation: “I have given you the power to defeat” (See: Metonymy)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “your” and the commands “begin to possess” and “fight” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is the name of a king. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “fight against him and his army”

Deuteronomy 2:25

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

The words “fear” and “terror” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the fear is intense. Alternate translation: “put a terrible fear” (See: Doublet)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “peoples in every land” (See: Idiom)

This is hendiadys and emphasizes that the people will “tremble in anguish.” (See: Hendiadys)

Deuteronomy 2:26

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Here “I” refers to Moses.

This is the name of a place near the valley of Arnon. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of a man and a place. See how you translated them in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “with my offer of peace” or “with a message from me asking for peace”

Deuteronomy 2:27

This phrase emphasizes that they will always go in the same direction. It can be stated in positive form. “I will not change direction” or “I will always stay on the path” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 2:28

This continues Moses’ message to King Sihon.

Moses tells Sihon that the Israelites will not steal from the Amorites and requests that Sihon and his people sell food and water to the Israelites; he is not giving a command. Alternate translation: “I expect to have to pay for food so I can eat and to pay for water so I can drink”

Moses is referring to the people of Israel as if they were Moses himself. Alternate translation: “sell to me and my people … we may eat … give us … we may drink” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “only let us walk through your land”

Deuteronomy 2:29

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:9. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:30

Moses continues to remind the people of what happened in the past.

These are the names of a man and a place. See how you translated them in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Both of these phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh “caused him to become very stubborn.” (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 2:31

Alternate translation: “to give Sihon and his land over to you”

Alternate translation: “take possession of his land, so that you may inherit it”

Deuteronomy 2:32

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city in Moab (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:34

Moses continues reminding the people about what happened in the past.

Alternate translation: “We captured all of King Sihon’s cities”

Deuteronomy 2:36

This is the name of a city on the north bank of the Arnon River. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Arnon” is the name of a river. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:24. (See: How to Translate Names)

This negative statement is used to emphasize their success in battle. This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “we were able to defeat the people of every city even if the city had high walls around it” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 2:37

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is the name of a river that created the border between Sihon’s land and the land of the Ammonites. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3

Deuteronomy 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Victories

The victories recorded in this chapter occurred on the east side of the Jordan River. This was not part of the Promised Land, which was on the west side of the Jordan River. (See: Promised Land)

Deuteronomy 3:1

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.

This is the name of a king. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:2

This is the name of a king. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

Yahweh is speaking to Moses as if Moses were the Israelites, so the command “do not fear” and all instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Here the words “him” and “his” refer to Og.

Yahweh speaks of what he will do as if he had already done it. (See: Predictive Past)

The word “him” is a metonym for “his people.” Alternate translation: “You will destroy Og and his people as you did Sihon” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 3:3

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: “Yahweh put all of Og’s people under our control” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a litotes that is used to emphasize that the Israelites did not let anyone live. Alternate translation: “all of his people were dead” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 3:4

This is a double negative that emphasizes that they took all of the 60 cities. Alternate translation: “We took every one of the sixty cities” (See: Double Negatives)

Alternate translation: “60 cities” (See: Numbers)

This is the name of a region within Bashan. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:5

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.

Alternate translation: “These were all cities protected by”

Alternate translation: “in addition to very many” or “not including very many”

Deuteronomy 3:6

This is the name of a king. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:8

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Here the metonym “out of the hand of” means “from the control of.” Alternate translation: “from the control of the two kings” or “from the two kings” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Amorite people.” See how you translated the name of this people group in Deuteronomy 1:4.

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:1. Alternate translation: “east of the Jordan River”

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 2:24.

This is the name of a mountain at the northern border of Bashan. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:9

These are all names of the same mountain which is at the northern border of Bashan. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:10

See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 1:4.

This is high, flat land between the Arnon River and Mount Gilead.

This is the name of a city near Edrei. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:11

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

This is background information about King Og. (See: Background Information)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:11.

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to the important thing I am going to tell you.”

The writer uses a question to remind the people of Israel that they could go to Rabbah and see how large Og must have been. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. This could mean: (1) “It was in Rabbah,…live.” or (2) “It is in Rabbah … live.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “according to the cubit most people use”

Deuteronomy 3:12

Moses continues reminding the people of what happened in the past.

See how you translated the name of this town in Deuteronomy 2:36.

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 2:24.

Deuteronomy 3:13

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 3:4.

The writer begins to present background information about the land that the people of Israel captured. If your language has a way of showing that what follows is background information, you should use it here. (See: Background Information)

See how you translated the name of this land in Deuteronomy 2:11.

Deuteronomy 3:14

This continues the background information about the land the people of Israel captured (Deuteronomy 3:13).

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are people groups who lived west of Bashan. (See: How to Translate Names)

Translators may make a footnote that says: “The name ‘Havvoth Jair’ means ‘tent villages of Jair’ or ‘realm of Jair.’”

Deuteronomy 3:15

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Here “I” refers to Moses.

Machir was the son of Manasseh. He had died before Moses gave this land. The name is a metonym for the descendants of the person. Alternate translation: “to the descendants of Machir” (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:16

This is the name of a river that created the border between Sihon’s land and the land of the Ammonites. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:37. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:17

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “The western border of the Reubenite and Gadite territory is”

the Sea of Kinnereth, also called “the Sea of Galilee” or “the Lake of Gennesaret” (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a mountain in the northern part of the Abarim mountain range. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:18

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Moses reminds the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh that they must help the other Israelites conquer the rest of the land God promised them. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “will take your weapons and cross the Jordan River ahead of”

Alternate translation: “your fellow Israelites”

Deuteronomy 3:19

Moses continues speaking to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 3:20

The writer speaks as if the ability to rest were a physical object that could be given as a gift. The word “rest” is also a metaphor for peaceful life in which there is no war. Alternate translation: “Yahweh allows your brothers to rest” or “Yahweh allows your brothers to stop fighting wars and live peacefully” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 1:1. Alternate translation: “east of the Jordan River”

Moses is emphasizing that the other tribes must possess their land before Yahweh will permit these three tribes to possess their land. “only then are you to return.”

Deuteronomy 3:21

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

Here “eyes” refers to Joshua. Alternate translation: “You have seen” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 3:23

Moses continues reminding the people about what happened in the past.

Here “I” refers to Moses. This means he asked God in a very earnest, emotional way.

Deuteronomy 3:24

Here “your servant” is a polite way of speaking to someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: “to show me, your servant”

Here the metonym “hand” means control or power. Alternate translation: “your power” (See: Metonymy)

Moses uses a question to emphasize that Yahweh is the only God with the power to do the works he has done. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “for there is no god … acts.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These two extremes together mean “anywhere.” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 3:25

Alternate translation: “west of the Jordan River.” When Moses spoke these words to Yahweh, he was east of the Jordan River in Moab.

Deuteronomy 3:26

Moses continues telling the people of Israel what happened in the past.

This refers to when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:37. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 3:27

See how you translated this is in Deuteronomy 3:17.

The words “lift up your eyes” are an idiom that means look. Alternate translation: “look” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 3:28

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Deuteronomy 3:29

This is the name of a town in Moab near Mount Pisgah. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 4

Deuteronomy 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Law of Moses

In order to possess the land, the people needed to obey the law of Moses. This will be the most important thing in the religious life of Israel. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Moses’ instructions

Moses is not allowed to enter into the Promised Land. Since they are getting ready to possess the Promised Land, Moses gives them some last instructions before his death. (See: Promised Land)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Moses uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these questions is to convince his readers to obey his instructions. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 4:1

Moses is telling the people of Israel what God wants them to do.

Alternate translation: “and obey them”

Deuteronomy 4:2

Yahweh does not want his people to create new laws, or to ignore those he has already given them.

Deuteronomy 4:3

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Here “eyes” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “You saw” (See: Synecdoche)

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “because of the sins you committed at Baal Peor” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29.

Moses speaks to the people of Israel as though they were one person, so “your” and “you” are singular. (See: Pronouns)

Deuteronomy 4:4

The writer speaks as if trusting in Yahweh and obeying him were like physically holding on to a person. Alternate translation: “you who were careful to obey Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 4:5

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “Pay attention”

Alternate translation: “that you should obey them when you live in the land”

Deuteronomy 4:6

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that they are to obey them. Alternate translation: “obey them carefully” (See: Doublet)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas behind the words wisdom and understanding, you could express the same idea with adjective phrases. Here, the word sight refers to how the peoples judge or decide on the value of something. Alternate translation: “this is what will show the peoples that you are wise and that you understand what is important” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metaphor)

The word “nation” is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: “the people of this great nation are wise and understanding” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 4:7

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “For there is no other great nation … him.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 4:8

If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no other great nation … today.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 4:9

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person, so all instances of “you,” “your,” and “yourself,” as well as the commands “pay attention,” “guard,” and “make known” are singular. (See: Pronouns and Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “Pay careful attention and be sure to remember these things always”

These phrases means the same thing and emphasize that the people of Israel must remember what they have seen. (See: Parallelism)

Here “eyes” are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “you have seen” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 4:10

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Pronouns and Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “Bring the people together and bring them to me”

Deuteronomy 4:11

Moses continues to remind the Israelites of their history.

This is an idiom. “The heart of” means “the middle of” or “the innermost part of,” and “heaven” here refers to the sky. Alternate translation: “with a fire that went up to the sky” (See: Idiom)

Here “thick darkness” describes the cloud. Alternate translation: “with a thick, dark cloud” (See: Hendiadys)

Another possible meaning is “heavy cloud.”

Deuteronomy 4:13

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “Yahweh declared”

Here “you” refers to the Israelites who were at Mount Horeb.

Deuteronomy 4:14

Alternate translation: “after you have crossed over the Jordan River and taken possession of the land”

Deuteronomy 4:15

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 4:16

Alternate translation: “do not do what is wrong”

Deuteronomy 4:18

Alternate translation: “crawls on the ground”

Deuteronomy 4:19

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” and the words “lift,” “look,” and “be drawn” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “Do not … and do not let anyone make you want to worship” or “Do not … and do not allow yourself worship” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “everything you can see in the sky.” This is another way of referring to the sun, moon, and stars.

This is an idiom. Moses speaks of the stars as if they were small objects like food that Yahweh was dividing and giving out to the people groups. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh your God has put there to help all people groups” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 4:20

Moses speaks of Egypt and the hard work the Israelites did there as if it were an oven in which iron is heated and the Israelites were the iron. Alternate translation: “brought you out of the land where people made you do hard work” (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom that can be translated “people who belong only to him.” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 4:21

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

This refers to when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:37. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 4:23

Alternate translation: “Pay careful attention”

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 4:24

Moses compares how Yahweh acts when he is angry to the way a fire destroys things. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will severely punish and destroy you like a fire does because he does not want you to worship other gods” (See: Metaphor)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person, so the word “your” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 4:25

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

The words “you” and “your” are singular here.

become the father of, or become the ancestor of

Alternate translation: “if you do what is wrong.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you make Yahweh your God angry by doing what he says is evil” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 4:26

This could mean: (1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says or (2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says. (See: Metonymy and Personification)

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. Alternate translation: “you will not be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

As indicated in 4:27, not every Israelite will be killed. Here “completely destroy” is a generalization and emphasizes that many of the Israelites will die. 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: “but Yahweh will destroy many of you” (See: Hyperbole and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 4:27

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Moses speaks as if the people were seeds that Yahweh would scatter around a field. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will send you to many different places and force you to live there” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will send you” or “will cause your enemies to take you away”

Deuteronomy 4:28

Here “men’s hands” refers the men themselves, and “the work … wood and stone” to the idols that they have created. Alternate translation: “the wood and stone idols that men have made” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 4:29

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel. He speaks as though they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “But when you are in those other nations”

The word “you” here is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “when you really try to find him” or “when you really try to know him”

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 4:30

Alternate translation: “have happened to”

Alternate translation: “afterwards” or “then”

Here “listen” is an idiom that means to hear and obey. Also, “his voice” refers to Yahweh and emphasizes what he says. Alternate translation: “obey what he says” (See: Idiom and Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 4:32

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and the command “ask now” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 4:33

Here the people of Israel are reminded of how Yahweh has spoken to them in an amazing way in the past. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No other people besides you has heard God speak from the middle of the fire and lived.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here God is represented by his voice. Alternate translation: “hear God’s voice as he spoke” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 4:34

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Here “a mighty hand” and “an outstretched arm” are metaphors for Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “by showing his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Here “eyes” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in front of you” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 4:35

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “Yahweh showed you these things” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 4:36

Alternate translation: “he made sure you heard … made sure you saw”

Moses speaks as if the people to whom he was speaking were the people he had spoken to at Mount Sinai many years earlier. The people at Mount Sinai were actually the fathers of the people to whom he was speaking these words. Alternate translation: “made your fathers … your fathers heard” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 4:37

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This refers to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob’s sons.

Alternate translation: “with the great power that comes from his presence” or “with his great power”

Deuteronomy 4:39

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember it” (See: Idiom)

The two phrases “in heaven” and “on the earth” show two extremes and mean “everywhere.” Alternate translation: “over everything” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 4:40

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 4:41

Moses’s speech, which began in Deuteronomy 1:6, has finished, and the writer continues the narrative that ended in Deuteronomy 1:5.

Deuteronomy 4:43

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 4:44

This refers to the laws Moses will give in the following chapters.

Deuteronomy 4:46

This is the name of a town in Moab near Mount Pisgah. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “King Sihon … Amorite people … town of Heshbon.” See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4.

Deuteronomy 4:47

King Sihon’s land

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. Alternate translation: “from the side of the Jordan River toward the east”

Deuteronomy 4:48

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:36.

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:24.

These are different names for the same mountain. The word “Sion” is another spelling of “Sirion” (Deuteronomy 3:9). See how you translated “Mount Hermon” in Deuteronomy 3:8.

Deuteronomy 4:49

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. Alternate translation: “eastward from the side of the Jordan River”

See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 3:17.

Deuteronomy 5

Deuteronomy 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each of the commandements in the list of Ten Commandments in 5:7-21 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT uses a separate paragraph for each commandment.

Special concepts in this chapter

Ten commandments

This chapter repeats the material of Exodus 20. It is known as the Ten Commandments.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors and idioms

Moses uses metaphors and idioms to instruct the people to follow the law of Moses. This is because it is very important to follow these laws. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and Metaphor and Idiom)

Deuteronomy 5:1

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Here “all” is a generalization. Moses wanted everyone in Israel to hear and obey his words, but his voice was probably not so loud that everyone actually heard him. (See: Hyperbole)

Here “ears” refers to the whole person. This metaphor emphasizes that the people know what Moses has said to them, so they cannot sin and then say they did not know they were sinning. Alternate translation: “that I will speak to you today” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 5:3

This could mean: (1) Yahweh did not only make a covenant with those who were at Horeb; the covenant was also with the later generations of Israelites or (2) Yahweh did not make this covenant with their distant ancestors, such as, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; instead, this covenant began with the Israelites at Horeb.

Deuteronomy 5:4

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Use your language’s idiom for two people who are close to each other and looking at each other when they are speaking to each other. (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “on the mountain”

Deuteronomy 5:5

Moses is referring to an event that happened about 40 years earlier.

Deuteronomy 5:6

Here the metonym “house of slavery” refers to Egypt where the people of Israel had been slaves. Alternate translation: “out of the place where you were slaves” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 5:7

Moses continues reminding the people what Yahweh has commanded them. The phrases “you will” and “you will not” are commands. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “You must not worship any other gods but me”

Deuteronomy 5:8

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: “that is in the earth beneath your feet, or that is in the water below the earth” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 5:9

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “You will not worship the carved figures or do as they command”

Alternate translation: “Never”

Alternate translation: “I … want you to worship only me”

Deuteronomy 5:10

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “faithfully loving thousands, those who love me” or “being faithful to the covenant with thousands, with those who love me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Some translations read “to a thousand generations of those who love me.” The word “thousands” is a metonym for a number too many to count. Alternate translation: “forever, to those who love me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metonymy and Numbers)

Deuteronomy 5:11

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “You will not use the name of Yahweh”

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.

Alternate translation: “carelessly” or “without proper respect” or “for wrong purposes”

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will consider him guilty” or “Yahweh will punish him” (See: Double Negatives)

Deuteronomy 5:12

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “to dedicate it to God”

Deuteronomy 5:13

Alternate translation: “do all your usual duties”

Deuteronomy 5:14

Alternate translation: “day 7.” Here “seventh” is the ordinal number for seven. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “On that day never do”

Here “gates” is a reference to the city itself. Alternate translation: “within your community” or “inside your city” or “living with you” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 5:15

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “You must remember” (See: Idiom)

Here “a mighty hand” and “an outstretched arm” are metaphors for Yahweh’s power. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “by showing his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 5:16

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 5:17

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.

Deuteronomy 5:18

Alternate translation: “You will not sleep with anyone other than your spouse”

Deuteronomy 5:20

Alternate translation: “You will not tell lies about someone”

Deuteronomy 5:21

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.

Deuteronomy 5:22

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said.

Deuteronomy 5:23

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what happened in the past.

The word “voice” is a metonym for the sound of the voice or for the person who was speaking. Alternate translation: “heard the sound of the voice” or “heard Yahweh speaking” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 5:25

Moses continues to remind the Israelites what the Israelites had said to Moses.

They were afraid that they would die if Yahweh spoke to them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We are afraid that we will die.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 5:26

If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There are no other people besides us … have done.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This represents all people or living things. Alternate translation: “all people” or “all living beings” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 5:28

Here “me” refers to Moses.

Deuteronomy 5:29

If your language has an idiom that expresses a strong desire for something, you might want to use it here. Alternate translation: “I would be very happy if there were” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 5:31

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Alternate translation: “you will teach the people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 5:32

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Moses is giving a command to the people of Israel.

This compares a person disobeying God to a person turning off of the correct path. Alternate translation: “you will not disobey him in any way” or “you will do everything he says” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 5:33

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:40. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 6

Deuteronomy 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s blessings

Yahweh’s continued blessing of the people of Israel is dependent upon the people’s obedience to the law of Moses. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

There are many metaphors in this chapter. These metaphors describe the greatness of the Promised Land the wholehearted worship that is completely dedicated to Yahweh. (See: Metaphor and Promised Land)

Deuteronomy 6:1

Moses continues the speech to the people of Israel he began in Deuteronomy 5:1. Beginning in verse 2, he speaks to the people of Israel as if they were one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “might obey”

Alternate translation: “going to the other side of the Jordan River”

Deuteronomy 6:2

Alternate translation: “to obey”

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. 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. This can be translated similarly to “prolong your days” in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “that I may prolong your days” or “that I may cause you to live a long time” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 6:3

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Here “listen” means to obey, and “them” refers to Yahweh’s commandments. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “listen to Yahweh’s commandments, statutes, and decrees” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “obey them”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 6:4

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “Our God Yahweh is the one and only God”

Deuteronomy 6:5

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These three phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated “with all your heart, with all your soul” in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 6:6

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Moses is speaking God’s commandments to the people of Israel.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you must always remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 6:7

Alternate translation: “I command you to diligently teach … I command you to talk.” The reader should understand these as commands.

Deuteronomy 6:8

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

This is a metonym for “write these words on parchment, put the parchment in a pouch, and tie the pouch.” This metonym in turn may be a metaphor for “obey these words so that it is as if they were physically there.” Alternate translation: “tie these words” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “as something to make you remember my laws”

This is a metonym for “write these words on parchment, put the parchment in a pouch, and tie the pouch to your head so it sits.” This metonym in turn may be a metaphor for “obey these words so that it is as if they were physically there.” Alternate translation: “my words will serve as frontlets”(See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

ornaments a person wears on the forehead

Deuteronomy 6:9

This is a command.

Deuteronomy 6:10

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

All these cities will belong to the people of Israel when they conquer the people in Canaan.

Deuteronomy 6:12

Here the metonym “house of bondage” refers to Egypt, the place where the people of Israel had been slaves. Alternate translation: “out of the place where you were slaves” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 6:13

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “It is Yahweh your God and no one else whom you will honor; it is he alone whom you will worship, and it is by his name and only his name that you will swear.” Your language may have another way of emphasizing that Yahweh is telling the Israelites not to worship or serve any other god.

To swear by the name of Yahweh means to make Yahweh the basis or the power on which the oath is made. The metonym “his name” refers to Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “you will swear and ask Yahweh to confirm it” or “when you swear you will speak his name” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 6:15

Alternate translation: “who lives among you”

Moses compares Yahweh’s anger to someone starting a fire to destroy things. 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. To kindle anger is a metaphor for becoming very angry. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will kindle his anger” or “Yahweh your God will become very angry” (See: Active or Passive and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “destroy you so that there is nothing left of you anywhere on”

Deuteronomy 6:16

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Here “test” means to challenge Yahweh and force him to prove himself.

This is the name of a place in the desert. The translator may add a footnote that says: “The name ‘Massah’ means ‘testing.’” (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 6:18

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

This idiom is a command and a blessing. If the Israelites obey Yahweh, they will receive blessings from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Do what Yahweh says is right and good” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 6:20

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

In this question the “covenant decrees” represent their meaning and purpose. Alternate translation: “What do the covenant decrees … commanded mean to you” or “Why should you obey the covenant decrees … commanded you” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the children of the adult people of Israel to whom Moses was speaking Yahweh’s words.

Deuteronomy 6:21

Here “a mighty hand” refers to Yahweh’s power. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “with his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 6:22

Here the metonym “his house” refers to the people of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “on all of his people” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “where we could see them” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 6:23

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “might bring us into Canaan” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 6:24

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. He tells them what they should tell their children about Yahweh’s commandments. (See: Forms of You)

obey at all times and for a long time

Deuteronomy 6:25

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “where Yahweh can see us”

The word “this” refers to keeping Yahweh’s commands. This is a metonym for Yahweh considering them righteous. Alternate translation: “he will consider us righteous” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 7

Deuteronomy 7 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“You must completely destroy them”

The people of Canaan were to be punished by Yahweh. Yahweh used Israel to punish these nations. If they were not completely destroyed, they would lead Israel into sin. Therefore, they were to be completely destroyed and be shown no mercy. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and mercy, merciful)

Abrahamic Covenant

This chapter references parts of the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham. It also emphasizes Yahweh’s faithfulness to this covenant. (See: covenant and faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Deuteronomy 7:1

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 7:2

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Moses speaks of victory as if it were a physical object one person could give to another. Alternate translation: “enables you to defeat them” (See: Metaphor)

Here “them” refers to the seven nations from Deuteronomy 7:1.

Deuteronomy 7:4

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “If you allow your children to marry the people from the other nations, the people from the other nations will”

Moses compares Yahweh’s anger to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes Yahweh’s power to destroy what makes him angry. 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: “Yahweh will kindle his anger against you” or “Then Yahweh will become very angry with you” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

The word “you” refers to all the Israelites and so is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 7:5

Moses is speaking to all the Israelites here, so these words are all plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 7:6

Moses tells the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that live on the earth” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 7:7

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words. All instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “did not love you more than he loved others” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 7:8

Here “a mighty hand” refers to Yahweh’s power. These words also appear in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “with his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Moses speaks of Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves as if Yahweh had paid money to a slave owner. Alternate translation: “rescued you from being slaves” (See: Metaphor)

Here the metonym “house of bondage” refers to Egypt, the place where the people of Israel had been slaves. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 6:12. Alternate translation: “out of the place where you were slaves”

Here “hand” means “the control of.” Alternate translation: “control of Pharaoh” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 7:9

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “for 1,000 generations” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 7:10

This idiom means “repays them quickly and openly so that they know God has punished them.” (See: Idiom)

The words “not be lenient” are an understatement to emphasize that Yahweh will severely punish. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will severely punish everyone who hates him” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 7:12

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words. He speaks as if the Israelites are one person in verse 12 and to all of them as a group in verse 13. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 7:13

Alternate translation: “increase the number of your people”

This is an idiom for “your children.” (See: Idiom)

This is an idiom for “your crops.” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “your cattle so they will become many”

Deuteronomy 7:14

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

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: “I will bless you more than I bless any other people” (See: Active or Passive)

Moses uses a negative statement to emphasize that they all will be able to have children. This may be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “All of you will be able to have children and your cattle will be able to reproduce” (See: Litotes)

The words “you” and “your” are plural here. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 7:15

Alternate translation: “make sure that you do not become ill” or “keep you completely healthy”

Moses speaks as if disease were a heavy object that Yahweh would put on top of people. Alternate translation: “he will not make you sick with any of the evil diseases … but he will make your enemies sick with them” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 7:16

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “I command you to completely destroy all the people groups”

This is a command. Moses speaks as if what the eye sees were the eye itself. Alternate translation: “do not allow what you see to cause you to pity them” or “do not pity them because you see that what you are doing is hurting them” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “never worship”

If the people worship other gods, they will be like an animal caught in a hunter’s trap, and they will be unable to escape. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 7:17

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

The people should not be afraid even if they notice that the nations are stronger than they are. Alternate translation: “Even if you say in your heart” (See: Idiom)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “think” (See: Idiom)

Moses uses a question to emphasize that the people may feel afraid of the other nations. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not know how I will be able to dispossess them” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “take their land away from them”

Deuteronomy 7:18

The people should not be afraid even if they notice that the nations are stronger than they are. Alternate translation: “even then do not be afraid” (See: Idiom)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you must remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 7:19

Here “eyes” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “that you saw” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “a mighty hand” and “an outstretched arm” are metaphors for Yahweh’s power. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “and the mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 7:20

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “And also, Yahweh”

This could mean: (1) God will send actual flying insects that sting people and cause pain, or (2) God will cause the people to become terrified and want to run away.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “die so you do not see them anymore” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 7:21

Alternate translation: “Never”

Alternate translation: “a great and awesome God” or “a great God who causes the people to fear”

Deuteronomy 7:22

Alternate translation: “slowly”

Deuteronomy 7:23

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “enable you to defeat” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “victory over the armies from the other nations”

Alternate translation: “he will make them so they cannot think clearly”

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: “until you have destroyed them” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 7:24

The Israelites will completely destroy all the people from those nations, and in the future no one will remember them. (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “stand against you” or “defend themselves against you”

Deuteronomy 7:25

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words. In verse 25 he speaks to the group as a group, so the forms of “you” are plural, but in verse 26 he speaks as if the Israelites are one person, so the forms are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is a command.

These words add to the instruction to burn the idols.

Even taking the gold or silver on the idols could cause the people to start worshiping them. By doing this they would become like an animal caught by a trap. 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: “it will become a trap to you” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

These words tell why Yahweh wants the people to burn the idols. “do this because Yahweh your God hates it very much”

Deuteronomy 7:26

The words “detest” and “abhor” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of hatred. Alternate translation: “You will completely hate” (See: Doublet)

Yahweh cursing something and promising to destroy it is spoken of as if Yahweh were setting the object apart from everything else. 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: “for Yahweh has set it apart for destruction” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 8

Deuteronomy 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Forgetting

This chapter recalls the great things that Yahweh has done for Israel and is about to do for them. This is so they do not forget him and they will continue to worship him. They must remember that Yahweh is the source of their blessings. (See: bless, blessed, blessing)

Deuteronomy 8:1

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

All instances of “you” and “your” and the verbs are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 8:2

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “You must remember” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “40 years” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “he might show you how weak and sinful you are”

Alternate translation: “to reveal” or “to show”

The heart is a symbol of a person’s character. Alternate translation: “what kind of people you are” or “how you would behave” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 8:3

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. He continues to remind them of what they should “call to mind” (Deuteronomy 8:2). (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh showed you how weak and sinful you are.” See how “he might humble you” is translated in Deuteronomy 8:2.

Alternate translation: “gave you manna to eat”

Here “bread” represents all food. Alternate translation: “food is not the only thing people need so they can live” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “the mouth of Yahweh” is a metonym for the words that Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “people must obey the commands of Yahweh so they can live” or “people must do what Yahweh tells them to do so they can live” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 8:4

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

This is the last item that they should “call to mind” (Deuteronomy 8:2).

Alternate translation: “40 years” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 8:5

This continues the list of commands that begins in Deuteronomy 8:1.

Here the metonym “heart” represents the thoughts and understanding of a person. Alternate translation: “You will understand” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 8:6

This continues the list of commands that begins in Deuteronomy 8:1.

Deuteronomy 8:7

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “a land with” or “a land that has”

Deuteronomy 8:9

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

This litotes can be translated positively. Alternate translation: “a land where there will be plenty of food for you” (See: Litotes)

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “where you will have everything you need” (See: Double Negatives)

The stones are full of iron ore. Iron is a very hard metal useful for swords and plows.

Alternate translation: “mine copper.” Copper is a soft metal useful for making household utensils.

Deuteronomy 8:10

Alternate translation: “You will have enough food to eat until you are full”

Alternate translation: “you will praise” or “you will give thanks to”

Deuteronomy 8:11

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 8:12

This verse describes the first two items of a list of five things that might make the Israelites forget about Yahweh (verse 11): “when you eat and are full” and “when you build good houses.”

Alternate translation: “when you have enough food to eat”

Here “heart” represents the inner person. To become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the person’s heart is lifted up. Alternate translation: “you will become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 8:13

This verse describes the last three of the five things that might cause them to forget Yahweh. The first two are “you eat and are full” and “you build good houses and live in them” (Deuteronomy 8:12). The last three are “when your herds and flocks multiply,” “when your silver and gold increase,” and “all that you have is multiplied.”

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “your herds of cattle and flocks of sheep and goats”

increase greatly in number

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: “you have many more things” or “you have many more possessions” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 8:14

This verse contains the first two of three items Moses warns the people to be careful of (Deuteronomy 8:11): that “your heart becomes lifted up” and “you forget Yahweh your God.” It then lists the first of four characteristics of Yahweh that they need to remember, that Yahweh “brought you out of the land of Egypt.”

Here “heart” represents the inner person. To become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the person’s heart is lifted up. See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 8:12. Alternate translation: “you become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Moses begins to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh. (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

This is a metaphor for the time they were slaves in Egypt. Alternate translation: “out from the place where you were slaves” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 8:15

This verse gives the second and third items in the list of characteristics that Moses reminds the Israelites that they must remember about “Yahweh your God” (Deuteronomy 8:14) the first being that he “brought you out of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 8:14). the second that he led them “through the … wilderness,” and the third that he “brought … water out of the rock.”

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Moses continues to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh (Deuteronomy 8:14). (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh, who led … Yahweh, who brought”

Alternate translation: “poisonous snakes”

This phrase describes the ground as being thirsty just like a person is thirsty when he needs water. Alternate translation: “dry ground” (See: Personification)

Deuteronomy 8:16

This is the fourth item in the list of characteristics that Moses reminds the Israelites that they must remember about “Yahweh your God” (Deuteronomy 8:14) the first being that he “brought you out of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 8:14), the second that he led them “through the … wilderness” (Deuteronomy 8:15), and the third that he “brought … water out of the rock” (Deuteronomy 8:15).

Moses continues to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh (Deuteronomy 8:14). “Yahweh fed”

Alternate translation: “to help you” or “because it would be good for you”

Deuteronomy 8:17

This is the third item in the list of things that Yahweh warns the Israelites that they might do (Deuteronomy 8:11), the first being “your heart becomes lifted up” and the second being “you forget Yahweh your God” (Deuteronomy 8:14).

This is the third thing the people might do when their hearts “become lifted up” and they “forget Yahweh” (Deuteronomy 8:14). Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s innermost thoughts. Alternate translation: “but you may think to yourself” (See: Metonymy)

Here “hand” refers to a man’s power or ability. Alternate translation: “I got this wealth because I am so strong and powerful” or “I have acquired all these things by my own power and ability” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 8:18

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

This idiom is a command. Alternate translation: “But remember” (See: Idiom)

This could mean: (1) “in this way he establishes” or (2) “in this way he is faithful to establish.”

Alternate translation: “so he can”

cause to stand or to remain

Alternate translation: “as he is doing now” or “as he is establishing his covenant now”

Deuteronomy 8:19

Walking is a metaphor for obeying. Alternate translation: “serve other gods” (See: Metaphor)

These instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “I warn you” or “I tell you in front of witnesses”

Alternate translation: “you will certainly die”

Deuteronomy 8:20

All these instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “in front of you”

Here “the voice of Yahweh” means what Yahweh tells his people to do. Alternate translation: “would not obey Yahweh’s commandments” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 9

Deuteronomy 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s victory

This chapter assures the Israelites that it is Yahweh who will empower them to conquer the Promised Land. The Israelites will not be strong enough on their own to conquer these other nations. This victory will be Yahweh’s. The people did not earn this victory, but it is Yahweh’s punishment of these sinful nations. (See: Promised Land and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Israel’s sin

Yahweh is about to punish the Canaanites for their sin. He also reminds Israel of their sin. This serves as a warning to the people of Israel. If they sin again, Yahweh will punish them too.

Deuteronomy 9:1

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

The word “Israel” is a metonym for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Listen, people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “to take the land from”

This is an exaggeration that emphasizes how frightened the people were because the cities were so large and strong. See how you translated similar words in Deuteronomy 1:28. Alternate translation: “have walls so high it is like they reach up to the heavens” (See: Hyperbole)

Deuteronomy 9:2

Descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce. See how you translated similar words in Deuteronomy 1:28. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and How to Translate Names)

This means that the sons of Anak were powerful and people were afraid of them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no one who can defend himself against the sons of Anak.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 9:3

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Moses is speaking of the days and weeks beginning on that day, not of the time since the sun had last set.

Yahweh is powerful and able to destroy the armies of the other nations. (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “make them weak so you can control them”

Deuteronomy 9:4

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Here “in your heart” means “in your thoughts.” Alternate translation: “Do not think to yourselves” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “has driven the other peoples out”

Deuteronomy 9:5

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. “because you always thought and desired the right things” (See: Idiom)

Here the metonym “the word” refers to what God has promised. Alternate translation: “so that he may fulfill the promise” (See: Metonymy)

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the “ancestors” of whom Moses is speaking.

Deuteronomy 9:6

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 9:7

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Moses repeats the same command both positively and negatively to emphasize the importance of remembering. The command is plural. Alternate translation: “Be careful to remember” (See: Doublet and Forms of You)

Here “you” refers to the Israelites that are present with Moses and also the Israelites of the previous generation. (See: Forms of You)

These instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

This refers to the Jordan River Valley.

Deuteronomy 9:8

These instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 9:9

Moses is reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.

Here the second phrase clarifies that “the tablets of stone” are the ones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 9:10

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: “Yahweh wrote on them the same words he had said to you” (See: Active or Passive)

It was as if Yahweh were a person standing in the middle of a fire and speaking with a loud voice.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word assembly, you could express the same idea with the verb “gather together.” Alternate translation: “on the day when you Israelites all came and met together in one place” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 9:11

Alternate translation: “40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

The second phrase clarifies that “the two tablets of stone” are the ones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 9:12

Alternate translation: “your people … are doing what is wrong.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

Moses speaks as if obeying God’s commands were walking along a path. Alternate translation: “They have already disobeyed my commands” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 9:14

Alternate translation: “make their name disappear completely” or “kill them all so no one will ever remember them.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 7:24.

Deuteronomy 9:15

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.

Deuteronomy 9:16

The word “behold” here shows that Moses was surprised by what he saw.

The Israelites of the earlier generation had asked Aaron to make a metal calf so they could worship it. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Moses speaks as if obeying God’s commands were walking along a path. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 9:12. Alternate translation: “You had quickly disobeyed what Yahweh had commanded you”

Deuteronomy 9:17

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

Here “your eyes” is a synecdoche for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “I broke them right in front of you” or “I broke them where you could see them” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 9:18

Alternate translation: “lay with my face on the ground.” This is a way of showing that Yahweh was great and Moses was not.

Alternate translation: “40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 9:19

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.

The words “anger and hot displeasure” are a metonym for what Yahweh would do because he was angry and displeased. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was angry at you—he was extremely displeased with you—he was angry enough to destroy you, and so I was afraid of what he would do”

Deuteronomy 9:21

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

Moses probably commanded other men to do the actual work. Alternate translation: “I had people take … burn … beat … grind … throw”

Here the gold calf itself referred to as their “sin.” Alternate translation: “the calf, which you sinfully made” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 9:22

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

These are names of places that the people of Israel went through while they were in the wilderness. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 9:23

They were on low land, and the land Yahweh had told them to take was in the hills, so they had to go uphill to get to it.

The word “commandment” is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “rebelled against Yahweh; you did not obey the commandment” (See: Metonymy)

Here “his voice” means what God had said. Alternate translation: “obey what he said” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 9:24

Alternate translation: “from the time I began to lead you.” Some translations read “from the day that he knew you,” the day that Yahweh first knew them.

Deuteronomy 9:25

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

Alternate translation: “lay with my face on the ground.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 9:18.

Alternate translation: “40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 9:26

Moses speaks as if Yahweh had rescued the Israelites by paying money to free them from slavery. Alternate translation: “you have rescued” (See: Metaphor)

The word “greatness” is a metonym for Yahweh’s great power. Alternate translation: “through your great power” (See: Metonymy)

Here “a mighty hand” refers to Yahweh’s power. See how you translated similar words in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “with your mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 9:27

Moses continues praying to Yahweh so that he may not destroy the people of Israel.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 9:28

The words “the land” are a metonym for the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “so that the people of Egypt” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “can say”

Deuteronomy 9:29

These phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of Yahweh’s power that he used to rescue his people. (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 10

Deuteronomy 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter.

This chapter focuses on retelling the great things Yahweh has done. It is a continuation of the material from the previous chapter. It is possible that this is a type of sermon or homily, where Moses is giving the people instructions.

Deuteronomy 10:1

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

Alternate translation: “After I finished praying”

This refers to the first set of tablets that Moses had broken. Alternate translation: “the tablets you had before” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

This refers to Mount Sinai.

Deuteronomy 10:3

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

This refers to the first set of tablets that Moses had broken. Alternate translation: “the tablets I had before” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “went up Mount Sinai”

Deuteronomy 10:4

It was as if Yahweh were a person standing in the middle of a fire and speaking with a loud voice. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 9:10.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word assembly, you could express the same idea with the verb “gather together.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 9:10. Alternate translation: “on the day when you Israelites all came and met together in one place”

Deuteronomy 10:5

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

Here “I” refers to Moses.

Alternate translation: “came down from Mount Sinai”

Alternate translation: “in the box” or “in the chest”

Deuteronomy 10:6

The writer continues the short account of where the Israelites had traveled. (See: Background Information)

These are names of different places the people of Israel went through while in the wilderness. (See: How to Translate Names)

Translator may add a footnote: “The name ‘Beeroth Bene Jaakan’ means ‘the wells that belonged to the sons of Jaakan’ or ‘the wells that belonged to the people of Jaakan.’”

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: “that is where they buried him” or “the Israelites buried him there” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the name of Aaron’s son. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 10:7

This continues the background information about where the people of Israel traveled. (See: Background Information)

These are names of different places the people of Israel went through while in the wilderness. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 10:8

The writer begins to explain why the tribe of Levi has no inheritance in the land. (See: Background Information)

This is an idiom. “to offer the sacrifices that Yahweh requires” (See: Idiom)

Here “name” refers to authority. Alternate translation: “as representatives of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “as they are doing today”

Deuteronomy 10:9

The writer finishes explaining why the tribe of Levi has no inheritance in the land. (See: Background Information)

The tribe of Levi did not receive a portion of the promised land when they arrived there. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh speaks of the special relationship that Aaron and his descendants will have with him as if Yahweh were something that they will inherit. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is what they will have” or “Yahweh will allow them to serve him and he will provide for them through that service”

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “your” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “spoke to the tribe of Levi”

Deuteronomy 10:10

Moses resumes reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

Alternate translation: “first” is the ordinal number for one. Here it refers to the first time Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the stone tablets from Yahweh. “as I did the first time” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 10:11

Alternate translation: “take the land” or “take possession of the land”

This refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Alternate translation: “that I would give to you, their descendants”

Deuteronomy 10:12

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Here the metonym “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Now, people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Moses uses a question to teach the people of Israel. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God requires you to do no more than this: to fear … with all your soul.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Moses speaks as if obeying Yahweh were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “to obey all his commands” (See: Metaphor)

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated these two phrases in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 10:13

Moses uses a question to teach the people of Israel. This rhetorical question begins with the words “what does Yahweh your God require of you, except to fear … with all your soul” in verse 12. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. “Yahweh your God requires you to do no more than this: to fear … with all your soul, to keep the commandments … for your own good.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 10:14

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: to”

These words show two extremes, and are combined to mean that all things everywhere belong to Yahweh. (See: Merism)

This refers to the highest places in the heavens. Everything in the heavens belong to God.

Deuteronomy 10:15

Here the word “you” refers to all the Israelites and is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 10:16

Alternate translation: “Because of this”

The word “foreskin” refers to the fold of skin on a man’s private parts that is removed during circumcision. Here Moses is referring to a spiritual circumcision. This means the people must remove the sin from their lives. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 10:17

Alternate translation: “the supreme God” or “the only true God”

Alternate translation: “the supreme Lord” or “the greatest Lord”

Alternate translation: “the one who causes people to fear”

Deuteronomy 10:18

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “Yahweh makes sure that people treat the fatherless justly”

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

A true widow is a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

Deuteronomy 10:19

Alternate translation: “Because of this”

Deuteronomy 10:20

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “he is the one you must worship”

To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You must rely on him” or “He is the one you must rely on” (See: Metaphor)

To swear by the name of Yahweh means to make Yahweh the basis or the power on which the oath is made. Here “name” represents Yahweh himself. See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 6:13. Alternate translation: “you will swear and ask Yahweh to confirm it” or “when you swear you will speak his name” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 10:21

Here “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “which you yourselves have seen” (See: Synecdoche)

This could mean: (1) “He is the one you must praise” or (2) “It is because you worship him that other peoples will praise you”

Deuteronomy 10:22

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they are one man, so “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “traveled south to Egypt” or “went to Egypt”

Alternate translation: “70 persons” (See: Numbers)

This emphasizes the large number of Israelites that were with Moses. Alternate translation: “more than you can count” (See: Simile)

Deuteronomy 11

Deuteronomy 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Therefore

This chapter begins with the word “therefore,” which looks back to the instructions Moses gave in the previous two chapters.

Special concepts in this chapter

Eyewitnesses

The instruction that Moses gives and the retelling of the great things Yahweh has done for Israel are very important. This is because the generation entering into the Promised Land did not witness many of these events. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence)

Covenant

This chapter is included in the covenant God made with Moses, even though it is not explicitly said. (See: covenant and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 11:1

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “always obey”

Deuteronomy 11:2

Alternate translation: “who have not experienced”

Here “mighty hand” and “outstretched arm” are metaphors for Yahweh’s power. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “or his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 11:3

Alternate translation: “in Egypt”

Here “land” represents the people. Alternate translation: “to all his people” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 11:4

Moses continues speaking to the adult Israelites who were old enough to see what God did in Egypt.

Alternate translation: “Neither did your children see what Yahweh did”

Alternate translation: “the Egyptian soldiers”

Here “you” means the Israelites who were alive about 40 years earlier.

Deuteronomy 11:5

This means the plain of the Jordan River Valley where Moses is speaking to them before they cross over into Canaan.

Deuteronomy 11:6

Moses continues to remind the adults to teach their children God’s mighty deeds.

Moses is referring to an event in the past when Dathan and Abiram rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “descendant of Reuben”

Yahweh causing the land to split open so that the people fell in is spoken of as if the land had a mouth and the ability to swallow people. (See: Personification)

This refers to their servants and animals.

This means all the people of Israel witnessed what happened to Dathan, Abiram, their families, and their possessions.

Deuteronomy 11:7

Here “eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “But you have seen” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 11:8

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “take the land”

The phrase “are going over” is used because the people of Israel will have to cross the Jordan River to enter into Canaan.

Deuteronomy 11:9

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 11:10

This could mean: (1) “foot” is a metonym that represents the hard work of walking to carry water to the fields. Alternate translation: “worked hard to water it” or (2) they would use their feet to turn a water wheel that supplied water to the fields. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “vegetable garden” or “garden of vegetables”

Deuteronomy 11:11

The land receiving and absorbing a lot of rain is spoken of as if the land were drinking the water. Alternate translation: “the rain from the sky gives it plenty of water” (See: Personification)

Deuteronomy 11:12

Here “eyes” represents attention and care. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God is always watching over it” (See: Metonymy)

Here the two extremes “beginning” and “end” are used together to mean the entire year. Alternate translation: “continuously throughout the entire year” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 11:13

This means that what Yahweh promises will happen if the Israelites obey his commands.

Here “I” refers to Moses.

The idiom “with all your heart” means “completely” and “with … soul” means “with all your being.” These two phrases have similar meanings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:29. Alternate translation: “with all your being” or “with all your energy” (See: Idiom and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 11:14

Alternate translation: “I will cause it to rain on your land in the proper season”

Here “I” refers to Yahweh. This can be stated in the third person. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will give” or “He will give”

This refers to rain at the beginning of the sowing season and rain for maturing the crops for harvest. Alternate translation: “the autumn rain and spring rain” or “the rain in the right seasons”

Deuteronomy 11:16

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “Be careful” or “Beware”

Here “heart” represents a person’s desires or thoughts. 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: “so that your desires do not deceive you” or “so that you do not deceive yourself” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Rejecting Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if the person would physically turn and go in a different direction away from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “you start worshiping other gods” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 11:17

God becoming angry is spoken of as if it were a fire that were starting. 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: “so that Yahweh does not become angry with you” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

God causing no rain to fall from the sky is spoken of as if he were closing the sky. Alternate translation: “so that he does not cause the rain to stop falling from the sky so that crops will not grow in the land” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 11:18

A person always thinking about and considering what Moses commands is spoken of as if the heart and soul were a container and Moses’s words were the content to fill the container. Alternate translation: “be very careful to remember these words that I am saying to you” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “these commands that I have given you”

Here “heart” and “soul” represent a person’s mind or thoughts. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “tie these words.” This is a metonym that represents a person writing the words on a parchment, putting the parchment in a pouch, and tying the pouch. This metonymy in turn may be a metaphor meaning the people must be careful to obey Moses’s commands. See how you translated similar phrases in Deuteronomy 6:8. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “as something to make you remember my laws”

Alternate translation: “let my words be as frontlets between your eyes.” This is a metonym that represents a person writing Moses’ words on parchement, putting the parchement in a pouch, and tying the pouch so it sits between his eyes. This metonymy in turn may be a metaphor that means the person must be careful to obey all of Moses’ commands. See how you translated similar phrases in Deuteronomy 6:8. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

ornaments a person wears on the forehead

Deuteronomy 11:19

Using the different places “in your house” and “on the road,” and the opposites “when you lie down” and “get up,” represent anywhere, anytime. The people of Israel were to discuss God’s commandments and teach them to their children anytime and anywhere. (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 11:20

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 6:9.

Deuteronomy 11:21

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: “that Yahweh may cause you and your children to live a long time” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

This compares how long the people could stay in the land to how long the sky will exist above the earth. This is a way of saying “forever.” Alternate translation: “to give them as a possession forever” or “to allow them to live there forever” (See: Simile)

Deuteronomy 11:22

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “For if you are careful to do everything that I have commanded you”

How Yahweh wants a person to live and behave is spoken of as if they are Yahweh’s ways or roads. A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh’s ways or roads. (See: Metaphor)

To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to rely on him” or “to have a good relationship with him” Look at how similar words are translated in Deuteronomy 10:20. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 11:23

Here “nations” represent the people groups already living in Canaan. Alternate translation: “all of these people groups from before you, and you will take the land from people groups” (See: Metonymy)

Although Israel’s army is smaller and weaker than the people groups living in Canaan, Yahweh will enable the people of Israel to defeat them.

Deuteronomy 11:24

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Here “the sole of your foot” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Every place you go” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “from the Euphrates River”

Deuteronomy 11:25

The phrase “stand before you” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to stop you” or “No one will be able to oppose you”

Yahweh causing the people to be very afraid is spoken of as if fear and terror were an object that he will place on the people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will cause the people in every place you go to be very afraid of you” (See: Metaphor)

The words “fear” and “terror” mean the same thing and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: “a terrible fear of you” (See: Doublet)

Here “the land” is a metonym for all the people in the land. Alternate translation: “upon all the people in every place you go” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Deuteronomy 11:26

Here Moses summarizes the two options the people of Israel could choose. They could choose to obey and receive God’s blessing or they could choose to disobey and receive God’s punishment.

Alternate translation: “Pay attention”

Allowing the people to choose whether they want God to bless them or curse them is spoken of as if a blessing and a curse were objects that Moses is setting in front of them. Alternate translation: “Today you must choose whether God will bless you or curse you” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 11:27

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word blessing, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “God will bless you if you obey” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 11:28

The commands of Yahweh that Moses is telling the people are spoken of as if they were God’s way or road. To not obey God’s commands is spoken of as if people physically were to turn in another direction away from Yahweh to follow other gods. Alternate translation: “but stop obeying what I command you today, in order to worship other gods” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the gods that other people groups worship. The Israelites know Yahweh because he has revealed himself to them and they have experienced his power.

Deuteronomy 11:29

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

The blessing and the curse are spoken of as if they were objects that someone will set on the mountains. Alternate translation: “some of you must stand on top of Mount Gerazim and proclaim what will cause Yahweh to bless you, and the others must stand on top of Mount Ebal and proclaim what will cause Yahweh to curse you” (See: Metaphor)

These are names of mountains on the west side of the Jordan River. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 11:30

The Israelites are on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Moses uses a question to remind the people where these mountains are located. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “As you know, they are beyond the Jordan … Moreh.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “on the west side of the Jordan River”

Alternate translation: “in the west”

Alternate translation: “near Gilgal” This may not be the same place as the city near Jericho. Moses may be referring to a place that is near Shechem. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are sacred trees near Gilgal. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 11:31

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 11:32

These are the statutes and decrees Moses will give in Deuteronomy 12-26.

This does not mean these are new. Moses is reviewing the same statutes and decrees that he gave 40 years earlier.

God’s statutes and decrees, which Moses is telling the people, are spoken of as if they were objects that Moses is setting before the people. Alternate translation: “I am giving to you” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12

Deuteronomy 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant with Moses

This chapter is a continuation of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. The reasons for these food restrictions are not always known.(See: covenant and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Israel and Yahweh

In the ancient Near East, when nations conquered other nations, they often added the gods of the conquered nation into their collection of gods they worshiped. It was rare to worship only one God. Israel was to be known for worshiping Yahweh and Yahweh alone. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Deuteronomy 12:1

Moses is still talking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “you must obey”

The phrase “live on the earth” is an idiom that means as long as a person lives. Alternate translation: “for as long as you live” (See:Idiom)

Deuteronomy 12:2

Alternate translation: “You must destroy”

Here “nations” represents the people groups that live in Canaan. Alternate translation: “the people groups whose land you will take” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 12:3

Moses is still talking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “you must pull apart the altars of those nations” or “you must destroy the altars of those nations”

Alternate translation: “break into pieces” or “shatter”

Here “their name” represents “the memory of them.” Alternate translation: “destroy them so completely that no one will remember them” or “destroy anything that represents these false gods” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to each place where the nations worshiped their gods.

Deuteronomy 12:4

Alternate translation: “You should not worship Yahweh your God like those nations worshiped their gods”

Deuteronomy 12:5

Here “his name” refers to God himself. Yahweh will choose one location where he will live and people will come to worship him there. (See: Metonymy)

They will go to worship where God decides.

Deuteronomy 12:6

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “the offerings that you present” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “your offerings to fulfill a vow, your voluntary offerings.” These are types of offerings.

God requires that the people give him every firstborn male of their livestock.

Deuteronomy 12:7

This refers to the place that Yahweh will choose for the children of Israel to worship.

Here “put your hand to” represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: “rejoice about all the work you have done” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 12:8

Alternate translation: “You will not do as we are doing here today.” This means that they would worship in the promised land differently than the way they were worshiping at that moment.

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “everyone is doing what he considers to be right” or “now everyone is doing what he judges to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12:9

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word the rest, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “to the land where you will rest” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The land that God is giving to the people of Israel is spoken of as if it were a possession that a father leaves as an inheritance for his children. Alternate translation: “to the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you as a permanent possession” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12:10

This refers to the land of Canaan.

God giving the land of Canaan to the people of Israel is spoken of as if he were a father giving an inheritance to his children. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “he will give you peace from all your enemies around you”

Deuteronomy 12:11

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “the offerings that you present” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “all your voluntary offerings to fulfill vows”

Deuteronomy 12:12

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “rejoice in the presence of Yahweh”

Here “gates” is a reference to the city itself. Alternate translation: “the Levites who live inside your city” or “the Levites living with you” (See: Synecdoche)

The fact that Yahweh would not give any of the land to the Levites is spoken of as if a father were not giving them an inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

Here “he” refers to Levi. Levi represents all of his descendants. Alternate translation: “they have no portion” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 12:13

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “Be careful”

Alternate translation: “any place that pleases you” or “wherever you want”

Deuteronomy 12:14

The burnt offerings are to be made at the tabernacle. Yahweh himself would choose where the tabernacle would be located.

Deuteronomy 12:15

The people could only kill animals as sacrifices in the place that Yahweh would choose. They could kill animals for food anywhere they wanted. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “gates” represents the whole city. Alternate translation: “inside your city” or “at your homes” (See: Synecdoche)

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. Alternate translation: “the antelope and the deer” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 12:16

The blood represents life and God did not allow the people to eat the blood along with the meat. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 12:17

Moses describes to the people all the special offerings and sacrifices that are to be made at the tabernacle.

Here “gates” represents the whole city. Alternate translation: “inside your city” or “at your homes” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “nor that of any offering which you bring to Yahweh” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 12:18

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “you will eat your offerings”

“in the presence of Yahweh

Here “gate” represents the whole city Alternate translation: “any Levite who lives inside your city” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “put your hand to” represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: “rejoice about all the work you have done” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 12:19

Alternate translation: “Be careful”

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “that you take good care of” (See: Double Negatives)

Deuteronomy 12:20

Alternate translation: “enlarges your territory” or “gives you even more land”

This is a quotation within a quotation. This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “and you decide that you want to eat meat” (See:Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Here “soul” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “as you want” or “as you crave” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 12:21

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Here “name” refers to God himself. Yahweh would choose a place where he will live and the people will come to worship him. Alternate translation: “chooses to dwell” (See: Metonymy)

Here “gates” represents the whole city.” Alternate translation: “inside your city” or “within your community” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “soul” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “as you desire” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 12:22

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: “Just like you eat the gazelle and the deer” (See: Active or Passive)

These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 12:15.

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12:23

Here the way that blood sustains life is spoken of as if the blood were life itself. Alternate translation: “the blood sustains life” or “the blood causes animals and people to live” (See: Metaphor)

The word “life” here represents the blood that sustains life. Alternate translation: “You will not eat what sustains life with the meat” or “you will not eat the blood, which sustains life, with the meat” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 12:25

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what is right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12:27

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: “the priest will pour out the blood of the sacrifice” (See: Active or Passive)

God’s law specifies which parts of the animal are for the burnt offering, which parts are for the priest and which parts are for the offerer to eat. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “you will eat some of the meat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 12:28

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “Carefully listen to and obey everything that I am commanding you”

Here “children” means all of their descendants. Alternate translation: “that you and your descendants may prosper” (See: Synecdoche)

The words “good” and “right” have similar meanings and emphasize the importance of right behavior. Alternate translation: “when you do what is right” (See: Doublet)

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what is good and right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be good and right” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12:29

Yahweh destroying the people groups in Canaan is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. (See: Metaphor)

Here “nations” represents the people living in Canaan. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “when you take everything from them”

Deuteronomy 12:30

Alternate translation: “be careful”

A person learning about and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they are caught in a hunter’s trap. 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: “that you do not act like them … that you do try to learn about their gods, asking” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

The Israelites worshiping idols as the people groups of Canaan worship idols is spoken of as if the Israelites were following behind the other people groups. (See: Metaphor)

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: “after Yahweh destroys them before you” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “into asking about how those people groups worship their gods so that you can do the same.” (See:Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Deuteronomy 12:32

They are not to create more laws nor are they to ignore laws that God has given them.

Deuteronomy 13

Deuteronomy 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Worshiping other gods

The people were required to listen to Yahweh’s prophets unless they were encouraging the people to worship other gods. The punishment for anyone leading the people to worship other gods was death. These instructions were to keep Israel’s worship of Yahweh pure. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and pure, purify, purification)

Deuteronomy 13:1

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “If there appears among you” or “If someone among you claims to be”

This is someone who receives messages from God through dreams.

These two words have similar meanings and refer to various miracles. (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 13:2

Alternate translation: “takes place” or “happens”

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “and he tells you to serve and worship other gods which you have not known,” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they were going after or following other gods. Alternate translation: “Let us follow other gods” (See: Metaphor)

The phrase “gods, that you have not known” refers to the gods that other people groups worship. The Israelites know Yahweh because he has revealed himself to them and they have experienced his power.

Deuteronomy 13:3

Alternate translation: “do not listen to what that prophet say nor to what the dreamer of dreams says”

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 13:4

Obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the people were walking after or following Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You will obey Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Here “voice” represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what he says” (See: Metonymy)

To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “rely on him” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 13:5

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: “you must kill” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rebellion, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “he has tried to make you rebel” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people out of slavery. Alternate translation: “who rescued you out of the place where you were slaves” (See: Metaphor)

Here “house of bondage” represents Egypt where the people of Yahweh had been slaves. Alternate translation: “Egypt where you were slaves” (See: Metonymy)

How God wants a person to live or behave is spoken of as if it were a way or road on which God wants his people to walk. A person trying to cause someone else to stop obeying God is spoken of as if the person were trying to get the other person to stop walking on God’s way or road. Alternate translation: “make you disobey what Yahweh your God commanded” (See: Metaphor)

Here “the evil” refers to the evil person or the evil behavior. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “So you must remove from among the people of Israel the person who does this evil thing” or “So you must kill this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 13:6

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

A bosom is a person’s chest. This is a idiom that he holds close to his chest, which means he loves and cherishes her. Alternate translation: “wife you love” or “wife you dearly embrace” (See: Idiom)

Here “soul” represents the person’s life. This means the person cares for his friend as much as he cares for his own life. Alternate translation: “your dearest friend” or “a friend you love as much as you love yourself” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Deuteronomy 13:7

This is the end of a quotation within a quotation that begins with the words “secretly entices you and says, ‘Let us go and worship … neither you nor your ancestors—” in verse 6. It can be translated as an indirect quotation. “secretly entices you and says that you should go and worship … neither you nor your ancestors—any of the gods of the peoples … other end of the earth.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Alternate translation: “that are around you”

Here the reference to the two extremes of the earth means “everywhere on earth.” Alternate translation: “throughout the entire earth” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 13:8

Alternate translation: “Do not agree to what he wants”

Here “your eye” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you msut not look at him with pity” or “you must not show him mercy” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “you must not show him mercy or hide from others what he has done”

Deuteronomy 13:9

This means that he was to throw the first stone at the guilty person. The word “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “you must be the first to strike him to kill him” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “the other people will join you” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 13:10

Alternate translation: “to turn you away from Yahweh.” A person trying to cause someone else to stop obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were trying to cause someone to physically turn around and leave Yahweh. Alternate translation: “he has tried to make you disobey Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Here “house of bondage” represents Egypt where the people of Yahweh had been slaves. Alternate translation: “out from the place where you were slaves” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 13:11

It is implied that when the people hear about the person who was executed, they will be afraid to act like he did. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 13:12

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 13:13

The phrase “from among you” means that these wicked men were Israelites who lived in their communities.

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “have persuaded those who live in their city to go and worship other gods that they have not known.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

A person causing someone else to stop obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person has caused the other person to physically turn and leave Yahweh. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 13:14

All of these phrases mean basically the same thing. Moses is emphasizing that they must carefully find out what truly happened at the city. (See: Doublet)

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: “that the people of the city have done such a terrible thing” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 13:15

Here “edge” represents the whole sword. Alternate translation: “with your swords” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 13:16

Alternate translation: “all the plunder.” This refers to the possessions and treasures that an army collects after winning a battle.

Alternate translation: “pile of ruins”

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: “no one must ever rebuild the city” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 13:17

Yahweh cursing something and promising to destroy it is spoken of as if Yahweh were setting the object apart from other things. 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: “You must not keep any of the things God has commanded you to destroy” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

This is a way of saying a person keeps something. Alternate translation: “must you keep” (See: Idiom)

Yahweh no longer being angry is spoken of as his anger were an object and Yahweh physically turns away from it. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will stop being angry” (See: Metaphor)

Here “fathers” means ancestors or forefathers.

Deuteronomy 13:18

Here “voice” represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “you are obeying what Yahweh says” (See: Metonymy)

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “that which is right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “that which Yahweh your God considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14

Deuteronomy 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Law of Moses

This chapter is part of the law of Moses, which is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Clean animals

There are animals which the law considered to be clean and unclean. The people were not allowed to eat the unclean animals. Scholars are uncertain about the reasons for the animals to be considered to be clean or unclean. The result of these food restrictions was a nation that was different than the nations surrounding it. (See: clean, wash)

Deuteronomy 14:1

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

All occurrences of “you” refer to the people of Israel. Moses was included as a part of the people. Alternate translation: “We are the people”

These were ways the people groups living in Canaan showed that they were grieving over people who had died. Moses is telling the people of Israel not to act like them. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Symbolic Action and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “nor shave the front of your head”

Deuteronomy 14:2

All occurrences of “you” refer to the people of Israel. Moses was included as a part of the people. Alternate translation: “we are a nation … has chosen us”

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 7:6.

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. 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: “Yahweh your God has set you apart from other nations” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

This means basically the same thing as the first part of the sentence. They both mean that the people of Israel belong to Yahweh in a special way. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “a people for his treasured possession” or “his people”

Alternate translation: “out of all the people groups in the world”

Deuteronomy 14:3

The people of Israel were not supposed to eat anything that God said was unfit for eating.

Deuteronomy 14:5

These are all types of deer. If your language does not have a word for each animal it can be translated as “all kinds of deer.”

This is wild animal with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 12:15.

a type of deer (See: Translate Unknowns)

Both of these are types of antelope. If your language does not have a word for each animal it can be translated as “all kinds of antelope.”

a type of antelope (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 14:6

Alternate translation: “that have split hooves.” This is a hoof that is split into two parts instead of being one whole.

This means the animal brings its food up from its stomach and chews it again.

Deuteronomy 14:7

This is a small animal with long ears that usually lives in holes in the ground. (See: Translate Unknowns)

This is a small animal that lives in rocky places. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:8

Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:9

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “You may eat these kinds of animals that live in the water”

the thin, flat part which the fish uses to move through the water

the small plates that cover the body of the fish

Deuteronomy 14:10

Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:11

An animal that God says is fit for his people to eat is spoken of as if the animal were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:12

These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on small animals and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 14:13

These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on small animals and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 14:14

A bird that either is awake at night or feeds on small animals and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 14:17

A bird that is either awake at night or feeds on small animals and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 14:18

These are types of birds that eat small animals and lizards. (See: Translate Unknowns)

animal with wings and furry body which is awake mainly at night and eats insects and rodents

Deuteronomy 14:19

This means all flying insects that move in large groups.

Animals that God says are unfit for his people to eat are spoken of as if the animals are physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

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: “you must not eat them” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 14:20

Animals that God says are fit for his people to eat are spoken of as if the animals are physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:21

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

This means an animal that dies a natural death.

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. 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: “For Yahweh your God has set you apart from other nations” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 14:22

This means they are to give one part out of every ten equal parts from their crops.

Alternate translation: “every year”

Deuteronomy 14:23

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 14:24

Here “it” refers to the tithe of crops and livestock.

Deuteronomy 14:25

Alternate translation: “you will sell your offering for money”

Alternate translation: “put the money in a bag and take it with you”

Deuteronomy 14:26

Alternate translation: “for whatever you want”

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 14:27

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “make sure to give some of your tithe to the Levite” (See: Double Negatives)

The tribe of Levi did not receive a portion of land as their inheritance. Their share of the inheritance was the honor of serving Yahweh as his priests. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

God not giving land to the Levites is spoken of as if he were not giving them an inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:28

Once every 3 years the Israelites were to store their tithes within their own towns so that it would be used to provide for the Levites, orphans, widows and foreigners. (See: Numbers)

Here “gates” represents the entire city or town. Alternate translation: “inside your city” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 14:29

God not giving any land to the Levites is spoken of as if he were not giving them an inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

This is a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

Here “hand” represents the whole person. This refers to the work that someone does. Alternate translation: “in all the work you do” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 15

Deuteronomy 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Forgiveness of Debt

This chapter gives instructions about the necessity to regularly forgive debt among their fellow countryman. This prevented people from being trapped by their poverty.

Justice

As Yahweh’s chosen nation, there must be justice in Israel. This chapter gives commands that encouraged justice by protecting the poor, servants and slaves. (See: chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Deuteronomy 15:1

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “7 years” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “forgive every thing which people still owe you”

Deuteronomy 15:2

Alternate translation: “This is how to cancel the debts”

a person who lends money to other people

The words “neighbor” and “brother” share similar meanings and emphasize the close relationship that they have with their fellow Israelites. Alternate translation: “his fellow Israelite” (See: Doublet)

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: “because Yahweh has required that you cancel debts” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 15:3

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you must not demand it back” or “you must not require repayment” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 15:4

The nominal adjective “poor” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “no poor people” or “no one who is poor” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This refers to the land of Canaan.

The land that Yahweh is giving to his people is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Yahweh is giving them. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 15:5

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what Yahweh himself says. Alternate translation: “if only you are careful to obey what Yahweh your God says” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 15:6

The word “money” is understood. You can make the full meaning of this statement clear. Alternate translation: “you will lend money … you will not borrow money” (See: Ellipsis)

Here “nations” represents the people. Alternate translation: “to the people of many nations … over the people of many nations” (See: Metonymy)

Here “rule over” means to be financially superior. This means basically the same thing as the previous part of the sentence. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 15:7

Here “man” means a person in general. Alternate translation: “If there is a poor person”

Alternate translation: “one of your fellow Israelites”

Here “gates” represents the entire city or town. Alternate translation: “within any of your towns” (See: Synecdoche)

Being stubborn is spoken of as if the person hardened their heart. Alternate translation: “you must not be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

A person who refuses to provide for a poor person is spoken of as if he were shutting his hand so that the poor person cannot get anything from him. Alternate translation: “nor refuse to help your fellow Israelite who is poor” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 15:8

A person who helps a poor person is spoken of as if he were opening his hand to him. Alternate translation: “but you must surely help him” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 15:9

Here “heart” represents a person’s mind. Alternate translation: “not to think a wicked thought” (See: Metonymy)

It is implied that because the year of release will happen soon, the person thinking this will be reluctant to help a poor person since it is likely that the poor person will not have to pay him back. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “seventh” is the ordinal number for seven. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “the year to cancel debts”

Something that will happen soon is spoken of as if it were physically near. Alternate translation: “will happen soon” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “so that you are not stubborn and refuse to give anything to your fellow Israelite”

Alternate translation: “shout to Yahweh for help”

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will consider what you have done to be sinful”

Deuteronomy 15:10

Here “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “you should not regret it” or “you should be happy” (See: Synecdoche and Litotes)

Here “put your hand to” represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: “in all that you do” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 15:11

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “For there will always be poor people in the land” (See: Double Negatives)

The nominal adjective “the poor” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “For poor people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “I command you to open your hand … in your land” (See:Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

A person who is willing to help someone else is spoken of as if his hand were open. Alternate translation: “help your fellow Israelite, those who are needy, and those who are poor” (See: Metaphor)

The words “needy” and “poor” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that these are people who cannot help themselves. Alternate translation: “help your fellow Israelites who cannot help themselves” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 15:12

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Here “brother” means an Israelite in general, whether a male or female. Alternate translation: “If a fellow Israelite” or “If a fellow Hebrew” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

If a person could not repay their debts, they sometimes sold themselves into slavery to pay what they owed. 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: “sell themselves to you” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “6 years” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “year 7.” This “seventh” is the ordinal number for seven. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Deuteronomy 15:13

A person who has no possessions to provide for himself or his family is spoken of as if his hands were empty. Alternate translation: “you must not let him leave without having anything to provide for himself and his family” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 15:14

Alternate translation: “generously give to him”

Deuteronomy 15:15

Here “you” includes their ancestors that were slaves for many years. Alternate translation: “remember that your people were once slaves” (See: Forms of You)

Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people from slavery. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 15:16

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “if he says to you that he will not go away from you,” (See:Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Here “house” represents the person’s family. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 15:17

Alternate translation: “then you will place his head near a wooden door frame in your house, and then put the point of the awl through his earlobe into the wood”

a sharp, pointed tool used to make a hole (See: Translate Unknowns)

Alternate translation: “until the end of his life” or “until he dies”

Deuteronomy 15:18

This means that they are not resent it when they let someone go free. 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: “Be pleased when you let him go free” (See: Litotes)

This means the owner only had to pay have the amount for this slave to work than he would for a person he hired to do a job.

This is a person who works for pay.

Deuteronomy 15:19

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

to cut off wool or hair

Deuteronomy 15:20

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

Alternate translation: “each year” or “every year”

Deuteronomy 15:21

crippled or physically disabled

Deuteronomy 15:22

Here “gates” represents the city or town. Alternate translation: “within your community” or “inside your city” (See: Synecdoche)

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 12:15.

Deuteronomy 15:23

Alternate translation: “you must not consume its blood.” Yahweh did not allow Israelites to consume blood because the blood represented life (Deuteronomy 12:23).

Deuteronomy 16

Deuteronomy 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Festivals

This chapter retells the specific commands about how to celebrate the Passover. This recalled the Passover in Egypt, which was an important event in the formation of the nation of Israel. There are several other important festivals described in this chapter. (See: Passover)

Life in Israel

As Yahweh’s chosen nation, there must be justice in Israel. Also, Yahweh must be the only God in Israel. He alone is to be worshiped. (See: chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Deuteronomy 16:1

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It marks when God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt. It is during the last part of March and the first part April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and How to Translate Names)

It is implied by “keep the Passover” that they would celebrate and eat the Passover meal. Alternate translation: “celebrate the Passover meal” or “eat the Passover meal” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 16:2

Here “Passover” represents the animal that is sacrificed for the Passover celebration. Alternate translation: For the Passover you will offer a sacrifice” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 16:3

Here “it” refers to the animal they will sacrifice and eat.

Alternate translation: “7 days” (See: Numbers)

This was the name of the unleavened bread. The full meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “this bread will remind you of how much you suffered while in Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The people had to leave Egypt so quickly that they did not have enough time to make bread with yeast in it. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “out of the land of Egypt in such hurry you did not have time to make bread with yeast in it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “Do this as long as you live”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 16:4

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: “You must not have any yeast among you” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “inside all your territory” or “in all your land”

This “first” is the ordinal number for one. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Deuteronomy 16:5

Here “Passover” represents the animal that will be sacrificed. Alternate translation: “For the Passover you may not sacrifice the animal” (See: Metonymy)

Here “gates” represents the cities or towns. Alternate translation: “within any of your towns” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 16:6

Alternate translation: “at sunset”

Deuteronomy 16:7

Alternate translation: “You must cook it”

Deuteronomy 16:8

Alternate translation: “6 days” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “seventh” is the ordinal number for seven. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “special gathering”

Deuteronomy 16:9

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “count 7 weeks” (See: Numbers)

The phrase “put the sickle to the standing grain” is a way of referring to the beginning of harvest time. Alternate translation: “from the time that you begin harvesting the grain” (See: Idiom)

a tool with a curved blade used for cutting grass, grain, and vines (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 16:10

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “and you will give your free will offering” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “according to the harvest which Yahweh your God has given you” This means that the people will base how much they offer on how much they harvested that year.

Deuteronomy 16:11

These do not refer to a specific person. It means these types of people in general. Alternate translation: “your sons, your daughters, your male servants, your females servants, any Levite” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Here “gates” represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: “within your towns” (See: Synecdoche)

This refers to these types of people in general. Alternate translation: “all foreigners, orphans, and widows” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

Deuteronomy 16:12

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 16:13

Other names for this festival are “Feast of Tabernacles,” “Festival of Booths,” and “Feast of the Ingathering.” During harvest time, farmers would set up temporary shelters in the field. This festival took place after the last harvest of the year.

Alternate translation: “7 days” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 16:14

Here the word “gates” represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: “within your towns” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 16:15

Alternate translation: “the Festival of Shelters”

Here “hands” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “all the work you do” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 16:16

Females were allowed, but Yahweh did not require that they come. The men could represent their whole families.

Alternate translation: “must come and stand in the presence of Yahweh”

Alternate translation: “They will not come before Yahweh without an offering” These two negative phrases together have a positive meaning. Alternate translation: “Every person who comes before Yahweh must bring an offering” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 16:18

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “You must appoint judges” or “You must choose judges”

Here “gates” represents a city or town. Alternate translation: “within all your towns” (See: Synecdoche)

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: “you will choose them” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “judge the people fairly”

Deuteronomy 16:19

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a strong person can violently pull away from a weak person. This can be stated in positive form. Your language might have one word that means “use force to take away.” Alternate translation: “You must not be unfair when you judge” or “You must make just decisions” (See: Metaphor and Double Negatives)

Here “You” refers to those who will be appointed as judges and officers. (See: Forms of You)

Taking a bribe is spoken of as if the bribe were corrupting the people. Alternate translation: “for even a wise man who accepts a bribe will become blind, and even a righteous man who accepts a bribe will tell lies” (See: Metaphor)

A wise person who accepts a bribe so that he does not speak against something evil is spoken of as if he becomes blind. (See: Metaphor)

The nominal adjective “the wise” can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “a wise person” or “wise people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

The nominal adjective “righteous” can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “causes a righteous person to lie” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 16:20

justice is spoken of as a person who is walking. A person who is doing what is fair and just is spoken of as if he was following close behindjustice. Alternate translation: “do only what is fair” (See: Metaphor)

Receiving the land that God is giving to the people is spoken of as if the people are inheriting the land from God. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 16:21

Here “You” refers to all the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 16:22

The phrase “which Yahweh your God hates” is giving more information about the sacred stone pillar. Alternate translation: “any sacred stone pillar because Yahweh your God hates them” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

This refers to pillars that are idols used to worship false gods.

Deuteronomy 17

Deuteronomy 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Witnesses

In the ancient Near East, it was common for a person to be punished by the testimony of a single person, especially if this was an important person. The rules in this chapter give protection to people, especially the poor by requiring multiple witnesses. This allowed justice to be done. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

King

Israel was not to have a king because Yahweh was their king. Knowing the sinfulness of the people, Yahweh anticipated that one day Israel would have a king. Therefore, this passage gives commands about their king prophetically. They were not allowed to collect chariots because they were a sign of earthly power and the king was to trust in Yahweh. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess, sign, proof, reminder and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 17:1

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “that has a blemish” or “that has something wrong with it.” The animal is to appear healthy without any deformity.

Alternate translation: “that would be disgusting to Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 17:2

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you find someone” or “If there is anyone” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “city gates” represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: “living in one of your cities” (See: Synecdoche)

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “something that Yahweh your God thinks is evil” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “disobeys his covenant”

Deuteronomy 17:4

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: “if someone tells you about this disobedient act” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word investigation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “you must carefully investigate what happened” (See: Abstract Nouns)

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: “someone has done such a horrible thing in Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 17:6

Here “the mouth” represents the testimony of a witness. 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: “If two or three witnesses speak against the person, then you must execute him” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive and Numbers)

Here “the mouth” represents the testimony of a witness. 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: “but if only one person speaks against him, then you must not execute him” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 17:7

Here “hand” represents the entire group of witnesses. Alternate translation: “The witnesses themselves must be the first ones to throw stones. Then all the people will execute the person by throwing stones at him” (See: Synecdoche)

The nominal adjective “the evil” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites this person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 17:8

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “If there is a matter” or “If there is a situation”

A “right” is a person’s legal authority to do something or to possess something.

Deuteronomy 17:9

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word advice, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “you will ask them to advise you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word verdict, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they will decide on the matter” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 17:11

A person obeying what the priests and judge decide is spoken of as if the person were physically following behind the law. 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: “You must obey what the judge and priests decide about the matter” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

A person not doing exactly what the judge and priests say is spoken of as if he were turning off the correct path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Do not disobey anything they tell you” or “Do everything they say” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 17:12

Alternate translation: “and does not obey the priest … or does not obey the judge”

The nominal adjective “the evil” can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 17:13

It is implied that when the people hear about the person who was executed for acting arrogantly, they will be afraid and not act arrogantly themselves. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 17:14

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

The word “come to” can be translated as “gone to” or “entered.” (See: Go and Come)

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “then you decide that you want a king just like the peoples of the nations that surround you have kings,” (See: Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Moses has the people speaking as if they were one person. It may be more natural to translate this with plural pronouns. Alternate translation: “We will set over ourselves … round about us” (See: Pronouns)

Giving someone the authority to rule as king in Israel is spoken of as if the people were setting the person in a place above them. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “all the surrounding nations”

Here “nations” represent the people who live in the nations. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 17:15

Alternate translation: “one of your fellow Israelites”

Both of these phrases mean the same thing. They both refer to a person who is not an Israelite. Yahweh is emphasizing that the people of Israel should not let a foreigner rule over them. Alternate translation: “a foreigner over yourself” or “a non-Israelite over yourself” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 17:16

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh had said that you must never return to Egypt again.” (See: Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Deuteronomy 17:17

Here “heart” refers to the whole person. An Israelite king who marries foreign wives and starts to worship their false gods is spoken of as if his heart were to turn away from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “so that they do not cause him to stop honoring Yahweh and start worshiping false gods” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 17:18

Here “throne” represents the person’s power and authority as king. To sit on the throne means to become king. Alternate translation: “When he becomes king” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) “he must personally write in a scroll a copy of this law for himself” or (2) “he must appoint someone to write in a scroll a copy of this law for him”

Alternate translation: “from the copy of the law that the Levitical priests keep”

Deuteronomy 17:19

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the king must obey all of God’s law. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 17:20

Here “his heart” refers to the whole person. A king becoming arrogant is spoken of as if his heart were lifted up. Alternate translation: “so that he does not become arrogant” or “so that he does not think he is better than his fellow Israelites” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

A king disobeying God’s commands is spoken of as if a person were to turn off the correct path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “so that he does not disobey any of the commandments” or “so that he obeys all of the commandments” (See: Metaphor and Litotes)

Long days is a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated a similar phrase “prolong your days” in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 18

Deuteronomy 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Levites

As Yahweh’s chosen priests, the priest were to trust in Yahweh to provide for them. He provided for them through the rest of the Israelites. Yahweh was their inheritance. (See: chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect, priest, priesthood and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and inherit, inheritance, heir)

Messiah

This chapter is one of the first prophecies about the promised, coming Messiah. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and promise, promised and Christ, Messiah)

Deuteronomy 18:1

Moses continues telling the people what Yahweh wants them to do.

The Levites not receiving any land from Yahweh is spoken of as if they would not receive an inheritance. Alternate translation: “will not possess any of the people’s land” or “will not receive any of the land that the Israelites will possess” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “no part” or “no share”

Deuteronomy 18:2

Alternate translation: “among the other tribes of Israel” or “among the other Israelites”

Moses speaks of the great honor that Aaron and his descendants will have by serving Yahweh as priests as if Yahweh were something that they will inherit. See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 10:9. Alternate translation: “instead, they will have Yahweh” or “instead, Yahweh will allow them to serve him and he will provide for them through that service” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 18:3

This is the stomach and intestines.

Deuteronomy 18:4

Alternate translation: “you must give to the priest”

Deuteronomy 18:5

Here “him” represents all the Levites. (See: Metonymy)

Here “the name of Yahweh” stands for Yahweh himself and his authority. Alternate translation: “to be his special servants” or “to serve as a representative of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Here “him” represents all the Levites. Alternate translation: “the Levites and their descendants forever” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 18:6

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “strongly desires” or “really wants” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 18:7

Here “name” represents Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: “then he must serve Yahweh his God as a priest” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “who serve in the sanctuary in the presence of Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 18:8

This is what the priest would inherit from his father.

Deuteronomy 18:9

Here “come” can be translated as “gone” or “entered.” (See: Go and Come)

God hates the religious activities of the people in the surrounding nations. He considers them to be terribly evil. Here “nations” represents the people. Alternate translation: “you must not do the terrible things that the people of the other nations do” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 18:10

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: “There must not be anyone among you” (See: Active or Passive)

These are different ways of practicing magic. God has forbidden every kind of magic. If you do not have a word for all of these activities, it can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: “anyone who uses magic to try to find out what will happen in the future, to cast spells”

One who reads the shapes and figures in a cup and who predicts future events from what they can see

Deuteronomy 18:11

These are phrases for people who practice different kinds of magic. God has forbidden every kind of magic. If you do not have a word for all of these types of people, you can translate more generally. Alternate translation: “anyone who uses magic to cast spells, or to talk to the spirits of dead people”

Deuteronomy 18:12

Here “them” refers to the people already living in Canaan.

Deuteronomy 18:14

Here “nations” stands for the people groups that live in Canaan. Alternate translation: “For these people groups” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “these nations whose land you will take”

Deuteronomy 18:15

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Yahweh appointing a person to be a prophet is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift the person up. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “one of your fellow Israelites”

Deuteronomy 18:16

Here “you” refers to the Israelites at Mount Horeb about 40 years earlier.

Alternate translation: “on the day you gathered together at Horeb”

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “on the day of the assembly when you said that you did not want to hear the voice of Yahweh our God, nor see his great fire anymore, because you were afraid that you would die.” (See:Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Here Yahweh is represented by his “voice” to emphasize what he says. Alternate translation: “Let us not hear Yahweh our God speak again” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 18:18

Yahweh appointing a person to be a prophet is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift the person up. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “from among their fellow Israelites”

Yahweh telling the prophet what to say is spoken of as if Yahweh would put words in the prophet’s mouth. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “speak to the people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 18:19

Here “my name” represents Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: “does not listen to him when he speaks my message” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “I will hold him responsible” or “I will punish him.” Here “him” refers to the person who does not listen to the prophet.

Deuteronomy 18:20

Yahweh continues speaking.

Alternate translation: “who dares to speak a message” or “who is arrogant enough to speak a message”

Here “my name” refers to Yahweh himself and his authority. Alternate translation: “for me” or “with my authority” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “a message”

Here “name” represents the gods themselves or their authority. This means the prophet claims that false gods told him to speak a certain message. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 18:21

Here “heart” represents the thoughts of a person. Alternate translation: “You ask yourself” or “You must say to yourself” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “How will we know if the message that the prophet speaks is from Yahweh?” Here “we” refers to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 18:22

Yahweh continues speaking.

Here “name of Yahweh” refers to Yahweh himself and his authority. Alternate translation: “a prophet claims to speak for me” or “a prophet claims to speak with my authority” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the prophet has spoken this message without my authority”

Deuteronomy 19

Deuteronomy 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice

Another way justice would be maintained in Israel was by avoiding revenge killings. This chapter describes the establishment of special cities to protect those fleeing from revenge killings. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance)

Witnesses

In the ancient Near East, it was common for a person to be punished by the testimony of a single person, especially if this was an important person. The rules in this chapter give protection to people, especially the poor by requiring multiple witnesses. This allowed justice to be done. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Law of retaliation

The chapter describes a famous law, often called the “law of retaliation.” It is said, an “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This does not mean a person who causes another person to lose their eye must have their own eye removed as punishment. This law is not about making all things equal. Instead, it is about limiting the punishment or the ability of a person to retaliate. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 19:1

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Yahweh destroying the people who live in Canaan is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. (See: Metaphor)

This represents the people groups that live in Canaan. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “those nations who were living in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you”

Alternate translation: “take the land from those nations” or “possess the land after those nations are gone”

Deuteronomy 19:2

Alternate translation: “choose 3 cities” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 19:3

They were to build roads so that it would be easy for people to travel to these cities. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

It is implied that one of the cities they choose must be in each part of the land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh giving the land to the people of Israel is spoken of as if the people are inheriting the land. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 19:4

Alternate translation: “These are the instructions” or “These are the directions”

The word “person” is understood. Alternate translation: “for a person who kills another person” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “and who escapes to one of these cities” or “who runs to one of these cities”

Here “neighbor” means any person in general. Alternate translation: “any person who kills another person by accident”

Alternate translation: “but did not hate his neighbor before he killed him.” This implies there was no cause for him to kill his neighbor purposely. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 19:5

The author gives a hypothetical situation where a person accidentally kills another person. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

The iron part of the ax comes off the wooden handle.

This means the head of the ax hits and kills the neighbor.

It is implied that the family of the dead man may try to get revenge. The man who killed him can flee to one of these cities, and the people there would protect him. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 19:6

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Here “blood” represents the person who was killed. An “avenger of blood” is a close relative of the person who was killed. This relative is responsible for punishing the murderer. (See: Metonymy)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the one who killed the other person” (See: Idiom)

Someone being very angry is spoken of as if anger were something that could become hot. Alternate translation: “and being very angry” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “And the blood avenger strikes and kills the one who had killed the other person”

Alternate translation: “though that man did not deserve to die since he accidentally killed the other person and was not his enemy, and he had not planned to hurt the man”

Deuteronomy 19:8

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “gives you more land to possess”

Alternate translation: “like he promised your ancestors that he would do”

Deuteronomy 19:9

Alternate translation: “if you obey all these commandments”

How God wants a person to live or behave is spoken of as if it were Yahweh’s way or road. A person who obeys Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh’s way or road. Alternate translation: “to always obey him” (See: Metaphor)

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “then you must choose three more cities for a person to escape to if he accidentally kills someone” (See: Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “in addition to the three cities you already established” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 19:10

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: “Do this so that family members do not kill an innocent person” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “blood” represents a person’s life. To shed blood means to kill a person. 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: “no one kills an innocent person” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “in the land” or “in the territory”

The land that Yahweh is giving the people of Israel is spoken of as if it were an inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

The people of Israel being guilty for a person dying because they did not build a city where he would be safe from the “blood avenger” is spoken of as if the guilt of his death is on them. (See: Metaphor)

Here “blood” represents a life and “bloodguilt” refers to the guilt someone has for killing an innocent person. (See: Metonymy)

This means that if a family member kills an innocent person, then all the people of Israel will be guilty for letting that happen.

Deuteronomy 19:11

Here “neighbor” means any person in general.

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “hides and waits in order to kill him” or “plans to kill him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “attacks him” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “hurts him so that he dies” or “and kills him”

Deuteronomy 19:12

Alternate translation: “must send someone to get him and bring him back from the city that he escaped to”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “give him over” (See: Idiom)

Here “the hand” represents the authority of someone. Alternate translation: “to the authority of the responsible relative” or “to the responsible relative” (See: Metonymy)

This is the relative of the person who was killed. This relative is responsible for punishing the murderer.

Alternate translation: “the murderer may die” or “the responsible relative may execute the murderer”

Deuteronomy 19:13

Here “your eye” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Do not show him mercy” or “Do not feel sorry for him” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “bloodguilt” represents the guilt for murdering an innocent person. Alternate translation: “you must execute the murderer so that the people of Israel will not be guilty for the death of an innocent person” (See: Metonymy)

Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 19:14

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You must not take land away from your neighbor by moving the markers on the borders of his land” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “that your ancestors placed”

Moses means that when the people have lived in the land for a long time, they should not move the borders that their ancestors made when they first took the land.

Yahweh giving the land to the people of Israel is spoken of as if they were inheriting the land. Alternate translation: “in the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you to possess” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 19:15

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “A single witness” or “Only one witness”

Here “rise up” means to stand up in court and speak against someone to a judge. Alternate translation: “must not speak to the judges about something bad that a man did” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “anytime that a man does something bad”

Here “mouth” represents what the witnesses say. It is implied that there must be at least two or three witnesses. Alternate translation: “at the testimony of at least two or three people” or “based on what at least two or three people say happened” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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 you confirm that the man is guilty” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 19:16

Alternate translation: “When” or “If”

Alternate translation: “a witness who intends to harm someone else”

Here “rise up” means to stand up in court and speak against someone to a judge. Alternate translation: “tells the judge that a man sinned in order to get the man in trouble” or “tells the judge that a man sinned, so the judge will punish him” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 19:17

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “the ones who disagree with one another”

This means the two persons must go to the sanctuary where Yahweh’s presence dwells. At the sanctuary are priests and judges who have the authority to make legal decisions for Yahweh. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The phrase “stand before” is an idiom. It means to go to someone with authority and let him make a legal decision about a matter. (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 19:18

Alternate translation: “The judges must work very hard to determine what happened”

Deuteronomy 19:19

Alternate translation: “then you must punish the false witness in the same way as he wanted you to punish the other man”

The nominal adjective “the evil” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “you will remove the evil practice from among you” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 19:20

Alternate translation: “When you punish the false witness, the rest of the people”

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “will hear about the punishment and be afraid of getting punished” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “never again do something evil like that”

Deuteronomy 19:21

Here “eyes” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “You must not pity him” or “You must not show him mercy” (See: Synecdoche)

Here the phrases are shortened because the meaning is understood. It means the people must punish a person in the same way that he harmed another person. (See: Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 20

Deuteronomy 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s protection

Israel was not to worry about the power and strength of other nations. Instead, they were to trust in the power of Yahweh. He is the source of their military strength and protection. This is why a priest leads them into battle, rather than a military commander. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and priest, priesthood)

Holy war

Israel’s conquering of the Promised Land was unique in history. It was a type of holy war and had special rules. This war was really Yahweh’s punishment against the sin of the Canaanite people. If the people were not completely destroyed, they would cause Israel to sin. (See: Promised Land and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“What man is there”

This phrase is used several times to introduce a rhetorical question. The questions are intended to tell the readers that Yahweh only wants soldiers who are completely dedicated to fighting for him. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Excused from fighting

In ancient Israel, men were excused from fighting in battle for several different reasons. Some of these reasons are mentioned in this chapter. Apparently, needing to establish a new house, the need to harvest a field and cowardice were possible excuses. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 20:1

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “When you go out to fight in a war against your enemies”

People considered an army with many horses and chariots to be very strong. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh brought the people from Egypt to Canaan. It was common to use the word “up” to refer to traveling from Egypt to Canaan. Alternate translation: “Yahweh who led you out from the land of Egypt”

Deuteronomy 20:2

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “speak to the soldiers of Israel”

Deuteronomy 20:3

These four expressions all mean the same thing and strongly emphasize that they are not to be afraid. If your language does not have four ways to express this concept, you may use less than four. (See: Parallelism)

Here “hearts” represents people’s courage. For a heart to faint is an idiom that means “Do not be afraid.” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Deuteronomy 20:4

Yahweh defeating the enemies of the people of Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight along with the people of Israel. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “to give you victory”

Deuteronomy 20:5

Moses says what the army officers must say to the people of Israel before a battle.

One of the officers’ jobs was to decide who could leave the army. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here has built a new house and has not dedicated it, he should go back to his house”

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. Alternate translation: “so that, if he dies in battle, another man will not dedicate his house instead of him” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Deuteronomy 20:6

Moses continues describing situations that allow a man to leave the military.

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here has a new vineyard, but has not yet harvested its grapes, he should go back to his house”

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. Alternate translation: “so that, if he dies in battle, another man will not harvest its fruit instead of him” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Deuteronomy 20:7

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here has promised to marry a woman, but has not yet married her, he should go back to his house”

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. Alternate translation: “so that, if he dies in battle, another man does not marry her instead of him” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Deuteronomy 20:8

Moses continues describing situations that allow a man to leave the military.

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here is afraid and not brave, he should go back to his house”

Both of these words mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “afraid to fight in battle” (See: Doublet)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “another Israelite does not become afraid like he is afraid” (See: Idiom)

Here “heart” represents a person’s courage. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 20:9

Alternate translation: “the officers must appoint people to be commanders and to lead the people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 20:10

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “When you go to attack the people of a city” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “give the people in the city a chance to surrender”

Deuteronomy 20:11

Here “gates” refers to the city gates. The phrase “open their gates to you” represents the people surrendering and allowing the Israelites to enter their city. Alternate translation: “let you enter their city peacefully” (See: Metonymy)

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: “all the people in the city” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “must become your slaves”

Deuteronomy 20:12

Here “it” refers to the city which represents the people. Alternate translation: “But if the people of the city do not surrender” or “But if the people of the city do not accept your offer of peace” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 20:14

Alternate translation: “the children”

Alternate translation: “all the valuable things”

These are the valuable things which people who win a battle take from the people they attacked.

Deuteronomy 20:15

Here “cities” represents the people. Alternate translation: “all the people who live in cities” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 20:16

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

The cities in Canaan that Yahweh is giving to the people is spoken of as if the cities were the people’s inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “you must not let any living thing stay alive.” This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you must kill every living thing” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 20:17

Alternate translation: “you must completely destroy these people groups”

Deuteronomy 20:18

Alternate translation: “Destroy these nations so that they”

Alternate translation: “to act in abominable ways like the people in these nations have done with their gods”

Alternate translation: “If you act like these people, you will sin against Yahweh your God”

Deuteronomy 20:19

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “fight in a war”

Alternate translation: “by cutting down the trees with an ax”

This rhetorical question is to remind the people of what they should already know. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “For fruit trees are not people, so they are not your enemy.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 20:20

Alternate translation: “you know are not trees that grow fruit to eat”

These are tools and structures, such as ladders and towers, that are needed to lay siege to a city.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “until the people of the city lose the war” (See: Idiom)

Here “it” refers to the city which represents the people of the city. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 21

Deuteronomy 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Elders

Older men were required to lead the people of Israel and help to administer justice. These men would function as judges, which would later become a more official position. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Peace in Israel

The rules and instructions in this chapter help to ensure peace in Israel. This is not a military peace. Instead, it is about establishing peace within Israel and among the people.

Deuteronomy 21:1

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

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: “If someone finds a person whom someone else has killed” (See: Active or Passive)

The dead person is lying in the field.

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: “nobody knows who attacked him” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:2

Alternate translation: “they must measure the distance to the cities”

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: “him whom someone has killed” or “the dead body” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:3

Alternate translation: “has not worn a yoke”

Deuteronomy 21:4

This is an idiom for water that is moving. Alternate translation: “a stream” (See: Idiom)

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: “a valley where nobody has plowed the ground or planted seeds” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:5

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “must come to the valley”

Alternate translation: “because the priests are the ones whom Yahweh your God has chosen to serve him”

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if he were speaking to one man, so the word “your” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “bless the people of Israel”

Here the metonym “in the name of” refers to Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: “as one who says and does what Yahweh himself would say and do” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh, and they will be the ones who settle all disagreements and cases of violence”

Deuteronomy 21:6

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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: “the heifer whose neck the priests broke” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:7

Alternate translation: “they must testify to Yahweh about this case”

Here “hands” are a synecdoche for the whole person and “shed this blood” is a metonym for killing an innocent person. Alternate translation: “We did not kill this innocent person” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)

Here “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “and we did not see anyone kill this person” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 21:8

Moses continues to tell the elders what they should say when they wash their hands over the heifer. He speaks to them as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people from slavery. (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “do not treat your people Israel as if they are guilty of killing an innocent person” (See: Idiom)

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: “Then Yahweh will forgive his people Israel for the death of an innocent person” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:9

Alternate translation: “you will not be guilty any more of killing an innocent person”

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what is right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 21:10

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “you who are soldiers go out”

Deuteronomy 21:11

Use a polite phrase for “you want to sleep with her.”

Alternate translation: “want to marry her”

Deuteronomy 21:12

Alternate translation: “she will shave the hair off of her head”

Alternate translation: “cut her fingernails”

Deuteronomy 21:13

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

She will do this after the man brings her to his house and when she shaves her head and cuts her fingernails and toenails as mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:12. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “she will take off the clothes of her people and put on Israelite clothes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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: “when you took her captive” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “an entire month” or “a whole month”

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “After that you may have sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 21:14

You may need to make explicit that the man sleeps with the woman. Alternate translation: “But if you sleep with her and then decide that you do not want her as your wife” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “let her go wherever she wants to go”

Alternate translation: “because you shamed her by sleeping with her and then sending her away”

Deuteronomy 21:15

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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: This could mean: (1) “the man loves one of his wives and he hates the other wife” or (2) “the man loves one wife more than he loves the other wife” (See: Active or Passive)

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: “if the firstborn son belongs to the wife whom the man hates” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:16

Alternate translation: “when the man”

Alternate translation: “the man gives his possessions to his sons as an inheritance”

Alternate translation: “he may not treat the son of the beloved wife as if he were the firstborn instead of the son of the hated wife”

Deuteronomy 21:17

Alternate translation: “twice as much”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that son is the one who shows that the man can become the father of sons” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 21:18

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Here “voice” is a metonym for what a person says. Alternate translation: “who will not obey what his father or mother say” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “they punish him for his wrongdoing” or “they train and instruct him”

Deuteronomy 21:19

Alternate translation: “must force him to come out”

Deuteronomy 21:20

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “Our son”

Here “voice” is a metonym for what a person says or a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “he will not do what we tell him to do” or “he will not obey us” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

a person who eats and drinks too much

a person who drinks too much alcohol and gets drunk often

Deuteronomy 21:21

Alternate translation: “throw stones at him until he dies”

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

The word “Israel” is a metonym for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “All the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “will hear about what happened to the son and be afraid that the people will punish them also” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 21:22

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “If a man has done something so bad that you need to punish him by killing him”

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: “you execute him” or “you kill him” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) “after he has died you hang him on a tree” or (2) “you kill him by hanging him on a wooden post”

Deuteronomy 21:23

Alternate translation: “bury him on the same day as when you execute him”

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. This could mean: (1) “because God curses everyone whom people hang on trees” and (2) “people hang on trees those whom God has cursed.” (See: Active or Passive)

by leaving something God has cursed hanging in the tree

Deuteronomy 22

Deuteronomy 22 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Order in Israel

The instructions in this chapter help to maintain order in this chapter. The people are to have integrity. The people’s sin will result in serious punishment. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Virgin woman

If a woman was not a virgin, she was not considered to be worth marrying. The man who slept with her was responsible for providing for her since she will not be able to find a husband to provide for her. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 22:1

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “walk away from its owner”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “act as if you do not see them” or “go away without doing anything” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 22:2

Alternate translation: “If your fellow Israelite lives far away from you”

Alternate translation: “or if you do not know who the owner of the animal is”

Alternate translation: “you must keep the animal with you until its owner comes looking for it”

Deuteronomy 22:3

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “You must return his donkey in the same way”

Alternate translation: “you must return his clothing in the same way”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you must not act as if you do not see that he has lost something” or “you must not go away without doing anything” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 22:4

Alternate translation: “you must help your fellow Israelite lift the animal back up onto its feet”

Deuteronomy 22:5

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “men’s clothing”

Deuteronomy 22:6

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

a home that birds make for themselves out of sticks, grass, plants, and mud

Alternate translation: “with baby birds or eggs in the nest”

Alternate translation: “the mother bird is sitting on the baby birds”

Deuteronomy 22:7

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 22:8

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

a low fence around the edge of the roof so people will not fall off the roof

Blood is a symbol for death. Alternate translation: “so that it will not be the fault of your household if someone dies” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “if anyone falls from the roof because you did not make a railing”

Deuteronomy 22:9

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

The words “holy place” is a metonym for the priests who work in the holy place. 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: “so that the priests in Yahweh’s holy place do not take away the whole harvest” or “so that you do not defile the whole harvest and the priests do not allow you to use it” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the fruit that grows in the vineyard”

Deuteronomy 22:11

soft, curly hair that grows on a sheep

thread made from the flax plant (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 22:12

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

threads that are bound together and hang from the end of each corner of the cloak

a long garment that a person wears over his other clothes

Deuteronomy 22:13

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he has sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 22:14

Alternate translation: “then accuses her of having slept with someone before she was married”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word reputation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “makes other people think she is a bad person” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This is a polite way of saying “to have sexual relations with someone.” Alternate translation: “but when I slept with her” (See: Euphemism)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word proof, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “she could not prove to me that she was a virgin”

Deuteronomy 22:15

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “must take something that proves that she has never had sexual relations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 22:16

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 22:17

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he has accused her of having slept with someone before he married her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “Your daughter could not prove that she has never had sexual relations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “But this proves that my daughter has never had sexual relations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “And then the mother and father will show the clothing with the bloodstain to the elders as proof that she was a virgin” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 22:18

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 22:19

Alternate translation: “they must make him pay as a punishment”

Alternate translation: “100 shekels” (See: Biblical Money and Numbers)

Alternate translation: “give the money to the father of the girl”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word reputation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “has caused people to think that a virgin of Israel is a bad person” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “never allow him to divorce her”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “for his entire life” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 22:20

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “But if it is true” or “But if what the man said is true”

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: “that the man did not find proof that the girl was a virgin” (See: Active or Passive)

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “something that proves that the girl has never had sexual relations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 22:21

Alternate translation: “then the elders must bring out the girl”

Alternate translation: “throw stones at her until she dies”

Alternate translation: “because she has done a disgraceful thing in Israel”

Alternate translation: “acting like a harlot while living in her father’s house”

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 22:22

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “If someone finds a man” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “having sexual relations with” (See: Euphemism)

Alternate translation: “in this way you will remove”

Deuteronomy 22:23

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “who is promised to marry a man”

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 22:24

These commands are addressed to Israel as a group and so are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “then you must bring both the girl and the man who slept with her”

Alternate translation: “because she did not call for help”

The Israelites at that time thought of a man and woman who had engaged each other for marriage as husband and wife. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because he slept with a girl who belongs to a fellow Israelite” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 22:25

a girl whose parents have agreed to let her marry a certain man, but she has not married him yet

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

Alternate translation: “then you must only kill the man who lay with her”

Deuteronomy 22:26

Alternate translation: “you are not to punish her by killing her for what she did”

Alternate translation: “Because this situation is like the situation when somebody attacks another person and kills him”

Deuteronomy 22:27

Alternate translation: “Because the man found the girl working in the field”

Deuteronomy 22:28

Alternate translation: “but whose parents have not promised another man that she will marry him”

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

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: “if somebody finds out what happened” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 22:29

A shekel weighs eleven grams. Alternate translation: “fifty pieces of silver” or “550 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Money and Numbers)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “He must never divorce her during his entire life” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 22:30

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “must not marry his father’s former wife, even if she is not his mother” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23

Deuteronomy 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The assembly of Yahweh

This was probably the corporate worship of Yahweh, when the people would come together to worship him.

Racial superiority

Yahweh viewed Israel as superior to the other nations of Canaan. In many cultures, this may be seen as immoral. It must be remembered that the instructions of this chapter are very remote from the modern world. These people groups were always sinful and idolatrous. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Deuteronomy 23:1

Alternate translation: “man whose private body parts someone has crushed or cut off”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “may be a full member of the Israelite community” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 23:2

This could mean: (1) a child born to parents who committed incest or adultery or (2) a child born to a prostitute.

This “tenth” is the ordinal number for ten. Alternate translation: “even after ten generations of the illegitimate child’s descendants” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “none of these descendants”

Deuteronomy 23:3

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “may not be a full member of the Israelite community” (See: Idiom)

This “tenth”is the ordinal number for ten. Alternate translation: “even after ten generations of his descendants” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Deuteronomy 23:4

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “they did not welcome you by bringing you food and drink” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 23:5

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “did not pay attention” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “had him bless you and not curse you”

Deuteronomy 23:6

This could mean: (1) “You should never make a peace treaty with the Ammonites and the Moabites” or (2) “You must not do anything to cause things to go well for those 2 people groups to enable them to prosper” .

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “as long as you are a nation” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 23:7

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “Do not hate an Edomite”

Alternate translation: “because he is your relative”

Alternate translation: “do not hate an Egyptian”

Deuteronomy 23:8

This “third” is the ordinal number for three. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “If an Edomite or an Egyptian comes to live in the Israelite community, his grandchildren may become full members of that community” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23:9

Moses speaks here to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “to fight against your enemies”

Alternate translation: “keep yourselves away from all bad things”

Deuteronomy 23:10

This is a polite way of saying that he had an emission of semen. Alternate translation: “any man who is unclean because he had an emission of semen while he was asleep” (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 23:12

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 23:13

Alternate translation: “you should have a tool that you can use to dig with”

This is a polite way of saying to defecate. Alternate translation: “when you squat down to defecate” (See: Euphemism)

Alternate translation: “you must dig a hole with the tool”

Alternate translation: “cover up your excrement”

Deuteronomy 23:14

Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh may not see any unclean thing among you”

Deuteronomy 23:15

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “a slave from another country who escaped from his master and came to Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23:16

Alternate translation: “Let the slave live among your people”

Deuteronomy 23:17

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This could mean: (1) Moses openly forbids women and men to perform sexual acts as part of temple service or (2) Moses uses a euphemism to forbid women and men to perform sexual acts to receive money. (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 23:18

Alternate translation: “A woman who earns money as a prostitute must not bring that money … into the house”

a man who allows men to have sex with him for money

Alternate translation: “into the temple”

Alternate translation: “to fulfill a vow”

the wages of a female prostitute and of a male prostitute.

Deuteronomy 23:19

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

to lend to somebody and force that person to pay back more than was lent

Alternate translation: “you must not charge interest when you lend somebody money, food, or anything else”

Deuteronomy 23:20

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “all that you do” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 23:21

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “you must not take a long time to fulfill the vow”

Alternate translation: “because Yahweh your God will blame you and punish you if you do not fulfill your vow”

Deuteronomy 23:22

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “But, if you do not make a vow, you will not sin because you will not have a vow to fulfill” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23:23

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “The words you have spoken” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “whatever you have vowed to Yahweh your God that you will do”

Alternate translation: “anything that people have heard you promise to do because you wanted to do it”

Alternate translation: “so that people heard you say it”

Deuteronomy 23:24

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “then you may enjoy eating grapes until you are full”

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “but you may not put any grapes in your bag to take them away with you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23:25

Alternate translation: “When you walk through your neighbor’s field where there is grain growing”

Alternate translation: “then you may eat the kernels of grain with your hand”

Alternate translation: “but do not cut down your neighbor’s ripe grain and take it with you”

a sharp tool that farmers use to harvest wheat

Deuteronomy 24

Deuteronomy 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the teaching about how to maintain justice in Israel. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Special concepts in this chapter

“No man may take a mill or an upper millstone as a pledge”

A millstone was the way a person made a living. To take a person’s millstone was to take away the way they earned money and produced food. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Lending money

Lending money to fellow Israelites was a way to help them out. It was not intended to be a way to make money off their brothers. This chapter gives limitations regarding the lending of money.

Deuteronomy 24:1

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

The phrases “takes a wife” and “marries her” mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “When a man marries a woman” (See: Doublet)

Here the “eyes” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “if he decides that he does not like her” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “because for some reason he has decided that he does not want to keep her”

Alternate translation: “he must give his wife an official paper saying that they are not married anymore”

Deuteronomy 24:2

Alternate translation: “she may go and marry another man”

Deuteronomy 24:3

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel about a woman who gets a divorce and marries another man. Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “If the second husband decides that he hates the woman”

This is an official paper saying that the man and woman are not married anymore. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 24:1.

Alternate translation: “gives it to the woman”

Deuteronomy 24:4

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “after she has become unclean by the divorce and remarriage to another man” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The land is spoken of as if it could sin. Alternate translation: “You must not spread guilt around in the land” (See: Personification)

Deuteronomy 24:5

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “When a man is newly married to a woman”

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: “and no one is to force him to live away from his home and do any kind of work” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “he will be free to live at home”

Deuteronomy 24:6

a tool for making flour by grinding grain in between two heavy discs of stone

the top disc of stone in a mill

The word “life” is a metonym for what a person needs to keep himself alive. Alternate translation: “because he would be taking from the man what the man needs to make food for his family” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 24:7

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom for “If a man kidnaps.” It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you find a man kidnapping” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

using physical force to take an innocent person away from his home and imprison him

Alternate translation: “any of his fellow Israelites”

Alternate translation: “then other Israelites should kill that thief as a punishment for what he did”

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 24:8

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Moses speaks to the Israelites here as if they were one man, so the word “you” and the command “take heed” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention if you suffer from leprosy” or “Pay attention if you have leprosy”

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: “all of the instructions that I have given you and that the priests, who are Levites, teach you to do” (See: Active or Passive)

Moses here speaks to the Israelites as a group, so these instances of the word “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “you must make sure that you do exactly what I have commanded them”

The word “them” refers to the priests, who are Levites.

Deuteronomy 24:9

Moses speaks to the Israelites here as if they were one man, so the word “your” and the command “call to mind” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Moses here speaks to the Israelites as a group, so the word “you” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “during the time when you were leaving Egypt”

Deuteronomy 24:10

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “When you loan something to your neighbor”

Alternate translation: “to take his pledge”

This refers to what he has promised that he would give you if he did not pay back the loan.

Deuteronomy 24:11

Alternate translation: “You should wait outside his house”

Deuteronomy 24:12

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “you must not keep his coat overnight” or “you must return his pledge before you lie down to sleep”

This refers to what he has promised that he would give you if he did not pay back the loan. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 24:10.

Deuteronomy 24:13

Alternate translation: “give him back what he has given you to show that he will pay back the loan”

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “so that he will have his coat to keep himself warm when he sleeps, and he will be grateful to you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is a coat or other clothing that keeps a person warm at night. This was probably the “pledge” Moses was speaking of in Deuteronomy 24:10-12.

Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will approve of the way you handled this matter”

Deuteronomy 24:14

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “You must not treat a hired servant poorly”

a person who gets paid daily for his work

These two words have similar meanings and emphasize that this is a person who cannot help himself. (See: Doublet)

Here “city gates” mean towns or cities. Alternate translation: “in one of your cities” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 24:15

Alternate translation: “You should give the man the money he earns every single day”

This is an idiom. The Israelites considered the new day as starting when the sun went down. Alternate translation: “you should pay the man on the same day he does the work” (See: Idiom)

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because he is poor and depends on his wages to buy his food for the next day” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “he does not call out to Yahweh and ask him to punish you”

Deuteronomy 24:16

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: “You must not execute the parents because of something bad that one of their children did” (See: Active or Passive)

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: “and you must not execute the children because of something bad that their parents did” (See: Active or Passive)

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: “you should only execute a person because of something bad that he did himself” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 24:17

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a stronger person can violently pull away from a weaker person. Alternate translation: “You must not treat a foreigner or the fatherless unfairly” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

A lender would take something from the borrower to ensure that she would pay him back. He was not allowed to take her coat because she needed it to stay warm. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and do not take a widow’s cloak as a pledge because she needs it to stay warm” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 24:18

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 24:19

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “When you cut down the grain in your field”

Some versions translate this as “a sheaf.” Either translation refers to stalks of grain, enough to be easily carried, possibly tied in a bundle.

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “you must leave the sheaf so a foreigner, an orphan, or a widow can take it” (See: Ellipsis)

Here “hands” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in all the work that you do” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 24:20

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “When you shake the branches of your olive tree, causing the olives to fall to the ground so you can pick them up” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “do not pick every single olive from the tree”

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the olives that stay on the branches are for foreigners, orphans, and widows to pick and take with them” (See: Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 24:21

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “The grapes that you do not pick will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow to pick”

These refer to groups of people. Alternate translation: “for foreigners, for those who are fatherless, and for the widows” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Deuteronomy 24:22

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 25

Deuteronomy 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues to teach about justice in Israel. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“A perfect and just weight you must have”

In the ancient Near East, money was weighted on a scale. If a persons weight was off, they were robbing people. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 25:1

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 25:2

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: “If the judge orders them to beat the guilty man” (See: Active or Passive)

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 watch them beat him” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the number of times he has ordered because of the bad deed he did”

Deuteronomy 25:3

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “The judge may say that they should beat the guilty person 40 times” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “but the judge may not order them to beat him more than 40 times”

Alternate translation: “because if the judge orders them to beat him many more than 40 times”

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “then the judge would humiliate your fellow Israelite in front of all of the people of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: “humiliated, and you would all see it” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 25:4

Alternate translation: “You must not put something over the mouth of an ox”

while he separates the grain from the chaff by walking on it or dragging heavy wood over it

Deuteronomy 25:5

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

This could mean: (1) “If brothers live on the same property” or (2) “If brothers live near each other.”

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: “then the family of the dead man must not let the widow marry someone” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “shall have sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

Alternate translation: “do what the brother of a dead husband is supposed to do”

Deuteronomy 25:6

The word “name” is a metonym for the person’s family line. Alternate translation: “will continue the family line of that man’s dead brother” (See: Metonymy)

The word “name” is a metonym for the person’s family line. Alternate translation: “so that his family line will not disappear from Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 25:7

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “must go up to the city gate where the elders judge cases” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “name” refers to the memory of someone through his descendants. Alternate translation: “refuses to give his brother a son” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “he will not do what a husband’s brother is supposed to do and marry me”

Deuteronomy 25:8

Alternate translation: “I do not wish to marry her”

Deuteronomy 25:9

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “must walk up close to him with the elders there watching”

Here “house” is a metonym for the family. Alternate translation: “who does not give his brother a son and continue his brother’s family line” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 25:10

Alternate translation: “People in Israel will know his family as”

Here removing the sandal symbolizes that the brother would not receive any of the property of his dead brother. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The house of him whose sandal his brother’s widow took off his foot” or “The family of a man who did not marry the wife of his dead brother” or “The family whom everyone despises” or “The family who is shameful” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 25:11

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here “hand” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “so the one who struck him will not strike him again” or “from the man who hit him” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 25:12

Here “eye” means the whole person. Alternate translation: “you should not feel sorry for her” or “you must not show her mercy” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 25:13

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “You must not cheat people by using a weight that is larger than you say it is when you buy things and by using a weight that is smaller than you say it is when you sell things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Ellipsis)

Weights were stones used on a balance to determine how much something weighs

Deuteronomy 25:14

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “You must not cheat people by using a measure that is larger than you say it is when you buy things and by using a measure that is smaller than you say it is when you sell things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Ellipsis)

A measure was a basket or other container for measuring how much there is of something.

Deuteronomy 25:15

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel about using fair weights and measures when buying and selling. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “A correct and fair”

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 25:13.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you may live for a long time” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 25:16

Alternate translation: “because everyone who cheats people by using different sized weights and measures”

Deuteronomy 25:17

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom, and “Amalek” is a metonym for the Amelikite people. Alternate translation: “Remember what the Amalekites did to you” (See: Idiom and How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

The word “you” here is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 25:18

Alternate translation: “how they met you along the way”

Alternate translation: “attacked those of your people who were in the back of the line”

Alternate translation: “all the people who were weak in the back of the line”

These words have similar meanings and emphasize how tired the people were. Alternate translation: “tired and exhausted” (See: Doublet)

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he was not afraid of God’s punishment” or “he did not respect God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 25:19

Alternate translation: “you must kill all of the Amalekites so that nobody will remember them anymore”

Deuteronomy 26

Deuteronomy 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter recalls the great events of Israel’s history when Yahweh brought them out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 26:1

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 26:2

Alternate translation: “some of the first fruits of the harvest” or “some of the first crops of the harvest.” This “first” is the ordinal number for one. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Deuteronomy 26:3

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 26:5

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is the beginning of the statement that the Israelite male should make when bringing his basket.

This refers to Jacob, who was the ancestor of all the Israelites. He lived for many years in Aram-Nahairam, a region located in Syria.

Alternate translation: “lived the rest of his life there”

The word “he” is a metonym for “Jacob’s descendants.” (See: Metonymy)

These words mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that Israel became a large and powerful nation. Alternate translation: “very great” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 26:6

This continues what the Israelite must say when he brings his first crops to Yahweh.

These two phrases say basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Egyptians acted very harshly. (See: Doublet)

Here “us” refers to the people of Israel that were living in Egypt. The speaker includes himself as one of the people whether he lived in Egypt or not. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Deuteronomy 26:7

Here “voice” refers to the whole person and his cries or prayers. Alternate translation: “he heard our cries” or “he heard our prayers” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “that the Egyptians were afflicting us, that we were doing very hard work, and that the Egyptians were oppressing us”

Deuteronomy 26:8

This continues what the Israelite must say when he brings his first crops to Yahweh.

Here “us” refers to the people of Israel that were living in Egypt. The speaker includes himself as one of the people whether he lived in Egypt or not. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Here “a mighty hand” and “an outstretched arm” are metaphors for Yahweh’s power. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “by showing his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “with acts that terrified the people who saw them”

Deuteronomy 26:9

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming”

Deuteronomy 26:10

Moses continues telling the Israelites what they must say when they bring theire first crops to Yahweh. He speaks to them as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “first fruits of the harvest” or “first crops of the harvest”

Alternate translation: “You must set the basket down.”

Deuteronomy 26:11

Alternate translation: “you must rejoice and be grateful for all the good things that Yahweh your God has done for you”

Deuteronomy 26:12

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This “third” is the ordinal number for three. Every three years the people of Israel gave a tenth of the harvest to the poor. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her now that she is old.

Here “gates” means towns or cities. Alternate translation: “so that those within your towns may have enough food to eat” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 26:13

These are the first words of another statement that the Israelite was supposed to say.

This means that he has obeyed all of God’s commandments.

Deuteronomy 26:14

This continues what the Israelite must say to Yahweh when he gives his tithe to the poor.

Alternate translation: “I have not eaten any of the tithe while I was mourning”

Here “impure” means the person is unclean according to the Law. God does not allow an unclean person to touch the tithe he is giving to God. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “when I was unclean according to the Law” or “when the law says I cannot touch it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “voice of Yahweh” is a metonym for what Yahweh says. Both statements share similar meanings. They emphasize that the person has obeyed all of God’s commands. (See: Metonymy and Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 26:15

These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “from heaven, your holy dwelling place” (See: Doublet)

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming”

Deuteronomy 26:16

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 26:17

The words “walk,” “keep,” and “listen” have similar meanings here. Here “voice” refers to what God has said. Alternate translation: “that you will completely obey everything Yahweh commands” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 26:18

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “a people who belong to him”

Deuteronomy 26:19

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he will make you more important than” or “he will make you greater than” (See: Idiom)

This could mean: (1) “he will cause you to become greater than any other nation that he has established, and he will enable you to praise him and honor him” or (2) “he will have people praise you more than they praise every other nation that he has made; people will say that you are better than any other nation, and they will honor you.”

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. 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: “Yahweh your God will set you apart from other nations” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 27

Deuteronomy 27 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“May the man be cursed”

This phrase is repeated several times in this chapter. This parallelism serves as a warning to the Israelites when they will live in the Promised Land. This is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: Promised Land and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Deuteronomy 27:1

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted, the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so the word “you” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Here “I” refers to Moses. The elders are there in agreement with Moses, but he is the only one speaking.

Deuteronomy 27:2

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so the word “you” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Plaster is usually a mixture of lime, sand, and water that is spread on something. It dries to form a hard, smooth surface on which a person can write. Alternate translation: “spread plaster on them” or “make them so you can write on them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 27:3

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 27:4

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Moses is addressing the Israelites as a group, so the instances of “you” and the command “set up” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “spread plaster on them” or “make them so you can write on them.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:2.

This is a mountain near Shechem. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 11:29.

Deuteronomy 27:5

This refers to the chisels that would make the stones smoother, in order that they might fit together better. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “you will not shape the altar stones with iron tools” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 27:6

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

stones in their natural shape that no one has shaped with metal tools

Deuteronomy 27:8

This refers to the stones they were to set up on Mount Ebal and cover with plaster. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:2 and Deuteronomy 27:4.

Deuteronomy 27:9

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 27:10

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what he says. Alternate translation: “obey what Yahweh your God says” (See: Metonymy)

Moses is commanding. The Levites are there in agreement with Moses, but he is the only one speaking.

Deuteronomy 27:12

Here the metonym “tribes” refers to the people from the tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. Alternate translation: “The people from these tribes” (See: Metonymy)

A small mountain north of Mount Ebal. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 11:29.

This combines the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, who were descendants of Joseph.

Deuteronomy 27:13

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 11:29.

Alternate translation: “say in a loud voice how Yahweh will curse Israel”

Deuteronomy 27:15

This is the statement the Levites must shout to all the people of Israel. It may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the person … sets it up in secret” (See: Active or Passive)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “something a man has made” (See: Idiom)

a man who knows how to make things well

Deuteronomy 27:16

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 27:17

The full meaning of the statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “who takes land away from his neighbor by moving the markers on the borders of his land” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 27:18

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 27:19

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a stronger person can violently pull away from a weaker person. Your language might have one word that means “use force to take away.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 24:17. Alternate translation: “treats a foreigner … widow unfairly” (See: Metaphor)

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

Deuteronomy 27:20

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

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. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

This does not refer to the man’s mother, but another wife of his father.

When a man marries a woman, only he has the legal right to sleep with her. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he has taken away his father’s legal rights” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 27:22

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

This means a man cannot sleep with his sister, even if she has a different mother or father.

Deuteronomy 27:24

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 27:26

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28

Deuteronomy 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Blessings and warnings

This chapter explains some of the blessings and warnings associated with Israel’s obedience to the law of Moses. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Deuteronomy 28:1

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what he says. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh your God says” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “and obey”

Moses speaks of being important or being great as if it were being physically higher, as on a higher hill. Alternate translation: “make you more important than” or “make you greater than” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:2

Moses describes the blessings as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if you cannot escape having him bless you” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

Deuteronomy 28:3

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “Yahweh will bless you” (See: Active or Passive)

This merism means that Yahweh will bless them everywhere. (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 28:4

These idioms for “your children, and your crops, and all your animals” form a merism for everything the Israelites valued. (See: Idiom and Merism)

This doublet is three ways of saying that Yahweh will make the Israelites’ animals many and strong. Alternate translation: “all of your animals along with the calves of the cattle and the lambs of the flocks” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 28:5

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “Yahweh will bless” (See: Active or Passive)

Israelites used a basket to carry grain. A “kneading trough” was a bowl they used to mix the grain and make bread. Alternate translation: “all the food you grow and all the food you eat” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:6

This merism refers to all of life’s activities everywhere they go. (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 28:7

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “cause you to defeat the armies that attack you” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “but they will run away from you in seven directions”

This is an idiom. The actual number could be more or less than seven. Alternate translation: “in many different directions” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:8

Moses describes Yahweh blessing the Israelites as if Yahweh were commanding a person to attack them by surprise. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh blesses you, you will be surprised by how much grain you have in your barns” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in everything you do” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:9

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh put them in a place different from the place all other nations live in. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make you a holy people that belongs to him” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:10

Here the metonym “called by the name of Yahweh” means belonging to him. 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: “Yahweh has called you his own” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:11

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 28:4. Alternate translation: “with children, animals, and crops” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:12

Moses speaks of the clouds from which the rain falls as if they were a building where he stores the rain. Alternate translation: “the clouds” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “when the crops need it”

The word “hand” is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “all the work that you do” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 28:13

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This metaphor describes the nation of Israel as an animal and means the Israelites will always be the leaders over other nations and never the servants following behind them. The Israelites will be superior in power, money, and honor. (See: Metaphor)

The Israelites will rule over others but never have others rule them.

Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, so the word “you” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 28:14

Disobeying Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if a person physically turned and went in a different direction from Yahweh’s words. Alternate translation: “if you do not disobey what I am commanding you today by serving other gods” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:15

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here Moses starts describing the curses the people will receive if they disobey.

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” means what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh your God is saying” (See: Metonymy)

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if you cannot escape having him curse you” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:2.

Deuteronomy 28:16

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “Yahweh will curse you” (See: Active or Passive)

This merism means that Yahweh will bless them everywhere. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:3. (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 28:17

The Israelites used a basket to carry grain. A “kneading trough” was a bowl they used to mix the grain and make bread. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:5. Alternate translation: “all the food you grow and all the food you eat” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:18

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “Yahweh will curse” (See: Active or Passive)

This is an idiom for “your children, your crops.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:4. (See: Idiom)

This doublet is two ways of saying that Yahweh will make the Israelites’ animals many and strong. Alternate translation: “the calves of the cattle and the lambs of the flocks” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 28:19

This merism refers to all of life’s activities everywhere they go. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:6 (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 28:20

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “disasters, fear, and frustration”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in everything you do” (See: Idiom)

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: “until your enemies destroy you” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “me” refers to Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 28:21

Alternate translation: “remain on you”

Deuteronomy 28:22

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “diseases and burning fevers that will make you weak.” These all refer to diseases that cause people to grow weak and die.

Alternate translation: “with lack of rain”

mold that grows on crops and causes them to rot

Moses speaks of the bad things that would happen to the Israelites as if they were people or animals who would chase after the Israelites. Alternate translation: “You will suffer from them” (See: Personification)

Deuteronomy 28:23

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Moses speaks of the skies being like bronze because there will be no rain. Alternate translation: “skies … will give no rain” (See: Metaphor)

Moses speaks of the earth being like iron because no crops will grow. Alternate translation: “nothing will grow from the ground” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:24

Alternate translation: “instead of rain, Yahweh will send sandstorms”

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: “until it destroys you” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:25

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “Yahweh will cause your enemies to strike you down” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:7.

This means the Israelites will be afraid and panic and run away from their enemies. See similar wording in Deuteronomy 28:7. Alternate translation: “you will flee in seven directions” (See: Numbers)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in many different directions” (See: Idiom)

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: “The peoples of the other nations will drive you from one nation to another” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:27

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “the same skin disease with which I cursed the Egyptians”

These are different types of skin diseases.

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: “from which no one will be able to heal you” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:29

Alternate translation: “You will be like blind people who grope in darkness even at noonday.” The Israelites will have a difficult life even when everyone else is enjoying life. (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “stronger people will always oppress and rob you”

Deuteronomy 28:30

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 28:31

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: “You will watch as someone kills your ox” (See: Active or Passive)

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: “someone will take your donkey by force and will not give it back” (See: Active or Passive)

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: “I will give your sheep to your enemies” or “I will allow your enemies to take your sheep” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:32

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “I will give your sons and your daughters to other peoples” or “Your enemies will take your sons and daughters” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “your eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you will grow tired as you constantly watch for them and long to see them again” (See: Synecdoche)

Here the metonym “strength in your hand” refers to power. “Alternate translation: “You will be powerless to do anything about it” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:33

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here the metonym “a nation” means the people from a nation. Alternate translation: “people from a nation” (See: Metonymy)

The words “oppressed” and “crushed” mean basically the same thing. 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: “they will always oppress and crush you” or “they will oppress you continually” (See: Doublet and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:34

Alternate translation: “what you see will make you go crazy”

Deuteronomy 28:35

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: “that no one will be able to cure” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:36

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 28:37

Here the words “proverb” and “byword” mean basically the same thing. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “of horror. The people, in the places where Yahweh will send you, will make up proverbs and bywords about you” or “of horror. Yahweh will send you to peoples who will laugh at you and ridicule you” (See: Doublet)

a word or phrase that people use to shame others

Deuteronomy 28:38

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “but will harvest very little food”

Deuteronomy 28:40

Moses continues describing God’s curses if the people disobey him. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

People would rub olive oil on themselves to make their skin healthy.

You may need to make explicit that the fruit drops before it is ripe. Alternate translation: “your olive trees will drop their fruit before the fruit is ripe” or “the olives will fall off your olive trees before they are ripe” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 28:42

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 28:43

This does not mean a specific foreigner but refers to foreigners in general. Alternate translation: “The foreigners who are” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

This idiom means foreigners will have more power, money, and honor than the Israelites. (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:44

This does not mean a specific foreigner (verse 43) but refers to foreigners in general. Alternate translation: “They will … to them” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

This means foreigners will have more power and authority than the Israelites. See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 28:13. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:45

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. See how you translated something similar in Deuteronomy 28:2. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if he is chasing you and you cannot escape having him curse you” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

Here the words “voice of Yahweh” are a metonym for what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh your God said” (See: Metonymy)

The words “commandments” and “regulations” are a doublet for “all that Yahweh has commanded you to do.” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 28:47

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here “joyfulness” and “gladness of heart” mean the same thing. They emphasize that the people should have been very glad to worship Yahweh. (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 28:48

This is a metaphor for Yahweh allowing the enemy to treat the Israelites cruelly and make them slaves. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:49

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the enemy will come from a nation that is very far away from Israel. (See: Doublet)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “from places that you know nothing about” (See: Idiom)

This means the enemy will come suddenly and the Israelites will not be able to stop them. (See: Simile)

Deuteronomy 28:50

The word “nation” is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: “a nation whose people have fierce expressions, who do not respect the aged and do not show favor” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:51

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: “until they destroy you” or “until they leave you with nothing” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:52

Moses continues describing the army that will attack the Israelites if they do not obey Yahweh. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here the phrase “city gates” represents a city. Alternate translation: “your cities” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 28:53

Here “the flesh of your sons and of your daughters” explains the metaphor “the fruit of your own body.” The people will be so hungry after the enemy army surrounds their city that they will eat their own children. (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

This speaks of children as if they were fruit that was produced by the bodies of their parents. Alternate translation: “your own children” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:54

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “who is tender and very delicate among you—even he.” Moses is saying that not only those one would expect to eat their children, but even the last person one would expect to eat his own children will eat his children.

Deuteronomy 28:55

Here “city gates” represents the cities themselves. Alternate translation: “all your cities” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 28:56

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “The tender and delicate woman among you … tenderness—even she.” Moses is saying that not only those one would expect to eat their children, but even women of noble birth and normally very gentle, whom one would never expect to eat their children, will eat their children. The word “you” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Moses is exaggerating. He is emphasizing that this noble woman is so rich and lives in such luxury that she would not allow herself to get dirty. (See: Hyperbole)

The abstract nouns “delicateness” and “tenderness” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “because she is so delicate and tender” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 28:57

Here “city gates” represents the cities themselves. Alternate translation: “within your cities” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 28:58

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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: “that I have written” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the metonym “name” refers to Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God who is glorious and awesome” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:59

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will send terrible plagues on you and your descendants” or “Yahweh will make sure that you and your descendants suffer from terrible plagues”

Deuteronomy 28:60

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “He will make sure that you again suffer from the diseases of Egypt” (See: Idiom)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the diseases will not stop, and no one will be able to heal you of them” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:61

Here “every” is a generalization that means “many.” 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: “even other sicknesses and plagues that I have not written” (See: Hyperbole and Active or Passive)

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: “until he has destroyed you” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:62

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so all instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

This means that in the past there were many Israelites. (See: Simile)

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh says” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:63

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so all instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh once enjoyed doing you good and causing you to become many”

Alternate translation: “he will enjoy making you die”

Moses uses a metaphor to speak of the people as though they were fruit that Yahweh would take off a bush. 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 remove you from the land which you are entering to possess” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 28:64

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

These two extremes together mean everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: “throughout the earth” or “all over the earth” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 28:65

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here the phrase “the bottoms of your feet” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you will have to continually wander because you have no permanent home where you can rest” (See: Synecdoche)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause you to be afraid, without hope, and sad” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:66

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “You will not know whether you will live or die” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:67

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “because of the fear you are feeling” (See: Idiom)

Here “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “the terrifying things I will force you to see” (See: Synecdoche and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 28:68

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 29

Deuteronomy 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a retelling of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses, along with its blessings and cursing. (See: covenant and bless, blessed, blessing and curse, cursed, cursing)

Deuteronomy 29:1

This refers to words that Moses is about to speak.

This is on the east side of the Jordan where the Israelites were staying before they entered the land of Canaan. “while they were in the land of Moab”

These additional commands were given to make Yahweh’s covenant apply better to the people once they were settled in their new land. These new commands did not belong to a different covenant, but rather were additions to the original covenant.

Deuteronomy 29:2

Yahweh expected them to remember what Yahweh had done and they had seen it. Here the “eyes” represent the whole person and emphasize what the person has seen. Alternate translation: “You have seen all that Yahweh did so that you would see and remember what he did” (See: Synecdoche)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “your” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 29:3

Here “eyes” emphasizes that Yahweh expected them to remember that they had seen it. Alternate translation: “you saw for yourselves that the people suffered terribly” (See: Synecdoche)

The words “signs” and “wonders” both refer to the plagues that Yahweh had sent upon Egypt. Alternate translation: “and all of the powerful things that Yahweh did” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 29:4

The people do have hearts, eyes, and ears. This metonym says that Yahweh has not enabled them to understand from what they saw and heard who Yahweh is, and how and why they should obey him. (See: Metonymy)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “enabled you to understand” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 29:5

Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “40 years” (See: Numbers)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “your” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 29:6

Alcoholic drinks made probably from fermented grains. They were not distilled liquors.

Deuteronomy 29:7

See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4.

Here “us” refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Deuteronomy 29:9

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the people were to obey Yahweh’s commands. Alternate translation: “obey all the words of this covenant” (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 29:10

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 29:11

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

There were many foreigners among the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the foreigners who are among you in your camp, from those who cut your wood to those who get your water” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Deuteronomy 29:12

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “to agree to the covenant and to swear that you will obey all that Yahweh your God commands”

Deuteronomy 29:13

Alternate translation: “a people group that belongs to him alone”

Deuteronomy 29:14

Here “I” refers to Yahweh. “Yahweh is making”

Deuteronomy 29:15

Here “us” refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “our future descendants, who are not here”

Deuteronomy 29:16

Alternate translation: “we were slaves”

Deuteronomy 29:18

Here “heart” refers to the whole person, and “turning away” means to stop obeying. Alternate translation: “who no longer obeys Yahweh our God” (See: Synecdoche)

Moses speaks of someone who secretly worships another God as if he were a root, and the evil deeds he does to serve that god, and which he encourages others to do, as a bitter plant that poisons people. Alternate translation: “any person who worships idols and causes others to disobey Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 29:19

The person described in verse 18.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “congratulate himself” or “encourage himself” (See: Idiom)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “even though I still refuse to obey Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

Here the words “wet” and “dry” are metaphors for the righteous people and the wicked people. This forms a merism for “everyone.” Alternate translation: “This would cause Yahweh to destroy both the righteous people and the wicked people in the land” (See: Metaphor and Merism)

These nominal adjectives can be translated as nouns. Because the land was usually dry and the people needed rain so their crops would grow, these words are metaphors for “living … dead” or “good … bad.” Alternate translation: “wet things … dry things” or “good people … bad people” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 29:20

Just as a fire can grow in intensity, so can God’s anger and Jealousy grow in intensity. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s jealous anger will grow like a fire” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “jealousy” describes “the anger of Yahweh.” Alternate translation: Yahweh’s jealous anger” (See: Hendiadys)

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: “that I have written” (See: Active or Passive)

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 28:15. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse him with the curses written in this book in ways that will completely surprise him” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

This means God will completely destroy the person and his family. In the future people will not remember him. A similar phrase appears in Deuteronomy 7:24.

Deuteronomy 29:22

The words “your children … after you” tell who “the generation to come” is.

Deuteronomy 29:23

People put sulfur and salt on the soil to keep anything from growing. “when they see that Yahweh has burned the land with sulfur and salt”

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: “where no one can sow seed and the crops do not bear fruit” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word overthrow, you could express the same idea with a clause. Alternate translation: “as when Yahweh completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah”

These are names of cities that Yahweh destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 29:24

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “they will ask with all the other nations why Yahweh has done this to the land, and what the heat of this great anger means.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Alternate translation: “your descendants and the people of all the other nations will say”

The writer is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: “What does this terrible anger mean?” (See: Hendiadys)

Deuteronomy 29:25

This is the answer to “Why has Yahweh done this to this land?” (Deuteronomy 29:24). “Yahweh has done this to the land because the Israelites did not follow the promises and the laws of his covenant”

Deuteronomy 29:26

Alternate translation: “obeyed other gods and worshiped them”

Deuteronomy 29:27

Moses compares Yahweh being angry to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes God’s power to destroy whatever makes him angry, and it can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has became very angry with this land” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Here “land” is a metonym representing the people. Alternate translation: “the people of this land, so as to bring on them” (See: Metonymy)

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: “that I have written” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 29:28

Israel is compared to a bad plant that Yahweh has pulled up and thrown out of a garden. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has removed them from their land … and has forced them to go” (See: Metaphor)

The words “anger” and “wrath” and “fury” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the great intensity of Yahweh’s anger. Alternate translation: “in extremely great anger” or “because he was extremely angry” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 29:29

Alternate translation: “Some things Yahweh our God has not revealed, and only he knows them”

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: “that he has revealed” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “we may do everything that this law commands us to do”

Deuteronomy 30

Deuteronomy 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Moses begins to give final instructions to Israel before his death in anticipation of their entrance into the Promised Land. There were warnings and blessings associated with the people’s obedience to the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: Promised Land and bless, blessed, blessing and covenant)

Deuteronomy 30:1

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here “these things” refer to the blessings and curses described in chapters 28-29. The phrase “have come on you” is an idiom that means to happen. Alternate translation: “When all these things happen to you” (See: Idiom)

This speaks of the blessings and curses that Moses told the people as if they were objects that he set in front of them. Alternate translation: “that I have just now told you about” (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember them” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “while you are living in the other nations”

Alternate translation: “has forced you to go”

Deuteronomy 30:2

Here “voice” is referring to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what he says” (See: Metonymy)

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 30:3

Alternate translation: “free you from your captivity.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word captivity, you could express the same idea with a verbal clause. Alternate translation: “free you from those who had captured you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 30:4

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “Even those of your exiled people who are in the farthest places”

Alternate translation: “under the sky” or “on the earth”

Deuteronomy 30:6

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is not a literal removal of flesh. It means God will remove their sin and enable them to love and obey him. (See: Metaphor)

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 30:7

Moses speaks of curses as though they were a load or a cover that someone could physically put on top of a person. Alternate translation: “will cause your enemies to suffer from these curses” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 30:8

Here “voice” means what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what Yahweh says” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 30:9

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here “hand” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in all the work you do” (See: Synecdoche)

These three phrases are idioms for “in children … in calves … in crops.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 28:4. (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 30:10

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: “that I have written” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 30:11

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Moses speaks of being able to understand what a commandment requires a person to do as if it were that person being able to reach a physical object. Alternate translation: “neither is it too difficult for you to understand what Yahweh requires you to do” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 30:12

Here Moses uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that the people of Israel think that Yahweh’s commands are too difficult for them to know. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Someone must travel to heaven to learn God’s commands and then return to tell us what they are so we can obey them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 30:13

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This rhetorical question continues the idea that the people of Israel think Yahweh’s commands are too difficult to know. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Someone must travel across the sea to learn God’s commands and then return and tell us what they are.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 30:14

This means that the people already know God’s commands and can tell them to others. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 30:15

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Putting something where another person can see it is a metaphor for telling someone about something. Alternate translation: “I have told you about” (See: Metaphor)

You can make clear the implicit information. Alternate translation: “what is good and will cause you to live, and what is evil and will cause you to die” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 30:16

increase greatly in number

Deuteronomy 30:17

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here “heart” refers to the whole person. 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: “if you stop being loyal to God … and the people living in the land convince you to bow down and worship other gods” (See: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 30:18

Moses speaks to the Israelites as a group. (See: Forms of You)

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 30:19

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This could mean: (1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says, or (2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says (See: Metonymy and Personification and Apostrophe)

Alternate translation: “to be willing to say that you have done evil things”

Moses speaks to the Israelites as a group. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 30:20

Here “voice” refers to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what he says” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “to rely on him”

These phrases have the same meaning and are metonyms for Yahweh, emphasizing that he is the one who gives life and determines the length of people’s lifetimes. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the only one who can enable you to live a long life” (See: Doublet and Metonymy)

The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: “swore that he would give to your ancestors” (See: Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 31

Deuteronomy 31 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Final instructions

In the Ancient Near East, it was common for an important leader to give instructions for his people to follow after his death. In this chapter, Moses begins his final words to the people of Israel. These are words that he wants them to remember long after he is gone. This section also helped to make a smooth transition to Joshua’s leadership.

Deuteronomy 31:2

Alternate translation: “120 years old” (See: Numbers)

Here the extremes “go out” and “come in” used together mean that Moses can no longer do what a healthy person can do. Alternate translation: “I am no longer able to go everywhere that you need to go, so I cannot be your leader any longer” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 31:3

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “you will take their land”

Alternate translation: “Joshua will lead you across the river, as Yahweh promised”

Deuteronomy 31:4

Moses continues speaking to the Israelites.

Here “Sihon” and “Og” refer to two Kings of the Amorites and their armies. See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4. Alternate translation: “he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their armies” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 31:6

Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous”

Alternate translation: “do not fear them at all”

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This can be treated as litotes and translated positively. Alternate translation: “he will always fulfill his promise to you and will always be with you” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 31:7

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This means that all of the people of Israel were present. Alternate translation: “in the presence of all the Israelites” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 31:5.

Alternate translation: “you will help them take the land”

Deuteronomy 31:9

Alternate translation: “gave it out to the Levites, who are the priests”

Deuteronomy 31:10

Alternate translation: “7 years” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “for canceling debts”

Other names for this festival are “Feast of Tabernacles,” “Festival of Booths,” and “Feast of the Ingathering.” During harvest, farmers would set up temporary shelters in the field. This festival took place after the last harvest of the year. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 16:13.

Deuteronomy 31:11

• Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “so that they can hear it”

Deuteronomy 31:12

Moses continues speaking to the priests and the elders.

Here “city gates” represents the cities themselves. Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the instances of “your” here are singular. Alternate translation: “your foreigners who live in your cities” (See: Synecdoche and Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “carefully obey all the commands in this law”

Deuteronomy 31:14

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you. The”

Deuteronomy 31:15

This was a thick cloud of smoke in the shape of an upright column.

Deuteronomy 31:16

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am going to tell you. You”

This is a polite way to say “you will die.” Alternate translation: “you will die and join your ancestors who have died before you” (See: Euphemism)

Being a prostitute is a metaphor for worshiping gods other than Yahweh. Alternate translation: “will start to be unfaithful to me” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 31:17

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Yahweh compares his anger to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes God’s power to destroy whatever makes him angry. 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: “I will kindle my anger against them” or “I will become angry with them” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will not help them” (See: Idiom)

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: “I will devour them” or “I will allow their enemies to devour them” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a metaphor for “completely destroyed.” (See: Metaphor)

This describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. Alternate translation: “They will experience many disasters and troubles” (See: Personification)

This describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “These disasters are destroying me … midst.” (See: Personification and Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “God is no longer protecting us” or “God has left us alone”

Deuteronomy 31:19

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses about the Israelites.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Make them memorize and sing it” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 31:20

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3.

Deuteronomy 31:21

Here evils and troubles are described as if they were human and could find people. Alternate translation: “When this people experiences many evils and troubles” (See: Personification)

This speaks of the song as if it were a human witness testifying in court against Israel. (See: Personification)

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: “their descendants will not forget to keep it in their mouths” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “their descendants will remember to keep it in their mouths” (See: Active or Passive)

The idiom “forget it from the mouth” means to stop speaking about it. Alternate translation: “their descendants will not stop speaking about it to each other” (See: Active or Passive)

What people plan to do is spoken of as if it were a physical object. Alternate translation: “what they plan to do” (See: Metaphor)

God’s promise of the land was to give it to the people of Israel. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the land that I promised I would give to them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 31:23

Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 31:5.

Deuteronomy 31:26

Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 31:27

Moses continues speaking to the Levites about all the Israelite people.

Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word “your” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

See how you translated “stubborn” in Deuteronomy 9:6.

This rhetorical question emphasizes how rebellious the people were. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “you will be even more rebellious after I die.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 31:28

Here “in their ears” means the people themselves. Alternate translation: “so that I may speak the words of this song to them” (See: Synecdoche)

This could mean: (1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says or (2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says. A similar phrase appears in Deuteronomy 30:19. (See: Metonymy and Personification and Apostrophe)

Deuteronomy 31:29

Alternate translation: “you will do what is completely wrong.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

Alternate translation: “stop following the instructions I have given to you.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 9:12.

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what is evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

Here “your hands” means the people themselves. Alternate translation: “because of what you have made” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 31:30

Here “ears” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “Moses recited to all the people of Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

This could mean: (1) “sang” or (2) “spoke.”

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the words of the song that Yahweh taught him” (See: Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 32

Deuteronomy 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 32:1-43.

Special concepts in this chapter

Punishment

This chapter prophesies a time when Israel will be disobedient to Yahweh and he will have to punish them. This is meant to serve as a warning to the nation. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Deuteronomy 32:1

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh speaks to the heavens and earth as if they are there listening. This could mean: (1) Yahweh is speaking to the inhabitants of heaven and earth or (2) Yahweh is speaking to the heavens and earth as if they are persons. (See: Apostrophe)

Deuteronomy 32:2

This means Yahweh wants the people to eagerly accept his helpful teaching. (See: Simile)

Use the word in your language for the process by which dew appears.

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings

Alternate translation: “new plants”

heavy rain

Deuteronomy 32:3

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

This is an idiom. “tell how good Yahweh is” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “make sure people know that our God is great”

Deuteronomy 32:4

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “everything he does”

Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: “he does everything in a just way” (See: Metaphor)

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh is fair and does what is right. (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 32:5

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. Moses continues to use parallelism to emphasize what he is saying. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “opposed him by doing what is wrong.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

The words “perverted” and “crooked” mean basically the same thing. Moses uses them to emphasize how wicked the generation is. Alternate translation: “a completely wicked generation” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 32:6

Moses uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: “You should give Yahweh proper praise … people.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The words “foolish” and “senseless” mean the same thing and emphasize how foolish the people are for disobeying Yahweh. Alternate translation: “you extremely foolish people” (See: Doublet)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

Moses uses a question to scold the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is your father and the one who created you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 32:7

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “days of long ago.” Moses refers to the time period when the ancestors of the people of Israel were alive.

This is a repetition of what Moses just said in the previous portion. Moses wants the people of Israel to focus on their history as a nation. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “he will make it clear to you” or “he will enable you to understand it”

Deuteronomy 32:8

This is an idiom. “put the nations in the places where they would live.” Similar words, “giving to you as an inheritance,” appear in Deuteronomy 4:21. (See: Idiom)

God assigned each people group, together with its gods, to its own territory. In this way, he limited the influence of a people group’s idols.

Deuteronomy 32:9

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. As he speaks to the Israelites, he talks about them as if they were someone else and as if they were one man. (See: Parallelism)

These two phrases means basically the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: “The descendants of Jacob are Yahweh’s inheritance” (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 32:10

You may need to translate this as if Moses were talking about the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “He found our ancestors … shielded them and cared for them … guarded them”

Here “howling” refers to the sound the wind makes as it blows through the empty land.

This is an idiom. The apple of an eye refers to the dark part inside the eyeball that allows a person to see. This is a very important and sensitive part of the body. This means that the people of Israel are very important to God and something he protects. Alternate translation: “he protected him as something very valuable and precious” (See: Idiom and Simile)

Deuteronomy 32:11

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

This means Yahweh watched over and protected the Israelites while they were in the desert. (See: Simile)

the outer edges of a bird’s wings

Deuteronomy 32:12

Moses again speaks of the Israelites as “Jacob” (Deuteronomy 32:9). You may need to translate as if Moses were speaking of the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “led them … with them” (See: Pronouns)

Deuteronomy 32:13

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

This is an idiom. The word “him” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh made them ride on high places of the land” or “Yahweh helped them take and occupy the land” (See: Idiom)

Moses continues to speak of the Israelites as “Jacob” (Deuteronomy 32:9). You may need to translate this as though Moses were speaking of the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “made our ancestors ride … fed them … nourished them” (See: Pronouns)

Alternate translation: “he brought him to a land with plenty of crops he could eat”

The land had many wild bees, which produce honey, with hives inside rock holes. There were also many olive trees, which provide oil, and grow on rocks, hills, and mountains.

This is like a mother giving her breast to an infant. “allowed him to suck honey” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:14

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: Parallelism and Forms of You)

Moses continues to speak of the Israelites as “Jacob” (Deuteronomy 32:9). You may need to translate as though Moses were speaking of the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “Our ancestors ate” (See: Pronouns)

The people of Israel had many healthy herd animals.

Deuteronomy 32:15

Moses continues speaking his poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

Moses speaks of the Israelites as if they were a well-fed animal whose owner named it Jeshurun. You may add a footnote that says, “The name ‘Jeshurun’ means ‘upright one.’” If your language cannot speak of the Israelites as Jeshurun, you may refer to the Israelites as many people, as the UST does. (See: How to Translate Names)

This means Yahweh is strong like a rock and able to protect his people. (See: Metaphor)

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:4. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:16

The Israelites made Yahweh jealous.

Deuteronomy 32:17

Moses continues to speak his song to the Israelites. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “The people of Israel sacrificed”

This means the Israelites recently learned about these gods.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as many people, so the word “your” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 32:18

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Here Yahweh is called the rock because he is strong and protective. Alternate translation: “You have left the protective care of Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:4. (See: Metaphor)

This compares Yahweh to a father and a mother. This means God caused them to live and to be a nation. Alternate translation: “who fathered you … who gave life to you” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:19

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

This refers to the people of Israel whom Yahweh gave life to and made into a nation. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:20

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will turn away from them” or “I will stop helping them” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “I will see what happens to them”

Deuteronomy 32:21

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

Here “me” refers to Yahweh.

Alternate translation: “what are false gods”

You may need to make explicit what the “things” are. Alternate translation: “worthless idols” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “people who do not belong to one people group”

Translate “foolish” as in Deuteronomy 32:6.

Deuteronomy 32:22

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh compares his anger to a fire. This emphasizes his power to destroy what makes him angry. (See: Metaphor)

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: “I start a fire because I am angry, and it burns … it is devouring … it is setting” or “when I am angry, I destroy my enemies like a fire, and I destroy everything on earth and in … I devour … I set” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “even to the world of the dead”

Deuteronomy 32:23

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh speaks of bad things that would happen to the Israelites as if they were something like dirt that he could pile up on top of the Israelites. Alternate translation: “I will make sure that many bad things happen to them” (See: Metaphor)

Here Yahweh compares the bad things he will make sure happen to the Israelites to someone shooting arrows from a bow. Alternate translation: “I will do all I can do to kill them” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:24

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. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hunger, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “be hungry..” Alternate translation: “They will grow weak and die because they are hungry” (See: Active or Passive and Abstract Nouns)

Here, burning heat could mean: (1) the Israelites will suffer from fevers or (2) the weather will be unusually hot during a drought or famine. 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: “They will … hunger, and burning heat and terrible disasters will devour them” or “They will … hunger, and they will die from burning heat and terrible disasters” (See: Active or Passive)

The teeth and the poison are synecdoches for the animals that use these things to kill. Alternate translation: “I will send wild animals to bite them, and things that crawl in the dust to bite and poison them” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 32:25

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

Here “sword” represents the army of the enemy. Alternate translation: “When the Israelites are outside, the enemy army will kill them” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of being afraid as if it were a person who comes into a house and kills those who live in it. Alternate translation: “you will die because you are afraid” (See: Personification)

These terms describing people of different ages are combined to mean that all kinds of people will die. (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 32:26

This can be translated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “I said, ‘I will … away, and I will … mankind.’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Alternate translation: “I would make all people forget about them”

Deuteronomy 32:27

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “I was afraid of the provocation of the enemy”

This abstract noun can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “that the enemy would provoke me” or “that the enemy would cause me to be angry” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Yahweh speaks of his enemies as if they are one man. Alternate translation: “my enemy” or “my enemies” (See: Pronouns)

Alternate translation: “misunderstand”

Here “hand” represents the strength or power of a person. To be exalted is an idiom for defeating an enemy. Alternate translation: “We have defeated them because we are more powerful” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Deuteronomy 32:28

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 32:29

Moses states something that he wishes were true, but he knows that they are not wise and do not understand that their disobedience will cause Yahweh to bring this disaster on them. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fate, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what is going to happen to them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 32:30

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words and tell them more of what they would have understood if they were wise (Deuteronomy 32:29). (See: Parallelism)

Moses uses a question to scold the people for not being wise enough to understand why their enemies are defeating them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement as in the UST. (See: Rhetorical Question)

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “How could 1 enemy soldier chase 1,000 of your men, and 2 enemy soldiers cause 10,000 of your men to run away” (See: Numbers and Ellipsis)

The word “Rock” refers to Yahweh who is strong and able to protect his people. Alternate translation: “unless Yahweh, their Rock, had handed them over” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “The Rock” here is a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. Translate “Rock” as in Deuteronomy 32:4. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:31

Alternate translation: “The Rock” here is a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. Translate “Rock” as in Deuteronomy 32:4. (See: Metaphor)

The enemies’ idols and false gods are not powerful like Yahweh.

Alternate translation: “not only do we say so, but our enemies say so also”

Deuteronomy 32:32

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

Moses compares enemies who worship false gods to the wicked people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah and to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit. This means their enemies are wicked and will cause the Israelites to die if the Israelites start to act like the people who live around them. (See: Metaphor)

The vine is a metaphor for the people group. “it is as if their vine were a branch of the vines that grew in the fields of Sodom and Gomorrah” or Alternate translation: “they do evil the same way the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah did” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “their clusters of grapes”

Deuteronomy 32:33

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

Moses continues comparing the enemies of the people of Israel to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit and wine. This means their enemies are wicked. (See: Metaphor)

poisonous snakes

Deuteronomy 32:34

This question emphasizes that Yahweh’s plans for the people of Israel are kept secret like a valuable treasure. The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I know what I have planned to do to the Israelite people and to their enemies, and I have locked up those plans as someone would lock up his valuable possessions.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 32:35

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. This is the end of Moses’s quotation of Yahweh’s words that begins in Deuteronomy 32:20. (See: Parallelism)

The words “vengeance” and “recompense” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “I will have vengeance and punish Israel’s enemies” (See: Doublet)

to punish or reward a person for what he has done

Something bad has happened to them. Alternate translation: “they are helpless” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “the time for me to destroy them”

Yahweh speaks of the bad things that will happen to his enemies as if the bad things were people running eagerly to punish them. Alternate translation: “I will punish them quickly” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:36

Moses continues to speak a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with an adjective or as an adverb. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh will do what is just for his people” or “For Yahweh will act justly towards his people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “he will feel that he needs to help his servants”

Deuteronomy 32:37

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 32:38

Here Yahweh mocks the people of Israel for offering sacrifices to other gods. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The gods to whom the Israelites offered meat and wine have not come to help them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh says this to mock the Israelites. He knows these gods cannot help them. Alternate translation: “These idols are not even able to get up and help or to protect you” (See: Irony)

Deuteronomy 32:39

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “I, I myself” or “I, I alone.” Yahweh repeats “I” to emphasize that only he is God.

Deuteronomy 32:40

Alternate translation: “I lift up my hand to heaven and swear” or “I have taken an oath.” Lifting up the hand is a sign of making an oath.

Alternate translation: “As certainly as I live forever” or “I swear by my life which is never-ending.” This statement assures the people that what God says in Deuteronomy 32:41-Deuteronomy 32:42 will happen.

Deuteronomy 32:41

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “When I sharpen my shining sword.” This means God is preparing to judge and punish his enemies. Alternate translation: “When I am ready to judge my enemies” (See: Metonymy)

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “when I get ready to judge the wicked” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 32:42

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh speaks of arrows as if they were people to whom he could give alcohol and make them drunk, and of a sword as if it were a person who was so hungry that he would eat an animal before draining the blood out. These metaphors are metonyms for a soldier using arrows and a sword to kill many enemies. This in turn is a metaphor for Yahweh killing his enemies in war. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy and Personification)

A possible meaning is “from the long-haired heads of the enemy.”

Deuteronomy 32:43

This is the end of Moses’ song. (See: Parallelism)

Moses addresses the peoples of all the nations as if they were there listening. (See: Metonymy and Apostrophe)

Here “blood of his servants” represents the lives of his innocent servants who were killed. Alternate translation: “for he will take revenge on his enemies, who killed his servants” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 32:44

This could mean: (1) “spoke” or (2) “sang.”

Here “ears” represents the people themselves and emphasizes that Moses wanted to make sure they heard the song clearly. Alternate translation: “to the people so they would be sure to hear it” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 32:45

This could mean: (1) “speaking” or (2) “singing.”

Deuteronomy 32:46

Alternate translation: “Moses said to the people of Israel”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to” or “Think about” (See: Idiom)

This could mean: (1) “I have testified to you,” referring to what Yahweh has said he will do to the Israelites if they disobey, or (2) “I have commanded you,” referring to what Yahweh was commanding them to do.

Alternate translation: “your children and descendants”

Deuteronomy 32:47

Alternate translation: “this law is”

This litotes can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “something very important” (See: Litotes)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word life, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “live..” You may need to make explicit the metonymy of obeying the law, which represents the law itself. Alternate translation: “because you will live if you obey it” (See: Metonymy)

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:49

This is the name of a mountain range in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “Abarim and climb up Mount Nebo”

This is the highest place in the Abarim Mountains. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “on the other side of the river from Jericho”

Deuteronomy 32:50

Yahweh finishes speaking to Moses.

This is a polite way of saying Moses’ spirit would join the spirits of his relatives in the world of the dead. Alternate translation: “join your ancestors who died before you” (See: Euphemism)

This is the name of a mountain on the border of Edom. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 32:51

This is the name of the place in the desert where Moses disobeyed God. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a wilderness on the southern border of Judah. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 33

Deuteronomy 33 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic lines of Moses’ blessings in 33:1-29.

Special concepts in this chapter

Families

Moses gives a series of prophecies or instructions for each of the tribes of Israel and Israel overall. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Deuteronomy 33:1

Moses begins to bless the tribes of Israel. Moses speaks the blessing in the form of short poems. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 33:2

Moses compares Yahweh to the rising sun. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh came from Sinai, he looked to them like the sun when it rises from Seir and shines out from Mount Paran” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “upon the people of Israel”

Alternate translation: “10,000 angels” (See: Numbers)

Other This could mean: (1) “In his right hand were flames of fire” or (2) “He gave them a law of fire” or (3) “He came from the south, down his mountain slopes.”

Deuteronomy 33:3

These verses are difficult to understand. Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. Moses speaks the blessing in the form of short poems. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

The pronouns “his” and “your” refer to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “all Yahweh’s holy ones are in his hand … his feet … his words” (See: Pronouns)

The hand is a metonym for power and protection. Alternate translation: “you protect all his holy people” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 33:4

Alternate translation: “a possession” or “a precious possession”

Deuteronomy 33:5

Verse 5 is difficult to understand. Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh became king”

This is another name for Israel. Translated as in Deuteronomy 32:15.

Deuteronomy 33:6

This begins Moses’ blessings to the individual tribes of Israel.

Other This could mean: (1) “and may his men not be few” or (2) “even though his men are few.”

Deuteronomy 33:7

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

Here “voice of Judah” refers to the cries and prayers of the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “when the people of Judah pray to you” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word help, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “help him to fight” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 33:8

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

These were sacred stones the high priest carried on his breastplate and used at times to determine God’s will. Here “your” refers to Yahweh. (See: Forms of You and Translate Unknowns)

Moses refers to the tribe of Levi as if it were one man. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the one who seeks to please you.”

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:16. Translator may add a footnote that says: “The name ‘Massah’ means ‘testing.’”

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:51. Translator may add a footnote that says: “The name ‘Meribah’ means ‘argue’ or ‘quarrel.’”

Deuteronomy 33:9

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems. He continues describing the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:8. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “your commands”

These words both mean to watch over and to protect. They are often metaphors for “obeyed,” but here they should be translated literally because they refer to a time when the Levites literally killed people who were rebelling against Yahweh. (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 33:10

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:8. (See: Parallelism)

Moses is speaking to Yahweh, so all these words are singular.

Deuteronomy 33:11

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues describing the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:8. (See: Parallelism)

be pleased with

Here the word “hands” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “all the work that he does” (See: Synecdoche)

The loins were considered the center of strength, and are here represent strength. Alternate translation: “Take away the strength of” or “Utterly destroy” (See: Metonymy)

This phrase is used twice as a metaphor. Alternate translation: “rise up to fight … cause any more trouble” (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “fight against” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 33:12

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

Here Moses is referring to the members of the tribe of Benjamin. 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: “The ones whom Yahweh loves live” (See: Active or Passive)

The abstact noun “security” can be translated using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “lives where no one can harm him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This could mean: (1) Yahweh protects the tribe of Benjamin with his power or (2) Yahweh lives in the hill region of the tribe of Benjamin. In both translations, it means Yahweh takes care of them.

Deuteronomy 33:13

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

This refers to the tribe of Ephraim and the tribe of Manasseh. Both tribes descended from Joseph.

The word “his” refers to Joseph which represents the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. 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: “May Yahweh bless their land” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “with the precious dew from the sky” or “with the precious rain from the sky”

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:2.

This refers to the water under the ground.

Deuteronomy 33:14

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:13. (See: Parallelism)

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. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 33:13. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless his land” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “with the best crops that the sun causes to grow”

Alternate translation: “with the best crops that grow month to month”

Deuteronomy 33:15

Moses is probably referring to food crops. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “the best fruits … the precious fruits” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “the mountains that existed long ago”

Alternate translation: “the hills that will exist forever”

Deuteronomy 33:16

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:13. (See: Parallelism)

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. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 33:13. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless his land” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abundance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what it produces in large amounts”

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, who spoke to Moses from the burning bush” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This metaphor is of a man putting his hand on the head of a son and asking God to bless the son. The man here is Yahweh. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless Joseph as a father blesses his son” (See: Metaphor)

Here “head” and “top of the head” represent the whole person. Also, Joseph represents his descendants. Alternate translation: “be upon the descendants of Joseph” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)

Another possible meaning is “brow” or “forehead.”

Deuteronomy 33:17

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:13. (See: Parallelism)

The ox is a metaphor for something large and strong. The word “firstborn” is a metaphor for honor. Alternate translation: “People will honor Joseph’s descendants, who are many and powerful” (See: Metaphor)

The horn is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: “he is as strong as” (See: Metaphor)

Pushing with his horns is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: “He is so strong that he will push” (See: Metaphor)

This means the tribe of Ephraim will be stronger than the tribe of Manasseh. Alternate translation: “the people of Ephraim, who number many times 10,000…the people of Manasseh, who number many times 1,000” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 33:18

Moses continues to bless each tribe of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He speaks to the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar as if they were one man, so the word “your” and the command “rejoice” here are singular. (See: Parallelism and Forms of You)

The people of Zebulun were located near the Mediterranean Sea. They traveled by sea and traded with other people. The people of Issachar preferred peaceful living and working the land and raising cattle. You can make clear the understood information. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 33:19

Alternate translation: “It is there that they will offer”

Alternate translation: “acceptable sacrifices” or “proper sacrifices”

This could mean: (1) they will trade with people across the sea or (2) they were beginning to use sand in making pottery.

The Hebrew word translated “suck” here refers to how a baby nurses at its mother’s breast. It means the people will gain wealth from the sea like a baby gets milk from its mother. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 33:20

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: This could mean: (1) “May Yahweh bless Gad and give him much land to live in” or (2) “People should say that Yahweh is good because he has given Gad much land to live in” (See: Active or Passive)

This means the people of Gad are strong and secure, and they will defeat their enemies in war. (See: Simile)

Deuteronomy 33:21

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Gad as one man, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:20. (See: Parallelism)

This means a larger piece of land that a leader normally took.

Alternate translation: “They met with all the leaders of the Israelites”

Alternate translation: “They obeyed all that Yahweh had commanded the Israelites”

Deuteronomy 33:22

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

The people of Dan are strong like a lion cub, and they attack their enemies who live in Bashan. You can make clear the understood information. (See: Metaphor and Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 33:23

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He speaks of the descendants of Naphtali as if they were one man. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh being pleased with Naphtali is spoken of as if “favor” were food that Naphtali ate until he was no longer hungry. Alternate translation: “who has all the good things he desires because Yahweh is pleased with him” (See: Metaphor)

Blessings are spoken of as if they were food that Naphtali ate until he could hold no more. Alternate translation: “whom Yahweh has blessed so that he has all he needs”

Moses speaks as if the tribe of Naphtali is one man, so these words are singular. (See: Forms of You)

This refers to the land around Lake Galilee. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 33:24

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

Olive oil was used for food and for the skin of the face and arms. Feet were dirty, so to put the foot in olive oil was to ruin valuable oil. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “have so much olive oil that he can afford to waste it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 33:25

Moses speaks to the tribe of Asher as if they are one man, so all instances of “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Cities had large bars across their gates to keep enemies out. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “May you be safe from attacks by your enemies” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 33:26

This is an image of Yahweh riding on clouds through the sky like a king on his chariot riding through a battlefield. Alternate translation: “rides through the heavens like a king rides through a battlefield … on the clouds like a king on his chariot” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “to help you.” Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 33:27

Here, refuge refers to a shelter or a place safe from danger. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word refuge, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The eternal God will protect his people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The words “everlasting arms” are a metaphor for Yahweh’s promise to protect his people forever. Alternate translation: “he will support and take care of his people forever” (See: Metaphor)

Moses speaks of the future as if it were the past to emphasize that what he is saying will come true. AT “He will thrust out … he will say” (See: Predictive Past)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” and the command “destroy” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

If this direct quotation would not work well in your language, you may change it to an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “he will tell you to destroy them!” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Deuteronomy 33:28

This could mean: (1) Moses speaks of the future as if it were the past to emphasize that what he is saying will come true, “Israel will dwell … Jacob’s spring will be secure” or (2) Moses is blessing Israel, “May Israel dwell … and may Jacob’s spring be secure.” (See: Predictive Past)

This could mean: (1) Jacob’s home or (2) Jacob’s descendants. (See: Metonymy)

The dew is spoken of as being so much that it is as if it were raining. This could mean: (1) Moses is blessing Israel, “may much dew cover the land like rain” or (2) Moses is telling what will happen in the future, “much dew will cover the land like rain.” (See: Metaphor)

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:2.

Deuteronomy 33:29

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “There is no other people group like you, a people whom Yahweh has saved … majesty.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

This merism speaks of Yahweh defending the Israelites from their enemies and enabling them to attack their enemies. (See: Merism)

The word “shield” is a metaphor for Yahweh protecting and defending the Israelites. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word help, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the one who protects you and helps you” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

The word “sword” is a metaphor for the power to kill with the sword in order to win battles. Alternate translation: “the one who enables you to win battles and so have majesty” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) the Israelites will destroy the places where the other people worship false gods or (2) the Israelites will walk on the backs of their enemies when the Israelites defeat them.

Deuteronomy 34

Deuteronomy 34 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter may have been written by Joshua, since it recorded Moses’ death. This chapter officially ends the revelation of the law of Moses, and life in the Promised Land is about to begin again. (See: reveal, revealed, revelation and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and Promised Land)

Deuteronomy 34:1

This is the highest point of Mount Pisgah which is in the northern part of the Abarim mountain range. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:49.

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:17.

Deuteronomy 34:3

This is another name for Jericho. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 34:4

Alternate translation: “see it for yourself”

Deuteronomy 34:6

This was a town in Moab. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29.

This refers to the time that this was written or edited, not to the present time in the twenty-first century.

Deuteronomy 34:7

Alternate translation: “30 days” (See: Numbers)

This means his eyes and body were still strong and healthy.

Deuteronomy 34:8

Alternate translation: “30 days” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 34:9

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:38.

The writer speaks as if Joshua were a container and the spirit were a physical object that could be put into a container. Alternate translation: “Yahweh enabled Joshua … to be very wise” (See: Metaphor)

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Moses had laid his hands on him to set Joshua apart so Joshua would serve Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 34:10

This is an idiom. It means Yahweh and Moses had a very close relationship. (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 34:12

Alternate translation: “who did all the great”