Ezekiel

Ezekiel front

Introduction to Ezekiel

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Ezekiel

Yahweh calls Ezekiel to speak his words (1:1–3:27)
Yahweh judges Judah and Jerusalem (4:1-24:27)
Ezekiel prophesies against nearby nations (25:1–32:32)
Yahweh explains the fall of Jerusalem (33:1–33)
Ezekiel brings messages of hope (34:1–48:35)
- A new shepherd (34:1–31)
- Edom destroyed (35:1–15)
- Israel restored (36:1–37:28)
- Gog and Magog (38:1–39:29)
- Jerusalem and the temple restored (40:1–48:35)

What is Ezekiel about?

The Book of Ezekiel contains words that Ezekiel prophesied between 592 B.C. and 573 B.C. The Jewish people were exiled in Babylonia. Ezekiel told them that God had punished them because they sinned against him. However, Ezekiel assured them that God would restore them. God was using Babylon to punish them. But eventually another nation would defeat the Babylonians. Ezekiel also prophesied about how God will restore Jerusalem and the temple so that the people can worship and sacrifice to him again. Ezekiel then described how the land will be divided again among the tribes of Israel.

How should the title of this book be translated?

“Ezekiel” or “The Book of Ezekiel” is the traditional name for this book. Translators may also call it “The Messages from God Brought by Ezekiel.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Who wrote the Book of Ezekiel?

Ezekiel wrote the prophecies in the Book of Ezekiel. He was a prophet and priest who lived near Babylon in the time of the exile.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was Ezekiel’s temple?

Several chapters of the Book of Ezekiel give instructions about building a new temple. However, this temple is not the same as the temple the people would build after going back to Jerusalem. Because Ezekiel’s temple has never been built, some scholars think that this temple is to be built in the future. Other scholars think that Ezekiel’s temple is symbolic of the Church.

Do the sacrifices in Ezekiel follow the law of Moses?

The sacrifices in Ezekiel 46 are somewhat different than the required sacrifices in Numbers 28. This may be because Ezekiel prophesied about a new temple with new sacrifices.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How should one represent Ezekiel’s visions in translation?

The Book of Ezekiel has many complicated visions. Some are similar to passages in other Scripture books that describe future events. Some of these visions are about God rescuing Israel in the distant future. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

It is unclear whether Ezekiel actually traveled to the particular places named in the visions, or whether what he described were mental ideas. For this reason, Ezekiel’s viewpoint is sometimes difficult to understand, even though the meanings of the visions may be clear.

Translators should avoid trying to explain these visions in their translations. Instead, they should present the visions just as they are in the source text.

What does “and you will know that I am Yahweh” mean?

This is a common phrase in the Book of Ezekiel. It is meant to assure the reader that these messages truly came from God, and that he will do what he has promised. The translator may also use the phrase “and you will understand that I am Yahweh and what I say will happen.” The UST translates it as “then you will know that I, Yahweh, have the power to do what I say that I will do.”

Ezekiel 1

Ezekiel 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Ezekiel’s call

Ezekiel had a vision of God calling him to prophetic ministry. (See: call, call out and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Ezekiel 1:1

This is the thirtieth year of Ezekiel’s life. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

“the fifth day of the fourth month.” This is the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifth day is around the end of June on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

The word “I” refers to Ezekiel. “I was one of the captives”

Alternate translation: “God showed me unusual things”

This is a river that people in Chaldea had dug to give water to their gardens. “the Kebar River”

Ezekiel 1:3

Ezekiel speaks of himself as if he were another person. Alternate translation: “to me, Ezekiel … upon me there” (See: Pronouns)

The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Ezekiel” (See: Idiom)

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “hand” is often used to refer to someone’s power or action. A person with his hand on another person has power over that other person. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was controlling him” (See: Metonymy)

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.

Ezekiel 1:4

Ezekiel continues to describe his vision.

This is a storm that has a lot of wind.

North is the direction to your left when you look toward the sun while it is rising.

This can be translated as a new sentence: “The storm had a very large cloud with fire flashing in it”

This could mean: (1) “flashing lightning” or (2) “constant lightning.”

Alternate translation: “a very bright light was around the cloud and inside of it”

Alternate translation: “bright yellow like amber” or “bright yellow” or “glowing yellow”

a hard yellow resin that is used as a beautiful decoration on jewelry

Ezekiel 1:5

Alternate translation: “Inside the storm”

Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like these things. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what looked like four living creatures” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “This is what they looked like” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The four creatures looked like people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 1:6

“but each of them had four different faces and four wings.” Each creature had a face on the front, a face on the back, and a face on each side of its head.

Ezekiel 1:7

Ezekiel continues to describe his vision.

Alternate translation: “but their feet looked like calf hooves” or “but their feet looked like the feet of calves”

the hard part of a calf’s foot

“that were shiny like bronze that has been polished.” This describes the feet of the creatures. Alternate translation: “and they shone like polished bronze” (See: Simile)

Ezekiel 1:8

Alternate translation: “on all four sides of their bodies”

Alternate translation: “For all four of the creatures, their wings and their faces were like this”

Ezekiel 1:9

Alternate translation: “the creatures did not turn as they moved”

Ezekiel 1:10

Ezekiel continues to describe his vision.

Ezekiel is describing the faces of the creatures on their front side. Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like a man’s face. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The face of each creature looked like the face of a man” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “The face on the right side of each one’s head looked like the face of a lion”

Alternate translation: “the face on the left side of the head of each one looked like the face of an ox”

Alternate translation: “The face on the back of the head of each one looked like the face of an eagle”

Ezekiel 1:11

Alternate translation: “each creature held up two of his wings so that one wing touched the wing of the creature on one side of him, and the other wing touched the wing of the creature on the other side of him”

This can be translated as a new sentence: “The other two wings of each creature covered its body”

Ezekiel 1:12

Alternate translation: “Each creature moved with a face looking forward”

Ezekiel 1:13

Ezekiel continues to describe his vision.

Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like these things. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the words likeness and appearance, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “As for what the living creatures looked like, they were similar to burning coals” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “lightning came out from the fire.”

Ezekiel 1:14

Lightning flashes and then disappears quickly, and the creatures moved from one place to another quickly. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The living creatures were moving swiftly back and forth, and they looked like lightning” (See: Simile and Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 1:15

Ezekiel continues to tell about his vision.

Ezekiel 1:16

Alternate translation: “This is what the wheels looked like and how they were made”

Beryl is a kind of clear, valuable stone, often of yellow or golden color. “clear and yellow like a beryl stone” or “clear and yellow like a precious stone”

Here, likeness refers to what the four wheels looked like. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “all four of the wheels looked the same” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The abstract nouns “appearance” and “structure” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “they appeared to be made with one wheel going through another wheel” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 1:17

Ezekiel continues to describe his vision.

This could mean: (1) “their” refers to the creatures. Alternate translation: “they would go straight in any one of the four directions that the creatures looked towards” or (2) “their” refers to the wheels.

Ezekiel 1:18

Alternate translation: “This is what the rims of the wheels looked like”

Alternate translation: “the rims were very tall and awe-inspiring” or “the rims where tall and frightening”

Alternate translation: “because the rims had very many eyes around all four of the wheels”

Ezekiel 1:19

The creatures were flying in the air after they left the ground. Alternate translation: “So when the creatures left the ground and went up into the air” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “the wheels also left the ground and went into the air”

Ezekiel 1:20

The word “they” refers to the creatures.

Alternate translation: “the wheels went up into the air with the living creatures”

This could mean: (1) Ezekiel is speaking of the “creatures” of verse 19 as if they were one creature. Alternate translation: “the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels” or (2) Ezekiel is using an idiom. Alternate translation: “the spirit of life was in the wheels” or “the living spirit was in the wheels” or (3) the spirit in the creatures and in the wheels is the same. Alternate translation: “the same spirit that gave life to the creatures also gave life to the wheels” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 1:22

Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like “an expansive dome.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what looked like an expansive dome” (See: Abstract Nouns)

A dome looks like a hollow ball that is cut in half. “Expansive” means very large. “a huge upside-down bowl”

Alternate translation: “awe-inspiring ice” or “crystal that makes people marvel when they look at it”

Alternate translation: “and the expansive dome was spread out above the heads of the creatures” or “and the expansive dome took up a lot of space over the heads of the creatures”

Ezekiel 1:23

Alternate translation: “under the dome”

Alternate translation: “Each of the living creatures also had two other wings, which they used to cover their bodies”

Ezekiel 1:24

The words whenever they moved could mean: (1) all the words before them in this verse, “Whenever they moved, I heard the sound of their wings. Like the noise of rushing water. Like the voice of the Almighty. Like” or (2) to the words that follow, “wings. Like the noise of rushing water. Like the voice of the Almighty. Whenever they moved, it sounded like.”

These sentences are not complete because Ezekiel was showing that he was excited about what he saw. They can be translated as complete sentences: “The wings sounded like … water. They sounded like … moved. They sounded like … rainstorm. They sounded like … army.” (See: Simile)

This simply means “a lot of water.” It could refer to a loud river or a large waterfall or the waves crashing at the ocean. All of these are very loud.

The Bible sometimes refers to thunder as “the voice of the Almighty.” Alternate translation: “It sounded like the voice of the Almighty God” or “It sounded like the thunder of the Almighty” (See: Metonymy)

Possible meanings are: (1) “Like the sound of very big storm” or (2) “Like the sound of a very large crowd of people” Alternate translation: “There was a sound that was loud like a big storm” or “There was a sound that was loud like a very large crowd of people” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “Whenever the creatures stopped moving”

“the creatures let their wings hang down by their sides.” They did this when they were not using their wings to fly.

Ezekiel 1:25

“Someone who was above the dome spoke.” If you need to tell whose voice this is, you should probably identify it as the voice of Yahweh (Ezekiel 1:3).

Alternate translation: “the dome that was over the heads of the creatures”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:23.

Ezekiel 1:26

Alternate translation: “over the heads of the living creatures”

Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like a throne. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “was something that looked like a throne” (See: Abstract Nouns)

a very valuable stone that is clear blue and very shiny

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “on what looked like a throne there was” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The abstract nouns “likeness” and “appearance” can be translated with verbal phrases. If you need to tell who this is, you should probably identify him as Yahweh (Ezekiel 1:3). Alternate translation: “something that looked similar to what appeared to be a man” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 1:27

The person’s body above the hips looked like glowing metal that had fire in it. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “from what appeared to be his hips up” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “all around him below what appeared to be his hips, I saw what looked like fire and a bright light” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 1:28

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The brightness surrounding it appeared to be like the way a rainbow appears in the clouds on a rainy day” (See: Abstract Nouns)

the colorful strip of light that appears in the rain when the sun shines from behind the viewer

Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like the glory of Yahweh. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas behind the words appearance and likeness, you could express the same idea with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “It appeared to be what looked like the glory of Yahweh” (See: Abstract Nouns)

“I bowed down to the ground” or “I lay on the ground.” Ezekiel did not fall by accident. He went down to the ground to show that he respected and feared Yahweh. (See: Idiom)

The word “voice” is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “I heard someone speaking” or “Someone spoke, and I heard his voice” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 2

Ezekiel 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Ezekiel’s call continues in this chapter. God appointed Ezekiel to be a prophet but warned him that the people were very rebellious and would not listen to him. (See: call, call out and appoint, appointed and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Ezekiel 2:1

If your language has to identify the one speaking, it would be best to identify the speaker as the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26). It was not “the Spirit.”

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”

Ezekiel 2:2

Other This could mean: (1) “a spirit” or (2) “a wind.”

Ezekiel 2:3

“even now” or “even today.” This means that the people of Israel were continuing to disobey God.

Ezekiel 2:4

the descendants of the past generations of Israel who had rebelled against God, referring to the people living in Israel at the time Ezekiel writes

Alternate translation: “have expression on their faces that show that they are stubborn”

The words “stubborn faces” refer to the way they act on the outside, and the words “hard hearts” refer to the way they think and feel. Together they emphasize that the people of Israel would not change how they lived in order to obey God. (See: Doublet)

This describes a person who refuses to change what he thinks or what he is doing.

Rocks never change and become soft, and these people never change and become sorry when they do evil things. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 2:5

This is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. Alternate translation: “people group” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the one whom they have refused to listen to was a prophet”

Ezekiel 2:6

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”

These words describe the people of Israel who will not treat Ezekiel kindly when he tells them what God says. (See: Metaphor)

Briers are bushes with sharp points on the branches. The sharp points on the branches are called thorns.

A scorpion is a small animal with two front claws, six legs, and a large tail with a poisonous stinger. Its sting is very painful.

Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid of what they say.”

The words “their faces” are a metonym for the message the people express with their faces. Alternate translation: “lose your desire to serve me because of the way they look at you” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 2:7

Alternate translation: “are very rebellious” or “totally rebel against me”

Ezekiel 2:8

This is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “people group” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 2:9

This could mean: (1) a person in the heavens had extended his hand out toward Ezekiel and all Ezekiel could see was from the hand to the elbow or shoulder or (2) the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26) extended his hand.

Alternate translation: “a scroll that had writing on it”

Ezekiel 2:10

The word “He” refers to the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26).

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had written on both its front and its back” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “lamentations,” “mourning,” and “woe.” Alternate translation: “someone had written on it that these people would lament, be sad the way they would be if someone they loved had died, and have bad things happen to them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 3

Ezekiel 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Ezekiel’s call concludes in this chapter. God told Ezekiel more about what he should say to the people and how he should say it. (See: call, call out)

Ezekiel 3:1

The word “He” refers to the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26).

This refers to the scroll that God was giving him (Ezekiel 2:9).

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 3:2

Many versions have “the scroll” or “this scroll.”

Ezekiel 3:3

The word “belly” refers to the part of the body people can see from the outside. The word “stomach” refers to the internal organs inside the belly.

Honey tastes sweet, and the scroll tasted sweet.

Ezekiel 3:4

If your language has to identify the one speaking, it would be best to identify the speaker as the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26). It was not “the Spirit.”

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 3:6

Alternate translation: “who speak a strange or difficult language”

Alternate translation: “I am not sending you to a mighty nation whose people speak a strange language”

This is a hypothetical situation that could have happened but did not. Yahweh did not send Ezekiel to people who did not understand his language. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

The word “them” refers to a mighty nation other than Israel.

Ezekiel 3:7

These mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “very rebellious” or “very stubborn” (See: Doublet)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “unwilling to change” (See: Idiom)

This phrase suggests that the people resist God and are unwilling to obey him. The heart is used to describe the place in the body where a person decides what they want to do. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 3:8

The word “Behold” here alerts Ezekiel to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

A hard face is a metaphor for being stubborn. Alternate translation: “I have made you as stubborn as they are” (See: Metaphor)

The “brow” is the forehead or eyebrow and is a metonym for what the person thinks. Alternate translation: “I have made … you strong so you will not stop doing what you are doing” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 3:9

Alternate translation: “I have made your brow like the hardest stone, harder than flint”

a stone that is hard enough to start a fire by hitting it with metal or another stone

Ezekiel 3:10

Here “heart” represents a person’s mind. Alternate translation: “remember them and listen carefully” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 3:11

The word “captives” refers to the people of Israel who were living in Babylon.

“your people group.” Ezekiel had lived in Judah before the Babylonians took him to Babylon.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.

Ezekiel 3:12

Some versions take “Blessed … place!” as a words that the “great earthquake” spoke: “I heard behind me the sound of a great earthquake, which said, ‘Blessed be the glory of Yahweh from his place!’” Others understand the sound of the earthquake as the sound of the glory of Yahweh leaving his place, “as the glory of Yahweh left its place, I heard behind me the sound of a great earthquake.”

It is not clear if the sound came from an earthquake, from a voice that was loud like an earthquake, or from the wings and wheels. Alternate translation: “a sound like the sound of a great earthquake” or “a voice speaking; the voice sounded like a great earthquake” or “a loud rumbling noise”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.

Alternate translation: “a loud, deep and powerful rumbling sound like the sound of an earthquake”

Ezekiel 3:14

Ezekiel seems to have been angry because Yahweh had sent him to speak to the Israelite exiles, thus rebelling against Yahweh himself. Though he was supposed to speak to them, he sat in silence for seven days, even though he could feel the anger of Yahweh “powerfully pressing on” him.

The words “bitterness” and “rage” are types of anger. This can be stated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “away. I was bitter and my spirit was full of anger” or “away. I was very bitter and angry”

Ezekiel speaks of his anger at Yahweh as if there were a bad taste in his mouth because Yahweh had forced him to eat something that tasted bad. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel speaks of being sad and tired because Yahweh had commanded him to do things he did not want to do as if Yahweh were pushing him down into the ground. (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) the word “hand” is often used to refer to someone’s power or action. Alternate translation: “the power of Yahweh” or (2) Ezekiel knew that Yahweh was angry with him because he was not obeying Yahweh by speaking to the Israelite exiles. (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 3:15

A town in Babylon, about 80 kilometers southeast of the main city, which was also called Babylon. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is a river that people in Chaldea had dug to give water to their gardens. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:1.

Alternate translation: “unable to do anything because I was so amazed”

Ezekiel 3:16

Ezekiel tells about his experience at Tel-Aviv.

This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 3:17

God told Ezekiel to warn the people of Israel just as a watchman would warn the people of a city if enemies were coming, so that they could prepare and be safe. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 3:18

Alternate translation: “wicked people”

This is an idiom for holding someone responsible or guilty of murder. Alternate translation: “treat you as if you had murdered him” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 3:19

The phrase “wicked deeds” means the same thing as “wickedness.” Alternate translation: “he does not stop doing wicked things” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 3:20

This could mean: (1) “make something bad happen to him” or (2) “cause him to sin openly.” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “he will die as a sinner” or “he will die as a guilty person because he has disobeyed me”

This is an idiom for holding someone responsible or guilty of murder. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:18. Alternate translation: “I will treat you as if you had murdered him” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 3:21

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “since you warned him” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 3:22

The word “hand” is often used to refer to someone’s power or action. Alternate translation: “the power of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 3:23

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.

This is a river that people in Chaldea had dug to give water to their gardens. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:1.

“I bowed down to the ground” or “I lay on the ground.” Ezekiel did not fall by accident. He went down to the ground to show that he respected and feared Yahweh. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28. (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 3:24

If your language has to identify the one speaking, it would be best to identify the speaker as the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26). It was not “the Spirit.”

Ezekiel 3:25

This is best translated literally.

Ezekiel 3:26

Alternate translation: “the top of your mouth”

Alternate translation: “you will not be able to speak”

Ezekiel 3:27

Alternate translation: “I will make you able to speak”

Alternate translation: “the one who refuses to listen will not listen”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.

Ezekiel 4

Ezekiel 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Destruction of Jerusalem

The destruction of Jerusalem is pictured in this chapter. Ezekiel showed the lack of food and water that would occur during the siege of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 4:1

You may need to make explicit that Ezekiel is to carve a picture. Alternate translation: “carve a picture of the city of Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 4:2

Alternate translation: “surround the city in order to capture it”

“build strong walls against it.” The walls would keep people from leaving the city.

“Build a ramp outside of it for the enemies to get inside.” Jerusalem had a wall around it to protect the people inside. The enemies could only get inside if they had a ramp to climb up over the wall.

“Set around it huge poles people would use to break down the gates and get inside.” “Battering rams” are large trees or poles that many men in an army would pick up and hit against a wall or door so they could break it down and get inside.

Ezekiel 4:3

This is a command to stare at the model of the city as a symbol of punishing the city. Alternate translation: “stare at the city” or “stare at the city so that it will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set your face” refers to literally staring at something. (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 4:4

This could mean: (1) “symbolically bear the punishment for the sins of the Israelites” or (2) “suffer by lying on your side because of their sin.”

This could mean: (1) “you will be guilty of their sin” or (2) “you will be punished for their sin.” Either of these meanings will be demonstrated “symbolically” by Ezekiel as noted in the UST.

Alternate translation: “lie facing the kingdom of Israel in a hostile manner”

Ezekiel 4:5

Alternate translation: “I myself command you to lie on your side for the same number of days as the number of years that I will punish them”

This could mean: (1) each year that they will be punished for their sins or (2) each year that they have sinned.

“three hundred and ninety days” (See: Numbers)

Ezekiel 4:6

the days Ezekiel lies down on his left side to illustrate the siege of the kingdom of Israel

This could mean: (1) “you will be guilty of the sin” or (2) “you will be punished for the sin.” Either of these meanings will be demonstrated symbolically by Ezekiel as noted in the UST. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 4:4.

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the descendants of Judah over many years. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Judah people group” or “the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “I will make you do this one day for each year that I will punish them”

Ezekiel 4:7

This is a command to stare at the model of Jerusalem as a symbol of punishing Jerusalem. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:3. Alternate translation: “Stare at Jerusalem that is under siege” or “Stare at Jerusalem that is under siege, so that it will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze. “Set your face” refers to literally staring at something. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “prophesy about the bad things that will happen to Jerusalem”

Ezekiel 4:8

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

Bonds are ropes or chains that keep a person from moving. It is not clear whether the word “bonds” is a metaphor for something Yahweh does that is as if he had bound Ezekiel or if he is using literal, physical ropes. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 4:9

These are different kinds of grains.

vines whose seeds, which grow in a single row inside its otherwise empty fruit, can be eaten

These are like beans, but their seeds are very small, round, and somewhat flat. (See: Translate Unknowns)

“three hundred and ninety days” (See: Numbers)

Ezekiel 4:10

“20 shekels per day.” A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: 200 grams of bread each day” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

Ezekiel 4:11

“1/6 hin” or “a sixth part of a hin” or “about one-half liter” (See: Biblical Volume and Fractions)

A hin is 3.7 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

Ezekiel 4:12

The word “it” refers to the bread (Ezekiel 4:9).

flat bread made of barley (Ezekiel 4:9) (See: Translate Unknowns)

“you will cook it over a fire made with pieces of human solid waste.” Your language may have a way of expressing this politely.

Ezekiel 4:13

will send away by force

Ezekiel 4:14

“Lord Yahweh, it would be wrong for me to do that.” Ezekiel is very troubled by what the Lord has told him to do.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4. Here Ezekiel is speaking to the Lord.

Alternate translation: “I have never eaten foul meat”

“disgusting, unclean meat.” This refers to meat that is unclean because it has come from an animal that has died of sickness or old age or was killed by another animal. The word “foul” shows his disgust over meat like this.

Ezekiel 4:15

Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to the important thing I will tell you now”

Alternate translation: “I will allow you to use”

solid waste from cows. Your language may have a polite way of expressing this.

solid waste from humans. Your language may have a polite way of expressing this. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 4:12.

Ezekiel 4:16

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

Alternate translation: “I will stop the supply of food to Jerusalem”

The supply is called a staff because some people need a staff to walk and do their work, and people need bread to live. Bread represents all kinds of food. Alternate translation: “the supply of food” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)

You may need to make explicit why they will ration the bread. “they will carefully divide their bread because they fear that there will not be enough” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

giving small amounts of something of which there is not enough to many people

The word “shaking” is a metaphor for being afraid and “trembling” represents fear. Alternate translation: “rationing it while shaking” or “rationing it in fear” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 4:17

This could mean: (1) “everyone will look at his brother and worry about how much food his brother eats and waste away” or (2) “every one of them will be dismayed and waste away” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The phrase “waste away” is usually used of flesh or wood rotting. Here it is a metaphor for wicked people becoming thin and dying because they have no food. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 5

Ezekiel 5 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The destruction of Jerusalem

The destruction of Jerusalem is continued to be pictured in this chapter. Ezekiel showed the destruction of Jerusalem by fire and war.

Ezekiel 5:1

Alternate translation: “blade for cutting hair”

Alternate translation: “shave your head and your face” or “remove the hair from your head and the beard from your face”

Ezekiel 5:2

“Burn a third of your hair” (See: Fractions)

middle

Alternate translation: “when the days of Jerusalem’s siege have ended” or “when the days have ended that you show how Jerusalem will put under siege”

“take one of the three piles of hair” (See: Fractions)

Alternate translation: “hit it with your sword all over the city”

“let the wind blow the last third of your hair in different directions” (See: Fractions)

The word “sword” is a metonym for enemy soldiers who will attack with their swords, and to “draw out a sword” is to send the soldiers into battle. Alternate translation: “I will cause their enemies to pursue them and attack them with swords” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “I will pull a sword out of its container”

Ezekiel 5:3

Alternate translation: “a few hairs from the piles”

The word “them” refers to the hairs. This could mean: (1) the hairs were long enough so Ezekiel could tie them or (2) Ezekiel was to sew the hairs or otherwise attach them (3) Ezekiel was to place the hairs loosely in a fold of the garment.

This could mean: (1) “the cloth on your arms” (“your sleeves”) or (2) “the end of the cloth on your robe” (“your hem”) or (3) the fold in the garment where it is tucked into the belt.

Ezekiel 5:4

This continues the instructions Yahweh gives to Ezekiel beginning with the words “But take” in verse 3. Ezekiel was to “take a small number of hairs” and “take more of the hair and throw it” when he shaved his hair and beard (Ezekiel 5:1) and before he burned the hair (Ezekiel 5:2). You may need to place these verses before those verses. “But when you shave off your hair and beard, and before you burn them, take … After you have scattered the hair to the wind, then take” (See: Order of Events and Verse Bridges)

“from there a fire will spread out and burn up all the people of Israel.” Yahweh speaks of how he will punish Israel as if he were going to set fire to a house and of the people of Israel as if they were the family that lives in that house but were at that time outside the house. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 5:5

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.

“This carving represents Jerusalem” (Ezekiel 4:1)

This could mean: (1) other nations were on all sides of Jerusalem or (2) “more important than all other nations.”

Jerusalem is referred to as “her” and “she.” (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “the neighboring countries” or “the countries around her”

Ezekiel 5:6

Alternate translation: “The people of Israel and Jerusalem have refused to obey my judgments.”

Ezekiel 5:7

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.

Alternate translation: “because your sinfulness is worse than” or “because you are more unruly than”

Alternate translation: “that are all around you.”

Walking is a metaphor for the way a person lives. Alternate translation: “have not lived according to my statutes” or “have not obeyed my statutes” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “or obeyed my decrees”

Ezekiel 5:8

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

“I will judge you in various ways” or “I will punish you” .

Ezekiel 5:9

“as I have not done before and will not do in a similar way again” or “like I have never done before and will never do again” .

“because of all the disgusting things you do.” God was angry because the people were worshiping idols and false gods.

Ezekiel 5:10

Ezekiel is probably telling what will really happen when the people have no food.

Alternate translation: “I will judge you” or “I will punish you severely”

Alternate translation: “I will force all of you who are left to go to different places.”

Ezekiel 5:11

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.

ruined the place that Yahweh had set aside to be only for his use

“with all of those things of yours that I hate.” You may need to make explicit that this refers to idols: “with all your idols, which I hate” or “with all your disgusting idols.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “with all the disgusting things that you do”

The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “I will not pity you” (See: and Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “I will surely punish you”

Ezekiel 5:12

Alternate translation: “many of them will die because of famine”

Ezekiel 5:13

Alternate translation: “I will no longer be angry because I will have done everything I wanted to do because I was angry”

The word “fury” means violent anger, and here it is a metonym for punishment. “I will stop punishing them because I will have punished them fully.” (See: Metonymy)

You may need to make explicit why Yahweh will be satisfied. Alternate translation: “I will be satisfied that I have punished them enough” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “when I have finished punishing them”

Ezekiel 5:15

The words “wrath” and “fury” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh is very angry. Alternate translation: “because I will be very angry with you” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 5:16

The word “arrows” is a metonym for the sharp pains that people feel when they have had no food for a long time. Alternate translation: “will make you feel the pain of intense hunger” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “make the famine more severe for you” or “make the famine last longer for you” or “make sure that there is less and less for you to eat”

A “staff” was something that people leaned upon to support them. This phrase is a metaphor that means removing the supply of food that the people were depending upon. See how “staff of bread” is translated in Ezekiel 4:16. Alternate translation: “cut off your food supply” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 5:17

Sickness and violent death are spoken of as if they were soldiers going through the city killing everyone they could. Alternate translation: “Many people will die of disease, and many others will die in war” (See: Personification)

Ezekiel 6

Ezekiel 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Shrines on the hill tops

God will destroy all those who have been worshiping idols at the hill top shrines.

Ezekiel 6:1

Yahweh is telling Ezekiel to speak to the mountains as if they were people so that the people of Israel would hear the words and know that Ezekiel’s words were for them. (See: Apostrophe)

This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 6:2

This is a command to stare at the mountains as a symbol of punishing the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:3. Alternate translation: “stare at the mountains of Israel” or “stare at the mountains of Israel so that the people there will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

The mountains of Israel were far away, so Ezekiel could not see them, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming it. Alternate translation: “turn toward the mountains of Israel and stare” or “stare toward the mountains of Israel so that the people there will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the mountains in the land of Israel”

Ezekiel 6:3

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

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.

The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation: “I am bringing soldiers to come and kill you” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 6:4

These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “People will no longer worship at your altars and your enemy will destroy your pillars” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh was speaking of sending soldiers (Ezekiel 6:3) to do these things. Alternate translation: “I will send soldiers to throw down” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “your people who have died”

Ezekiel 6:5

Yahweh was speaking of sending soldiers (Ezekiel 6:3) to do these things. Alternate translation: “I will send soldiers to lay … and scatter” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 6:6

These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Enemy armies will lay waste your cities” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “enemy armies will break your altars” or “enemy armies will break them” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be translated in active form. See how you translated “pillars” in Ezekiel 6:4. Alternate translation: “they will cut down your pillars” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will remember what you have done” or “they will destroy everything you have made” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 6:7

Alternate translation: “You will see the enemy kill many people”

When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 6:8

These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.

The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation: “some whom the soldiers do not kill” (See: Metonymy)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “when I scatter you in different countries” or “when I force you to live in other countries” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 6:9

Yahweh speaks of the Israelites as if they were a woman who sleeps with many people. Alternate translation: “I was sad because they were like a wife who has left me to sleep with other men” (See: Synecdoche)

Yahweh speaks of the Israelites as if they were a married woman who looks at other men and desires to sleep with them. Alternate translation: “by the way they desired strongly to worship idols” (See: Synecdoche)

This could mean: (1) “their faces will show that they hate themselves because of the wicked things they have done” or (2) “their faces will show that they hate the wicked things that they have done.”

Ezekiel 6:11

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to remind Ezekiel and the people that what he is saying is important. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.

Ezekiel was to do this symbolic action to get the people’s attention. This was not applause. (See: Symbolic Language)

This word is spoken by those who see people doing bad things and realize that bad things will happen to the evildoers as a result. If your language has a similar word, you might want to use it here.

To “fall” is a euphemism for to “die.” The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation:

Ezekiel 6:12

Alternate translation: “I will satisfy my anger against them” or “I will punish them until I am no longer angry”

Ezekiel 6:13

These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.

Another possible meaning is “hill, on all the mountain peaks, under every flourishing tree, and under every thick oak.”

healthy and growing

a large tree with strong wood that provided shade for worshipers

Ezekiel 6:14

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

Ezekiel 7

Ezekiel 7 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Now is the time for punishment

The people will be punished severely for their idol worship and the temple will be destroyed. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Ezekiel 7:1

This starts God’s prophecy of judgment on Israel.

Ezekiel 7:2

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to remind Ezekiel and the people that what he is saying is important. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.

The word “land” is a metonym for the people who live on the land. Alternate translation: “to the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “The end has come!”

“the entire land” The “four borders” are to the north, east, south, and west.

Ezekiel 7:3

These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.

The “end” is spoken of as if it were a robber attacking the people. Alternate translation: “your life is finished” (See: Personification)

“Wrath” is spoken of as if it were an arrow that Yahweh was shooting at the people. Alternate translation: “I am angry, and I will punish you” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “according to the things you do” or “because of the wicked things you do”

Alternate translation: “I will punish you for doing those things that I hate so much”

Ezekiel 7:4

The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “For I will not pity you” (See: Synecdoche)

The way a person lives is spoken of as a path on which one walks. Alternate translation: “I will punish you for the things you have done” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “I will punish all of you because of your abominations” or (2) “this will happen as long as you continue to worship idols.”

When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 7:5

These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to remind Ezekiel and the people that what he is saying is important. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:11. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.

These exclamations are meant to make the passage very strong. Alternate translation: “Behold, a terrible disaster is coming, one that no one has ever experienced before”

Alternate translation: “You can be absolutely sure that it”

Ezekiel 7:6

The judgment that is coming is treated as if it were an enemy waking up from sleep. (See: Personification)

Ezekiel 7:7

The word “mountains” is a metonym for the people who live on the mountains. Alternate translation: “the people on the mountains will not have any more joy” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 7:8

These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “Very soon now”

Yahweh uses the terms “pour out” and “fill up” to speak of his anger as if it were water that he poured out into a jar. These phrases emphasize that Yahweh will punish the people severely. Alternate translation: “I will punish you severely because I am very angry” (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “wrath” or “great anger”

Ezekiel 7:9

The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “I will not look on them with compassion” or “I will not be compassionate to them” (See: and Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “I will not leave you without punishment” or “I will punish you”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 7:4.

Ezekiel 7:10

These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.

“Behold! The day is coming!” You may need to make explicit which day is coming. Alternate translation: “Behold! The day when I will punish you is coming!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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

Alternate translation: “Disaster has begun to come to Israel” or “Terrible things have begun to happen”

This could mean: (1) “The people of Israel have grown very proud” or (2) “The people of Israel have become very violent and very proud.” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 7:12

These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.

Both “The time” and “the day” refer to the time when God will punish the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Israel’s punishment will happen very soon” (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “I am angry with the whole multitude”

a very large number of people. Here it refers to the people of Israel.

Ezekiel 7:13

as long as “the buyer” and “the seller” (7:12) both live

Alternate translation: “God will surely do to the multitude what he has shown me”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not strengthen any of them” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 7:14

These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.

Alternate translation: “They have blown the trumpet to call people to fight against the enemy”

“I am angry with the whole multitude.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 7:12.

Ezekiel 7:15

The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation:

the city

The word “consume” is a metaphor for “totally destroy.” Alternate translation: “and most of the people in the city will die from hunger and sickness” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 7:17

These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.

The hands and knees are synecdoches for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “Everyone will be so terrified that they will be unable to work and their knees will become weak so that they cannot stand” (See: Synecdoche)

fail to do what it is supposed to do

Another possible translation is, “every knee will flow with water,” a euphemism for all the people losing control of their bladders because they are so frightened. (See: Euphemism)

Water cannot stand up, and the people’s knees will be so weak that the people are unable to stand on their legs. (See: Simile)

Ezekiel 7:18

Terror is spoken of as if it were clothing. Alternate translation: “everyone will see how terrified they are” (See: Metaphor)

Shaving the head was a sign of sadness. Alternate translation: “all of them will shave their heads” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 7:19

Alternate translation: “in the day when Yahweh acts on his anger” or “when Yahweh punishes them”

This can be a time period of more or less than one 24-hour day.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they will not be able to satisfy their hunger” or “they will still be hungry even after they eat all they have” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) “because having a lot of gold and silver has led them to sin” or (2) “because they are evil, they are committing sins that show how evil they are.”

Ezekiel 7:20

These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.

with the jeweled ornaments

Ezekiel 7:21

The word “hand” is used to refer to control. “I will give those idols into the control of people they do not know” or “I will give those idols to people they do not know” (See: Metonymy)

things that are stolen or taken by force

The strangers and wicked people will defile the idols that the people of Israel had made.

Ezekiel 7:22

Alternate translation: “I will not pay attention” or “I will look away” or “I will not notice”

“the place I love.” This refers to God’s temple.

violent people who steal and destroy

Ezekiel 7:23

These are Yahweh’s words to Ezekiel about Israel.

Chains are used to hold slaves or prisoners. God says this to show the people that they will become slaves or prisoners.

This could mean: (1) “everywhere in the country God is judging people because they violently killed others” or (2) “the courts everywhere in the country are murdering people.” The word “blood” here represents murder and death. (See: Metonymy)

The city is spoken of as if it were a container, and violence is spoken of as an object that can be put in a container. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word violence, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “violence is everywhere in the city” or “many people in the city are doing violent things to others” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 7:24

the wicked will take the Israelites’ houses

Alternate translation: “I will cause the powerful people in Israel to stop being proud of themselves”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “enemies will defile the places where they worship” (See: Active or Passive)

the places in which they worshiped idols

Ezekiel 7:25

Alternate translation: “The people will be afraid”

Alternate translation: “They will try to make peace with their enemies”

Alternate translation: “but they will be unable to make peace with their enemies”

Ezekiel 7:26

These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.

Disaster is spoken of as if it could move by itself. Alternate translation: “One disaster after another will happen” (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “they will ask the prophets what visions they have seen”

“The priests will not teach the law, and the elders will not be able to give good advice.” This is because God will not give them wisdom.

Ezekiel 7:27

This could mean: (1) “the king’s son” or (2) every male member of the royal family except the king.

This could mean: (1) clothing is a metonym for what a person feels, “will have no hope,” or (2) “will dress in clothes that show he is mourning.” (See: Idiom and Metonymy)

The word “hands” is a synecdoche for the people. Alternate translation: “the people of the land will be so afraid that their hands will tremble” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 8

Ezekiel 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Judah’s sin

The people have contaminated the temple with their worship of other gods and through their sin. (See: temple, house, house of God and god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Ezekiel 8:1

Ezekiel tells about another vision he saw.

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

You may need to make explicit the time period of which this is the sixth year. Alternate translation: “in the sixth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifth day is near the beginning of September on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “the fifth day of the sixth month” (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This should be translated literally, as Ezekiel later sees something like a hand. Others may choose to consider the hand a metaphor for Yahweh’s presence or power. (See: Metaphor)

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.

Alternate translation: “took hold of”

Ezekiel 8:2

Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like a man. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas behind the words likeness and appearance, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “there was someone who appeared to be a man” (See: Abstract Nouns)

When metal is very hot, it glows with a yellow or orange light.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what appeared to be his hips … what appeared to be something shining” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 8:3

The word “he” probably refers to the “figure like a man” (Ezekiel 8:2).

Alternate translation: “between the ground and the sky”

The words “in visions” mean that this experience is happening in Ezekiel’s thoughts. His body would still be in his home while God shows him these things.

“the inner northern gate of the temple.” The temple was surrounded by two walls, one inside the other. This gate was on the north side of the inner wall. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “the idol that causes God to be very jealous”

Ezekiel 8:4

This could mean: (1) “who looked the same as what I had seen in the vision that I saw when I was on the plain” or (2) “who looked the same as what I saw when I was on the plain.”

a large area of flat land that has few trees.

Ezekiel 8:5

The “figure like a man” (Ezekiel 8:2) speaks to Ezekiel.

“Son of a human being” or “Son of humanity.” God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This idiom means that he should look towards something. Alternate translation: “look up … looked up” or “turn your head and look … turned my head and looked” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “gate through which people would walk so they could go to the altar”

Ezekiel 8:6

God uses this question to bring Ezekiel’s attention to what the people were doing. Alternate translation: “I want you to understand why I hate what the people here are doing.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 8:7

You may need to make explicit which courtyard. “the temple courtyard” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 8:10

This word shows that Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw. Your language may have a different word to show this.

“carvings in the wall of all kinds of creeping animals and detestable beasts.” The phrase “creeping thing” refer to insects and other small animals.

You may need to make explicit which wall. Alternate translation: “the wall all around the temple” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 8:11

men’s names (See: How to Translate Names)

a pan that people burn incense in when they worship God or false gods

Ezekiel 8:12

God is commanding Ezekiel to look at what the elders are doing. Alternate translation: “look at what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “the room where no one can see him worship his idol”

Ezekiel 8:14

This was the outer north gate—not the same one as in Ezekiel 8:3.

This word shows that Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw.

grieving because the false god Tammuz had died (See: How to Translate Names)

Ezekiel 8:15

Yahweh is commanding Ezekiel to think about what he has just seen. Alternate translation: “Think about this … man.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 8:16

This word shows that Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw.

covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support

Alternate translation: “they were looking toward the east”

Ezekiel 8:17

Yahweh is commanding Ezekiel to think about what he has just seen. Alternate translation: “Think about this … man.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

God uses this question to show that he is right to be angry at the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “I am right to be angry at the house of Judah because of these abominations that they are doing here.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “throughout the country they are doing violent things or “all over the country they are attacking one another”

Alternate translation: “to make me angry”

This could mean: (1) the people were using the branches in false worship or (2) the people were using the branches to show rebellion against Yahweh. The words “branch to … noses” may be a literal tree branch and literal noses, or they could be the term for a hand gesture. (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 8:18

The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “I will not look on them with compassion” or “I will not be compassionate to them” (See: and Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “I will still punish them”

Alternate translation: “Though they yell their prayers to me with a loud voice”

Alternate translation: “I will not listen to them”

Ezekiel 9

Ezekiel 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sorrow over sin

God was looking for people who were sad that there was so much evil being done. Yahweh would keep these faithful people from being killed with the rest of the people. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and evil, wicked, unpleasant and faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Ezekiel 9:1

Alternate translation: “I heard him call out”

the “figure like a man” (Ezekiel 8:2) cried

weapon for destroying people or things

Ezekiel 9:2

weapon for killing many people

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Alternate translation: “the upper northern gate” or “the north gate of the inner court”

a strong, smooth cloth made from a plant. It is worn by many people in places that are hot. Alternate translation: “smooth cloth” (See: Translate Unknowns)

tools that scribes write with

A dark gold-colored metal. It is made from mostly copper with tin added for strength. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Ezekiel 9:3

This could mean: (1) “from above the four winged creatures” (Ezekiel 1:5) or (2) from between the two cherubim in the most holy place in the temple. Try to translate this literally. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The “house” refers to God’s temple.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2.

tools that scribes write with. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2.

Ezekiel 9:4

These are sounds people make when they feel very sad or grieved about something. (See: Doublet)

“the horrible things being done in the city” or “the detestable things that people are doing in the city

Ezekiel 9:5

The word “others” refers to the guards (Ezekiel 9:1).

The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “Do not have compassion” (See: and Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “do not refrain from killing”

Ezekiel 9:6

These were the people who groaned about the abominations happening in Jerusalem. See how you translated “mark” in Ezekiel 9:4.

You may need to make explicit what the people are to begin to do at the sanctuary. Alternate translation: “Begin to kill the ones who do not have the mark at my sanctuary” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This could mean: (1) the “seventy elders of the house of Israel” (Ezekiel 8:11) or (2) any “old man” (see the beginning of the verse).

Ezekiel 9:7

God continuing to speak to the guards judging the people of Israel.

the temple

The word “city” is a metonym for the people in the city. Alternate translation: “attacked the people in the city” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 9:8

Ezekiel says this because he is very troubled by what the Lord told the men to do to Jerusalem. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 4:14.

Ezekiel is pleading with Yahweh not to destroy the remnant. Alternate translation: “please do not destroy all the remnant of Israel in the outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem!” (See: Idiom and Rhetorical Question)

Wrath is spoken of as if it were a liquid that Yahweh could pour out of a container. The word “Jerusalem” is a metonym for the people in the city. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word outpouring, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “when you pour out your wrath on Jerusalem” or “when you punish the people of Jerusalem because you are very angry with them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 9:9

Alternate translation: “very great”

Here “land” is spoken of as if it were a container filled with blood. Here “blood” is metonym for murder. And “city” is spoken of as if it were a container and “perversions” were the contents inside of it. Alternate translation: “All over the land people are killing innocent people, and all over the city people are doing wicked things” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Ezekiel 9:10

The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “I will not look on them with compassion” or “I will not be compassionate to them” (See: and Synecdoche)

To bring someone’s conduct on him represents punishing him for his bad conduct. Alternate translation: “punishing them as they deserve”

Ezekiel 9:11

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

a strong, smooth cloth made from a plant. It is worn by many people in places that are hot. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2. Alternate translation: “smooth cloth” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Alternate translation: “He reported to Yahweh and told him”

Ezekiel 10

Ezekiel 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God left the temple

God now abandoned Judah, and left the temple. This was devastating to the religious life of Judah. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Ezekiel 10:1

Alternate translation: “toward the curved roof”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:3.

a valuable blue or green gemstone

“that looked like something that looked like a throne.” Ezekiel is not willing to say for sure that it looked like a throne.

Ezekiel 10:2

Translate the word “wheels” as in Ezekiel 1:15.

Coals are the burned pieces of wood left over after a fire. They are black, but they glow red and orange when they are very hot. They are also called charcoal.

Alternate translation: “sprinkle them over the city” or “spread them over the city”

Ezekiel 10:3

Ezekiel interrupts his description of what was happening and describes what he saw.

This is background information for the events that follow. (See: Background Information)

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:3.

As one faces east, “the right side” is toward the south. Alternate translation: “on the south side” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

the temple

Ezekiel 10:4

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.

the glory of Yahweh filled

Ezekiel 10:6

This phrase is used here to mark when the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

This is a repeat of the information that was given in Ezekiel 10:2. After talking about the cherubim and God’s glory in 10:3-5, Ezekiel returns to telling about the man who was wearing linen.

Translate “linen” as in Ezekiel 9:1.

Translate “wheel” as in Ezekiel 1:15.

Ezekiel 10:8

Alternate translation: “I saw that the cherubim had something like a man’s hand under their wings”

Ezekiel 10:9

Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:15.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the wheels appeared to be like a beryl stone” or “what appeared to be wheels were like a beryl stone” (See: Abstract Nouns)

“Beryl” here is a very hard, valuable stone. This beryl was probably green or blue. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Ezekiel 10:10

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “All four of them appeared to be similar” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The word “intersecting” means “crossing” or “passing through.”

Ezekiel 10:11

Here, the phrase the head could mean: (1) this refers to the winged creatures. Alternate translation: “they went in whatever direction the winged creatures were looking” or (2) this refers to the front wheel. Alternate translation: “they followed in whatever direction the front wheel went”

Ezekiel 10:12

Translate the word “wheels” as in Ezekiel 1:15.

Ezekiel 10:13

The word “Whirling” means “Spinning.” Here it is the name of the wheels. 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 called the wheels, ‘Whirling.’” or “the name of the wheels was ‘Whirling.’” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 10:14

“Each cherub had four faces” or “Each of the cherubim had four faces.” Each creature had a face on the front, a face on the back, and a face on each side of its head. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:6.

Ezekiel 10:15

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:13.

Alternate translation: “went up into the air”

Ezekiel 10:16

Alternate translation: “The wheels stayed with the cherubim.” Alternate translation: “The wheels moved with the cherubim”

Ezekiel 10:17

Alternate translation: “stayed still” or “did not move”

This could mean: (1) Ezekiel is speaking of the “creatures” of verse 15 as if they were one creature. Alternate translation: “the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels” or (2) Ezekiel is using an idiom. Alternate translation: “the spirit of life was in the wheels” or “the living spirit was in the wheels” or (3) the spirit in the creatures and in the wheels is the same. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:20. Alternate translation: “the same spirit that gave life to the creatures also gave life to the wheels” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 10:18

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.

the temple

Alternate translation: “stayed over” or “waited over”

Ezekiel 10:19

Alternate translation: “went above the cherubim”

Ezekiel 10:20

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:13.

This is a river that people in Chaldea had dug to give water to their gardens. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:1.

Ezekiel 10:21

Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like human hands. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “something that looked like human hands” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 10:22

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “their faces looked like the faces that I had seen” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “faced forward” or “looked directly ahead”

Ezekiel 11

Ezekiel 11 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Safety

The people were trusting Jerusalem to keep them safe. But God was going to pull them out of Jerusalem. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The people in Jerusalem used the metaphor “this city is the pot and we are the meat in the pot” meaning they were safe in Jerusalem. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 11:1

This gate was part of the wall that surrounded the temple area. Alternate translation: “the gate on the eastern side of the wall surrounding Yahweh’s house” or “the gate on the eastern wall of the temple courtyard”

See how you translated this phrase in Ezekiel 8:16.

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

“25 men” (See: Numbers)

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

Alternate translation: “among the twenty-five men”

Ezekiel 11:2

Ezekiel 11:3

This shows the people feel so secure they are not worried about building houses now. Other versions of the Bible read, “Now is the time to build our houses.” This would mean that the people want to build houses because they feel secure.

The people speak of themselves as if they were good cuts of meat and of the city as if it were a pot in which the meat was stored or cooked. The metaphor suggests that they are important and safe within the city. Alternate translation: “This city is like a pot that will protect us as a pot protects meat” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) a pot for storing meat or (2) a pot for cooking meat.

Ezekiel 11:5

Ezekiel speaks of the Spirit of Yahweh inspiring and empowering him to prophesy as if the Spirit of Yahweh fell upon him. Alternate translation: “the Spirit of Yahweh empowered me” (See: Metaphor)

“You are saying these things.” This refers to what the people were saying in Ezekiel 11:3.

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “Israelites” or “Israelite people group” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 11:7

Yahweh speaks of the people whom they have killed as if they were good cuts of meat and of the city as if it were a pot in which the meat was stored or cooked. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 11:3. Alternate translation: “The people you have killed … are like the meat in the pot, and this city is like the pot. (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: “But I am going to bring you out” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 11:8

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Ezekiel 11:9

Here the metonym “hands” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “put you into the power of foreigners” or “enable foreigners to capture you” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 11:10

The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation: “They will kill you with their swords” or “You will die in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 11:11

The people had spoken of themselves as if they were good cuts of meat and of the city as if it were a pot in which the meat was stored or cooked. Yahweh says that this is not true. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 11:3. Alternate translation: “This city is not like a pot that will protect you as a pot protects meat” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel”

Ezekiel 11:12

Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if it were walking in them, like person would walk along a road. Alternate translation: “the one whose statutes you have not obeyed” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 11:13

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 11:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

“I bowed down to the ground” or “I lay on the ground.” Ezekiel did not fall by accident. He went down to the ground to show that he respected and feared Yahweh. (See: Idiom and Symbolic Action)

The word “Alas” is an exclamation that expresses fear and sadness. Alternate translation: “Oh no, Lord Yahweh” or “Ah, Lord Yahweh” (See: Exclamations)

Ezekiel 11:14

Ezekiel 11:15

This is stated twice for emphasis.

The word “house” is a metonym for the family, in this case the Israelites who are the descendants of Jacob. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (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: “The people living in Jerusalem say about all of them” (See: Active or Passive)

Some versions have “All of them are those to whom”

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 given this land to us as our possession” or “This land has become our possession” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 11:16

Yahweh gives this message to Ezekiel about the Israelites who were in exile.

Yahweh speaks of dwelling among the people who are in exile as if he were a sanctuary for them. Alternate translation: “I have been with them” or “I have been like their place of worship” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 11:17

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition emphasizes the surety of Yahweh’s promise to bring the exiles back to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “I will bring you back from all of the nations” (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. Alternate translation: “where I scattered you” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 11:18

These words have similar meanings and emphasize that God will remove all the idols from Israel. (See: Doublet)

This means things that cause hatred or disgust. Here it refers to idols.

Ezekiel 11:19

Yahweh speaks of all of the Israelites who are in exile as if they are one person, with one heart and one spirit. (See: Metaphor)

Here the metonym “heart” represents the will and emotions. Yahweh speaks of causing all of the people to share the same new emotions as if he were giving them one heart. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Here the metonym “spirit” represents the thoughts and disposition. Yahweh speaks of causing the people to think new thoughts as if he were giving them a new spirit. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had a stone heart and of their being willingly obedient as if they had a heart of flesh. He speaks of causing them to become willingly obedient as if he were exchanging those two hearts. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to stop being stubborn and instead cause them to obey me willingly” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 11:20

Each of these phrases have similar meanings and describes the people as obeying what Yahweh has commanded them to do. They are repeated for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if it were walking in them, like a person would walk along a road. Alternate translation: “they will obey my statutes” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 11:21

Yahweh speaks of a person’s conduct as if it were the person walking. Alternate translation: “those who conduct their lives out of devotion to their detestable things” (See: Metaphor)

This means things that cause hatred or disgust. Here it refers to idols. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 11:18.

Here the metonym “conduct” represents the consequences of their actions. The idiom “bring … on their own heads” means they will experience these consequences. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to suffer the consequences of their actions” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Ezekiel 11:22

The cherubim and the glory of God leave the temple and city.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:3.

Ezekiel 11:24

Ezekiel speaks of the vision ending as if the vision was an object that had been upon him and then left him. Alternate translation: “the vision that I had seen ended” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 12

Ezekiel 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Exile

God warned that very soon the people in Jerusalem would be exiled to Babylon.

Ezekiel 12:1

Ezekiel 12:2

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “a rebellious people” (See: Metonymy)

People being unable to understand Yahweh’s message and what he is doing is spoken of as if the people were unable physically to see and hear. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 12:3

Yahweh is telling Ezekiel to act out another parable.

Alternate translation: “So then, this is what I say to you”

Alternate translation: “as they watch”

People being able to understand Yahweh’s message and what he is doing is spoken of as if the people were able physically to see. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 12:4

God is speaking to Ezekiel and describing how he should act out the parable.

Alternate translation: “as they watch”

Ezekiel 12:6

Here the word “sign” refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Yahweh speaks of Ezekiel and his actions as being this warning. Alternate translation: “have made you to be a warning” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 12:7

Ezekiel shows the people of Israel they will soon be forced into exile.

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 as Yahweh commanded me” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “dug a hole through the wall with my hands”

Alternate translation: “at night”

Ezekiel 12:8

Ezekiel 12:9

God asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knew—that the people had asked him this question. Alternate translation: “Son of man, the house of Israel, that rebellious house, is asking, ‘What are you doing?’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. Translate “rebellious house” as in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel, that rebellious people” (See: Metonymy)

Since the people had seen what Ezekiel was doing, their question implies their desire to know the reason why he was doing it. Alternate translation: “What is the meaning of the things you are doing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 12:10

The phrase “in whose midst” refers to Jerusalem, while “they” refers to the “house of Israel.” Alternate translation: “who are in Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 12:11

Here the word “sign” refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Ezekiel speaks of himself and his actions as being this warning. Alternate translation: “I am a warning to you” (See: Metaphor)

The word “them” refers to the people living in Jerusalem. 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 others will do to them” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 12:12

Alternate translation: “at night”

The word “They” refers to the people living in Jerusalem.

Alternate translation: “The prince will cover his face”

Ezekiel 12:13

Yahweh speaks of enabling the Chaldeans to capture the prince as if he himself were catching the prince in a trap that he had set. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of enabling the Chaldeans to bring the prince to Babylon as if he himself were bringing the prince there. Alternate translation: “I will cause the Chaldeans to bring him to Babylon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 12:14

The word “sword” is a metonym for enemy armies who will attack with their swords. Alternate translation: “I will send armies to pursue them with swords” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 12:15

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “when I cause them to separate from each other and live in different nations” (See: Parallelism)

Ezekiel 12:16

The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. You may need to make explicit that they will not die from famine or plague. Alternate translation: “I will keep … from dying in battle, from starving to death, and from dying of disease” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 12:17

Ezekiel 12:19

The word “fullness” refers to everything in the land. The word “despoiled” means that people will empty the land of everything in it. 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: “others will empty the land of everything in it” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 12:20

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 cities where people lived will be desolate” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 12:21

Ezekiel 12:22

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel something he already knows. The question is a mild rebuke for the people who use the proverb. Alternate translation: “the people in the land of Israel have this proverb that says, ‘The days are prolonged, and every vision fails.’ (See: Rhetorical Question)

This idiom means that many days have passed. Alternate translation: “Many days have passed” or “Time has gone by” (See: Idiom)

This means that the visions that the prophets receive and communicate to the people fail to happen. Alternate translation: “every prophetic vision fails to happen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 12:23

This phrase refers to the days in which Israel will be judged. Alternate translation: “The days of judgment are coming soon” (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: “I will fulfill every vision” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 12:24

Ezekiel 12:25

This idiom means that Yahweh does what he says. Alternate translation: “I do the things that I say” (See: Idiom)

The “matter” refers to the things that Yahweh says will happen. Alternate translation: “What I say will no longer be delayed” or “What I say will happen soon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “I will speak this message” or “I will speak this prophecy”

This idiom refers to the period of time in which a person lives. Alternate translation: “while you are alive” or “during you lifetime” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 12:26

Ezekiel 12:27

The word “Behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

These phrases are both ways the people of Israel are saying Ezekiel’s warnings will not happen in their lifetime but will happen far in the future. (See: Parallelism)

Ezekiel 12:28

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 no longer delay the word I have spoken” or “I will no longer delay doing what I said I would do” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 13

Ezekiel 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

False prophets

God spoke against people who said they were prophesying but had not received any message from God. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

God said of people who encourage others to feel safe even when they continue to sin were not strengthening a wall but just putting whitewash on it to hide the imperfections. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 13:1

Ezekiel 13:2

Alternate translation: “prophesying only the things that they imagine”

Ezekiel 13:3

Here the word “spirit” represents the thoughts and ideas of the person. To “follow” here is an idiom that means to do what their own ideas suggest for them to do. Alternate translation: “who act according to their own ideas” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 13:4

Like jackals that scavenge for food and shelter among the abandoned ruins of cities, the prophets are using the destruction of Jerusalem for their own benefit. (See: Simile)

wild animals that are related to dogs and that scavenge for food in abandoned places.

Ezekiel 13:5

This refers to the wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem.

You can supply the implicit information here. Alternate translation: “resist the enemy armies” or “defend the city” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This refers to the time when Yahweh will judge his people by means of an enemy army. Alternate translation: “the day of Yahweh’s judgment” or “the day when Yahweh judges you by sending enemy armies to attack you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 13:6

This is a phrase used to refer to anything the prophet may have said. Your language may have another way to say this. (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “is what Yahweh has declared”

Ezekiel 13:7

Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the false prophets. Alternate translation: “You have had false visions … because I myself have not spoken.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Since the false prophets have not really received a message from Yahweh, what they predict about the future is not true.

Ezekiel 13:8

Ezekiel 13:9

Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh’s power. That his hand will be against them is a metaphor that means that he will punish them with his power. Alternate translation: “I will punish the prophets” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

This means that Yahweh will not consider these false prophets to be part of the people of Israel.

This probably refers to an official record of the citizens 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: “nor will anyone enroll their names in the record of the house of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am the Lord Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, the Lord Yahweh, have supreme power and authority” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 13:10

In these verses, Yahweh speaks of the false security that the prophets have given to the people by speaking of peace as if the prophets had built a poorly-constructed wall and covered it over with white paint in order to make it look good. (See: Metaphor)

The word “this” refers to the prophets reporting false visions to the people and telling them lies.

Yahweh speaks of the prophets deceiving the people and getting them to believe lies as if the prophets had led the people away from the path upon which they should have been walking. (See: Metaphor)

Here “a wall” stands for peace and security that the false prophets told the people that Yahweh was promising to give them. (See: Metaphor)

The word “whitewash” refers to a white liquid mixture or paint used to cover up impurities and make surfaces white.

Ezekiel 13:11

The word “whitewashing” refers to covering a surface with a white liquid mixture to cover up impurities and make the surface white.

Yahweh refers to the judgment that he will send upon the people as if it were a severe storm that breaks down the wall. (See: Metaphor)

balls of ice that sometimes falls from the sky during a rainstorm.

Ezekiel 13:12

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that others will ask the prophets what happened to their whitewash. Alternate translation: “Others will certainly say to you, ‘Where is the whitewash that you put on it?’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This could mean: (1) that this is an honest question for which the people expect and answer or (2) this is a rhetorical question that the people ask out of sarcasm. Alternate translation: “The whitewash that you put on it did no good.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 13:13

Yahweh refers to the judgment that he will send upon the people as if it were a severe storm that breaks down the wall. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “because of my rage … because of my wrath … because my rage.”

Ezekiel 13:14

Alternate translation: “uncover”

The phrase “in the middle of it all” refers to the stones of the wall that Yahweh will break down. He speaks of destroying the people in his judgment as if the wall would crush them to death when he breaks it down. Alternate translation: “all of its stones will crush you to death” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “destroyed”

Ezekiel 13:15

Alternate translation: “Because I am very angry, I will annihilate”

The word “whitewash” refers to a white liquid mixture or paint used to cover up impurities and make surfaces white. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 13:10.

Ezekiel 13:16

This phrase defines who “the people who whitewashed it” are.

The word “her” refers to Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 13:17

This is a command to stare at the women as a symbol of punishing them. Translate “set your face against” as you did in Ezekiel 4:3. Alternate translation: “stare at the daughters” (See: Symbolic Action)

Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set your face” represents staring. Alternate translation: “stare at” (See: Metonymy)

This idiom refers to women who belong to the same people group as Ezekiel does. Alternate translation: “women of Israel” or “your countrywomen” (See: Idiom)

“prophesying only the things that they think in their own minds.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 13:2.

“prophesy about the bad things that will happen to them.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 4:7.

Ezekiel 13:18

This means that they sew magic charms together and then attach them to their hands, not that they sew them directly onto their hands.

objects believed to have magical powers.

Yahweh speaks of these women using beauty, mystery, and lies to deceive people as if the people were animals that the women hunted down and trapped with their charms. 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 they use to hunt down people” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

This means that they make veils to put on the heads of people of different height. Alternate translation: “make veils for the heads of women of every stature” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh asks this as a leading question to rebuke the women who do these things. The implicit answer is, “no.” Alternate translation: “Do not think that you will be able to save your own lives after you have hunted down my people!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 13:19

Barley is a grain used to make bread and the word “crumb” is a small amount of bread. Both phrases are small amounts of food and are used to emphasize how small the payment was to the prophetesses. (See: Parallelism)

Ezekiel 13:20

Yahweh speaks of these women using their magic charms to deceive people as if the people were birds that the women trapped with those charms. (See: Metaphor)

objects believed to have magical powers

Alternate translation: “to trap” “to catch in a snare”

Alternate translation: “tear the charms from your arms”

Ezekiel 13:21

Here the word “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “rescue my people from your power” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “hand” represents power or control. Yahweh speaks of the people being in the control of these women as if the women had trapped them with their hands. 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 no longer trap them like prey in your hands” or “you will no longer control them with your power” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 13:22

Here the word “heart” represents the person and his emotions. Alternate translation: “discourage the righteous person” (See: Synecdoche)

To stop doing something is referred to as turning in a different direction. Alternate translation: “stop what he is doing” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 13:23

Both of these phrases refer to talking about what will happen in the future. Alternate translation: “continue to make false predictions” (See: Parallelism)

Here the word “hand” represents power or control. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 13:21. Alternate translation: “I will rescue my people from your power” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 14

Ezekiel 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Jerusalem deserves punishment

When the captives from Jerusalem arrive in Babylon, it will be obvious why God has punished them.

Ezekiel 14:1

The elders sat before Ezekiel in order to inquire of the Lord through Ezekiel. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 14:2

Ezekiel 14:3

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”

Yahweh speaks of the elders committing themselves to worshiping idols as if the elders had “taken their idols into their hearts.” Alternate translation: “have devoted themselves to idols” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of the idols that the elders worship as if they were blocks over which the elders stumble, and of being determined to worship those idols as if they had placed those stumbling blocks in front of their faces. Alternate translation: “have resolutely determined to worship the things that lead to iniquity” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) the idols are a stumbling block that leads to the elders’ iniquity or (2) worshiping idols is an iniquity that causes the elders to stumble.

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the elders should not be inquiring of him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Should I permit them to inquire of me at all?” or “They should not be inquiring of me at all.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 14:4

The word “them” refers to the “men from the elders of Israel.”

Yahweh speaks of the people committing themselves to worshiping idols as if they had taken their idols into their hearts. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 14:3. Alternate translation: “who devotes himself to idols” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of the idols that people worship as if they were blocks over which the people stumble, and of being determined to worship those idols as if they had placed those stumbling blocks in front of their faces. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 14:3. Alternate translation: “who resolutely determines to worship the things that lead to iniquity” (See: Metaphor)

This phrase refers to the many idols that the people worship. It is implied that the severity of Yahweh’s answer will as great as the number of idols that they worship. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, will give him the answer that he deserves because he worships so many idols” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 14:5

Here the word “hearts” represents the minds and affections of the people. Yahweh speaks of causing them to be devoted to him once again as if he were to capture their hearts. Alternate translation: “I will cause the people of Israel to be devoted to me again” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Here the word “hearts” represents the minds and affections of the people. 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: “who have all left me to worship their idols” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 14:6

Both of these phrases are ways to tell the people of Israel to stop worshiping idols. (See: Parallelism)

The words “repent” and “turn way” mean basically the same thing. Together they strengthen the command to stop worshiping idols. (See: Doublet)

Here the word “faces” represents the people. Alternate translation: “Turn back” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 14:7

Ezekiel 14:8

Yahweh speaks of being opposed to a person as if he were to set his face against that person. Alternate translation: “I will be against that man” or “I will oppose that man” (See: Symbolic Action)

Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set my face” refers to staring. Alternate translation: “stare” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “sign” refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. The word proverb refers to what people will say about that sign when they see it. Alternate translation: “I will make that man to be a warning and a proverb” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of causing a person no longer to belong to his people as if he were cutting that person off from the people, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “I will cause him no longer to belong to my people” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 14:9

God’s “hand” refers to what he does. Alternate translation: “I will work against him” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 14:10

Here the word “iniquity” represents the guilt that people incur for committing iniquity. Yahweh speaks of people suffering the consequences of their iniquity as if they were carrying the iniquity. Alternate translation: “They will suffer the consequences of their own iniquity” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 14:11

Yahweh speaks of the people no longer worshiping him as if they were to wander away from him and no longer follow him. Alternate translation: “will no longer stop worshiping me” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 14:13

Here the word “land” represents the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “when the people who live in a land sin against me” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of the supply of bread as if it were a staff. The word “bread” represents all kinds of food. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:16. Alternate translation: “end the supply of its food” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)

Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “kill both man and beast in the land” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 14:16

Noah, Daniel, and Job

“as surely as I am alive.” Yahweh uses this expression to show that what he says next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” (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: “they could only rescue their own lives” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 14:17

The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation:

Here the word “sword” represents the soldiers of an enemy army who attack with swords. Alternate translation: “Army, go through the land” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if it were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “kill both man and beast in the land” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 14:18

Noah, Daniel, and Job

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 would only rescue their own lives” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 14:19

Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury as if his fury were a liquid that he pours out from a container. Alternate translation: “I will express my fury” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “kill both man and beast” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 14:20

Ezekiel 14:21

Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if it were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. The word “her” refers to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “to kill both man and beast in Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 14:22

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the information that follows.

The word “her” refers to Jerusalem.

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 comfort you concerning the punishment” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 14:23

The word “her” refers to Jerusalem.

Both of these phrases refer to what the people of Israel have done. Alternate translation: “the way they live” or “the things they do” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 15

Ezekiel 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Useless

God said that the people of Jerusalem were useless to him. He uses a simile to show just how useless they were. (See: Simile)

Ezekiel 15:1

Yahweh is talking to Ezekiel in this section.

Ezekiel 15:2

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “a vine is not better than any tree with branches that is among the trees in a forest.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 15:3

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “People do not take wood from a vine to make anything.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “they do not make a peg from it to hang things on it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 15:4

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If it is thrown into a fire as fuel … it is not good for anything.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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 a person throws it into a fire as fuel” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 15:5

The word “see” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Alternate translation: “When it was whole” or “Before the fire burned it”

Alternate translation: “no one could make anything from it”

Ezekiel 15:7

Yahweh speaks to Ezekiel about the people of Israel.

Yahweh speaks of being opposed to them as if he were to set his face against them. Alternate translation: “I will be against them” or “I will oppose them” (See: Symbolic Action)

Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set my face” refers to staring. Alternate translation: “stare” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of the punishment that he will afflict upon the people as if it were a fire that burns them. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of fire burning things as if the fire consumed them. Alternate translation: “the fire will destroy them” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 15:8

Ezekiel 16

Ezekiel 16 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

God compared Judah to an adulteress because she worshiped idols instead of God who had done so much to help her. Adultery is a common image used to describe the worship of idols by Israel. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 16:1

In this chapter, Yahweh speaks about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful bride. He describes her growth from infancy to adulthood. The city represents the people who live there. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Ezekiel 16:2

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”

Ezekiel 16:3

These two phrases share similar meanings. Yahweh speaks of when people founded the city as if it were the city’s birth. (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

The Amorites and Hittites were both pagan people groups who lived in the land before the people of Israel conquered it. Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem’s father and mother belonging to these people groups to express that she was born into idolatry. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 16:4

Here “navel” refers to the umbilical cord that is attached to the navel. Alternate translation: “you mother did not cut your umbilical cord” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 16:5

Here the word “eye” represents the person who sees. Alternate translation: “Nobody who saw you had compassion for you” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “because your parents hated 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: “your parents threw you out into the open field” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 16:6

Yahweh is walking near the newborn baby.

The implicit information can be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “I said to you as you were lying in your blood” (See: Ellipsis)

Ezekiel 16:7

Here Yahweh compares growing quickly with the way a plant grows quickly. (See: Simile)

These two phrases share similar meanings. They both refer to her growing and becoming taller. Alternate translation: “You matured and grew taller” (See: Doublet)

Here the woman, who represents Jerusalem, is spoken of as if she had become the finest of all jewels, that is, as if she had become the most beautiful of all women. (See: Metaphor)

Some modern versions translate “You became old enough to wear jewels.”

These two words mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “completely naked” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 16:8

The word “see” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

This is to say that Yahweh sees the young woman is old enough to be married.

Ezekiel 16:10

“beautiful clothes.” To embroider is to sew a design into a piece of cloth.

Ezekiel 16:11

Alternate translation: “I put jewelry on you”

Ezekiel 16:13

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 adorned you with gold and silver, and dressed you in fine linen” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 16:14

Alternate translation: “Many people in many nations knew who you were”

Alternate translation: “your beauty was perfect”

Ezekiel 16:15

Alternate translation: “you placed your confidence in your own beauty”

Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem as if the city were an unfaithful wife who sleeps with other men in exchange for payment. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem’s immoral actions as if they were liquids and of committing those actions repeatedly as if it were pouring those liquids from a container. Alternate translation: “you repeatedly committed your acts of prostitution” (See: Metaphor)

This Hebrew phrase is translated in many different ways by various modern versions. For example, some Bibles read “so that you gave yourself to him” or “his it was”

Ezekiel 16:17

Alternate translation: “statues of men” or “idols that look like men”

This could mean: (1) this is a polite way to say the young woman was sleeping with the male figures. Alternate translation: “you slept with them” or (2) this is a metaphor in which Yahweh speaks of her worshiping the figures as if she were sleeping with them. Alternate translation: “you worshiped them” (See: Euphemism and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 16:19

Alternate translation: “placed as an offering in front of them”

Ezekiel 16:20

Alternate translation: “who were my children”

Here Yahweh speaks of something that the people of Israel had actually done. They sacrificed their children to pagan idols. In these ancient pagan sacrifices, the people believed that the gods would eat the food that they offered to 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: “you sacrificed them to the images so that those images could devour them as food” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the woman is acting as if her prostitution was not bad enough and so she decided to sacrifice her children as well. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You must think that your acts of prostitution are a small matter.” or “I do not think your acts of prostitution are a small matter.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 16:21

Here Yahweh speaks of something that the people of Israel had actually done. They sacrificed their children to pagan idols. It is implicit that she put them into the fire in order to offer them as burnt offerings to her images. Alternate translation: “sacrificed them as burnt offerings” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 16:22

These two words mean the same thing. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 16:7. Alternate translation: “completely naked” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 16:24

This could mean: (1) she could worship her idols or (2) she could practice her prostitution.

Ezekiel 16:25

Yahweh speaks of the beginning of a road as if it were its head. Alternate translation: “at the beginning of every road” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 16:27

The word “see” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Here “hand” represents power. Alternate translation: “I will use my power to strike you” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of stopping the supply of food as if it were cutting off the food. Alternate translation: “stop your food supply” (See: Metaphor)

Here “life” represents the person. Alternate translation: “I will hand you over” (See: Synecdoche)

Here Yahweh speaks of the cities of Philistia as if they were the daughters of the Philistines. The cities represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the Philistine people” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Ezekiel 16:30

Yahweh asks the rhetorical question in order to rebuke Jerusalem. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your heart must be very sick … that you would do all these things, deeds of a shameless prostitute!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “heart” represents the will and emotions. Yahweh speaks of her inability to control her desires as if her heart were sick. Alternate translation: “How weak-willed are you” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 16:31

This could mean: (1) she could worship her idols or (2) she could practice her prostitution. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 16:24.

Yahweh speaks of the beginning of a street as if it were its head. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 16:25. Alternate translation: “at the beginning of every street” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 16:32

This refers to accepting someone to sleep with her. Alternate translation: “you accept strangers into your bed instead of your husband” (See: Euphemism and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 16:36

Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem’s lust as if it were liquid and of committing actions repeatedly to gratify that lust as if it were pouring that liquid from a container. Alternate translation: “you repeatedly committed actions to gratify your lust” (See: Metaphor)

Some modern versions translate “poured your wealth out.”

This refers to killing children as a sacrifice to idols.

Ezekiel 16:37

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Stripping a person naked in front of others was an action intended to humiliate the person. The word “nakedness” can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “so they can see you completely naked” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 16:38

This phrase represents murder in any form. Alternate translation: “murder” (See: Metonymy)

Here “bloodshed” represents murder in any form. This could mean: (1) Yahweh speaks of punishing her for murder as if he were bringing bloodshed upon her. Alternate translation: “In my anger and passion, I will punish you for committing murder” or (2) Yahweh speaks of putting her to death as if he were bringing bloodshed upon her. Alternate translation: “In my anger and passion, I will shed your blood” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 16:39

Here “hands” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “I will place you in their control” or “I will allow them to have power over you” (See: Metonymy)

Possible meanings are that they will destroy (1) the place where she worshiped her idols or (2) the place where she practiced her prostitution. See how you translated “vaulted chamber” in Ezekiel 16:24.

These two words mean the same thing. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 16:7. Alternate translation: “completely naked” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 16:41

The word “punishment” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “will punish you in many different ways” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “where many women can see” or “while many women watch”

Ezekiel 16:42

The words “fury” and “anger” refer to the punishment that Yahweh inflicts because he is angry. The two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “I will stop punishing you because I will no longer be angry with you” (See: Metonymy and Parallelism)

Ezekiel 16:43

This idiom means to remember. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

Here “shake” refers to a physical response that a person has when he is extremely angry. As Jerusalem was doing these things, she did not think about what Yahweh had done when she was young.

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Ezekiel 16:44

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Ezekiel 16:45

Alternate translation: “who hated her husband”

Ezekiel 16:46

Samaria and Sodom were both cities that Yahweh had judged for their idolatry and wickedness. Yahweh speaks of these cities being Jerusalem’s sisters to express that she belonged to a family that practiced idolatry and wickedness. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 16:47

The way a person lives is spoken of as if the person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “You not only acted like them” (See: Metaphor)

Here the words “behavior” and “practices” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “copied the things that they did” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 16:49

Yahweh describes Sodom as a rich woman who has more than enough food and lives in security. (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “hands” represents the people who work with their hands. The words “poor” and “needy” emphasize that these are people who cannot help themselves. Alternate translation: “She did not help the people who could not help themselves” (See: Synecdoche and Doublet)

Ezekiel 16:51

Yahweh uses this phrase three times to emphasize that the wicked cities of Samaria and Sodom were more righteous than Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 16:52

Yahweh uses this phrase twice to emphasize how shamefully the people of Jerusalem have acted.

Alternate translation: “be ashamed” or “bear your disgrace”

Ezekiel 16:54

Alternate translation: “you will be ashamed” or “you will bear your disgrace”

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 humiliate you” (See: Active or Passive)

The noun “comfort” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “you will comfort Sodom and Samaria” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 16:55

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 restore your sister Sodom and her daughters to their former condition” (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 restore your sister Samaria and her daughters to their former estate” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “condition”

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 restore you and your daughters to your former condition” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 16:56

Here the word “mouth” represents the person who speaks. 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 did not even mention your sister Sodom” (See: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 16:57

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: “before you revealed your wickedness” or “before I revealed your wickedness” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to Jerusalem as something people talk badly about.

Here Yahweh speaks of the cities of Edom and Philistia as if they were the daughters of Edom and of the Philistines. The cities represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the Edomite people and to all the Philistine people” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

hate very much

Ezekiel 16:58

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Ezekiel 16:59

Jerusalem broke her marriage covenant with Yahweh, thereby showing that she did not care about the oaths that she had made to him. Alternate translation: “despised your oath to me by breaking the covenant that you made with me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 16:60

This idiom means to remember. Alternate translation: “remember” (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: “that I made with you when you were young” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 16:62

Ezekiel 16:63

This idiom means to remember. Alternate translation: “remember everything” (See: Idiom)

This means that Jerusalem will be too ashamed to speak.

Ezekiel 17

Ezekiel 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Breaking allegiance

The king of Judah had vowed to obey Babylon but instead he followed Egypt. Therefore, God said he would not prosper. (See: vow)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Judah is compared to a vine that grows one direction and then another. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 17:1

Ezekiel reports a message that God gives him.

Ezekiel 17:2

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”

Alternate translation: “give them a puzzle to think about” or “tell this story as an illustration”

Ezekiel 17:3

“the ends of its wings were long and full of feathers.” The word “pinion” means the outer end of the wings.

The eagle’s feathers were many different colors.

Ezekiel 17:4

Alternate translation: “It broke off the highest part of the tree”

Alternate translation: “took the top of the tree” or “took the branches”

“he planted it in a city that had many merchants.” A merchant is a person who sells things.

Ezekiel 17:5

This is a continuation of the parable about the eagle.

The word “he” is the eagle in the parable.

Alternate translation: “good ground”

Alternate translation: “the eagle planted the seed in a place where there was a lot of water”

Willow trees grow in places where there is a lot of water. If the eagle planted the seed like a willow, it means that he planted it in a place with a lot of water. Alternate translation: “and planted the seed like one would plant a willow tree by water” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 17:6

Alternate translation: “Then the seed began to grow into a plant”

Alternate translation: “a vine that spreads out on the ground”

The branches of the vine turned toward the eagle. This means that they began to grow upward towards the sky.

This could mean: (1) “its roots grew under itself into the ground” or (2) “the roots of the vine grew under the eagle.”

Alternate translation: “That is how the vine grew”

Alternate translation: “grew branches and spread its shoots”

Ezekiel 17:7

The introductory “but” shows that a different eagle is being described other than the one before.

Alternate translation: “another large eagle”

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Yahweh speaks of the vine as if it were able to behave like a person and intentionally turned its roots toward the other eagle to receive nourishment from it. Alternate translation: “The roots of the vine grew toward the eagle” (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: “from the place that the first eagle had planted it so that it would have water” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 17:8

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 first eagle had planted the vine” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 17:9

Yahweh asks this as a leading question to emphasize the negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It will not prosper.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the vine will certainly be judged. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone will pull up its roots and pluck out its fruit so all of its growth of leaves will wither away.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

The phrase “strong arm” represents a strong 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: “There will be no need for a strong person or many people to pull it out” (See: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 17:10

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that this will certainly happen. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It will wither when the eastern wind touches it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “when the eastern wind blows on it”

Ezekiel 17:11

Ezekiel 17:12

Yahweh asks this as a leading question in order to provide the answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is what these things mean.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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

The word “her” refers to Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 17:13

Alternate translation: “made him swear an oath”

Ezekiel 17:14

The kingdom being small and weak is spoken of as if it were lowly and being large and powerful as if it lifted itself up. Alternate translation: “so the kingdom might remain small and not become great” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “land” represents the kingdom of Judah and the people in it. Alternate translation: “the kingdom will continue to exist” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 17:15

Yahweh speaks about the king of Jerusalem rebelling against the king of Babylon.

Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “He will certainly not succeed.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the negative answer. This may be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “The one doing these things will not escape.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If he breaks the covenant, he will certainly not escape.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 17:16

Alternate translation: “the land of the king of Babylon who made him King of Judah, the king of Babylon whose oath he despised”

Ezekiel 17:17

Yahweh speaking about the king of Jerusalem.

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how large and strong Pharaoh’s army is. (See: Doublet)

Here the word “him” refers to the king of Judah.

this refers to a tower with ladders that can be placed next to a wall and allow soldiers to get over the wall and into the city.

Alternate translation: “to kill many people”

Ezekiel 17:18

Alternate translation: “He did something even worse than that: he reached out”

This refers to taking hold of another person’s hand as a sign of friendship and agreement. Here it represents the covenant oath that he made with the king of Babylon. (See: Symbolic Action)

Ezekiel 17:19

Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the affirmative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “it was my oath that the king of Jerusalem despised and my covenant that he broke.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The idiom “bring … on his head” means that he will experience this punishment. See how you translated this idiom in Ezekiel 11:21. Alternate translation: “I will cause him to suffer his punishment” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 17:20

Yahweh speaks of enabling the enemy army to capture the king as if he were trapping the king in a net. (See: Metaphor)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will catch him in my hunting net” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 17:21

The word “fall” is a euphemism for “die.” Here the word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people with swords. Alternate translation: “Soldiers will kill all his refugees … armies” (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: “the ones who remain alive will flee in every direction” or “the enemy soldiers will scatter in every directions the ones who remain alive” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 17:22

Yahweh resumes the parable that he had told in Ezekiel 17:1 and speaks about Jerusalem as if it were a branch that he plants on the mountains of Israel. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 17:23

Alternate translation: “grow new branches”

Ezekiel 17:24

Yahweh speaks of trees as if they are people who can know about him. The trees represent the nations and the people who live in them. (See: Personification and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I cut down the tall trees and I cause the little trees to grow”

when a plant dries up and dies.

Ezekiel 18

Ezekiel 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Inherited Guilt

God does not punish children for the sins of their parents, but only punishes them for their own sins. Despite this, the parents’ sins may still have consequences for their children. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Ezekiel 18:1

The phrase “the word of Yahweh came” is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke to me again” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 18:2

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel something he already knows. The question is a rebuke for the people who use the proverb. Alternate translation: “The people in the land of Israel have this proverb…‘Fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are made blunt’.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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

This refers to the people of Israel. (See: Metonymy)

This proverbs means that children experience the consequences of their parents’ actions. (See: Proverbs)

The idiom “teeth are made blunt” refers to the sour taste in one’s mouth that is a result of eating unripe or sour fruit. Alternate translation: “the children get a sour taste in their mouths” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 18:4

The word “Behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Here the word “soul” represents the person. Alternate translation: “The person who sins” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 18:6

People often worshiped and offered sacrifices to pagan gods on the mountains. It is implied that this person has not participated in these kinds of pagan rituals. Alternate translation: “he does not eat meat sacrificed to idols on the mountains” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The idiom “lift up his eyes” refers to looking toward something. With reference to idols, this gesture represents worshiping or praying to idols. Alternate translation: “worship the idols” or “pray to the idols” (See: Symbolic Action)

It is implicit that he has not approached a woman in order to sleep with her. Alternate translation: “approached a woman to sleep with her during her monthly period” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 18:7

Alternate translation: “returns to the debtor the item that the debtor gave him as security for the loan”

Ezekiel 18:8

This word refers to the money paid by a person to use borrowed money. However, some modern versions interpret “any interest” in this passage as “too much interest.”

This means that he judges fairly the disputes that may arise between people.

Ezekiel 18:9

Yahweh speaks of a person obeying his statutes as if the statutes were a path in which the person walks. Alternate translation: “that man obeys my statutes” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 18:10

This phrase represents murder in any form. Alternate translation: “who murders” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the sinful actions that Yahweh had mentioned beginning in Ezekiel 18:5.

Ezekiel 18:11

People often worshiped and offered sacrifices to pagan gods on the mountains. It is implied that this person has participated in these kinds of pagan rituals. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 18:5. Alternate translation: “eats meat sacrificed to idols upon the mountains” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 18:12

The words “poor” and “needy” share similar meanings and emphasize that these are people who cannot help themselves. (See: Doublet)

The idiom “lifts up his eyes” refers to looking toward something. With reference to idols, this gesture represents worshiping or praying to idols. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 18:6. Alternate translation: “he worships the idols” or “he prays to the idols” (See: Symbolic Action)

Ezekiel 18:13

This word refers to the money paid by a person to use borrowed money. However, some modern versions interpret “any interest” in this passage as “too much interest.”

Yahweh asks this as a leading question in order to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate translation: “he will certainly not live!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “blood” represents death. For blood to be on a person is an idiom that means the person is responsible for that death. Alternate translation: “he will be responsible for his own death” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Ezekiel 18:14

The word “behold” here adds emphasis to what follows.

Ezekiel 18:15

People often worshiped and offered sacrifices to pagan gods on the mountains. It is implied that this person has not participated in these kinds of pagan rituals. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 18:6. Alternate translation: “That son does not eat meat sacrificed to idols upon the mountains” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The idiom “lifted up his eyes” refers to looking toward something. With reference to idols, this gesture represents worshiping or praying to idols. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 18:6. Alternate translation: “he does not worship the idols” or “he does not pray to the idols” (See: Symbolic Action)

Ezekiel 18:17

This word refers to the money paid by a person to use borrowed money. However, some modern versions interpret “interest” in this passage as “too much interest.”

Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if his statutes were a path in which the person walks. Alternate translation: “obeys my statutes” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 18:18

Yahweh speaks about the son’s father who has not obeyed God’s law.

to take something from someone else by using threats or force.

Alternate translation: “robbed his fellow Israelite”

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

Alternate translation: “because of his iniquity”

Ezekiel 18:19

Yahweh speaks of a person being responsible for or guilty of iniquity as if the iniquity were an object that the person carries. Alternate translation: “Why is the son not responsible for the iniquity of his father?” or “Why is the son not guilty of the iniquity of his father?” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 18:20

For righteousness to be on a person is an idiom that means the person is responsible for that righteousness. Alternate translation: “The one who acts rightly will be responsible for his own righteousness” (See: Idiom)

For wickedness to be on a person is an idiom that means the person is responsible for that wickedness. Alternate translation: “the wicked person will be responsible for his own wickedness” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 18:21

Yahweh speaking of the wicked person who changes and does what is righteous.

Ezekiel 18:22

The idiom “call to mind” means to remember. 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 not remember all the transgressions that he has committed and will not hold them against him” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “because of the righteous things he has done”

Ezekiel 18:23

Yahweh speaks about his desire for wicked people.

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question in order to emphasize the opposite. Alternate translation: “I do not greatly rejoice over the death of the wicked … but I do greatly rejoice if he turns away from his way so that he may live.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh speaks of a person’s lifestyle or behavior as if it were a way on which the person walks. The idiom “to turn away” from something means to stop doing that thing. Alternate translation: “not in his ceasing to live the way that he lives” (See: Metaphor and Idiom)

Ezekiel 18:24

Yahweh gives an example of a man who turns from righteousness to wickedness.

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate translation: “then he will surely not live.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The idiom “call to mind” means to remember. 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 not remember all the righteousness that he had done” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

crime done against a country or against God, by someone who is expected to be loyal

Alternate translation: “he will die because of the sins”

Ezekiel 18:25

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate translation: “My ways are not unfair.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the positive answer. Alternate translation: “It is your ways that are unfair.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 18:26

These phrases repeat the thought of a man dying because of his sin to express that it was his fault and the fault of no one else. (See: Parallelism)

Ezekiel 18:28

Yahweh speaks of the person thinking about and understanding something as if the person were seeing it. Alternate translation: “he has considered” or “he has understood” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 18:29

Actions or behaviors are spoken of as if they were a way or path that a person travels. Alternate translation: “The Lord does not act fairly … How do I not act fairly … It is you who do not act fairly” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 18:30

Yahweh speaks of a person’s actions as if the person were walking along a path. Alternate translation: “according to his actions” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of “transgressions” causing people to rebel against him as if they were blocks over which the people stumble. (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) the stumbling blocks cause the person to commit more iniquity. Alternate translation: “stumbling blocks that cause you to commit more iniquity” or (2) The word “iniquity” is a metonym for the punishment that a person receives for his iniquity. Alternate translation: “stumbling blocks that lead to your punishment” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 18:31

Yahweh speaks of the people determining to stop committing transgressions as if the transgressions were objects, such as clothing, that they removed and threw away. Alternate translation: “Get rid of all of the transgressions that you have committed” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “heart” represents the will and emotions and the word “spirit” represents the thoughts and disposition. Yahweh speaks of the people having new emotions and thoughts as if they were making a new heart and spirit for themselves. Alternate translation: “get for yourselves new emotions and a new way of thinking” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to comfort the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “There is no reason for you to die, house of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 19

Ezekiel 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Judah destroyed

The first king was taken as a captive to Egypt, the next was taken as a captive to Babylon. Now Judah is not prospering.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The kings of Judah are compared to man-eating lions. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 19:1

Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to the people of Israel. He tells a story where the nation of Israel is a lioness and some of the past kings in the kingdom of Judah are her cubs. (See: Metaphor)

This idiom means to sing a lamentation. Alternate translation: “sing a lamentation” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 19:2

Yahweh asks this ask a leading question in order to introduce the answer. Alternate translation: “This is who your mother is.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

a female lion

Ezekiel 19:4

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: “They caught him in their trap” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 19:7

Alternate translation: “He seized the widows of the men whom he devoured”

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 abandoned the land and its fullness” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “everything in it”

Ezekiel 19:8

Alternate translation: “from the provinces surrounding the land of Israel”

Ezekiel 19:9

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 would no longer hear his voice” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 19:10

Yahweh speaks of the nation of Israel as though it was the mother of the leaders of Israel. Here he begins to tell a story where she is a prosperous vine. (See: Metaphor)

Possible meanings are that blood represents (1) the violence of the kings of Judah who had murdered people. Alternate translation: “a vine planted by means of violence” or (2) The plentiful wine of Judah which had become a symbol of prosperity. Alternate translation: “a vine planted in your prosperity” (See: Metonymy and Symbolic Language)

Ezekiel 19:11

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: “branches strong enough that people used them for rulers’ scepters” (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: “people could see how tall it was by the greatness of its foliage” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 19:12

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 uprooted the vine in fury and threw it down” or “people uprooted the vine in fury and threw it down” (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: “Yahweh broke off its strong branches and they withered” or “People broke off its strong branches and they withered” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 19:13

The very dry land is spoken of as if it were thirsty. Alternate translation: “in a very dry land of drought” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 19:14

The implicit information may be supplied from Ezekiel 19:11. Alternate translation: “no branch strong enough for a ruler’s scepter” (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: “you must sing it as a lamentation” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 20

Ezekiel 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Rebels cannot ask for help

The people of Israel have rebelled against God again and again. Now they cannot come to God for help in their troubles.

Ezekiel 20:1

This phrase is used to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

The implicit information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “in the seventh year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the beginning of August on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “in front of me”

Ezekiel 20:2

Ezekiel 20:3

“As surely as I am alive.” Yahweh uses this expression to show that what he says next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” (See: Idiom)

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the elders should not be inquiring of him. Alternate translation: “You should not come to inquire of me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 20:4

Yahweh asks Ezekiel the same question twice in order to secure Ezekiel’s commitment to pronounce the judgement. Alternate translation: “Are you ready to pronounce judgment on them, son of man?” (See: Parallelism)

Ezekiel 20:5

Here “raised my hand” is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate translation: “I … solemnly swore an oath” (See: Symbolic Action)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the descendants of Jacob over many years. Translate “the house of” as in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 20:6

“It was a land where plenty of milk and honey flowed.” Yahweh speaks of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate translation: “It was land that was excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

The lands in which people live are spoken of as if they are jewelry or other things that are pleasant to look at. Alternate translation: “the most beautiful of all lands” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 20:7

Alternate translation: “to the descendants of the house of Jacob”

Yahweh speaks of the people worshiping the detestable things as if they had placed those idols in front of their eyes. Alternate translation: “the detestable things that he worships” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “throw away the idols of Egypt”

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

Ezekiel 20:8

The word “they” refers to “the descendants of the house of Jacob.”

Alternate translation: “would not obey me”

Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury by punishing them as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out on them. Alternate translation: “to act against them in my fury” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 20:9

Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “for the sake of my reputation” (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: “so that the people would not profane it in the eyes of the nations” (See: Active or Passive)

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “in the opinion” or “in the judgment” (See: Metaphor)

The word “nations” is a metonym for the people who live in the nations. Alternate translation: “the people who live in other nations” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “they were living”

Here the word “them” refers to the nations. The idiom “in their eyes” refers to being in a position where people can see. Alternate translation: “I revealed myself to them, in their presence” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “bringing the people of Israel”

Ezekiel 20:10

The word “them” refers to “the descendants of the house of Jacob.”

Ezekiel 20:12

Ezekiel 20:13

Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if the statutes were a path along which a person walks. Alternate translation: “They did not obey my statutes” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury by punishing them as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out on them. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:8. Alternate translation: “I would act against them in my fury” (See: Metaphor)

The euphemism “to end them” refers to killing them. Alternate translation: “in order to kill them” (See: Euphemism)

Ezekiel 20:14

Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:9. Alternate translation: “I acted for the sake of my reputation” (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. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:9. Alternate translation: “so that the people would not profane it in the eyes of the nations” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the “nations” refer to the people who live in those places. The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:9. Alternate translation: “in the thoughts of the people in other nations” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “in whose presence I brought my people out of Egypt”

Ezekiel 20:15

Here “raised my hand” is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:5. Alternate translation: “I myself also solemnly swore an oath” (See: Symbolic Action)

Alternate translation: “to the house of Israel”

“a land where plenty of milk and honey flowed.” Yahweh speaks of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:6. Alternate translation: “a land that was excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

The lands in which people live are spoken of as if they are jewelry or other things that are pleasant to look at. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:6. Alternate translation: “the most beautiful of all lands” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 20:16

Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if they were a path along which a person walks. Alternate translation: “did not obey my statutes” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “heart” represents the person’s thoughts and emotions. Yahweh speaks of being dedicated to idols as if a person’s heart walked after them. Alternate translation: “they were dedicated to worshiping their idols” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 20:17

Here the word “eye” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I spared them” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 20:18

Yahweh speaks of a person obeying statutes as if the statutes were paths along with a person walks. Alternate translation: “Do not obey the statutes of your parents” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 20:19

Yahweh speaks of a person obeying statutes as if the statutes were paths along with a person walks. Alternate translation: “Do not obey the statutes of your parents … obey my statutes” (See: Metaphor)

To “keep” Yahweh’s decrees is the same as to “obey them.” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 20:21

Yahweh speaks of a person obeying his statutes as if the statutes were a path along which the person walks. Alternate translation: “They did not obey my statutes” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury by punishing them as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out on them. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:8. Alternate translation: “to act against them in my fury” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 20:22

Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh and turning his hand away means that he does not do what he was going to do. Alternate translation: “But I did not do that” (See: Synecdoche and Idiom)

Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “for the sake of my reputation” (See: Metonymy)

Here the “nations” refer to the people who live in those places. The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “in the thoughts of the people in other nations” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 20:23

Here “lifted up my hand” is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate translation: “I myself also solemnly swore” (See: Symbolic Action)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 12:15. Alternate translation: “cause them to separate from each other and live in different nations” (See: Parallelism)

Ezekiel 20:24

Here the word “eyes” represents the person who looks to the idols to worship them. Alternate translation: “They were longing after their fathers’ idols” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 20:25

The words statutes in this phrase do not refer to God’s law. God permitted them to live by human laws and judgments that were not good.

The word “them” refers to the children of those whom Yahweh brought out of Egypt.

Ezekiel 20:26

The phrase “firstborn of the womb” refers to the firstborn child of a woman. The phrase “made a sacrifice” can be translated with the verb “sacrifice.” Alternate translation: “they sacrificed every woman’s firstborn child” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 20:29

Yahweh asks this question in order to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “This is not a high place where you are to bring offerings!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The name “Bamah” means “high place,” a place for worshiping idols. 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 have called that place Bamah” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 20:30

Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “You should not make yourselves unclean by doing the things that your fathers did.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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

Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “You should not act like prostitutes, searching for disgusting things.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh speaks of the people being unfaithful to him as if they were acting like women who sleep with men to whom they are not married. (See: Simile)

Ezekiel 20:31

Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “I will not let you come close to me, house of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 20:33

The words “hand” and “arm” both represent power. Alternate translation: “with very great power” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury as if the fury were a liquid that he pours out on the people. 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: “fury that I will pour out on you” or “I will express my fury towards you” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 20:34

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: “among whom I have scattered you” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 20:37

This refers to the practice of a shepherd counting and inspecting his sheep as the sheep walked under his staff. This could mean: (1) Yahweh will count his people whom he gathers from the nations to ensure that they are all present. Alternate translation: “I will count you carefully as a shepherd counts his sheep” or (2) Yahweh will inspect each person as they pass under his staff in order to separate the faithful from the unfaithful. Alternate translation: “I will inspect you carefully as a shepherd inspects his sheep” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 20:39

Alternate translation: “to obey me” or “to pay attention to me”

Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “dishonor me” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 20:40

Alternate translation: “to require you to bring your offerings”

Yahweh speaks of the best things among all that they give to him as if they were “firstfruits.” Alternate translation: “the best of your contributions” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “the offerings that you set aside to give to me”

Ezekiel 20:41

Yahweh speaks of his people worshiping him as they should as if the people themselves were the incense offering. (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will bring his people back from all of the nations to which he had scattered them. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:34. (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. Alternate translation: “where I have scattered you” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 20:42

Here “lifted up my hand” is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate translation: “I have solemnly sworn” (See: Symbolic Action)

Ezekiel 20:43

This idiom means to remember. Alternate translation: “you will remember” (See: Idiom)

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

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “you will hate yourselves” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 20:44

Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “because of my reputation” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 20:45

Ezekiel 20:46

This is a command to stare at the southern lands as a symbol of punishing the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:3. Alternate translation: “Stare at the southern lands” or “Stare at the southern lands so that they will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set your face” represents staring. Alternate translation: “stare” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 20:47

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 fiery flame will not go out” or “No one will be able to quench the fiery flame” (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: “the fire will burn every face from the south to the north” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the word “face” represents the person. By mentioning the opposite directions, Yahweh refers to everyone who lives in the north, in the south, and everywhere in between. Alternate translation: “every person who lives in that area” (See: Synecdoche and Merism)

Ezekiel 20:48

Here the word “flesh” represents all humans. The idiom to “see” means to understand. Alternate translation: “all people will understand” (See: Metonymy and 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: “it will not go out” or “no one will quench it” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 20:49

a word that expresses distress or grief

The people use this question to insult Ezekiel and dismiss what he is telling them. Alternate translation: “He is merely telling parables” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 21

Ezekiel 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Refusing to learn

Judah has refused to learn from their punishment, so God is about to destroy the nation in war.

Ezekiel 21:1

Ezekiel 21:2

“Son of a human being” or “Son of humanity or “Mortal person” or “Human.” God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1.

This is a command to stare at Jerusalem as a symbol of punishing the people there. Alternate translation: “stare at Jerusalem” or “stare at Jerusalem so that the people there will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Jerusalem was far away, so Ezekiel could not see it, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming it. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:2 Alternate translation: “Turn toward Jerusalem and stare” or “stare toward Jerusalem so that the people there will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Ezekiel 21:3

This speaks of Yahweh causing these people to die as if he actually killed them with his own sword. Alternate translation: “I am opposed to you, and it will be as though I pull my sword from its sheath to kill both the righteous and the wicked people among you” (See: Metaphor)

“righteous people and wicked people.” This refers to multiple people, not just one righteous person and one wicked person.

something that holds and covers a sword when no one is using it

This is a euphemism that means to kill. Alternate translation: “kill” (See: Euphemism)

Ezekiel 21:4

This is a euphemism that means to kill. Alternate translation: “kill” (See: Euphemism)

This refers to righteous and wicked people. Alternate translation: “those who are righteous … those who are wicked” or “the righteous people … the wicked people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “among you”

This speaks of Yahweh causing these people to die as if he actually killed them with his own sword. Alternate translation: “it will be as though I pull my sword from its sheath and strike” (See: Metaphor)

Here “flesh” is a metonym for “people.” Alternate translation: “all people” (See: Metonymy)

This is a merism that refers to the area to the north, and to the south, and all places in between. Alternate translation: “in every direction” or “everywhere” (See: Merism)

Ezekiel 21:5

This speaks of Yahweh causing people to die as if he actually killed them with his own sword. Alternate translation: “it is as though I, Yahweh, have struck people with my sword” (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of Yahweh not holding back his sword from attacking people as if his sword were a person that was no longer holding itself back from attacking. Alternate translation: “and I will not put it back in its sheath again” or “I will not hold back from attacking people” (See: Personification)

Ezekiel 21:6

Yahweh is speaking to Ezekiel.

Yahweh tells Ezekiel to groan as a sign to accompany his message. He tells him to groan deeply as if his abdomen was in great pain. “groan deeply as if your loins were in great pain” or “groan deeply with great sorrow” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “With great grief” or “With great sorrow”

Here the Israelites are referred to by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: “before them” or “before the Israelite people” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 21:7

This speaks of the “news” as if it were a person that was soon coming to them. Alternate translation: “the news that they will soon hear” (See: Personification)

This speaks of people becoming afraid, as if their hearts were fainting. Also, this speaks of the people fainting as a result of fear. Alternate translation: “for everyone will become fearful” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will be weak”

This speaks of people becoming fearful in their spirits as if their spirits were about to faint. Alternate translation: “Everyone will be fearful in their inner being” (See: Metaphor)

“every knee will be as weak as water.” This is a euphemism for people being so afraid that they lose their bladder control and urinate on themselves. Alternate translation: “every leg will be wet with urine” or “everyone will lose control of their urine” (See: Euphemism)

Ezekiel 21:8

Ezekiel 21:9

This passage describes the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for an enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem. This metaphor begins here and continues through Ezekiel 21:17. (See: Metaphor)

This phrase indicates that the sword is ready for someone to use it. 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 is sharp and polished” (See: Active or Passive)

Someone made the sword smooth, shiny, and clean by rubbing it with a rough material.

Ezekiel 21:10

Yahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem. (See: Metaphor)

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will sharpen it … I will polish it so that it will” (See: Active or Passive)

This means that the sword will be so shiny that light reflects off of it easily and brightly. Alternate translation: “so that it flashes like lightning” or “so that light reflects off of it as brightly as lightning” (See: Simile)

This rhetorical question emphasizes that the people of Israel will not celebrate their king’s power, because it cannot resist the “sword.” Alternate translation: “The people of Judah will not celebrate about their king’s scepter.” or “we should not celebrate the power of our king’s scepter.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The word “we” refers to Ezekiel and the people of Israel. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Here Yahweh refers to the king of Judah as his son. The king’s scepter represents his rule as king. It is important to maintain the image of the king’s scepter here, as the words “every such rod” refer to the scepter. Alternate translation: “in the king’s scepter” or “in the power that the king’s scepter represents” (See: Metonymy)

Here the “sword” is personified as coming to attack the people. This speaks of the king not being able to resist the “sword”, as if the “sword” were hating the king’s scepter. Alternate translation: “the sword will overpower his scepter like that of any other ruler” or “for the king will not be able to resist when the sword is brought against him” (See: Personification)

This phrase is used to mock the king’s scepter by calling it a “rod.” Alternate translation: “such scepter” (See: Irony)

Ezekiel 21:11

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 polish the sword” (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: “then the right person will hold it in his hand” (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: “it is ready for the killer to use” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 21:12

Yahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem. (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of Yahweh’s sword attacking his people as if the sword itself were the attacker. Alternate translation: “I will use my sword to kill my people! I will bring it against all” (See: Personification)

This speaks of the leaders of Israel being killed with a sword as if they are thrown against the sword. Alternate translation: “They are killed with the sword along with my people” or “The sword will kill them along with my people” (See: Metaphor)

In Ezekiel’s culture, slapping one’s thigh was a sign of grief. Some other translation use the gesture of beating one’s breast which is a sign of grief in many cultures. Alternate translation: “beat your chests” (See: Symbolic Action)

Ezekiel 21:13

Here the king of Judah is represented by his scepter. Alternate translation: “the king” (See: Metonymy)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cannot resist” or “is destroyed” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 21:14

Yahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem. (See: Metaphor)

This means for him to clap his hands as a sign of his grief. Alternate translation: “clap your hands to show that you are very sad” (See: Symbolic Action)

This is an idiom that means multiple times. Alternate translation: “again and again” (See: Ordinal Numbers and 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: “It is a sword for slaughtering people” (See: Active or Passive)

“attacking them from every side.” Some Bibles translate this as “which enters into their rooms.” This means no matter where they hide, the sword will kill them.

The word “them” refers to the people of Jerusalem and of the land of Israel.

Ezekiel 21:15

Yahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem. (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of causing the people to be so terrified that it is as if their hearts were melting. Alternate translation: “to fill them with terror” or “to cause them to be terrified” (See: Metaphor)

Here “fallen” refers to the people killed in battle. This means there will be a greater number of people killed. Alternate translation: “to kill many people among them” (See: Metonymy)

Here the sword of Yahweh represents men with swords that are to attack Jerusalem. Also, the word “slaughter” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “placed soldiers armed with swords at their gates, ready to slaughter the people” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

The word “their” refers to the people of Jerusalem.

This compares how the sword is well polished and how it reflects light to appear like lightning. Alternate translation: “My sword is polished and flashes like lightning” or “It is polished and reflects light as being like lightning” (See: Simile)

The sword of Yahweh represents the men with swords that are to attack Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “released to slaughter the people” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 21:16

Here Yahweh speaks to those who will attack his people as if they could hear him and as if they were a sword that they would use in the attack. He does this to emphasize that he is in control of what is happening during the attack. The phrase “wherever your face is turned” is an idiom for “wherever you desire to go.” Alternate translation: “I tell those attacking with swords, ‘Strike to the right!…Attack in every direction.’” (See: Apostrophe and Metonymy and Idiom)

Ezekiel 21:17

“clap my hands.” Here clapping hands is a sign of triumph. Alternate translation: “clap my hands in triumph” (See: Symbolic Action)

Ezekiel 21:18

The phrase “the word of Yahweh came” is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 18:1. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke to me again” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 21:19

The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation: “the soldiers of the king of Babylon” or “the Babylonian army” (See: Metonymy)

This is a sign posted where the road divides into two roads. Alternate translation: “a sign will be posted where the road divides into two roads” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 21:21

Both of these phrases refer to the place where the two roads meet. Alternate translation: “at the crossroads” (See: Parallelism)

These are divination practices.

Ezekiel 21:22

This means the he will hold one of the articles of his divination that was read as an omen against Jerusalem in his right hand. Alternate translation: “In his right hand will be an article of divination with an omen against Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

A battering ram was a cut tree or large log with a sharpened end or an end covered in metal. It was held by several men who would pound the end against a wall.

These were large dirt ramps that the Babylonian soldiers built so that they could get onto the walls of Jerusalem.

These were wooden towers that the Babylonian soldiers built around Jerusalem to enable them to shoot arrows over the walls of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 21:23

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “in the thoughts of the people in Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 21:24

Alternate translation: “Because you remind me of your iniquity”

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. The “enemy’s hand” represents the enemy’s control. Alternate translation: “your enemy will take you in his hand” or “your enemies will capture you and take you into captivity” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Ezekiel 21:25

Yahweh gives Ezekiel his message to the ruler of Israel.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “whom Yahweh will now punish” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “at the time when Yahweh ends iniquity”

Ezekiel 21:26

“the king’s turban.” A turban is a beautiful piece of cloth that kings wore wrapped on their heads as a symbol of their authority.

This refers to people with low status and people who are exalted. Alternate translation: “those who are lowly … those who are exalted” or “those with low status … those with high status” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Ezekiel 21:27

Here the crown represents the position of king. The kingship will not be restored until the Messiah comes. Alternate translation: “There will no longer be a king” (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: “the one comes who I assign” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 21:28

The word “disgrace” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “about how he will disgrace them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This refers to the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the soldiers that Yahweh uses to kill a large number of people who have been disobedient to him. Alternate translation: “Swords! My soldiers have drawn their swords! They are sharpened for the slaughter” (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: “is out of its sheath”

This speaks of the soldiers killing people as if they were animals devouring their prey. 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 is sharp in order to slaughter and to kill people”

This means that the sword is so shiny that light reflects off of it easily and brightly. Alternate translation: “and light reflects off of it as brightly as lightning” (See: Simile)

Ezekiel 21:29

“empty visions for you Ammonites … with lies for you Ammonites.” The word “you” refers to the people of Ammon. In the original Biblical language, the word “your” is feminine singular and refers to the nation of Ammon. Nations were often thought of as a woman. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

This speaks of visions being false and meaningless as if they were empty containers. Alternate translation: “visions that are not true” or “false visions” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: “those who are wicked” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

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: “who are about to die” (See: Active or Passive)

The phrases “day of” and “time of” are idioms. Alternate translation: “for the time has come for them to be punished and for their iniquity to end” or “for the time has come for me to punish them and for them to no longer be able to commit wickedness” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 21:30

“Later the sword will be put back in its sheath.” This speaks of the soldiers withdrawing from attacking Jerusalem, by saying that Yahweh’s sword is put back in its sheath. Alternate translation: “But later the soldiers will return their swords to their sheaths, for the time of slaughter will be over” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is something that holds and covers a sword when no one is using it. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 21:3.

The word “creation” may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “In the place that I created you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 21:31

This speaks of Yahweh punishing the Babylonians because of his indignation against them as if his indignation were a liquid that he poured out of a container upon them. Alternate translation: “I will punish you because of indignation against you” or “Out of my anger I will punish you” (See: Metaphor)

This compares Yahweh’s rage to a consuming fire. Alternate translation: “I will bring my rage upon you like a blazing fire” or “I will punish you in my fierce anger” (See: Metaphor)

The “hand” of the men refers to their control. Alternate translation: “the control of cruel men” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “men who cause great destruction”

Ezekiel 21:32

Alternate translation: “The fire will burn up your bodies”

Alternate translation: “Your blood will soak into the ground of your land”

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 will remember you” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 22

Ezekiel 22 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Continuous evil

Murder, idolatry and all sorts of evil have been done in Jerusalem; so God will destroy the city and scatter the people among the nations. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)

Ezekiel 22:1

Ezekiel 22:2

This rhetorical question functions as a command. AT. “Son of man, go and judge. Go and judge the city of blood.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The word “blood” is a metonym for murder. Alternate translation: “the city where many people murder their neighbors” (See: Metonymy)

The word “her” refers to Jerusalem. Cities were often thought of as a woman. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women and Personification)

Ezekiel 22:3

The word “her” refers to Jerusalem. Cities were often thought of as a woman. This continues through verse 32. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women and Personification)

Here the “city” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “The people who live in this city pour … its midst” (See: Metonymy)

The word “blood” is a metonym for murder. Alternate translation: “where many people murder their neighbors” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the time when Yahweh will destroy them. Alternate translation: “so that the time of her destruction may come” or “so that the time may come for her to be destroyed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 22:4

This speaks of murdering people as pouring out blood. Alternate translation: “because you murdered innocent people” (See: Metaphor)

A person whom God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

The images of days being brought to a close and years coming to an end are both idioms representing ending by death or by destruction. By saying that Jerusalem has brough her days to a close, Yahweh implies that Jerusalem would soon be destroyed because of the people’s sin. Alternate translation: “Because of these things you have done, you are approaching the end of your time” or “You are bringing your existence to an end” (See: Idiom and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information )

Alternate translation: “have brought your days to an end” or “have ended your life”

This can be reworded so that the nouns “reproach” and “laughingstock” are expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: “I will make the nations reproach you and all the lands ridicule you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

someone whom people disapprove of or rebuke

a person whom people ridicule or mock

This generalization refers to the places who are familiar with Jerusalem and represents the people who live in these places. Alternate translation: “of the people of every nearby land” (See: Hyperbole)

Ezekiel 22:6

Yahweh speaking about the ruler of Israel in Jerusalem.

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

Alternate translation: “have each used their authority to come to you.”

Yahweh speaks to the city of Jerusalem itself as if it were a woman who could hear him speak. Alternate translation: “come to Jerusalem” (See: Apostrophe)

This speaks of murdering people as pouring out blood. Alternate translation: “to murder people” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 22:7

Alternate translation: “The rules of Israel have dishonored their fathers”

Yahweh speaks to the city of Jerusalem itself as if it were a woman who could hear him speak. Alternate translation: “within Jerusalem … in the midst of Jerusalem … within Jerusalem.” The words “you” and “your” refer to Jerusalem.

Alternate translation: “oppressed”

Ezekiel 22:9

Here “the mountains” refer to the altars on the mountains that are dedicated to idols. They men eat meat that has been sacrificed to the idols in order to be have the blessing of false gods. Alternate translation: “they eat the meat that has been sacrificed to idols” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “do evil things among you”

Ezekiel 22:10

In all instances of this phrase, the writer refers to the people of Jerusalem as if they were the city itself, and of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “within this city” or “among you people of Jerusalem” (See: Apostrophe and Metonymy and Metaphor)

This means that a son sleeps with his father’s wife. Alternate translation: “there are men who sleep with their father’s wife” (See: Euphemism)

These are all ways to express that the men have had slept with women they should not have and how sinful their actions are. Alternate translation: “They have raped unclean women during their menstrual period” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A person whom God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. Women were considered to be unclean during their menstrual period. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 22:11

These are all ways to express that the men have had slept with women they should not have and how sinful their actions are. Alternate translation: “commit abominations by sleeping with their neighbors’ wives … make their own daughters-in-law shamefully unclean by sleeping with them … rape their own sisters” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 22:12

This speaks of murdering people as pouring out blood. Alternate translation: “to murder people” (See: Metaphor)

This word refers to the money paid by a person to use borrowed money. However, some modern versions interpret “interest” in this passage as “too much interest.”

This means that they have oppressed their neighbors by charging them too much interest. Alternate translation: “you have oppressed your neighbors and made them poor” or “you have made your neighbors poor by charging too much interest” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Refusing to obey Yahweh is like forgetting that he exists. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 22:13

“I have shaken my fist against” or “I have clapped my hands against.” This is a symbolic action that shows anger and disapproval. Alternate translation: “I have shown my anger and disapproval against” (See: Symbolic Action)

Alternate translation: “the murder that people commit in you”

Ezekiel 22:14

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize how hurt they will be when he punishes them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your heart will not stand and your hands will not be strong on the days when I myself will deal with you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the whole person is referred to by his “heart” to emphasize his emotions and will. Here the idea of “standing” is an idiom that means to be courageous. Alternate translation: “Will you stand” or “Will you be courageous” (See: Synecdoche and Idiom)

Here the whole person is referred to by his “hands.” Alternate translation: “will you be strong” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 22:15

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 12:15. Alternate translation: “So I will cause them to separate from each other and live in different nations”(See: Parallelism)

remove something unwanted

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Here the “nations” refer to the people who live in those places. Alternate translation: “the people in other nations” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 22:16

Here the “nations” refer to the people who live in those places. The “eyes” represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “So the nations will consider you unclean” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 22:17

Ezekiel 22:18

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites have” or “the Israelite people group has” (See: Metonymy)

Dross is the impurities that are left over after silver or gold has been purified in a furnace. Here Yahweh speaks of the people being worthless to him as if they were dross. Alternate translation: “has become as worthless to me as dross” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh continues to speaks about how the people have become worthless to him as if they were dross. Alternate translation: “All of them are as worthless as the leftover of bronze and tin, and iron and lead that remain after you melt silver in the furnace” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 22:19

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Ezekiel 22:20

The phrases with “anger” and “wrath” are used together to emphasize that he was extremely angry. Alternate translation: “Because of my great anger and wrath, I will gather you” or “I will be furiously angry with you, and I will gather you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 22:21

This is the image of a person gathering the metals in the furnace and blowing the fire to make it hotter. Yahweh speaks of the greatness of his wrath as if it were a fire that he was blowing to make it hotter. Alternate translation: “I will gather you, and my wrath will be like a fire that I will blow on you” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 22:22

The word “it” refers to Jerusalem.

God speaks of punishing the people as if his wrath were a liquid that he would pour on them. Alternate translation: “have punished you in my anger” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 22:23

Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 22:24

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. The word “land” here refers to Israel and to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “You are a land and a people that is unclean” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Rain is used as an example of God’s blessing. Alternate translation: “There is no blessing on the day of wrath” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 22:25

The word “her” refers to Israel. Alternate translation: “The prophets within Israel plot conspiracies”

a secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal

This compares the prophets of Israel to lions who attack and kill their victims. Alternate translation: “They kill people for they are like roaring lions who attack and kill their prey. They take peoples’ precious wealth” (See: Simile)

The word “her” refers to Israel. They “make many widows” by killing married men. Alternate translation: “they make many women into widows by killing their husbands” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 22:26

Alternate translation: “disobey my laws”

This refers to unclean and clean things. Something that God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. Alternate translation: “things that are unclean and things that are clean” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Metaphor)

This speaks of the people ignoring and not observing the Sabbath and if they were hiding their eyes from the Sabbath” Alternate translation: “They ignore my Sabbaths” (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: “and profane me among themselves” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 22:27

This pronoun refers to Jerusalem.

This compares Israel’s princes to wolves who attack and kill their victims. (See: Simile)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the violence that the princes practice. Alternate translation: “They murder people” (See: Parallelism)

Ezekiel 22:28

This speaks of the prophets trying to hide these sins as if they were something that they could paint over with whitewash. Alternate translation: “It is like her prophets have painted over their sins with whitewash” or “Their prophets try to hide these evil things” (See: Metaphor)

This is a solution that is painted on things to make them white that is similar to white paint.

“predict lies for the princes.” The word “them” refers to the princes.

Ezekiel 22:29

The understood words may be supplied. Alternate translation: “have oppressed people … and plundered others” (See: Ellipsis)

This refers to when someone threatens or hurts another person in order to make them give him money.

This refers to poor and needy people. Alternate translation: “those who are poor and needy” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Ezekiel 22:30

Yahweh compares the leaders of Jerusalem to a wall and himself to an invading army. (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of a man who would take responsibility to pray for the people and to lead them to repentance as if that man were to build a wall to protect the people from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “a man from among them who would act like he built a wall” (See: Metaphor)

Its “breach” refers to a gap in the wall. This speaks of the man defending the people before Yahweh as if he were a warrior standing in the breach to defend the city. (See: Metaphor)

Here the “land” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “for the people so that I would not destroy them” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 22:31

This speaks of Yahweh punishing the people as if his indignation were a liquid that he poured out on them. Alternate translation: “I will punish the people because of my indignation for them” or “I will punish the people because of my anger against them” (See: Metaphor)

anger of a person who has suffered injustice

This speaks of how harsh Yahweh’s judgement is by comparing it to a fire. Here destroying the people is referred to as “finishing” them. Alternate translation: “I will destroy them with my wrath which is as intense as a blazing fire” or “I will destroy them with my wrath” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

Ezekiel 23

Ezekiel 23 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Israel and Judah have been unfaithful to God by worshiping idols. They are compared to two unfaithful wives who have repeatedly committed adultery. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 23:1

Ezekiel 23:2

Ezekiel 23:3

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: “Men squeezed their breasts” (See: Active or Passive)

This phrase means basically the same thing as the previous phrase and emphasizes the immoral behavior of the two young women. 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 men fondled their virgin nipples” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

to be touched lovingly or softly

Ezekiel 23:4

This means that he married them and they became his wives. Alternate translation: “they became my wives” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“Oholah represents Samaria, and Oholibah represents Jerusalem.” In this metaphor Samaria is spoken of as if it were Oholah and Jerusalem is spoken of as if it were Oholibah. This speaks of how these cities were unfaithful to Yahweh as if they were unfaithful wives. (See: Metaphor)

This is the name of a woman that means “her tent.” (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman that means “my tent is in her.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Ezekiel 23:5

This refers to when she was his wife. Alternate translation: “while she was still my wife” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “who ruled over her”

Ezekiel 23:7

This identifies who the word “them” refers to.

This implies that she slept with all of these men and worshiped the idols they worshiped. Alternate translation: “she made herself unclean by sleeping with everyone she lusted for and by worshiping all their idols” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 23:8

This speaks of lust as if it were a large amount of water that they were pouring out on her. Alternate translation: “to act lustfully toward her” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 23:9

The word “hand” refers to power or control. The two phrases have the same meaning and the second phrase explains that “her lovers” were “the Assyrians.” Alternate translation: “I gave her over to her lovers, the Assyrians” (See: Metonymy and Parallelism)

Ezekiel 23:10

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they talked about her disgrace” or “she had a bad reputation among them” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 23:11

This is the name of a woman that means “my tent is in her.” See how you translated this name in Ezekiel 23:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ezekiel 23:13

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 23:7. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to how they had both made themselves unclean. Alternate translation: “Both sisters became unclean through their acts of prostitution” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 23:15

hats made out of long cloth and wrapped around the top of a man’s head

The abstract nouns “likeness” and “appearance” can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “appeared the way officers of chariot troops do, and they looked like sons” (See: Abstract Nouns)

soldiers who drive chariots and who run ahead of and beside them

Alternate translation: “Babylonians”

Ezekiel 23:17

This refers to her bed where she slept with men and acted lustfully. Alternate translation: “her bed where she acted lustfully” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This means that they slept with the woman. Alternate translation: “they slept with her and made her unclean” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 23:7. (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “so she rejected them” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 23:20

This compares the size of the mens’ private parts to those of a donkey to show how wicked Oholibah’s desires were. This is an exaggeration as they could not be as large as those of a donkey. Alternate translation: “whose private parts were very long, like those of a donkey” (See: Simile and Hyperbole)

This compares the volume of the mens’ emissions to those of a horse to show how wicked Oholibah’s desires were. This is an exaggeration as they could not be like those of a horse. Alternate translation: “whose reproductive emissions were huge, like those of a horse” (See: Simile and Hyperbole)

Ezekiel 23:22

“Listen!” The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Alternate translation: “I will cause them to attack you from all directions”

Ezekiel 23:23

This does not refer to all of the people who live in these places, but rather to soldiers from there. Alternate translation: “soldiers from Babylon and all of Chaldea, Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the soldiers of Assyria with them” (See: Hyperbole)

These are the names places in Babylonia. These places represent the soldiers from these places. Alternate translation: “those from Pekod, Shoa, and Koa” (See: How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

This is the description of the men of Assyria that Oholah had slept with who are now turning against her. This is similar to the description given in Ezekiel 23:6.

Ezekiel 23:24

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will attack you” (See: Idiom)

The Hebrew word translated here as “weapons” is rare. Many modern versions translate it in this way, but some versions leave this phrase out.

These defensive items are used to refer to various types of soldiers. Alternate translation: “Soldiers will attack you on all sides carrying large shields, small shields, and wearing helmets” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 23:25

Here Yahweh speaks of causing the armies to attack them because he is angry with them as if his anger where something that he was placing upon them. Alternate translation: Because I am very jealous for you, I will cause them to act furiously towards you” (See: Metaphor)

This describes the punishment in Babylon for married women who slept with men that are not their husbands. Alternate translation: “They will punish you as an adulteress, by cutting of your noses and your ears” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “fall” is a euphemism for “die.” The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill with swords. Alternate translation: “men will kill your survivors with their swords” (See: Euphemism and Metonymy)

This speaks of the survivors being burned by fire as if the fire were an animal attacking and eating 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: “your survivors will be burned by fire” or “fire will burn your survivors” (See: Personification and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 23:27

This refers to her prostitution as beginning in Egypt. Alternate translation: “which you began in the land of Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is a way to refer to a person turning their head to look at something. Here looking represents desire. Alternate translation: “You will not look toward them with longing” or “You will not desire these things” (See: Metaphor)

Here “Egypt” represents the shameful things that she did in Egypt. Alternate translation: “you will think about the things you did in Egypt no longer” or “you will not think about what you did in Egypt any more” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 23:28

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

These two phrases have the same meaning. It means that they will be captured by the men they used to prostitute themselves to. Alternate translation: “allow you to be captured by those you hate and had turned away from” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the word “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “into the control” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 23:29

These two words mean the same thing and emphasize that she will be completely uncovered. (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: “They will reveal your nakedness” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 23:30

“These things will be done to you because you have acted.” 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: “These things will happen to you because you have acted” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel speaks of Oholibah, who represents Judah (Ezekiel 23:4), as if she were a prostitute sleeping with the men of many nations for money. He wants the people of Judah to understand that Yahweh to punish them because they were worshiping the idols of other nations so they could get those nations’ wealth and power. Alternate translation: “acting like a prostitute, lusting after men of other nations” (See: Metonymy)

She became unclean by worshiping the idols. Alternate translation: “became unclean by worshiping their idols” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 23:7. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 23:31

This refers to Oholibah’s punishment that she will receive as if it were a cup of wine. Alternate translation: “so I will cause you to be punished in the same way as your sister” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 23:32

Here Yahweh speaks of punishment as if it were a cup of wine the woman drank. Alternate translation: “You will drink the same cup of punishment as your sister” (See: Metonymy)

Here the “cup” represents what is in the cup. Alternate translation: “from your sister’s cup that is” or “all that is in your sister’s cup, and her cup is” (See: Metonymy)

Both of these phrases refer to a person who is laughed at and criticized because of their foolish behavior. Derision is mocking or ridiculing something or someone. (See: Parallelism)

This sentence does not say what is in the cup because it is understood by reading Ezekiel 23:31. Alternate translation: “this cup contains a great amount of punishment” (See: Ellipsis)

Ezekiel 23:33

This speaks of being very drunk and full of sorrow as if drunkenness and sorrow were things that filled her body. Alternate translation: “You will become very drunk and very sad” (See: Metaphor)

“the cup that causes horror and devastation.” The words “horror” and “devastation” share similar meanings here and emphasize how terrible her punishment will be. Alternate translation: “for what is in that cup causes horror and devastation” (See: Doublet)

Oholibah’s sister Oholah represents Samaria. Samaria is called by it’s name but still referred to as a sister. The cup is a symbol for the punishment that she received. Alternate translation: “for this is the same cup of punishment that your sister, who represents Samaria, drank” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 23:34

Alternate translation: “cut your beasts”

Ezekiel 23:35

Yahweh speaks of Oholibah rejecting him as if he were an object that she had thrown behind her back and forgotten. Alternate translation: “rejected me” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 23:36

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question as a command for Ezekiel. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. The cities of Jerusalem and Samaria are represented by Oholah and Oholibah. Alternate translation: “Son of man, you will judge Oholah and Oholibah!” or “Son of man, judge the people of those two cities represented by Oholah and Oholibah.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 23:37

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they have murdered people” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 23:38

Yahweh speaks about how the people of Jerusalem and Samaria have been unfaithful to him.

A person or thing God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 23:7. (See: Metaphor)

The phrase “same day” refers to the previous phrase “make my sanctuary unclean.” Alternate translation: “on the same day on which they make my sanctuary unclean, they defile my Sabbaths” (See: Ellipsis)

Ezekiel 23:39

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

This refers to the house in general. The reference to the “middle” emphasizes that what was done happened openly in the temple and defiled the whole place. Alternate translation: “in my own house” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 23:40

Yahweh again refers to the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

These are things done by a woman to make her appear more beautiful to a man.

Here the word “you” switches to singular and refers to only one sister, but the situation is probably the same for both sisters. If one sister must be specified in your language, refer to Oholibah here. (See: Forms of You)

Ezekiel 23:41

These are items used in worship to Yahweh.

Ezekiel 23:42

The sound of the crowd is used to refer to the crowd of people. Alternate translation: “So there was a noisy crowd around her” (See: Metonymy)

This verse begins by referring to one of the sisters but the situation is probably the same for both sisters. If one sister must be specified in your language, refer to Oholibah here. In the second part of the verse it switches back to referring to both sisters with the word “their.” Alternate translation: “was around her … on her and her sister’s hands”

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. The word “Sabeans” refers to people from Sheba. Alternate translation: “Sabeans had come” (See: Active or Passive and How to Translate Names)

The word “they” refers to the men.

Ezekiel 23:43

This refers to one of the sisters but the situation is probably the same for both sisters. If one sister must be specified in your language, refer to Oholibah here.

Ezekiel 23:44

They had sexual relations with her in the same way that men have sexual relations with a prostitute.

Alternate translation: “They went in to where she was” or “They went to her”

Alternate translation: “This is how they had sexual relations with Oholah and Oholibah”

Ezekiel 23:45

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

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “who murder people … murderers” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 23:46

The phrase “raise up” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “gather a large group of people” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “against Jerusalem and Samaria and give them”

Yahweh gives up the responsibility to take care of them and allows them to suffer.

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 the company to terrorize and plunder them” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 23:47

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

Ezekiel 23:49

“So the company will set your.” The word “they” refers to the “company” of people from Ezekiel 23:47.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cause you to accept responsibility for your shameful behavior” or “punish you for your shameful behavior” (See: Idiom)

“accept responsibility for the guilt of your sins with your idols.” This implies that they will be punished for their sins. Alternate translation: “receive the punishment for sinning by worshiping your idols” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 24

Ezekiel 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Too many sins to be forgiven

The people of Jerusalem cannot be cleaned from their sin. (See: clean, wash and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Jerusalem is compared to a pot, so rusted that it cannot be cleaned from its rust. They have been completely rotted by their sin. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 24:1

Yahweh speaks to Ezekiel.

“in year 9.” This refers to how long they had been in exile under King Jehoiachin. Alternate translation: “in the ninth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“the tenth day of the tenth month” or “the 10th day of the 10th month.” This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the beginning of January on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Ezekiel 24:2

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”

The army of Babylon is referred to by its leader. Alternate translation: “the army of the king of Babylon has besieged” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 24:3

Ezekiel 24:4

Here “food” refers specifically to meat. Alternate translation: “Place pieces of meat” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 24:5

Here the “flock” refers to sheep, not birds.

Some cultures add bones to a fire because they burn longer than wood. This refers to the bones that remained after the best bones were placed in the pot. Alternate translation: “place the rest of the bones under the pot to fuel the fire” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 24:6

Here “blood” is a reference to “murder.” Alternate translation: “the city of murderers” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh continues to compare Jerusalem to a cooking pot. Alternate translation: “it is like a cooking pot” (See: Metaphor)

the red material that forms on metal. Rust eats away at metal and eventually destroys it

Yahweh does not give this command to a specific person. This is a general command given to an unspecified person within this metaphor.

Casting lots was a way of choosing which pieces of meat to take out, but because Yahweh wants to take out all of the pieces of meat, there is no need to cast lots.

Ezekiel 24:7

This means that the blood from those who were murdered in Jerusalem is still there. Alternate translation: “For the blood of those who were murdered among her is still there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “her” refers to Jerusalem, which is represented by the cooking pot.

This personifies Jerusalem as a person who murdered the people and chose where to put their blood. Alternate translation: “They were murdered on the smooth rocks; not on the dirt where the dust would hide their blood” or “Their blood fell on the smooth rocks; it did not fall on the ground where the dust would cover it” (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “has put the blood on bare rocks”

Ezekiel 24:8

Here Yahweh is speaking about himself taking revenge on those who murdered the people in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “in order that I could see it and then be angry and get revenge” (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: “so that no one could cover it” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 24:9

Here “blood” is a reference to “murder.” Alternate translation: “the city of murderers” (See: Metonymy)

It is implied that the pile of wood is under the cooking pot that represents Jerusalem. “I will make the pile of wood on the fire under you even bigger” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 24:10

Alternate translation: “light the fire”

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: “burn the bones” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 24:11

to burn the surface of something

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: “to melt the uncleanness within it and to consume its corrosion” (See: Active or Passive)

A person whom God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

rust

burned away

Ezekiel 24:12

Here the word “she” refers to the cooking pot. This is the cooking pot that is metaphorical for Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem has become tired” (See: Metaphor)

difficult labor

The phrase “has not gone out of her” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “but the fire did not burn away her corrosion” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 24:13

This speaks of Yahweh punishing the people in his anger as if it were his “fury” that were punishing them. Alternate translation: “until I am finished punishing you and am no longer furious with you” or “until I have punished you and I am longer angry with you” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 24:14

“nor will I rest from punishing you.” The word “it” refers to Yahweh punishing the people.

Ezekiel 24:15

Ezekiel 24:16

This refers to Ezekiel’s wife. Yahweh refers to Ezekiel by the part of his body he uses to see his wife. Alternate translation: “your wife, whom you love very much, from” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “by a disease”

These phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Ezekiel is not to cry about his wife dying. Alternate translation: “you must not mourn nor weep” (See: Parallelism)

Ezekiel 24:17

This refers to his dead wife. Alternate translation: “your dead wife” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

a head covering made of a long cloth wrapped around the head

a simple shoe held onto the foot with straps around the ankles

In Israel, men would shave their beards to express sorrow, then cover their faces until their facial hair grew back. Yahweh told Ezekiel not to cover his facial hair in order to show that he had not shaved his face to express his sorrow. Alternate translation: “do not mourn by veiling your facial hair” or “do not mourn by shaving and covering your beard” (See: Symbolic Action)

Ezekiel 24:18

Alternate translation: “The next morning”

Ezekiel 24:19

The people of Israel question Ezekiel, and Ezekiel tells them what Yahweh has said to them.

Ezekiel 24:20

Ezekiel 24:21

The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Alternate translation: “I will desecrate my sanctuary which is the pride … of your soul. Your sons”

This describes the temple as the building that the people are proud of. This speaks of it as being their “pride” instead of the source of their pride. Alternate translation: “the building that you are proud of” or “the source of your strong pride” (See: Metonymy)

Here Yahweh refers to the people by their “eyes.” Alternate translation: “the building that you delight to look at” (See: Synecdoche)

Here Yahweh refers to the people by their “soul” to emphasize their inner feelings. Alternate translation: “the building that you truly love” (See: Synecdoche)

This refers to their enemies by their swords. Alternate translation: “your sons and daughters … will be killed in war” or “your enemies will kill your sons and your daughters … with their swords” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 24:23

Here “melt away” is a metaphor for wasting away and dying. Alternate translation: “you will become very thin and slowly die” (See: Metaphor)

This implies that God will not forgive the sins of these people. Alternate translation: “and I will not forgive your sins” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is the sound a person makes who wants help, but who has too much pain or sorrow to speak.

Ezekiel 24:24

Here the word “sign” refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Yahweh speaks of Ezekiel and his actions as being this warning. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 12:6. Alternate translation: “So Ezekiel will be a warning for you” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 24:25

Here Yahweh speaks of destroying the temple as if it were someone that he was capturing. Alternate translation: “that I destroy their temple”

The abstract nouns “joy” and “pride” can be translated as noun phrases. Alternate translation: “which is what they are joyful about and what they are proud of” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 24:26

someone who has been forced to leave his country because of war or another disaster

Ezekiel 24:27

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. Ezekiel being given understanding and the ability to speak is represented by his mouth being opened. Alternate translation: “I will open your mouth” or “you will know what to say” or “I will cause you to know what to say” (See: Active or Passive and Synecdoche)

Both of these phrases mean that Ezekiel will speak. In the second phrase it is stated in negative form to emphasize that he will speak. (See: Litotes)

Ezekiel 25

Ezekiel 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Prophecy against other nations

This chapter includes prophecies against some Gentile nations. Ammon, Moab, Edom and Philistia will all be destroyed. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Ezekiel 25:1

Ezekiel 25:2

This is a command to stare at the people of Ammon as a symbol of punishing them. Alternate translation: “stare at the people of Ammon” or “stare at the people of Ammon so that they will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Ammon was far away, so Ezekiel could not see the people there, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming the people. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:2. Alternate translation: “Turn toward the people of Ammon and stare” or “stare toward Ammon so that the people there will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Alternate translation: “the descendants of Ammon” or “those who live in the land of Ammon”

“prophesy about the bad things that will happen to them.” This means to prophesy about the horrible things that will happen to the people of Ammon. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:7.

Ezekiel 25:3

Yahweh tells Ezekiel what to say to the people of Ammon.

Alternate translation: “Listen to this message from the Lord Yahweh”

“you cheered.” The word “Aha” is a sound people make when they are happy about something. In this case the people were happy because bad things happened to Israel and Judah.

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: “against my sanctuary when the enemy army profaned it” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “over the land … over the house”

Ezekiel 25:4

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

This speaks of the enemy army conquering the land of Ammon and taking possession of the land and everything in it as if the enemy were taking the people of Ammon as their possession. It is not implied here that the enemy took the people of Ammon as slaves. Alternate translation: “I will cause an army from a land that is east of you to come and conquer you” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “They will set up tents and live in your country”

It may be helpful to specify the source of the fruit and milk. Alternate translation: “They will eat the fruit from your trees and drink the milk from your cattle” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 25:5

Here the phrase “the people of Ammon” refers to the land that belonged to the people of Ammon. Also, the understood information at the beginning of this phrase may be supplied. Alternate translation: “I will make the rest of the land of Ammon a field for flocks” (See: Metonymy and Ellipsis)

Ezekiel 25:6

These actions are ways to show strong emotions. In this case the people are cheering and showing their contempt against Israel. (See: Symbolic Action)

Here the phrase “the land of Israel” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “all of the hatred you feel towards the people who live in Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 25:7

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what i am about to tell you”

“I will hit you with my powerful hand.” Here Yahweh speaks of punishing the people as if he were literally hitting them with his hand. Alternate translation: “I will punish you” (See: Metaphor)

The word “you” refers to the people of Ammon but is also a metonym for their land and their possessions. Alternate translation: “I will allow enemies to defeat you and take you, your land, and your possessions as plunder” (See: Metonymy)

These phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will completely destroy the people of Ammon so that they are no longer a nation. Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy you so that you are no longer a nation” (See: Parallelism)

Ezekiel 25:8

These places refer to the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “the people of Moab and Seir” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Look at the house of Judah. It is like”

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the descendants of Judah over many years. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “The Judah people group are” or “The people of Judah are” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 25:9

Alternate translation: “look! I will open” or “listen! I will open” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you! I will open”

Here the city of Moab is spoken of with the masculine pronoun “his.” Alternate translation: “starting at its cities” (See: Personification)

Ezekiel 25:10

Alternate translation: “I will send the same army from the people in the east who attacked Ammon”

Here Yahweh speaks of allowing the armies from the east to conquer Ammon as if Ammon were a possession that he was giving them. Alternate translation: “I will allow the armies to conquer them” (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: “so that the nations will not remember the people of Ammon” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 25:12

Here “Edom” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “The people of Edom have taken” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 25:13

Here Yahweh speaks of punishing the people as if he were literally hitting them with his hand. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 25:7. Alternate translation: “I will punish Edom” (See: Metaphor)

“I will make all of Edom … from Teman to Dedan.” These are two cities at opposite ends of Edom. This means that Yahweh will destroy all of Edom. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “fall” represents being killed and the word “sword” refers to their enemies who will kill them in battle. Alternate translation: “Their enemies will kill them with their swords” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 25:14

Here the “hand” of Israel is a metonym for Israel’s army. Yahweh speaks of taking revenge on the people of Edom as if his vengeance were like a sheet that he covered them with. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word vengeance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “to punish.” Alternate translation: “I will use my people Israel to punish the people of Edom” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “they will show Edom my anger and fury” or “they will punish Edom according to my anger and fury against the people of Edom”

The word “fury” means basically the same thing as and intensifies the word “anger.” Alternate translation: “my furious anger” or “my extreme anger” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 25:15

The phrase “from within themselves” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “The Philistines hate Judah and have tried to take revenge against it by their own strength again and again” (See: Idiom)

Here “Judah” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “to destroy the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 25:16

This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Here Yahweh’s power is represented by his “hand.” Alternate translation: “I will turn my powerful hand against the Philistines” or “I will turn my great power against the Philistines” (See: Metonymy)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will destroy” or “I will get rid of” (See: Idiom)

people who lived in the city of Kereth in Philistia (See: How to Translate Names)

Ezekiel 26

Ezekiel 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a section of prophecy against Tyre. The Babylonians will destroy Tyre. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Ezekiel 26:1

“in year 11.” This means the eleventh year after King Jehoiachin was taken into exile in Babylon. Alternate translation: “in the eleventh year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“on day 1 of the month.” It is uncertain which month of the Hebrew calendar Ezekiel meant. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Ezekiel 26:2

Here the city names “Tyre” and “Jerusalem” represent the people of those cities. Alternate translation: “the people of Tyre have said against the people of Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

The word “Aha” is a sound people make when they discover something. Alternate translation: “Yes!” or “This is great!” (See: Exclamations)

The people of Tyre use these words to refer to Jerusalem as if it were a city gate through which traders from the surrounding nations pass. 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: “Armies have broken down the gates of the people” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Here the word “she” refers to the word “gates” which have “turned” on their hinges to open to Tyre. This phrase means that Tyre has now replaced Jerusalem as the city through which the traders from many nations pass. Alternate translation: “The gateway has opened to me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here to be “filled up” represents being prosperous. Alternate translation: “I will become prosperous” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Jerusalem is ruined”

Ezekiel 26:3

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

Here the word “nations” refers to their armies. Alternate translation: “I will gather armies from many nations that will beat against you like the waves in the raging sea” (See: Metonymy and Simile)

Ezekiel 26:4

Yahweh speaks of how he will cause Tyre to be completely destroyed. Alternate translation: “I will cause the armies to completely destroy the city, and they will leave nothing there” (See: Simile)

Ezekiel 26:5

Yahweh continues to give Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

The city of Tyre is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “Tyre will become” or “It will become” (See: Personification)

Part of Tyre was an island. This expression is a metonym for the results of Tyre’s destruction. Alternate translation: “an empty island used for drying fishing nets” or “a deserted island where people dry out their fishing nets” (See: Metonymy)

“Plunder” means things that people steal or take by force. Here Tyre becoming plunder represents its wealth being carried off by other nations. Alternate translation: “the armies of the nations will take away every valuable thing from Tyre” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 26:6

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 enemy armies will slaughter with swords her daughters who are in the fields” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) “Her daughters” were the young women of Tyre who were working in the fields or (2) “Her daughters” is a metonym for nearby towns and villages on the mainland that supported the main city of Tyre. Alternate translation: “Her daughter communities who are on the mainland” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 26:7

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

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

The phrase “king of kings” was a title, meaning that he was the greatest of kings, the king that other kings obeyed. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the greatest king” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This emphasizes the great size of Nebuchadnezzar’s army.

Ezekiel 26:8

Here the word “He” refers to Nebuchadnezzar and is a metonym for his army. Alternate translation: “His army will kill” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) “your daughters” refers to the young women of Tyre who were working in the fields or (2) “your daughters” is a metonym for nearby towns and villages on the mainland that supported the main city of Tyre. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 26:6. Alternate translation: “your daughter communities who are on the mainland” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 26:9

The words “he” and “his” in these verses refer to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, and represent the soldiers in Nebuchadnezzar’s army doing these actions. The word “your” refers to the city of Tyre. (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

Although the battering rams and tools are spoken of as acting against the walls and towers of Tyre, they would have been used by the soldiers in Nebuchadnezzar’s army against the walls and towers. (See: Metonymy)

“Battering rams” are large trees or poles that many men in an army would pick up and hit against a wall or door so they could break it down and get inside. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 4:2.

Weapons or instruments made of iron used to tear down the towers

Ezekiel 26:10

Here Yahweh uses a simile to describe how Nebuchadnezzar’s army will enter into the city of Tyre. (See: Simile)

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 breaking down its walls” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 26:12

The word “They” in these verses refers to the soldiers in the armies of Nebuchadnezzar. The words “your” and “you” refer to the city of Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

The phrases “plunder your riches” and “loot your merchandise” mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

expensive and comfortable

These refer to what is left after the walls and homes are torn down.

Alternate translation: “into the sea”

Ezekiel 26:13

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 will hear the sound of your harps anymore” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 26:14

This metaphor describes the results after Yahweh completely destroys Tyre. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 26:4. (See: Metaphor)

This metaphor also describes the results after Yahweh destroys Tyre. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 26:5. (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 will make you a place where nets” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 26:15

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

This question expects a positive answer and emphasizes the results of Tyre’s destruction. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The islands will quake … in your midst.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “the islands” represents the people living on the islands. Alternate translation: “Will not the people of the islands quake with fear” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 26:16

Alternate translation: “princes of the coastlands”

This metaphor represents the princes trembling enough to seem like it was their clothing. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “be unable to speak because what has happened to you is so bad”

Ezekiel 26:17

In these verses, “They” refers to the “princes of the sea” in the previous verse, and “you” refers to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

Alternate translation: “sing”

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: “How your enemies have destroyed you—you who were inhabited by sailors” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “terrified.” Alternate translation: “caused all the people around them to be terrified” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 26:18

These two lines are similar in meaning and emphasize the response of the surrounding people to the destruction of Tyre. (See: Parallelism)

Here “the coasts” represents the people living there. Alternate translation: “Now the people of the coastlands tremble” (See: Metonymy)

Here “the islands in the sea” represents the people living there. Alternate translation: “The people of the islands are terrified” (See: Metonymy)

The destruction of Tyre is spoken of as if it was a person who had died. Alternate translation: “you have departed” or “you exist no more” (See: Personification)

Ezekiel 26:19

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

The word “you” here refers to the city of Tyre. In the original language “you” here is feminine singular.

Here Tyre is compared to other cities that no longer had people living in them. (See: Simile)

Here “the deeps” means the deep waters of the sea. Alternate translation: “the deep waters” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Ezekiel 26:20

What Yahweh would do to Tyre is compared to people going to the grave and cities falling into ruin. (See: Personification and Simile)

This refers to the grave. Because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. (See: Metonymy)

This represents being restored to the city’s former existence. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 26:21

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word disaster, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “terrible” or the verb “destroy.” Alternate translation: “I will bring you to a terrible end” or “I will destroy you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 27

Ezekiel 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The prophecy against Tyre continues in this chapter. Tyre has become wealthy from trade as far as Spain, but Tyre will be destroyed. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Tyre is compared to a ship built with the very best materials. Despite its strength and power, Yahweh will destroy it. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 27:1

Ezekiel 27:2

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word lamentation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “lament.” Alternate translation: “begin to lament” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 27:3

Here the word “Tyre” represents the people living in Tyre. Alternate translation: “say to the people of Tyre” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “who lives at the gates of the sea” or “who lives at the entry to the sea”

Here the word “Tyre” represents the people living in Tyre. Alternate translation: “People of Tyre, you have said” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word beauty, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “beautiful.” Alternate translation: “I am perfectly beautiful” or “I am entirely beautiful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 27:4

“Your” and “you” in these verses refer to Tyre. The city of Tyre is described here and in the following verses as if it were a beautiful ship. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

Alternate translation: “Your boundaries”

Alternate translation: “middle of the seas”

Ezekiel 27:5

long, flat pieces of wood; thick boards

a large pole on a ship that holds up the sails of the ship

Ezekiel 27:6

“They” in these verses refers to the builders of Tyre. “Your” refers to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a beautiful ship. (See: Metaphor)

long pieces of wood with flat blades at one end that people use to make a boat move

the parts of the boat that people can walk on

Alternate translation: “covered them”

a white, beautiful, and hard material that is made from the long teeth of some animals

Ezekiel 27:7

large pieces of cloth that move a ship when the wind blows on them

The sails of the ship are compared to the banners or flags of Tyre. (See: Simile)

Ezekiel 27:8

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a beautiful ship. (See: Metaphor)

This is the name of a small island off the coast of Syria. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “wise men of Tyre”

A pilot is a person who controls where a ship goes by steering the ship.

Ezekiel 27:9

This is the name of a city on the Syrian coast. Other versions call it by the name “Gebal.” (See: How to Translate Names and Textual Variants)

Alternate translation: “repaired your cracks” or “repaired your leaks”

A sailor is one of the team of workers on a ship.

Ezekiel 27:10

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

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

Alternate translation: “men who fought in your wars” or “serving as your warriors”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word splendor, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “splendid.” Alternate translation: “how splendid you were” or “how majestic you were” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 27:11

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word beauty, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “beautiful.” Alternate translation: “They finished making you beautiful” or “They made you perfectly beautiful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 27:12

The word “your” in these verses refers to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

metals that were used during that time period

Alternate translation: “the things you offered for sale”

Ezekiel 27:13

This is the name of a coastal region also known as Ionia. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “They traded for your merchandise”

Ezekiel 27:14

The word “your” in these verses refers to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

the name of a place (See: How to Translate Names)

adult male horses

Ezekiel 27:15

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

Having things in the hands here is probably a metaphor for carrying those things or having them in their possession. Alternate translation: “You owned things that you sold to them” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the tusks or elongated teeth of certain animals.

a dark brown to black hardwood that is very dense or heavy

Ezekiel 27:16

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

Here “Aram” refers to the people of Aram. Alternate translation: “The people of Aram were dealers” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “trader”

An emerald is a type of green precious stone.

Here purple cloth or yarn is referred to by just its color. Alternate translation: “purple cloth” or “purple yarn” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

beautiful beads of hard white material that come from creatures in the sea

A ruby is a type of red precious stone.

Ezekiel 27:17

Here “Judah and the land of Israel” refers to the people of those places. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah and Israel were trading with you” (See: Metonymy)

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

The meaning of the Hebrew word translated here as “cakes” is uncertain. Other versions may translate it as another type of food.

a sweet-smelling gum or resin that comes from a tree

Ezekiel 27:18

names of places (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “abundant wealth” or “great wealth”

Ezekiel 27:19

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

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

This is a metonym for the people of Dan and Javan. Alternate translation: “The people of Dan and Javan” (See: Metonymy)

a form of iron that can be shaped with a hammer

This is a type of spice that comes from the bark of a tree. “Cassia” is another name for this spice. (See: Translate Unknowns)

a type of grass that people used as perfume and for medicine (See: Translate Unknowns)

Ezekiel 27:20

This is a metonym for the people of Dedan. Alternate translation: “The people of Dedan were” (See: Metonymy)

A saddle blanket is a piece of cloth that people place on a horse beneath a saddle or seat.

Ezekiel 27:21

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

This is a metonym for the people of Arabia. Alternate translation: “The people of Arabia” or “The Arabians” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 27:22

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

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

Alternate translation: “valuable stones”

Ezekiel 27:23

This refers to the people from these places. Alternate translation: “The people of Haran, Kanneh, and Eden were traders with you, along with the people of Sheba, Ashur, and Kilmad” (See: Metonymy)

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

Ezekiel 27:24

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

Alternate translation: “They traded with you”

Alternate translation: “purple robes with many different colors”

Alternate translation: “blankets with many colors that had designs and were of high quality”

Ezekiel 27:25

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 ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise” (See: Active or Passive)

Tyre’s abundance is spoken of as if it was a ship that was full of cargo. (See: Metaphor)

“middle of the seas.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:4.

Ezekiel 27:26

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre. The city of Tyre is described here and in the following verses as if it were a wrecked ship. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.

Alternate translation: “The people that row you”

Alternate translation: “great waters”

Alternate translation: “the strong wind from the east”

“heart of the seas” or “middle of the seas.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:4.

Ezekiel 27:27

men who sail boats

“heart of the seas” or “middle of the seas.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:4.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “at the time you are destroyed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 27:28

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a wrecked ship. (See: Metaphor)

Here “Cities at the sea” represents the people in those cities. Alternate translation: “The people of the cities by the sea will tremble” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 27:29

Alternate translation: “All the rowers”

Ezekiel 27:30

Alternate translation: “cry out sadly”

These are expressions of grieving and mourning. (See: Symbolic Action)

Ezekiel 27:31

The word “they” in these verses refer to the people mentioned in verses 28 and 29. The words “you” and “your” refer to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a wrecked ship. (See: Metaphor)

These are expressions of grieving and mourning. (See: Symbolic Action)

having no hair on the head

Ezekiel 27:32

Alternate translation: “sing funeral songs”

This question expects a negative answer and emphasizes Tyre being different from all other cities. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “No other city is like Tyre, who has now been brought to silence in the middle of the sea.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “who its enemies have now silenced” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 27:33

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “When people brought your merchandise ashore” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “onto the land”

Alternate translation: “you made the kings of the earth rich”

Ezekiel 27:34

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a wrecked ship. (See: Metaphor)

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “when the seas, the deep waters, shattered you” (See: Active or Passive)

To “shatter” is to break up into pieces.

team of workers

Ezekiel 27:35

Alternate translation: “were shocked and terrified by what happened to you”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word horror, you could express the same idea with an adverb such as “fearfully.” Alternate translation: “their kings shuddered fearfully” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “shook, trembled with fear”

Here “faces” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “They appear to be trembling” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 27:36

Hissing was making a whistling sound through the teeth. It may have been out of dismay, grief, or surprise. (See: Symbolic Action)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word horror, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “dreadful.” 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 become dreadful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 28

Ezekiel 28 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The prophecy against Tyre concludes in this chapter. Tyre will be destroyed because of its pride and unfair business practices. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Ezekiel 28:1

Ezekiel 28:2

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”

Here “heart” represents the will or thoughts of the ruler of Tyre. Alternate translation: “You are arrogant” (See: Metonymy)

falsely believing oneself to be importantbelieving oneself to be important

“I will sit on the throne of the gods.” Here sitting in the seat of the gods represents claiming to be in the same exalted position as if he were one of the gods. (See: Metaphor)

“middle of the seas.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:4.

Here “heart” represents the mind or thinking. A god thinks of himself as better than people. Alternate translation: “you think that you have the mind of a god” or “you have allowed yourself to think that you are better than other people” (See: Metonymy and Simile)

Ezekiel 28:3

Here the ruler of Tyre compares himself to Daniel the prophet in how wise he thought he was. (See: Simile)

Ezekiel 28:4

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to the ruler of Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to the ruler of Tyre.

The abstract nouns “wisdom” and “skill” can be translated using the adjectives “wise” and “skillful.” Alternate translation: “You have become wealthy by your own wisdom and skill” or “You have become wealthy by being wise and skillful” (See: Reflexive Pronouns and Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “stored up gold and silver”

places to store valuable objects and keep them safe

Ezekiel 28:5

The abstract nouns “wisdom” and “wealth” can be translated using the adjectives “wise” and “wealthy.” Alternate translation: “By being very wise and by your trading, you have become more and more wealthy, so your heart is arrogant because of how wealthy you are” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “heart” represents the will or thoughts of the ruler of Tyre. Alternate translation: “you are arrogant” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 28:6

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to the ruler of Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to the ruler of Tyre.

Here “heart” represents the mind or thinking. A god thinks of himself as better than people. See how you translated the similar phrase in Ezekiel 28:2. (See: Metonymy and Simile)

Ezekiel 28:7

The abstract nouns “beauty” and “wisdom” can be translated using the adjective “beautiful” and the adverb “wisely.” Alternate translation: “the beautiful things that you have so wisely made” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word splendor, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “splendid.” Alternate translation: “profane how splendid you are” or “defile how majestic you are” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 28:8

Here “the pit” refers to the grave or to hell. Alternate translation: “down to the grave” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “in the middle of the seas”

Ezekiel 28:9

This question expects a negative answer to emphasize the irony when one who claims to be a god is destroyed by men. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You will not say ‘I am a god’ to the face of one who kills you!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Irony)

Here the face represents being in the presence of another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of” or “before” (See: Synecdoche)

Here being in the hand of someone represents being under their control. Alternate translation: “under the control of” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 28:10

Here “hand” is a metonym for the actions of the foreigners’ army. Alternate translation: “by an army of foreigners” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 28:11

The idiom “The word of Yahweh came again to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated similar words in Ezekiel 18:1. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to me a second time. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this second message to me:” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 28:12

God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”

Alternate translation: “sing”

The abstract nouns “model” an d “perfection” can be translated using the words “completely” and “perfect.” Alternate translation: “You were completely perfect” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The abstract nouns “wisdom” and “beauty” can be translated using the adjectives “wise” and “beautiful.” Alternate translation: “fully wise and perfectly beautiful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 28:13

Alternate translation: “You wore every kind of precious stone”

These are all precious stones of different colors. (See: Translate Unknowns)

pieces of metal that hold the precious stones

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 prepared them on the day that I created you” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “made ready”

Ezekiel 28:14

The word “you” in these verses refers to the king of Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to the king of Tyre.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:9.

“the stones of fire.” This could mean: (1) a metaphor for the colorful and bright stones mentioned in Ezekiel 28:13 or (2) other fiery stones on the “holy mountain of God” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 28:15

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: “since the day that I created you until I found injustice within you” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 28:16

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to the king of Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to the king of Tyre.

Alternate translation: “large volume of trade”

Yahweh speaks of the king of Tyre as if he were a container that was filled up with violence. The king is a synecdoche for himself and his people If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word violence, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “violent.” Alternate translation: “you and your people became completely violent” or “you and your peoplewere completely violent” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche and Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “guarding cherub”

“the stones of fire.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 28:14. This could mean: (1) a metaphor for the colorful and bright stones mentioned in Ezekiel 28:13 or (2) other fiery stones on the “holy mountain of God.” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 28:17

Here the “heart” represents the whole person, emphasizing the person’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “You were arrogant” (See: Synecdoche)

falsely believing oneself to be importantbelieving oneself to be important

The abstract nouns “beauty,” wisdom” and “splendor” can be translated using the adjectives “beautiful,” “wise” and “splendid.” Alternate translation: “Your heart was arrogant because you were beautiful; you became unwise because you were so splendid” (See: Abstract Nouns)

“in front of kings “

Alternate translation: “so they may look at you”

Ezekiel 28:18

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to the king of Tyre.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to the king of Tyre.

“it will devour you.” The fire is spoken of here as if it was eating him up. Alternate translation: “it will burn you up” (See: Idiom)

This idiom means burning up until only ashes are left. Alternate translation: “burn you up to ashes” or “burn you up completely” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 28:19

shake or tremble with fear

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:36.

Ezekiel 28:20

Ezekiel 28:21

Sidon was far away, so Ezekiel could not see it, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:2. Alternate translation: “Turn toward Sidon and stare” or “stare toward Sidon so that the people there will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

“prophesy about the bad things that will happen to.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 4:7.

Ezekiel 28:22

Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell 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 reveal my glory among you” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “when I judge you” (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: “I will use you to show you that I am holy” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 28:23

The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Sidon.

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Sidon.

Here “blood” refers to the blood of the people of Sidon and represents those whom their enemies would kill. (See: Metaphor)

Here “the slain” means the people of Sidon whom their enemies would kill. Alternate translation: “the slain people will fall” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Here “sword” is a metonym for an attacking enemy army. Alternate translation: “When enemy armies attack you” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 28:24

Here the briars and thorns represent what would cause suffering and pain. Alternate translation: “people anywhere around the house of Israel who wound them like briars, hurt them like thorns, and despise them” (See: Metaphor)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Israel’s descendants. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 28:25

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “among whom I scattered them” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “in such a way as the nations will see it”

Here “Jacob” represents the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “the descendants of my servant Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 28:26

Alternate translation: “in the land”

Ezekiel 29

Ezekiel 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a prophecy against Egypt and its king, Pharaoh. Because Egypt did not fulfill its promise of protecting Judah, it will be conquered by Babylon. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out and promise, promised)

Ezekiel 29:1

It can be stated clearly that this was the tenth year of Jehoiachin’s exile. Alternate translation: “In the tenth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“on the twelfth day of the tenth month.” This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The twelfth day is near the beginning of January on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Ezekiel 29:2

This is a command to stare at Pharaoh as a symbol of punishing him and his people. Pharaoh was far away, so Ezekiel could not see him, but staring in his direction would be a symbol of harming him and his people. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:2. Alternate translation: “turn toward Pharaoh and stare” or “stare toward Pharaoh so that he and his people will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Alternate translation: “tell the terrible things that will happen to him and everyone in Egypt”

Ezekiel 29:3

“the huge creature that lives in the water.” Yahweh calls Pharaoh a monster that lives in the water. The monster is probably a crocodile. (See: Symbolic Language)

Ezekiel 29:4

sharp and bent pieces of metal or wood that people use to catch fish and other animals in the water

hard pieces of skin that are on fish, crocodiles, and other animals

Ezekiel 29:5

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. The implication is that they would die in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “no one will gather you or pick you up” or “no one will gather your bodies and bury you” (See: Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 29:6

The word “they” refers to the inhabitants of Egypt. A reed stalk is unreliable because it is easily broken. Yahweh speaks of them as a reed stalk because the people of Israel relied on the Egyptians to help them in war, but the Egyptians did not help them. Alternate translation: “they have been as unreliable as a reed stalk” (See: Metaphor)

a plant that grows near water and looks like very large grass

the part of a reed that is long and like a thick stick. People can use them like sticks, but the stalks of reeds are not as strong as wood and can break suddenly.

Ezekiel 29:7

God speaks of Israel relying on Egypt as if they were taking hold of a reed stalk in order to use it as a crutch. Alternate translation: “When they relied on you” (See: Metaphor)

The word “they” refers to the Israelites and the word “you” refers to Pharaoh or Pharaoh and Egypt.

Because Egypt did not help the Israelites, the Israelites could not defend themselves against their enemy, the Babylonians. God speaks of the Israelites being unable to defend themselves as if their legs were unsteady. Alternate translation: “you caused them to be like people whose legs are unsteady” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 29:8

This word adds emphasis to what is said next. This is the Lord’s message to Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”

Here “sword” is a metonym for battle, and “bring a sword against you” is a metaphor for causing an enemy army to come fight against Egypt. Alternate translation: “I will cause your enemies to come fight against you” (See: Metonymy)

The word “you” refers to the nation of Egypt. (See: Forms of You)

Here “cut off man and beast” is a metaphor for destroying the people and animals. God would do this by causing the enemy army to do it. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 29:10

The word “you” refers to Pharaoh. God speaks to Pharaoh as if Pharaoh were a monster in the river.

“I will put Egypt into the power of desolation and waste.” Desolation and waste are spoken of as if they were people who could be given power over Egypt. Alternate translation: “I will cause Egypt to become a desolate waste” (See: Personification)

Here “you” refers to Pharaoh and represents Egypt, the country he rules over. Alternate translation: “your country will become a wasteland” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to all of Egypt. Where these places are can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “throughout all of Egypt, from Migdol in the north to Syene in the south and the borders of Cush further south” (See: Merism and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is the name of a place in the far northern part of Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

This the name of a town in southern Egypt. It is now called Aswan. (See: How to Translate Names)

These borders of Cush were south of Syene. Some versions say Sudan or Ethiopia, the modern names of countries south of Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ezekiel 29:11

Here “man’s foot” represents people. Alternate translation: “No man will walk through the land of Egypt” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “animal’s foot” represents animals. Alternate translation: “not even a wild animal will walk through it” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 29:12

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you could express the same idea with the adjective “desolate.” Alternate translation: “For I will make the land of Egypt desolate” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “Egypt” represents the people of Egypt, and “scatter” represents causing them to move to other places. Alternate translation: “I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations” or “I will make the people of Egypt go and live among the nations” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 29:13

Here “Egypt” is a metonym for the people of Egypt, and “gather” is a metaphor for causing them to return to Egypt. Alternate translation: “I will cause the people of Egypt to return to Egypt” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “among whom I scattered them” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 29:14

The phrase “fortunes of Egypt” is a metaphor for the people of Egypt who had been taken away to other countries. Alternate translation: “I will bring back the people of Egypt” (See: Metaphor)

the southern part of Egypt between the Delta and the land of Cush. This is also called Upper Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “lowly” represents unimportant. Alternate translation: “an unimportant kingdom” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 29:15

Here “lowliest” represents least important. Alternate translation: “the least important of the kingdoms” (See: Metaphor)

Here “be lifted up” represents becoming important. Alternate translation: “it will not become important again among the nations” (See: Metaphor)

“I will make them small.” Here “diminish them” represents making Egypt weak or unimportant. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 29:16

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word confidence, you could express the same idea with the verbs “trust” or “rely on.” Alternate translation: “The house of Israel will no longer trust in the Egyptians” or “The house of Israel will no longer rely on the Egyptians” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “house” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” or “the nation of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

How Egypt would be a reminder can be stated clearly. The abstract nouns “reminder” and “iniquity” can be expressed with the verbs “remember” and “sin.” Alternate translation: “when Israel sees what I do to Egypt, Israel will remember how Israel sinned” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Abstract Nouns)

Here “turn … for help” is a metonym for “ask … for help.” Alternate translation: “whenever they asked Egypt to help them” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 29:17

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

This was after King Jehoiachin and the people of Judah were taken as exiles to Babylon. Alternate translation: “in the twenty-seventh year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“on the first day of the first month.” This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the beginning of April. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Ezekiel 29:18

The kind of hard work they did can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “to work hard at attacking Tyre” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This refers to the heads and shoulders of the Babylonian soldiers.

Either their helmets or the heavy things they carried on their heads rubbed the hair off their heads.

Either their armor or the heavy things they carried on their shoulders rubbed the skin off their shoulders. Alternate translation: “every shoulder was rubbed raw” or “every shoulder was rubbed bare”

Here “payment” represents the valuable things that Nebuchadnezzar’s army would steal from Tyre as a reward for defeating it. God speaks of these things as if they were what God would pay them for working for him. Alternate translation: “he and his army did not get any valuable things from Tyre as reward” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 29:19

This word adds emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”

Yahweh speaks of causing the army of Babylon to defeat Egypt as if God were giving Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar. Alternate translation: “I will cause the army of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, to defeat Egypt” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of these things that Nebuchadnezzar’s army would take as if they were what God would pay them for working for him. Alternate translation: “his army will receive those things as if they were payment” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 29:20

Ezekiel 29:21

An animal horn represents the animal’s strength, so horn is a metonym for strength. God speaks of making Israel strong as if Israel were an animal, and he were to cause its horn to grow. Alternate translation: “I will make the people of Israel strong” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. Here it refers to the people of Israel, the descendants of Jacob whom God called Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” or “the nation of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “speak to them”

Ezekiel 30

Ezekiel 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The prophecy against Egypt and its king continues in this chapter. Babylon will destroy all the towns of Egypt and their allies will not be able to help them. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Ezekiel 30:1

Ezekiel tells about a message that Yahweh gave him.

Ezekiel 30:2

cry out with grief

This exclamation expresses the fear that people would feel about a certain day when terrible and frightening things will happen. Alternate translation: “Oh that day” or “Oh, what a frightening day is coming” (See: Exclamations)

Ezekiel 30:3

Alternate translation: “That day is soon” or “It will soon be that day”

It is implied that on that day, Yahweh will punish people. Alternate translation: “It will soon be the day when Yahweh will punish you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Dark storm clouds represent danger and fear. Alternate translation: “It will be like a day with dark clouds” or “It will be frightening like a day with dark clouds” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word doom, you could express the same idea with the phrase “terrible things will happen.” Alternate translation: “a time when terrible things will happen to the nations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 30:4

These are Yahweh’s words about Egypt.

The word “sword” here represents war or an army that attacks. Alternate translation: “There will be war against Egypt” or “An enemy army will attack Egypt” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anguish, you could express the same idea in terms of how the people feel. Alternate translation: “the people of Cush will be very sad” or “the people of Cush will suffer” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “when the attackers take away the wealth of Egypt”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the attackers destroy the foundations of the buildings in Egypt” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 30:5

These names refer to the people of these countries. Alternate translation: “The people of Cush and Put, Libya, and all Arabia, and Lydia” (See: Metonymy)

Libya is a country west of Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

This probably refers to the kingdom of Lydia which was in what is now Turkey.

Here the sword represents battle. Alternate translation: “will all die in battle” or “will all die in the war” (See: Metonymy)

The word “all” here is a generalization. It means that many people will die. (See: Hyperbole)

Ezekiel 30:6

“This is what Yahweh says.” This sentence introduces what the Lord would say.

Alternate translation: “In this way, the peoples” or “In this manner, the nations”

Alternate translation: “who help Egypt”

Alternate translation: “will die” or “come to ruin”

This represents Egypt no longer being proud of their strength. The reason that they will not be proud is that they will no longer be strong. Alternate translation: “Egypt will no longer be proud about being strong” or “Egypt will no longer have the strength that they were so proud of” (See:Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel names towns on the borders of Egypt in order to refer to all of Egypt. Alternate translation: “In all of Egypt” or “From the northern border of Egypt to the southern border of Egypt” (See: Merism)

Ezekiel 30:7

Alternate translation: “The soldiers of the allies of Egypt will be appalled when they are left surrounded by nothing but abandoned lands”

Alternate translation: “among” or “surrounded by”

Being “among” the ruined cities represents being ruined like the ruined cities of other countries. Alternate translation: “their cities will be ruined like the cities of other countries” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 30:8

These are Yahweh’s words about Egypt.

This could mean: (1) “Then people” or (2) “Then the Egyptians.”

Yahweh is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated as similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “they will understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “they will realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “set fire in Egypt” represents sending an army to attack Egypt and set fires. Alternate translation: “when I send an army to burn Egypt with fire” (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: “I destroy all of the allies of Egypt” or “when armies destroy all of those who help Egypt” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 30:9

Messengers will bring the news of Egypt’s destruction to Cush, who will be frightened by the news.

Alternate translation: “in order to frighten Cush, who now feels safe from danger”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas behind the words anguish and doom, you could express the same ideas with the words “suffer” and “punish.” Alternate translation: “the people of Cush will also suffer when I punish Egypt” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The word “behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. It can also be translated as “indeed!”

“It” refers to the “great pain” or “great sorrow” that Cush will have when they are punished along with Egypt.

Ezekiel 30:10

The word “this” refers to what follows. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:5.

Alternate translation: “I will make it so that Egypt will no longer have many people.”

Here “the hand” represents Nebuchadnezzar’s military power. Nebuchadnezzar will be the one who brings this punishment about.

Ezekiel 30:11

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 bring Nebuchadnezzar and his army … to destroy the land” (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 cause him and his army … to go destroy the land of Egypt” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh calls Nebuchadnezzar “the terror of the nations” because all of the nations are greatly afraid of his army. Alternate translation: “He and his army with him, the one who terrifies many nations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “draw out their swords” represents fighting with their swords. Alternate translation: “they will use their swords and fight against Egypt” (See: Metonymy)

This is an exaggeration to show that the Babylonians will kill very many Egyptians. There will be so many dead Egyptians that it will seem that their dead bodies cover all of the land of Egypt. Alternate translation: “kill so many people that it will seem like dead bodies are everywhere” (See: Hyperbole)

Ezekiel 30:12

These are Yahweh’s words about Egypt.

Alternate translation: “I will dry up the rivers of Egypt”

Yahweh will give the Babylonians control over Egypt just as a person who sells something gives the one who buys it control over that thing. Alternate translation: “I will give control of the land to wicked men” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “everything in the land”

Ezekiel 30:13

The word “this” refers to what follows. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:5.

Alternate translation: “I will destroy the worthless idols”

Memphis was a very important city in Egypt. It was near modern-day Cairo. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “an important ruler in the land of Egypt”

Here “put terror on the land” represents causing the people of the land to be very afraid. Alternate translation: “I will make the people of Egypt very afraid” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 30:14

This was a region in southern Egypt.

Alternate translation: “I will burn Zoan with fire”

Zoan was another important city in Egypt.

The phrase “acts of judgment” refers to punishment. Alternate translation: “I will punish Thebes” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This was the capital city of southern Egypt.

Ezekiel 30:15

These are Yahweh’s words about Egypt.

Here “pour out my fury” represents punishing the people because of his great anger. Alternate translation: “For I will act in great anger against Pelusium” or “Because I am so angry, I will punish Pelusium severely” (See: Metaphor)

Pelusium is the name of a fortress in northern Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “cut off” represents killing the people. Alternate translation: “kill the very large number of people in Thebes” (See: Metaphor)

This was the capital city of southern Egypt. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:14.

Ezekiel 30:16

Here “set fire” is an idiom meaning “start a fire.” Alternate translation: “I will start a fire in Egypt” (See: Idiom)

Here “Pelusium” is a metonym for the people of the city near Pelusium, and “be in great agony” can be translated with the verb “suffer.” Alternate translation: “The people of Pelusium will suffer terribly” or “The people of Pelusium will feel terrible pain” (See: Metonymy and 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: “enemies will break up the walls and buildings in Thebes” or “enemies will destroy the Thebes” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “face enemies” represents seeing or having enemies. The name of the city is a metonym for the people who live in the city. Alternate translation: “The people of Memphis will have enemies every day” or “Enemies will fight against the people of Memphis every day” (See: Metonymy)

Memphis was a very important city in Egypt. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 30:13.

Ezekiel 30:17

These are Yahweh’s words about Egypt.

These were cities in northern Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “sword” is used here to refer to a battle or war. Alternate translation: “will die in battle” or “will die in the war” (See: Metonymy)

Here “cities” represents the people of the cities. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word captivity, you could express the same idea the more concrete noun “captive” or the verb “capture” Alternate translation: “the people of their cities will become captives” or “their enemies will capture their people and take them away” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 30:18

This was an important city in northern Egypt.

The day is spoken of as if it were able to keep its own light from shining. Alternate translation: “the day will be dark” (See: Personification)

The word “yoke” here refers to Egypt’s power to oppress people. Alternate translation: “when I stop Egypt from oppressing people” or “when I end Egypt’s power to cruelly control other nations” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) the dark cloud represents how sad the people of Egypt will feel. Alternate translation: “It will be as if there is a cloud over Egypt” or (2) there will be a cloud of dust over Egypt from everything that is destroyed. Alternate translation: “A cloud of dust will be over Egypt” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) the people of the Egyptian towns or (2) the daughters of the Egyptian people

Ezekiel 30:19

The phrase “acts of judgment” refers to punishment. Alternate translation: “I will punish Egypt in many ways” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “so the Egyptians”

Ezekiel 30:20

God speaks of making Pharaoh’s army weak as if he were to break Pharaoh’s arm, and of the army not being able to become strong again as if Pharaoh’s arm could not be healed. (See: Parables)

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

This is the eleventh year after King Jehoiachin was taken into exile in Babylon. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 26:1.

“in the seventh day of the first month.” This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The seventh day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Ezekiel 30:21

Here “arm” represents the powerful army of a king. (See: Parables and Metaphor)

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

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 has bound up his arm” or “No one has wrapped up his arm” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “set to heal with a bandage” refers to the arm being wrapped tightly in a bandage so that the parts of the bone will stay together and heal.

Ezekiel 30:22

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:11.

Alternate translation: “both the arm that is healthy and the arm that is already broken”

Alternate translation: “I will knock the sword out of Pharaoh’s hand”

Ezekiel 30:23

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. See how you translated similar phrases in Ezekiel 12:15. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “among the places in which people live”

Ezekiel 30:24

Alternate translation: “I will make the arms of the king of Babylon strong”

Alternate translation: “When the king of Babylon comes to attack Egypt, Pharaoh will groan.”

A groan is a noise that people make when they have a lot of pain or are dying.

Alternate translation: “as a man who is dying groans” or “like a man who is dying”

Ezekiel 30:25

Here “arms” are a metonym for the army. Alternate translation: “I will make the army of the king of Babylon strong” (See: Metonymy)

Here “Pharaoh’s arms” is a metonym for his army, and “will fall” represents being weak. Alternate translation: “but Pharaoh’s army will be unable to defeat enemies” (See: Metonymy)

Here, the word they could refer to: (1) “the Egyptians” or (2) “all people who hear what Yahweh has done.”

Alternate translation: “and the king of Babylon will attack the land of Egypt with my sword”

Ezekiel 30:26

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. See how you translated similar phrases in Ezekiel 12:15. (See: Parallelism)

Ezekiel 31

Ezekiel 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The prophecy against Egypt and its king continues in this chapter. God told Egypt to remember what happened to Assyria when it became proud. This same things will now happen to Egypt. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Ezekiel 31:1

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

“in year 11.” This means the eleventh year after King Jehoiachin was taken into exile in Babylon. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 26:1. Alternate translation: “in the eleventh year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“on the first day of the third month.” This is the third month of the Hebrew calendar. This first day is near the beginning of June on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Ezekiel 31:2

“Who is as great as you are?” Yahweh uses this question to introduce a new topic. Pharaoh thought that his nation was the greatest, but God is about to talk about another great nation. Alternate translation: “You think that there is no country whose power is as great as the power of your country.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 31:3

These are God’s words to Pharaoh about Assyria. God gives his message in the form of a parable about a great cedar tree. (See: Parables)

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

In this parable, God speaks about Assyria as if it were a great tree to emphasize how great and powerful the Assyrians were. This parable continues until 31:9. Alternate translation: “Assyria was like a cedar” (See: Parables)

Some versions of the Bible translate this as “the top of the tree was in the clouds.” Alternate translation: “its top was above the branches of the other trees”

Ezekiel 31:4

Alternate translation: “Because the cedar had a lot of water, it grew very tall”

Alternate translation: “the water deep in the ground made the cedar grow very big”

Alternate translation: “and streams flowed from the rivers to all the trees of the field”

Ezekiel 31:5

Alternate translation: “The cedar was taller than any of the other trees of the field”

Alternate translation: “it grew very many branches”

Alternate translation: “because it had a lot of water”

Ezekiel 31:6

Alternate translation: “All kinds of birds that fly in the sky made nests in its branches”

Alternate translation: “and all of the creatures that live in the field gave birth under the cedar’s branches”

“All of the great nations lived in the shade of that tree.” Here “nations” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “The people from all the nations lived in the shade of that tree” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 31:7

Alternate translation: “It was beautiful because it was very big and its branches were very long”

Ezekiel 31:8

Since these were God’s words to Pharaoh, it can also be translated with the first person. Alternate translation: “The cedar trees in my garden were not as great as that tree” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This is another way of referring to “the garden of Eden.”

Yahweh was comparing how many branches the trees had. Alternate translation: “None of the cypress trees had as many branches as the cedar” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Cypress trees have very many branches. They can grow very tall. See how you translated “cypress” in Ezekiel 27:5.

It was implied Yahweh was comparing the long branches of the cedar tree with the long branches of the plane tree. Alternate translation: “the plane tree did not have branches like the cedar tree” or “no plane tree had branches as long as the branches of the cedar tree” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A plane tree was a large, leafy tree with strong branches. It is similar to a sycamore tree. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Alternate translation: “was as beautiful as the cedar tree”

Ezekiel 31:9

Alternate translation: “I made the cedar beautiful by giving it many long branches”

Alternate translation: “were jealous of the cedar tree”

Ezekiel 31:10

Since Yahweh is speaking this can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “Therefore, this is what I, Yahweh the Lord, say” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Some versions of the Bible translate this as “the top of the tree was in the clouds.” Alternate translation: “its top was above the branches of the other trees”

Ezekiel 31:11

The word “hand” represents control. Alternate translation: “I put it in the power of the strongest nation” or “I gave the strongest nation power over it” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “I sent the cedar away from the cedar’s land because the cedar was wicked”

Ezekiel 31:12

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “afraid.” And here “nations” represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: “who made the people of all the nations afraid” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “cut the cedar down”

Alternate translation: “the foreigners broke the boughs of the cedar”

Boughs are very large branches that grow on trees. Usually, many smaller branches grow on the boughs.

Alternate translation: “left the shade of the cedar”

Ezekiel 31:13

Alternate translation: “All the birds that fly in the sky”

Alternate translation: “rested on the remains of the cedar”

The trunk is a very thick part of the tree that comes out of the ground and holds up the rest of the tree.

Alternate translation: “the wild animals lived in the branches of the cedar”

Ezekiel 31:14

Alternate translation: “that no other trees that get a lot of water”

Some Bibles translate this as “will set their tops among the clouds.” Alternate translation: “will grow taller than the branches of other trees”

Alternate translation: “that no other trees that get a lot of water will ever grow that tall again”

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 death, you could express the same idea with the verb “die.” Alternate translation: “For I made it so that they all will die and go deep under the ground” (See: Active or Passive and Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “to be with those people who have died and gone down to the grave”

This refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 26:20. (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 31:15

The phrase “went down to Sheol” means “died.” Alternate translation: “On the day that the cedar died” or “On the day that the cedar was chopped down” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word mourning, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I caused the earth to mourn” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The word “covered” possibly refers to putting on clothes for mourning. Alternate translation: “I made the water from the springs mourn for the cedar” or “it was as though the springs that watered it mourned for it” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I kept the water in the ocean from watering the earth”

Alternate translation: “I made it so that there would not be a lot of water anymore”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word mourning, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I made Lebanon mourn for the cedar” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 31:16

Here “threw it down to Sheol” is an idiom that means to kill. “The pit” refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 31:14. Alternate translation: “when I killed the cedar and it went to Sheol with everyone else that is dead” (See: Idiom and Metonymy)

“that were already deep down in the ground.” This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that had already died and are now in Sheol” (See: Idiom)

“the best trees of Lebanon that everyone would want; trees that got a lot of water.” This is describing the trees of Eden that were in the lowest parts of the earth.

This is something that everyone would want because it is very good.

Ezekiel 31:17

Here “went down … to Sheol” is an idiom that means to die. Alternate translation: “those trees of Lebanon also died and went down to Sheol with the cedar” (See: Idiom)

Here “sword” represents enemies who fought them in battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom enemies had killed with swords” or “who had died in battle” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

“These trees of Lebanon were its strong arm.” The phrase “strong arm” represents “power.” Alternate translation: “These trees of Lebanon were the power of the cedar” or “These trees strengthened the cedar” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 31:18

“Which of these trees in Eden had as much glory as you and was as great as you?” God asks Pharaoh this question to show him that the parable applies to him and his country. It can start with “So Pharaoh” or “So Egypt.” Alternate translation: “None of the trees in Eden was your equal in glory and greatness!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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 I will bring you down” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “like the other trees of Eden”

Alternate translation: “to a place deep in the ground”

Alternate translation: “where you will be with people who are not circumcised”

Ezekiel 32

Ezekiel 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The prophecy against Egypt and its king concludes in this chapter. Egypt will have its army destroyed, just as happened to so many other nations. Beginning in verse 1, the land of Egypt is addressed through Pharaoh, its king, so God refers to Egypt as “he” and “him.” However, beginning in verse 12, Egypt is referred to as “she” and “her,” as if she were a woman. It was common in Hebrew for lands and countries to be referred to as if they were women. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 32:1

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

This is the twelfth and final month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the end of February. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This refers to the twelfth year of the reign of King Jehoiachin. Alternate translation: “of the twelfth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 32:2

Alternate translation: “sing”

This could mean: (1) he thought he was like a lion, but he was really only a monster, or (2) he was like a lion and a monster.

Egypt was stronger than other nations, like lions are stronger than other animals. (See: Simile)

Pharaoh was powerful, but he only caused trouble for others, like this monster in the water. (See: Simile)

A monster is an animal that is big and dangerous. This one might be a crocodile. See how you translated this word in Ezekiel 29:3.

Ezekiel 32:3

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:5.

God’s punishment of Pharaoh is spoken of as if the king were the river monster caught in a net. Alternate translation: “So I will gather many peoples and throw my net over you” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 32:4

“I will leave you helpless on the land.” The monster that was fearsome and powerful when it was in the water cannot do anything when it is left on dry land.

Alternate translation: “all the birds that fly in the sky”

This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “I will let all the animals of the earth eat your body until they are hungry no longer” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 32:5

The worms help the dead body to rot. Alternate translation: “your rotting body” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 32:6

This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “I will fill the streams with your blood” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 32:7

It was common to speak of a person’s life as if it were a lamp that could be put out. Alternate translation: “When I destroy you” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of making the stars dark as if he were putting a cover over the sky. Alternate translation: “I will make everything in the sky go dark” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 32:8

Ezekiel 32:9

Here “heart” represents the people’s emotions. Alternate translation: “I will make the hearts of many peoples afraid” or “I will cause many people to be terrified” (See: Metonymy)

The way that Yahweh destroys Egypt will make afraid even people in lands that Pharaoh never knew about.

The nation of Egypt, symbolized by its king, is spoken of as if it were a building that was collapsing. Alternate translation: “when nations hear about the way I destroyed you” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 32:10

Here swinging a sword represents using the sword. Alternate translation: “when I use my sword” (See: Metonymy)

Here “tremble” is an action that people often do when they are very afraid. Alternate translation: “Every one of them will keep shaking because of their fear”

The idea of falling down (“downfall”) represents dying. Alternate translation: “when I destroy you” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 32:11

Here “sword” represents an army. Alternate translation: “The army of the king of Babylon will attack you” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 32:12

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “terrifies” or “afraid.” Alternate translation: “Each warrior terrifies the nations” or “each one of them makes the nations afraid” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word pride, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “proud.” Alternate translation: “will cause the Egyptians to no longer be proud” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “all” is probably a generalization that refers to the killing of large numbers of soldiers, and perhaps other people also. Alternate translation: “kill a very large number of people who live in Egypt” (See: Hyperbole)

Ezekiel 32:13

Alternate translation: “in the places where there is a lot of water”

The foot here is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “people will no longer stir the waters up with their feet” (See: Synecdoche)

make clear water muddy

The hoof is a synecdoche for cattle. Alternate translation: “cattle stir them with their hooves” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 32:14

This could mean: (1) “I will make the water calm” or (2) “I will make the water clear.” When no one stirs up the water, the dirt settles down and the water becomes clear.

Ezekiel 32:15

This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “When I make the land of Egypt a place where no one is living” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “when the country is made to lose all its wealth”

Here the idea of attacking represents destroying. Alternate translation: “when I destroy all who live in her” (See: Metonymy)

It was normal in biblical language to represent countries and lands as if they were women. Alternate translation: “in it” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 32:16

It was normal in biblical language to represent countries and lands as if they were women. Alternate translation: “over it” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “the women of other nations” or (2) “people of other nations”

Alternate translation: “about Egypt, about all her multitudes” or “about the disaster that happened to Egypt, about the disaster that happened to all her multitudes”

Ezekiel 32:17

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new message. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

This could mean: (1) This happened in the twelfth year after the Babylonians took the Israelites to Babylon or (2) this happened in the twelfth year after the Babylonians took Jehoiachin to Babylon. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 32:18

God is perhaps telling Ezekiel to cause this to happen by giving a prophetic command.

Once again, the land of Egypt is referred to as a woman.

This could mean: (1) “the people of powerful nations” or (2) “other powerful nations.”

“to the places under the ground.” When people died, they were put in the ground. So “bring them down … to the lowest earth” means “make them die.” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “with everyone else who has died and gone into the ground”

“The pit” refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 31:16. (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 32:19

This is a question and command that the prophet is to ask the Egyptians. Alternate translation: “Go down and lie down with the uncircumcised. Ask them all: ‘Are you really more beautiful than anyone else?’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

It is implied that they must go down to Sheol. Alternate translation: “Go down to Sheol” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

as in death. If your language has a word for dead people lying down that is different from the word for live people lying down to sleep, use it here.

This question really makes a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not more beautiful than anyone else.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 32:20

Alternate translation: “Egypt and her people will fall”

The word “sword” is a metonym for a soldier who kills people with a sword.This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “whom enemy soldiers killed with swords” or “who died in battle” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

The word “sword” here is a metonym for war that people fight with swords. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “War has begun” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “I have given Egypt to the sword” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “her enemies will seize Egypt and her people”

Ezekiel 32:21

Alternate translation: “about the Egyptians and those who join them”

Ezekiel 32:22

The land of Assyria is represented as a woman. Alternate translation: “The people of Assyria and all its army are there in Sheol” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “all her people together”

The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who use swords to kill people. This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “Soldiers used swords to kill them all” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 32:23

“The pit” refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:18. (See: Metonymy)

This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “all those whom enemies killed in battle” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

The word “fell” here is a euphemism for “died.” (See: Euphemism)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “afraid.” Alternate translation: “those who, when they were still alive, caused people to be extremely afraid” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This represents the people who were alive. (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 32:24

Here “Elam” refers to the people of that country. Alternate translation: “The people of Elam are also there in Sheol” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) her many people or (2) her army.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:22.

This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “Her enemies killed them all” (See: Active or Passive)

Translate “who fell by the sword” as in Ezekiel 32:23.

Here “the sword” is a metonym for soldiers who use swords to kill people. Alternate translation: “in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “who were uncircumcised when they went down”

“to places deep down in the ground” or “to the land deep down in the ground.” See how you translated “in the lowest realms of the earth” in Ezekiel 26:20.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terrors, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “afraid.” See how you translated “brought terror” in Ezekiel 32:23. Alternate translation: “those who, when they were still alive, caused people to be extremely afraid” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This represents the people who were alive. See how you translated “the land of the living” in Ezekiel 32:23. (See: Metonymy)

Shame is spoken of as if it were an object that one could carry where he goes. Alternate translation: “who feel ashamed” or “who are now disgraced” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 32:25

Space being made in Sheol for the dead is spoken of as if the dead were given beds to lie on. Alternate translation: “They gave beds to Elam and all its people” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “with all the other people who were killed”

The Israelites did not respect people who were not circumcised. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “pierced” here is a metonym for “killed.” This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “their enemies have killed them with swords because” (See: Metonymy)

This is very similar to the first part of the verse. Alternate translation: “The dead people gave Elam a place to lie among themselves”

Ezekiel 32:26

Yahweh continues speaking to Ezekiel about nations in Sheol.

See how you translated these names in Ezekiel 27:13.

See how you translated “her graves surround her” in Ezekiel 32:22.

Here “the sword” represents warfare. Alternate translation: “killed in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Causing people to fear is spoken of as if it were the act of bringing an object to them. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terrors, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they terrified everyone in the land of the living” (See: Abstract Nouns)

See how you translated “All of them … land of the living” in Ezekiel 32:25.

Ezekiel 32:27

The warriors’ iniquities cover their bodies, although one would expect that their shields would cover them in death. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “while they were still alive, they made other warriors very afraid”

The time during which these warriors were living is spoken of as if it were a place. Alternate translation: “while they were alive” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 32:28

“Broken” here represents “destroyed.” This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “I will destroy you” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “in the middle of”

The word “pierced” here is a metonym for “killed.” This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:25. Alternate translation: “those whose enemies have killed them” (See: Metonymy)

This represents being in warfare. Alternate translation: “in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 32:29

Here “Edom” represents all the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “the people of Edom are in Sheol with their kings and all their leaders” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 32:30

Alternate translation: “The princes who ruled nations in the north”

Alternate translation: “are in Sheol”

Alternate translation: “went down to Sheol”

The word “pierced” here is a metonym for “killed.” This can be translated in active form. See how you translated similar words in Ezekiel 32:25. Alternate translation: “whom enemies had killed with swords” (See: Metonymy)

This represents being in warfare. Alternate translation: “in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Shame is spoken of as if it were an object that one could carry where he goes. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:25. Alternate translation: “who feel ashamed” or “who are now disgraced” (See: Metaphor)

“The pit” refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:29.

Ezekiel 32:31

It can be made explicit who Pharaoh will see. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh will see all the dead people from other nations” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

It is implied that Pharaoh will be comforted because the armies of other great kings also died. Alternate translation: “will comfort himself that he was not the only king whose entire army died” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 32:32

Alternate translation: “While Pharaoh was still alive, I made him to terrify people”

This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “Others will lay him in the midst of the uncircumcised” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 33

Ezekiel 33 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Repentance

God does not want sinners to die. He wants them to repent and live. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and repent, repentance)

Ezekiel 33:1

Ezekiel 33:2

The word “sword” refers to an enemy army that attacks. Also, “land” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “an army to attack the people of any land” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “appoint him as a guard” or “make him guard”

Ezekiel 33:3

Here “sword” represents an enemy army. Alternate translation: “He looks for an enemy army” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 33:4

Alternate translation: “ignore the warning”

Here “blood” represents death. The phrase “on his own head” is an idiom that means the person will be held responsible. Alternate translation: “it is their own fault if they die” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Ezekiel 33:5

Here “blood” represents a person’s death. The phrase “on him” is an idiom that means that person is considered responsible. Alternate translation: “it will be his own fault that he dies”

Alternate translation: “will keep himself from dying”

Ezekiel 33:6

The word “sword” refers to an enemy army. Alternate translation: “the enemy army as it is coming” (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: “and he does not warn the people” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “sword” represents an enemy army. Alternate translation: “the enemy army comes and kills anyone” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “that person dies because of his own sin”

Here “blood” represents a person’s death. The phrase “I will require his blood from” is an idiom that means to consider someone responsible. Alternate translation: “I will consider that person’s death to be the fault of the watchman” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Ezekiel 33:7

Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Here “mouth” represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “you will hear the message that I speak and you will warn them on my behalf” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “warn them as my representative” or “give them the warning from me”

Ezekiel 33:8

Alternate translation: “do not say this”

“the way he acts” or “the things he does.” See how you translated “your ways” in Ezekiel 7:3.

Here “blood” represents a person’s death. The phrase “require … from your hand” is an idiom that means to consider someone responsible. Alternate translation: “I will consider you responsible for his death” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Ezekiel 33:9

A person no longer behaving in a certain way is spoken of as if he physically turns and goes back on a path. Alternate translation: “he might stop doing bad things, and if he does not stop doing bad things” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will have kept yourself alive”

Ezekiel 33:10

Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “This is what you have said”

This could mean: (1) “on us” is a metaphor that means they feel guilty for their transgressions and sins or (2) “on us” is a metaphor that means they realize that Yahweh is punishing them for their transgressions and sins. (See: Metaphor)

“we are rotting away because of them.” Being destroyed because of sin is spoken of as if the person’s flesh were rotting. Alternate translation: “they are destroying us” or “they are killing us” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “because of them”

The people ask this question to emphasize that they have no hope of living. Alternate translation: “We have no hope of living.” or “We will certainly die.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 33:11

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word death, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “die.” And the nominal adjective “the wicked” can be stated as “wicked people.” Alternate translation: “It does not make me happy when wicked people die” (See: Abstract Nouns and Nominal Adjectives)

Here “way” represents how a person behaves. Alternate translation: “if the wicked person stops doing bad things” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he does not want the people of Israel to die. Alternate translation: “Do not choose to die, house of Israel!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 33:12

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “right.” It is implied that they will not be saved from God’s punishment. Alternate translation: “If righteous people start to sin, the fact that they did what was right before will not stop me from punishing them” (See: Abstract Nouns and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wickedness, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “wicked.” Alternate translation: “A person who does what is wicked will not perish” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 33:13

The person thinks that because he was righteous, Yahweh will not punish him, even if he sins. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “right.” Alternate translation: “if he depends on the right things he has done” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “does what is evil” or “does wicked things”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will not think about” or “I will not recall” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wickedness, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “wicked” Alternate translation: “because of the wicked things he has done” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 33:14

The nominal adjective “the wicked” can be stated as “the wicked person.” Alternate translation: “to the wicked person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Ezekiel 33:15

Alternate translation: “if he gives back the loan guarantee”

something a person leaves with another person to show that he will keep his promise to pay back what he has borrowed

Alternate translation: “returns what he has stolen” or “pays back the value of what he stole”

Acting or behaving in a certain way is spoken of as if it were walking. Alternate translation: “lives according to the laws that give life” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 33:16

The phrase “call to mind” is an idiom that means to remember. The phrase “will be called” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “will I think about” or “will I recall” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 33:17

These are the people of Israel. The word “your” refers to Ezekiel.

Behaviors or actions is spoken of as if they were a way or road on which a person travels. Alternate translation: “What the Lord does … the things you do that are not fair” (See: Metaphor)

The word “your” refers to the people of Israel. This can be stated in third person. Alternate translation: “but it is their ways” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Ezekiel 33:18

No longer doing something is spoken of as if it were physically turning away from something. Alternate translation: “stops doing what is right” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “die because of his sins”

Ezekiel 33:19

No longer doing something is spoken of as if it were physically turning away from something. Alternate translation: “stops doing wicked things” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “because he does what is just and righteous”

Ezekiel 33:20

These are the people of Israel.

Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 33:21

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

“year 12…day 5…month 10” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifth day is near the beginning of January on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Here “our” refers to Ezekiel and the Israelites who have been in Babylon since the time the Babylonians forced King Jehoiachin to leave Jerusalem, but not to the reader. Alternate translation: “after we became captives” or “after the Babylonians took us as captives to Babylon” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“someone escaped from Jerusalem and came to me” The Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem and killed the people of Jerusalem, but a few people escaped.

The phrase “the city” refers to “Jerusalem.” 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 Babylonians have destroyed Jerusalem” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 33:22

The word “hand” is often used to refer to someone’s power or action. A person with his hand on another person has power over that person. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 1:3. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was controlling me” (See: Metonymy)

This phrase is an idiom that means to be able to speak. It can be stated in active form. See how you translated “I will open your mouth” in Ezekiel 3:27. Alternate translation: “I was able to speak” or “Yahweh enabled me to speak” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

The word “dawn” refers to the time early in the morning when the light of the sun first appears.

“I was no longer forced to be silent” or “I was no longer unable to speak” Ezekiel had been unable to speak anything except prophetic words since Ezekiel 3:26.

Ezekiel 33:23

Ezekiel 33:24

This could mean: (1) “those ruined buildings” or (2) “those ruined cities”

Yahweh giving the land to Abraham is spoken of as if Abraham inherited the land. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave him the land” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “the land of Israel”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word possession, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “possess.” Alternate translation: “so that we can possess it” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 33:25

It is implied that they eat blood by eating meat that still has blood in it. Yahweh had commanded them to drain out the blood. Alternate translation: “You eat meat with blood in it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“you look to your idols” This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you worship your idols” (See: Idiom)

Here “blood” represents a person’s life. To pour out blood is an idiom that means to murder. Alternate translation: “you murder people” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Yahweh used this question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “You should not possess this land!” or “You do not deserve this land!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 33:26

Here “swords” represent doing violent things. Alternate translation: “You have committed violent acts with your swords to get what you want” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “done things that I hate very much”

It is implied that they defile their neighbor’s wives by sleeping with them. Alternate translation: “each man sleeps with his neighbor’s wife” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 33:27

The phrase “fall by the sword” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “enemies will kill the ones living in the ruins” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “plagues will kill the people who live in fortresses and caves”

A fortress is a building that people build to protect themselves from enemies who attack them.

Caves are natural holes in the side of a mountain or down in the ground. They are usually made of rock.

Ezekiel 33:28

The word “it” refers to the land, which refers to the people of the land. Alternate translation: “the people of the land will not be proud anymore that they are strong” (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: “no one will live in the mountains of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “there will be no one left to travel through the land or over the mountains”

Ezekiel 33:29

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abominations, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “things I hate.” Alternate translation: “all the things they have done that I hate” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “the people have done”

Ezekiel 33:30

Alternate translation: “that Yahweh tells him to speak” or “that Yahweh gives him”

Ezekiel 33:31

Here “mouths” represent speaking. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “They speak about loving me, but their hearts are going after unjust profit” or (2) Alternate translation: “They speak about the things they lust after, and their hearts are going after unjust profit” (See: Metonymy)

Here “hearts” represents desire. Alternate translation: “in their hearts they want to get their unjust profit” or “they desire to get things in ways that are not just” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 33:32

Here “you” refers to Ezekiel, and here he represents the message he speaks. This compares Ezekiel’s message to a lovely song, which means the people enjoy listening to him, but they do not think his message is important enough to obey. Alternate translation: “they think that your words are like a lovely song” (See: Metonymy and Simile)

This could mean: (1) “a beautiful song” or (2) “a love song” or “a song about love.”

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 someone plays very well on a stringed instrument” (See: Active or Passive)

something that has strings and people use to make music

Ezekiel 33:33

The word “behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “indeed!”

Alternate translation: “that I really sent you as a prophet to them”

Ezekiel 34

Ezekiel 34 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God protects the people

God is against those who exploit others. He will protect and take care of his people. (See: people of God)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The people of Israel are compared to sheep and God and the son of David as good shepherds. This is a common metaphor in scripture. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 34:1

In chapter 34, Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and the leaders of Israel were the shepherds that were supposed to care for the flock but have not. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 34:2

The leaders of Israel are spoken as if they were shepherds. They were supposed to take care of their people like shepherds take care of their flock. Alternate translation: “the leaders of Israel who are like shepherds” (See: Metaphor)

The leaders taking care of themselves instead of the people are spoken of as if they were shepherding themselves. AT “are feeding and taking care of themselves” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh uses this question to scold the leaders for not taking care of the people. Alternate translation: “Shepherds should feed the flock and take care of it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 34:3

This continues speaking of the leaders of Israel as if they were bad shepherds that kill the best animals in their flock for food and clothing. Alternate translation: “You are like shepherds who eat the fatty portions … dress in wool” (See: Metaphor)

The fatty portions come from the sheep and the goats. Alternate translation: “You eat the fatty parts of the sheep and goats” or “You eat the best parts of the sheep and goats” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “wear the wool from the sheep”

Alternate translation: “the youngest and fattest sheep and goats”

Alternate translation: “do not feed and take care of the flock”

Ezekiel 34:4

This could mean: (1) “are sick” or (2) “are weak”

Alternate translation: “You do not wrap cloth around the broken bones of those who are wounded”

Alternate translation: “the sheep that have broken bones” or “the sheep that are injured”

Alternate translation: “you do not bring back”

Alternate translation: “the sheep that have been chased away” or “those that others have chased away”

The words “the sheep or goats” are left out of this phrase, but they are intended to be understood. Alternate translation: “the sheep or goats that are lost” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “forcefully and cruelly”

Ezekiel 34:5

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: “Then they scattered because they did not have a shepherd” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “all of the wild animals could attack and eat them”

Ezekiel 34:6

Alternate translation: “my flock is spread out all over the earth”

Ezekiel 34:7

This is an idiom that is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “listen to Yahweh’s message” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 34:8

This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: “because all the beasts in the fields steal my flock and eat them” (See: Active or Passive)

things that are stolen

Here “all” is a generalization that refers to all the wild animals that eat sheep. Alternate translation: “all the wild animals in the fields” (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “because they did not have a shepherd”

Alternate translation: “none of my shepherds tried to find my flock”

Alternate translation: “shepherded themselves” or “fed and cared for themselves”

Alternate translation: “did not feed and care for my flock”

Ezekiel 34:9

“listen to Yahweh’s message.” This is an idiom that is used to introduce a special message from God. (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 34:10

This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

The word “Behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed!”

Alternate translation: “I am opposed to the shepherds”

The phrase “require … from their hand” is an idiom that means to hold or consider someone responsible for something. Alternate translation: “I will hold them responsible for all the bad things that happen to my flock” or “I will punish them for all the bad things they let happen to my flock” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “I will not let them shepherd the flock any longer” or “I will not let them be the shepherds of the flock any longer”

Alternate translation: “feed and take care of themselves”

Here “mouths” represent eating. Alternate translation: “so they cannot eat them” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the shepherds will no longer eat the sheep and the goats of my flock”

Ezekiel 34:11

This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “For this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, say” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

The word “Behold” here alerts the shepherds to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Alternate translation: “will look for”

Ezekiel 34:12

Alternate translation: “with his scattered flock”

It is implied that the animals in the flock scattered because they did not have a shepherd to care for them or protect 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: “they scattered because they did not have a shepherd to care for them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

“on the cloudy and dark day.” Disasters are spoken of as if they were a day of darkness. Alternate translation: “when terrible disasters happened to them” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 34:13

Alternate translation: “bring my sheep and my goats” or “bring my flock”

Alternate translation: “from the places where they lived with other peoples”

Yahweh bringing his people back from exile to their land so that he can care for them and keep them safe is spoken of as if he were their shepherd who puts his flock in a place where there is plenty of land, food, and water. (See: Metaphor)

land that has grass and small plants that sheep and goats can eat

This is a place where people live. Usually they live in houses in a settlement.

Ezekiel 34:14

Alternate translation: “places where they can eat”

Alternate translation: “lands that have a lot of grass and plants to eat”

eat grass and other plants

Ezekiel 34:15

The word “myself” adds emphasis. God would do this because the shepherds were not doing it. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Alternate translation: “will feed and take care of”

Ezekiel 34:16

The words “the sheep or goats” are left out of this phrase, but they are intended to be understood. Alternate translation: “the sheep or goats that are lost” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “bring back those that others have chased away”

Alternate translation: “wrap a cloth around any sheep’s broken bone” or “wrap a cloth around any sheep’s wound”

The word “sheep” is understood. Alternate translation: “the fat sheep and the strong sheep” (See: Ellipsis)

Ezekiel 34:17

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

Alternate translation: “I will judge between one sheep and another”

The male sheep and goats are usually the strongest in the flock and can get whatever they want from the other animals in the flock.

Ezekiel 34:18

God uses these questions to scold Israel’s leaders, who are spoken of as if they were the stronger animals in the flock that were unkind to the weaker ones. You can translate this as a statement as in the UST. (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 34:20

This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, say” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Alternate translation: “to my flock”

The word “Behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed!”

The word “myself” emphasizes that it is Yahweh who will judge. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Alternate translation: “will make sure that the fat sheep and goats and the skinny sheep and goats are treating each other fairly”

The leaders and strong people in Israel are spoken of as if they were fat and strong animals in the flock. The poor and weak people in Israel are spoken of as if they were the thin and weak animals in the flock. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 34:21

The word “you” refers to the sheep and goats that were not treating other sheep and goats well.

Alternate translation: “with the sides of your body”

This could mean: (1) “have pushed” or “have shoved” (2) “have stabbed” or “have pierced”

Alternate translation: “made them go in many different directions”

Alternate translation: “away from the land of Israel”

Ezekiel 34:22

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: “I will not allow anyone to plunder them” or “I will not allow anyone to steal them” (See: Active or Passive)

“will no longer be things that are stolen.” The shepherds and wild animals have been stealing the sheep and the goats from Yahweh’s flock.

Ezekiel 34:23

The phrase “set over” is an idiom that means to cause a person to rule someone else. Alternate translation: “I will assign one shepherd to be in charge of my sheep and the goats” (See: Idiom)

Here “David” refers to a descendant of David. Alternate translation: “a descendant of my servant David” (See: Metonymy)

The descendant of David who will be king over the people of Israel is spoken of as if he would be their shepherd. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 34:25

Alternate translation: “a covenant that brings peace”

These are wild animals that could kill the sheep and the goats.

Ezekiel 34:26

Some versions of the Bible translate this as “I will also turn them and the places around my hill into a blessing.”

This refers to Mount Zion. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “I will cause it to rain”

Alternate translation: “at the right time”

Alternate translation: “This rain will be a blessing”

Ezekiel 34:27

Alternate translation: “the earth will grow food” or “food will grow on the earth”

Alternate translation: “will be safe”

Slavery is spoken of as if it were a yoke that people wear like some animals. Alternate translation: “when I free them from being slaves” (See: Metaphor)

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “from the control of those who made them slaves” or “from those who made them slaves” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 34:28

Here “nations” represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: “The people of the nations will no longer steal from them” (See: Metonymy)

These are things that are stolen or taken by force. See how you translated “plunder” in Ezekiel 7:21.

Ezekiel 34:29

Alternate translation: “be starved” or “be starving because of lack of food”

Here “nations” represents the people of the nations. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word scorn, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they will no longer hear the people of the nations insult them” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 34:30

Here “I … am with them” is an idiom that means Yahweh helps them. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh their God, am helping them” (See: Idiom)

This can be stated as one sentence. Alternate translation: “with them, and that they are my people”

Ezekiel 34:31

This speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and Yahweh is their shepherd. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 35

Ezekiel 35 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Edom

Because the people of Edom rejoiced at the destruction of Israel, they too will be destroyed.

Ezekiel 35:1

Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak a prophecy. Ezekiel is to speak to Mount Seir, but the message is for all of the people of Edom.

Ezekiel 35:2

Mount Seir was far away, so Ezekiel could not see it, but Yahweh commands him to stare in that direction as a symbol of harming the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:2. Alternate translation: “turn toward Mount Seir and stare” or “stare toward Mount Seir so that the people there will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

“the mountain of Seir.” Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to Mount Seir as if it could hear him. The message is for all of the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “Mount Seir and prophesy against it because of what the people of Edom have done” (See: Personification)

Ezekiel 35:3

Alternate translation: “to the mountain” or “to the people of Edom”

Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to Mount Seir as if it could hear him. The message is for all of the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “Listen, Mount Seir, I will strike you with my hand and make you a desolation and a waste because of what your people did” (See: Personification)

The word “Behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Listen!” or “Indeed!”

Alternate translation: “I am your enemy” or “I oppose you”

Here “hand” represents power. Alternate translation: “I will use my power to strike you” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “make you desolate” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 35:4

Ezekiel 35:5

This metaphor could mean: (1) “you gave them over to their enemies who killed them with swords” or (2) “you killed them with swords.” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “at a time of disaster”

Ezekiel 35:6

Here “bloodshed” is a metonym for killing. Alternate translation: “I will make it easy for your enemies to kill many of you” (See: Metonymy)

Here “bloodshed” is a metonym for killing. Yahweh speaks of bloodshed as if it were a person who could chase them. Alternate translation: “your enemies will chase you down and kill you” (See: Personification)

Here “bloodshed” is a metonym for killing. Alternate translation: “Since you did not hate it when enemies brutally killed the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 35:7

This could mean: (1) “cut off” is a metaphor that means to destroy. Alternate translation: “I will destroy anyone who enters it or leaves it” or (2) “cut off” is a metaphor that means to stop someone from doing something. Alternate translation: “I will make it so that people do not travel back and forth through it” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 35:8

Here “sword” represents enemies who fought them in battle. 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 Ezekiel 31:17. Alternate translation: “those whom enemies have killed with swords” or “those who have died in battle” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Ezekiel 35:9

“desolate forever.” This may be an exaggeration to emphasize the destruction. (See: Hyperbole)

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 may be an exaggeration for emphasis. Alternate translation: “People will not live in your cities” (See: Active or Passive and Hyperbole)

Here “you” is plural. God is speaking to the people of Mount Seir, rather than to a single mountain. (See: Forms of You)

Ezekiel 35:10

The word “You” refers to the mountain of Seir. Ezekiel is to speak to the mountain as if it can hear him. The message is for the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “Your people said” (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “the lands of Israel and Judah”

The word “mine” can be stated in plural form. Alternate translation: “will become ours”

The word “we” refers to the people of Edom.

It is implied that Yahweh was protecting Israel and Judah. Alternate translation: “but Yahweh was there protecting Israel and Judah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 35:11

This could mean: (1) “I will punish you because of your anger and jealousy” or (2) “just as you acted against the people of Israel with anger and jealousy, I will act against you with anger and jealousy.”

Ezekiel 35:12

Here “mountains” represents the whole land of Israel. (See: Synecdoche)

This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They are in ruins” (See: Active or Passive)

The people of Mount Seir taking the land of Israel and using it for themselves is spoken of as if they were wild animals that would devour the mountains of Israel. Alternate translation: “they are here for us to devour” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 35:14

This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “This is what I, the Lord Yahweh, say” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Here “you” refers to Mount Seir, but the message is for the people of Edom. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Because of what your people did I will make you desolate” (See: Personification and Abstract Nouns)

Here “earth” represents the people of the earth. The word “entire” is a generalization that refers only to people near Mount Seir. Alternate translation: “people who know that I have destroyed you rejoice” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 35:15

This speaks of the land that Yahweh gave to the Israelites as their inheritance. Alternate translation: “As you rejoiced when I made the land of the Israelites desolate” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) I will make your land desolate” or (2) “I will rejoice when your land is desolate” or (3) “I will make other people rejoice because of your desolation.”

The word they possibly refers to (1) “the people of the earth” or (2) “the people of Israel and Judah.”

Ezekiel 36

Ezekiel 36 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel restored

Israel is promised to be restored by Yahweh. Because of his honor, God will bring Israel back to their land. (See: promise, promised and restore, restoration)

New hearts

God will forgive Israel’s sin and give them the desire to obey him. This is expressed by the metonym “heart.” (See: forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Ezekiel 36:1

Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak a prophecy. Ezekiel is to speak to the mountains of Israel, but the message is for all of the people of Israel.

God wants Ezekiel to speak to the mountains as if they were people. The message is for the people of Israel. (See: Personification)

Ezekiel 36:2

This is an expression of joy. It can be translated as “I am very happy” or “This is great.”

“The very old mountains.” This refers to the high mountains of Israel.

Alternate translation: “now belong to us”

Ezekiel 36:3

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “desolate.” Alternate translation: “Because you, mountains of Israel, have become desolate” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “because you were attacked from every direction” or “because your enemies attacked you from every direction”

Here, “lips” and “tongues” represent people speaking. Alternate translation: “people are saying bad things about you, and the nations are telling bad stories about you” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 36:4

Alternate translation: “listen to the message of the Lord Yahweh”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolations, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “desolate cities.” Alternate translation: “the desolate cities which have no people living in them” (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: “the cities that people have left behind” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “that enemies have stolen from”

Ezekiel 36:5

This speaks of Yahweh’s fury as if it were a fire. Yahweh loves Israel very much, so he becomes jealous and angry when other nations mock it. Alternate translation: “because of my intense jealousy” or “because of my very strong anger” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “and against all of Edom”

Here “heart” and “spirit” represent a person’s inner being. The ideas of having joy and disdain can be expressed with the verbs “rejoiced” and “despised.” Alternate translation: “who despised the people of Israel and rejoiced while they took my land” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 36:6

The word “Behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed!”

The words “fury” and “anger” mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the intensity of his anger. Alternate translation: “Because I am extremely angry” (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “other nations have insulted you” or “other nations have mocked you”

Ezekiel 36:7

Here “lift up my hand” is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” (See: Symbolic Action)

The people experiencing shame are spoken of as if they will carry their shame. Alternate translation: “that people will certainly mock the nations that surround you” (See: Metaphor)

The word “you” refers to the mountains of Israel.

Ezekiel 36:8

Here “you” refers to the mountain of Israel which here represents the trees on the mountain that will grow fruit. Alternate translation: “your trees will grow branches and bear fruit” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 36:9

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

“I want to do good things to you.” The word “you” refers to the mountains of Israel.

Alternate translation: “I will be kind to 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: “my people, Israel, will plow your ground and sow it with seed” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 36:10

Yahweh is speaking to the mountains. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “So, mountains of Israel, I will multiply upon you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “all of the people of Israel” (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: “Then people will live in the cities and will rebuild the ruins” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 36:11

Here “be fruitful” is an idiom that means to have many children and descendants. Alternate translation: “they will become very many people and have very many children” (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: “people to live on you mountains as they did before” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 36:12

The people living in the mountains and land of Israel permanently is spoke of as if the people would inherit them. Alternate translation: “They will possess you permanently” (See: Metaphor)

It is implied that in the past children died because there was not enough food in the land. Now the land would produce enough food. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 36:13

Alternate translation: “other nations are saying to you mountains”

Not enough food growing in Israel so that people die is spoken of as if the mountains of Israel were devouring the people. Alternate translation: “You cause many people to die” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “you cause your people’s children to die”

Ezekiel 36:14

Not enough food growing in Israel so that people die is spoken of as if the mountains of Israel were consuming the people. Alternate translation: “you will no longer cause the people to die” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “This is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “This is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Ezekiel 36:15

This speaks of the mountains as if they were able to hear when people insult them. Alternate translation: “I will no longer allow the other nations to insult you” (See: Personification)

Experiencing shame is spoken of as if the mountains could bear shame. Alternate translation: “the peoples will no longer cause you to feel ashamed” (See: Personification and Metaphor)

Ezekiel 36:16

Ezekiel 36:17

Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “by the way they lived and the things they did”

This compares how the people behaved to a woman’s unclean menstruation rags. This emphasizes how disgusting their behaviors were to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Their ways were as disgusting to me as the unclean menstruation of a woman” (See: Simile)

the time every month when a woman bleeds from her womb

Ezekiel 36:18

Yahweh punishing people because he is angry is spoken of as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out. Alternate translation: “I did things to them that showed how angry I was” (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom that refers to killing someone. Alternate translation: “because they made the blood of many people spill onto the land” or “because they murdered many people” (See: Idiom)

The people worshiping idols is spoken of as if the idols made the land physically dirty. Alternate translation: “because they defiled the land with their idols” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 36:19

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 12:15. Alternate translation: “I caused them to separate and live in separate lands” (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. Alternate translation: “I dispersed them through the lands” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “ways” and “deeds” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “the things that they have done” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 36:20

Here “name” represents Yahweh and his reputation. Alternate translation: “they mocked me” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “because other people said”

The people use a question to express their surprise at what they saw. Alternate translation: “I cannot believe these are really the people of Yahweh!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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 forced them out of his land” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to the land of Israel.

Ezekiel 36:21

Here “name” represents Yahweh and his reputation. Alternate translation: “When the house of Israel went among the nations, they caused me disgrace, but I wanted people to know that I am holy” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “I cared about my holy name”

Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 36:22

Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “because of you” or “in order to help you”

Here “name” represents Yahweh and his reputation. Alternate translation: “but so that the people of the nations, who mock me because of you, will know that I am holy” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “you have caused the people of the nations to mock everywhere you have gone”

Ezekiel 36:25

Yahweh forgiving the people and causing them to no longer sin is spoken of as if he would cleanse them with water. The phrase “you will be purified” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will purify you as if I were sprinkling you with pure water, and I will cause you to stop worshiping idols” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “all the things that made you unclean”

Ezekiel 36:26

Yahweh causing the people to no longer be stubborn but to love and serve Yahweh is spoken of as if he will take away their old heart and give them a new heart and spirit. (See: Metaphor)

Here “heart” and “spirit” represent a person’s thoughts, attitudes, and emotions. See how you translated “heart” and “spirit” in Ezekiel 11:19.

Alternate translation: “within you” or “inside of you”

This speaks of people being stubborn as if their hearts were made of stone. See how you translated “stone heart” in Ezekiel 11:19. Alternate translation: “the heart that is as hard as stone” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “your body”

People being willing to serve Yahweh is spoken of as if their hearts were soft like flesh. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 11:19. Alternate translation: “a heart that is soft like flesh” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 36:27

A person acting or behaving in a certain way is spoken of is if it were a person walking. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 11:20. Alternate translation: “enable you to obey my statutes” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 36:29

Something that is unacceptable to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. Alternate translation: “For I will save you from everything that made me reject you” (See: Metaphor)

“I will call the grain to come.” This phrase presents the grain as a servant of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will cause there to be grain in the land of Israel” (See: Personification)

Yahweh causing a famine in the land is spoken of as if he put famine on the people. Alternate translation: “I will no longer cause there to be a famine” or “I will no longer cause there to be no food” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 36:30

Experiencing shame is spoken of as if the people had to carry the shame. Alternate translation: “the nations will no longer make you feel ashamed because you suffer from famine” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 36:32

“know this” or “you can be sure of this.” Yahweh says this to emphasize that it is not because the people are good that he will restore them. This phrase can be moved to the beginning of the verse. (See: Active or Passive)

The words “ashamed” and “disgraced” share similar meanings. Together they emphasize the intensity of the shame. Alternate translation: “So be very ashamed” (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “because of what you do”

Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 36:34

Alternate translation: “you will farm the ruined land”

The eyes represent sight. Alternate translation: “to those who pass by and see it” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 36:35

The word “they” refers to the people who walk through the land of Israel.

Alternate translation: “the ruins that no one lived in”

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) Alternate translation: “that enemies had torn down” or (2) Alternate translation: “that people could not get into” (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: “the people have now rebuilt them and have started living there again” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 36:36

Alternate translation: “and that I built up the cities that enemies had torn down”

Alternate translation: “planted crops in the desolate land”

Ezekiel 36:37

Here “house” represents people. 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 people of Israel will ask me” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Yahweh causing the people to multiply greatly and quickly is spoken of as if they were a flock of sheep. Sheep multiply very quickly. Alternate translation: “to make them multiply like a flock of sheep” or “to make the people multiply quickly like sheep” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 36:38

The phrase “is set apart” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Like the great number of sheep that the people set apart for sacrifices or bring to Jerusalem for the appointed feasts” (See: Active or Passive)

This speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep. 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 will the great number of people be who will be living in the cities that are now ruined but the people will rebuild” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 37

Ezekiel 37 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel restored

God will unite the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah and the Messiah will rule over them. This will come in a prophesied day of restoration. (See: Christ, Messiah and restore, restoration)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

The people are discouraged and compare themselves to skeletons, but God will cause them to become a nation again. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 37:1

Ezekiel is speaking.

The word “hand” is often used to refer to someone’s power or action. A person with his hand on another person has power over that other person. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 1:3. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was controlling me” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “in the middle”

Ezekiel 37:2

Alternate translation: “in every direction”

The word “Behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

Ezekiel 37:3

Ezekiel 37:4

Yahweh speaks to Ezekiel.

Alternate translation: “Listen to Yahweh’s message”

Ezekiel 37:5

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

The noun “breath” can be stated as the verb “breathe.” Alternate translation: “I will cause you to breathe”

The Hebrew word translated as “breath” in these verses is translated as “spirit” by a few modern versions. It is also translated as “wind” in Ezekiel 37:9.

Ezekiel 37:6

the tissue that connects muscles to bones

Ezekiel 37:7

Ezekiel is speaking.

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: “as Yahweh had commanded me to speak” (See: Active or Passive)

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

Ezekiel 37:8

This refers to the parts of human bodies that are like hard strings and hold the bones and muscles together. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 37:6.

The noun “breath” can be stated as the verb “breathing.” Alternate translation: “But they were not breathing” or “But they were not alive”

Ezekiel 37:9

Possible meanings are: (1) “breath” or (2) “spirit” or (3) “wind.”

“from the four directions that the wind can blow in.” This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “from every direction” (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: “these people that enemies and disasters have killed” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 37:10

Ezekiel 37:11

The word “Behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed!”

The people being destroyed and removed from their land is spoken of as if they had been cut off like a person would cut off a branch or piece of cloth. Alternate translation: “Our nation is destroyed” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 37:12

Yahweh restoring the people and bringing them back to their land is spoken of as if he will bring them back to life again. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 37:13

These are Yahweh’s words to the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 37:14

Alternate translation: “to live peacefully in your own land”

Ezekiel 37:15

Ezekiel 37:16

Here “For” means “representing.” Alternate translation: “Representing Judah” or “Belonging to Judah”

The tribe of Judah lived in the southern kingdom of Israel which was called Judah. Here the name is used to refer to the whole southern kingdom. (See: Synecdoche)

This refers to the Israelites who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah. Alternate translation: “all the tribes of Judah” or “the tribes of Israel who are part of the kingdom of Judah”

Joseph was Ephraim’s father. The tribe of Ephraim lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. Here the names are used to represent the whole northern kingdom. (See: Synecdoche)

This refers to the Israelites who lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the tribes of Israel” or “the Israelites who were part of the kingdom of Israel”

Ezekiel 37:17

Alternate translation: “so that they become one stick”

Ezekiel 37:18

Alternate translation: “what your sticks mean” or “why you have these sticks”

Ezekiel 37:19

This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”

“the stick of Joseph.” This represents the kingdom of Israel. (See: Metonymy)

The word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “that is in the power of Ephraim” or “that the tribe of Ephraim rules over” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the other tribes of Israel who are his companions” or “the other tribes of Israel who are part of that kingdom”

“the stick of Judah.” This represents the kingdom of Judah. (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 37:20

Here the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: “while they watched you” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 37:21

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

Ezekiel 37:23

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 11:20.

Ezekiel 37:24

Yahweh said “David” to refer to a descendant of David. See how you translated “my servant David” in Ezekiel 34:23. Alternate translation: “A descendant of my servant David” (See: Metonymy)

This speaks of a king ruling a people as if he were a shepherd leading sheep. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 34:23. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “over the people of Israel”

This speaks of acting or behaving in a certain way as if it were a person walking. Alternate translation: “will live as I have commanded” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 37:25

Alternate translation: “had lived”

Ezekiel 37:26

Yahweh is speaking about the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “I will set up” or “I will create”

“a covenant that brings peace.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 34:25.

It was implied that Yahweh would establish them in the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “I will set them in the land of Israel” or “I will cause them to live securely in the land of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “cause their people to increase in number”

Alternate translation: “my holy sanctuary” or “my holy temple”

Alternate translation: “among them”

Ezekiel 37:27

Alternate translation: “The place where I live”

See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 11:20.

Ezekiel 38

Ezekiel 38 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a section prophesying against Gog. Later Gog will try to conquer Israel.

Ezekiel 38:1

Ezekiel 38:2

This is a command to stare at Gog and Magog as a symbol of punishing the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:3. Alternate translation: “Stare at the land of Magog and at Gog, the chief prince … Tubal” or “Stare at Gog, the chief prince … Tubal, and at the land of Magog so that they will be harmed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set your face” represents staring. Alternate translation: “stare” (See: Metonymy)

It is implied that Magog is the land over which Gog rules. Alternate translation: “Gog who rules over the land of Magog” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is the name of a leader or king who ruled in the land of Magog. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of an ancient nation that was probably located in the land that is now Turkey. Magog might be the ancient nation of Lydia.

This expression occurs twice in these verses. Some modern versions, however, interpret the Hebrew expression as “the chief of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.” This is another title for Gog. Alternate translation: “who is the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

See how you translated these names in Ezekiel 32:26.

Ezekiel 38:3

This emphasizes the importance of the statement that follows. It can be translated as “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”

This idiom means “I am your enemy.” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 38:4

These verses list the various nations who will join Gog’s army.

Yahweh continues speaking to Gog.

Here “hooks in your jaw” represents God’s control over Gog. People put hooks in the mouths of animals so that they could lead the animals wherever they wanted. (See: Metaphor)

These phrases describe an army that is ready for battle.

Ezekiel 38:5

This phrase describes an army that is ready for battle.

Ezekiel 38:6

a nation that lived north of the Black Sea

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:14.

Ezekiel 38:7

Yahweh continues speaking to Gog.

Alternate translation: “all of your troops that you have gathered to yourself” or “all of your army that you have brought together for yourself”

Ezekiel 38:8

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 call you to come for war” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “recovered from war” (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 gathered together” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “from many nations”

Alternate translation: “destroyed for a long time”

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 bring the Israelites out” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 38:9

This simile means Gog will bring destruction like a large storm does. (See: Simile)

This simile means the army will be so large that it will cover the entire land. (See: Simile)

Ezekiel 38:10

Yahweh continues speaking to Gog.

Alternate translation: “at that time”

These phrases mean the same thing and can be combined into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “you will plan to do something very evil” (See: Doublet)

Here “heart” refers to his thinking. 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 think of plans” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 38:11

Gog will not do these things alone. His army will do most of them. Alternate translation: “My army and I will” (See: Synecdoche)

The following phrases explain that this refers to a land without walls or bars or gates.

Ezekiel 38:12

These phrases mean the same thing and can be combined into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “take away all their valuable possessions” (See: Doublet)

Here “hand” refers to Gog’s military power. (See: Metonymy)

Here “ruins” refers to the people who live in the destroyed cities. Alternate translation: “against the people who live in the ruins” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “in the middle of the most important countries in the world”

Ezekiel 38:13

Yahweh continues speaking to Gog.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:22.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 25:13.

These two questions are used to accuse Gog of attacking Israel without cause. These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “It is not right for you to assemble your army to plunder, to carry off silver and gold, to take their livestock and property, and to haul away much plunder!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These phrases have similar meaning and can be combined into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to take away their livestock and all their valuable possessions” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 38:14

Yahweh tells Ezekiel what he is to say to Gog.

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Gog will indeed hear about the people living in Israel. Alternate translation: “On that day, when my people Israel are living securely, you will hear about them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 38:16

This simile means the army will be so large that it will cover the entire land. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 38:9. (See: Simile)

This refers to the distant future before the world ends. Alternate translation: “In the last days” or “At the end of time” or “In the distant future”

All the nations will understand that Yahweh is holy when they see what he does to Gog.

Alternate translation: “might know who I am”

Ezekiel 38:17

Yahweh continues telling Ezekiel what he is to say to Gog.

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he was the one who brought Gog to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “You are the one … bring you against them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “that I spoke about”

Alternate translation: “in the past” or “a long time ago”

Here “hand” refers to the fact that these prophets wrote down Yahweh’s message. Alternate translation: “by means of my servants” or “through my servants” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “against the people of Israel”

Ezekiel 38:18

Here “mount up” means “rise up” and expresses that his wrath will increase. The words “wrath” and “anger” mean the same thing and emphasize how intense his anger will be. Alternate translation: “my anger will greatly increase” or “I will be very angry with you” (See: Metaphor and Doublet)

Ezekiel 38:19

Here “zeal” refers to Yahweh’s desire to defend his honor against Gog’s attacks.

The intensity of Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as if it were as hot as fire. Alternate translation: “because my anger was intense” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 38:20

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 make mountains fall down” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 38:21

The word “sword” here is a metonym for soldiers who use swords to kill people. Alternate translation: “I will cause soldiers to attack him” (See: Metonymy)

Here “sword” is a metonym for the person who uses the sword to fight. Alternate translation: “all of his soldiers will fight each other” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “his fellow soldier”

Ezekiel 38:22

Here “blood” is a metonym for injury and death. Alternate translation: “I will judge him by causing him to be sick and by sending soldiers to kill him” (See: Metonymy)

It may be helpful to change the order of this sentence. Alternate translation: “I will rain down overflowing rain and hailstones and burning sulfur upon him”

ice that falls out of the sky

Ezekiel 38:23

The abstract nouns “greatness” and “holiness” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “show that I am great and holy” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “eyes” refers to sight, which is a metonym for understanding. Alternate translation: “I will cause many nations to understand who I am” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 39

Ezekiel 39 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter concludes the prophecy against Gog. God will destroy Gog and his army.

Ezekiel 39:1

Yahweh gives Ezekiel his message to Gog.

This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”

Alternate translation: “I am your enemy”

Some modern versions interpret the Hebrew expression as “prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.” This is another title for Gog. See how you translated these names in Ezekiel 38:2. Alternate translation: “who is the prince of Meshech and Tubal” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 39:2

God speaks of leading Gog as if Gog was an animal. (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of bringing Gog “up” to Israel because it was located in the mountains.

Ezekiel 39:3

Knocking Gog’s bow and arrows out of his hands is spoken of as if God is destroying Gog’s military power. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 39:4

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Gog.

These refer to the same people. It can be stated as a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all your soldiers” (See: Doublet)

The scavengers eating the corpses is spoken of as if Yahweh was giving food to them. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 39:5

Ezekiel 39:6

This could mean: (1) Yahweh will send literal fire down on Gog and his army or (2) “fire” is a metonym for the destruction that it causes. (See: Metonymy)

This is the name of an ancient nation that probably lived in the land that is now Turkey. Magog might be the ancient nation of Lydia. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 38:2.

Ezekiel 39:7

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Gog.

Here the metonym “my holy name” refers to Yahweh’s character. 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 make my people, Israel, know that I am holy” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 39:8

This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”

These two phrases have similar meaning and emphasize the fact that this will really happen. Alternate translation: “is surely going to happen” (See: Doublet)

Ezekiel 39:9

Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Gog.

These two phrases mean the same thing. The Israelites will use the wood from the weapons as kindling for fires. Alternate translation: “to start fires” (See: Doublet)

This list includes all the typical weapons of war of that day. It may represent weapons in general.

wooden sticks used as a weapon

Ezekiel 39:10

Here “to take” and “to plunder” mean the same thing. Gog intended to take Israel’s possessions, but Yahweh prevented him so that he was not able to do that. (See: Doublet)

Translate “plunder” as in Ezekiel 23:46.

Ezekiel 39:11

Yahweh begins to tell Ezekiel what will happen to Gog.

This signals an important event. If your language has a way for doing this, you could use it here.

A few modern versions interpret the Hebrew expression here as “to the east toward the sea.”

This could mean: (1) “The grave will block” or (2) “The dead army will block.”

Alternate translation: “There the house of Israel”

Alternate translation: “People will call it”

Alternate translation: “Valley of the Great Army of Gog”

Ezekiel 39:12

Yahweh continues to tell Ezekiel what will happen to Gog.

“7 months.” (See: Numbers)

In Jewish law, a dead body defiled anything it touched and made it “unclean.” Burying these bodies is spoken of as cleansing or purifying the land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “bury the soldiers of Gog’s army”

Ezekiel 39:13

Ezekiel 39:14

Yahweh continues to tell Ezekiel what will happen to Gog.

Alternate translation: “through the land of Israel”

This refers to the dead bodies of Gog’s soldiers whom Yahweh killed as they entered the land.

Alternate translation: “so that the designated men may bury the dead bodies”

This “seventh” is the ordinal number for seven. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Ezekiel 39:15

Bones would be all that remained of the corpses after a period of time.

There are apparently two groups of men. The first will mark the location of corpses, and the second group will bury them.

Ezekiel 39:16

This name means “Great Army.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Ezekiel 39:17

Yahweh gives Ezekiel a message for the birds and the wild animals about what they will do to Gog.

“to the feast” or “to the slaughter.” Yahweh means that he will give the birds and animals a very good meal and not that he is worshiping them.

Ezekiel 39:18

Yahweh is speaking with irony. Normally people sacrificed animals to God. Here, God is sacrificing people to animals. Alternate translation: “as if they were male sheep, lambs, goats, and bulls” (See: Irony)

That can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they all became fat while grazing in Bashan” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 39:19

Yahweh continues to give Ezekiel a message for the birds and the wild animals about what they will do to Gog.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word satisfaction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “until you are satisfied” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word drunkenness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “until you become drunk” or “until you are intoxicated” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 39:20

The metonym “chariot” refers to the men in the chariots. Alternate translation: “chariot driver” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 39:21

Yahweh gives Ezekiel a message about what will happen to Israel.

Yahweh speaks of his glory as if he will place it in the middle of the nations where they can see it. Alternate translation: “I will make the nations see my glory” (See: Metaphor)

Both of these phrases refer to the punishment that Yahweh will inflict upon Israel and are repeated for emphasis. They can be combined into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the way that I will judge them” (See: Doublet)

Here the metonym “hand” refers to Yahweh’s power that he uses to bring punishment. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “against Gog and his great army”

Ezekiel 39:22

Ezekiel 39:23

Yahweh continues to give Ezekiel a message about what will happen to Israel.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word iniquity, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “because they sinned and betrayed me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “face” refers to Yahweh’s help and protection. Alternate translation: “I stopped protecting them and taking care of them” (See: Idiom)

Here the metonym “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “gave their enemies power over them” (See: Metonymy)

Here falling represents being killed, and the sword represents battle. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:23. Alternate translation: “their enemies killed them all in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 39:24

This speaks of the people’s disgusting behavior as if they were physically unclean. Here “uncleanness” means basically the same as “sins.” Alternate translation: “their disgusting behavior and their sins” or “their sins” (See: Metaphor and Doublet)

Ezekiel 39:25

Yahweh continues to give Ezekiel a message about what will happen to Israel.

Translate “will restore the fortunes” as in Ezekiel 16:53. However, some modern versions interpret the Hebrew expression here as “will bring Jacob back from captivity.”

Alternate translation: “make sure that they honor me”

Ezekiel 39:26

Experts do not agree on the meaning of this phrase. This could mean: (1) “they will regret their shame and all the treason” or (2) “they will forget their shame and all the treason.”

Alternate translation: “the unfaithfulness”

Ezekiel 39:27

Here “sight” is a metonym for understanding. Alternate translation: “many nations will understand that I am holy because of what I did for the house of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 39:28

Yahweh continues to give Ezekiel a message about what will happen to Israel.

At the time when Ezekiel wrote, Israel was still in captivity in Babylon.

Ezekiel 39:29

Here “no longer hide my face” is an idiom that means Yahweh will not continue to abandon Israel to exile in Babylon. Alternate translation: “I will no longer abandon them” (See: Idiom)

Here to give the Spirit abundantly is spoken of as to “pour out” the Spirit. Alternate translation: “when I generously give my Spirit to the house of Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 40

Ezekiel 40 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The new temple and city

In a vision, Ezekiel saw a man measuring the wall of a new temple. The next chapters will give precise measurements for the construction of a temple to be built. This was not the temple of Ezra’s day. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Ezekiel 40:1

These words are the ordinal forms of 25, 10, and 14. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Here “our” refers to Ezekiel and the Israelites who have been in Babylon since the Babylonians forced King Jehoiachin to leave Jerusalem, but not to the reader. Alternate translation: “after we became captives” or “after the Babylonians took us as captives to Babylon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is in April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Babylonians captured the city of Jerusalem” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “hand” refers to Yahweh’s power to show Ezekiel supernatural visions. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:3.

Ezekiel 40:2

Alternate translation: “He put me down”

Ezekiel 40:3

Alternate translation: “Yahweh brought me to the place that had the buildings”

Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The way he appeared was like the way bronze appears” (See: Abstract Nouns)

“a rope made of linen.” This is a tool for measuring very long distances.

This is a type of cloth. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2.

This is a tool for measuring shorter distances.

Ezekiel 40:4

This idiom means “pay attention to” or “think about.” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 40:5

Alternate translation: “entirely around the temple area”

Each “long cubit” was about 54 centimeters. You may choose not to include this information if you give modern measurements instead of “cubits” as the UST does. Alternate translation: “These were the long cubits, which were the length of a regular cubit plus a handbreadth” (See: Biblical Distance)

“the width of a hand.” This was about 8 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 40:6

“it was one stick wide.” This was about 3.2 meters.

This gate was part of the wall that surrounded the temple area. It was not part of the temple building itself. Alternate translation: “the gate on the eastern side of the wall surrounding the temple” or “the gate on the eastern wall of the temple courtyard”

Alternate translation: “up the steps of the gate”

Alternate translation: “from the front edge of the threshold to its back edge”

Ezekiel 40:7

These were rooms that were built inside of the gate where guards stayed to protect the gate.

about 2.7 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “the chambers next to each other were five cubits apart” or “there were five cubits between a chamber and the one next to it”

Alternate translation: “the rooms”

This was a covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Ezekiel 40:8

This was a covering in front of a doorway or gateway with columns or posts for support. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5.

Ezekiel 40:9

Here “facing the temple” means that the portico was attached to the gate in the temple courtyard. Alternate translation: “the portico of the gate on the inner side of the wall that surrounded the temple”

about one meter (See: Biblical Distance)

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

Ezekiel 40:10

Alternate translation: “were the same size”

Ezekiel 40:11

about 5.4 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 7 meters

Ezekiel 40:12

Alternate translation: “The chambers were 6 cubits long”

about 3.2 meters

Alternate translation: “54 centimeters” or “about one-half meter”

Ezekiel 40:13

about 13.5 meters

Alternate translation: “the entrance of the second chamber”

Ezekiel 40:14

about 32 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

This was a covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Ezekiel 40:15

about 27 meters

Ezekiel 40:16

This could mean: (1) “closed windows” or (2) “windows with shutters” or (3) “narrow windows.”

Alternate translation: “the porches also had closed windows all around”

jambs are the sides of a wooden frame of a door

Ezekiel 40:17

There were two walls surrounding the temple. The outer wall surrounded the outer courtyard, and within that, the inner wall surrounded the inner courtyard. The inner courtyard was higher than the outer courtyard. Each wall had gates on the east, north, and south sides.

Alternate translation: “The man brought me from outside the temple area into the outer courtyard of the temple”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:5.

The word “Behold” here indicates that Ezekiel saw something interesting.

a flat floor that is made out of rocks

“and there were 30 rooms all around the pavement” (See: Numbers)

Ezekiel 40:18

Alternate translation: “went all the way to”

Ezekiel 40:19

The lower gate was on the wall of the outer courtyard, and the inner gate was on the wall of the inner courtyard. Alternate translation: “the front of the outer gate to the front of the inner gate”

about 54 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

Alternate translation: “it was the same on the north side” or “on the north side, the distance from the outer gate to the inner gate was also one hundred cubits”

Ezekiel 40:21

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:7.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Alternate translation: “had the same measurement”

about 27 meters. (See: Biblical Distance)

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 13.5 meters

Ezekiel 40:22

The word “Its” refers to the gate that was on the north side of the outer courtyard. Alternate translation: “The northern gate’s windows”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:7.

Alternate translation: “were like those of the eastern gate” or “were like those of the eastern gate of the outer courtyard”

Ezekiel 40:23

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Alternate translation: “directly across from the northern gate” or “across the outer courtyard from the northern gate”

Alternate translation: “the gate on the northern side of the outer courtyard”

Alternate translation: “just as there was a eastern gate to the inner courtyard” or “just as there was a gate to the inner courtyard in front of the eastern gate”

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 54 meters

Ezekiel 40:24

Alternate translation: “had the same measurements as the northern and eastern gates”

Ezekiel 40:25

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 27 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

about 13.5 meters

Ezekiel 40:26

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16

Alternate translation: “on both sides”

Ezekiel 40:27

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 54 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 40:28

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Alternate translation: “through its southern gate”

Ezekiel 40:29

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:7.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Alternate translation: “had the same measurements”

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 27 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

about 13.5 meters

about 2.7 meters

Ezekiel 40:31

Alternate translation: “The portico’s entrance was towards the outer courtyard”

Alternate translation: “and it had carvings of palm trees”

Ezekiel 40:32

Alternate translation: “to the east side of the inner courtyard”

Ezekiel 40:33

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 27 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

about 13.5 meters

Ezekiel 40:34

The entrance of its portico was towards the outer courtyard

Ezekiel 40:35

Alternate translation: “had the same measurements”

Ezekiel 40:36

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 27 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

about 13.5 meters

Ezekiel 40:37

Alternate translation: “The entrance of its portico was toward the outer courtyard”

Alternate translation: “on both sides of it”

Ezekiel 40:38

Alternate translation: “in each of the inner gates”

Here, the word they could mean: (1) the people who were bringing offerings or (2) the priests who killed the animals.

the animals that would be killed and burned as offerings

Ezekiel 40:39

there were four tables—two on each side of each portico

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 killed the burnt offering” or “they killed the animals that they would burn as an offering” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 40:42

These were apparently different tables than the eight tables on which the sacrifices were killed. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “There were also four tables of cut stone” or “There were four other tables made of cut stone” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “that were made out of stone that had been cut”

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 0.8 meter (See: Biblical Distance)

about one-half meter

Ezekiel 40:43

Alternate translation: “All around the portico, people had attached hooks that were a handbreadth long and had two prongs each”

something that has two long curved points, which people can hang things on

about 8 centimeters (See: Biblical Distance)

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 would put the flesh of the offerings on the tables” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 40:44

This is the inner gate on the north.

“rooms for singers.” However, some ancient and modern versions read only “chambers” without the reference to singers.

The word “chamber” or “room” is understood from the previous phrase. The phrase “facing south” means that its door is on its south side, and “facing north” means that its door is on its north side. Alternate translation: “one room on the north side facing south, and the other room on the south side facing north” (See: Ellipsis)

Ezekiel 40:45

This refers to the chamber on the north side of the inner courtyard. Alternate translation: “This room whose door is on its south side” or “This room on the north side of the inner courtyard”

Alternate translation: “who are working in the temple” or “who are responsible for guarding the temple”

Ezekiel 40:46

This refers to the room on the south side of the inner courtyard. The door of the room was on the north side of the room. Alternate translation: “This room whose door is on its north side” or “This room on the south side of the inner courtyard”

Alternate translation: “the priests who were offering sacrifices on the altar”

Alternate translation: “approach Yahweh in his temple in order to serve him”

Ezekiel 40:47

Alternate translation: “the man measured”

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 54 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “and the altar was”

This refers to the temple.

Ezekiel 40:48

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

this refers to the temple

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.

about 2.7 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

about 7.5 meters

about 1.6 meters

Ezekiel 40:49

about 11 meters

about 6 meters

pieces of stone that were tall and narrow and supported the roof of the building

Ezekiel 41

Ezekiel 41 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. This chapter focuses on the courtyard of the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Ezekiel 41:1

the room in the temple in front of the “most holy place”

These cubits were the “long” cubits (Ezekiel 40:5), 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. “they were six cubits in width on both sides”

about 3.2 meters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 41:2

about 5.4 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

about 2.7 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “the size”

about 22 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

about 11 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 41:3

about 1.1 meter (See: Biblical Distance)

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. (See: Biblical Distance)

about 3.2 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

about 3.8 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 41:4

about 11 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 41:5

the temple

about 3.2 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. (See: Biblical Distance)

about 2 meters

Ezekiel 41:6

Alternate translation: “three stories”

“The house had ledges all around for the side rooms all around.” This way the side rooms could rest on the ledge of the wall.

Alternate translation: “so that the ledges could support”

“for there were no supports in the wall of the house.” The people who built the temple did not want stones or wood that would support the side rooms to be sticking out from the wall of the sanctuary.

Ezekiel 41:8

a platform

small rooms

Translate “stick” as in Ezekiel 40:5.

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. (See: Biblical Distance)

about 3.2 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 41:9

about 2.7 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 41:10

Alternate translation: “the side rooms of the priests that were further out from the sanctuary”

about 11 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5. (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 41:11

about 2.7 meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “The entire space between the chambers and the temple was five cubits wide, all around the temple”

Ezekiel 41:12

This can be stated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “There was a building on the west side of the temple area, and its entrance was towards the courtyard. It was seventy cubits in width”

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. “70 cubits…5 cubits…90 cubits” or “about 38 meters … about 2.7 meters … about 49 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 41:13

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. “100 cubits” or “about 54 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 41:15

“the balconies.” The balconies were places that were built higher up than the rest of the building. People could go into balconies and look down on the main floor of the building.

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. “100 cubits” or “about 54 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Ezekiel 41:18

Alternate translation: “was made beautiful”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:3.

This is the singular form of “cherubim.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:9.

Ezekiel 41:20

Alternate translation: “the temple”

Ezekiel 41:22

These words are the end of the sentence that begins with the words “Their appearance was like the appearance of” in verse 21. This sentence could mean: (1) as it is translated in the ULT or (2) “The appearance of one was like the appearance of the other. The wooden altar in front of the holy place was.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “They appeared the same way the wooden altar in front of the holy place appeared. They were” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 1.6 meters … about 1.1 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 41:23

Alternate translation: “The holy place and the most holy place both had two doors”

Ezekiel 41:24

“Each door had two parts that were on hinges.” Hinges connect doors to the wall and allow the doors to swing.

Alternate translation: “both of the doors for both the holy place and the most holy place had two parts”

Ezekiel 41:25

Alternate translation: “just as the walls also had carvings of cherubim and palm trees”

covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Ezekiel 42

Ezekiel 42 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. This chapter focused on the storerooms for keeping the holy things of the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)

Ezekiel 42:1

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:5.

Ezekiel 42:2

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “100 cubits…50 cubits” or “about 54 meters … about 27 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 42:3

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “20 cubits” or “about 11 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “Some of those rooms were toward the inner courtyard” or “The entrance of some of those rooms was toward the inner courtyard”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Alternate translation: “looked out onto the inner courtyard”

Alternate translation: “because there was a place where one could walk along the rooms”

Alternate translation: “Some of the rooms were toward the outer courtyard” or “The entrance of some of the rooms was toward the outer courtyard”

Ezekiel 42:4

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “10 cubits…100 cubits” or “about 5.4 meters … about 54 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 42:6

Alternate translation: “smaller than the rooms”

Ezekiel 42:7

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “50 cubits” or “about 27 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 42:8

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “50 cubits…100 cubits” or “about 27 meters … about 54 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 42:11

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The way the rooms on the northern side appeared was the way these rooms appeared” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 42:12

Alternate translation: “at its beginning”

Ezekiel 42:13

the grain or flour that the people offered to show that they were thankful to God

Ezekiel 42:15

Alternate translation: “out to the east gate” or “out through the east gate”

Ezekiel 42:16

The word “he” refers to the man who looked like bronze (Ezekiel 40:3).

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5.

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “500 cubits” or “about 270 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 42:20

Alternate translation: “The house had a wall all around it”

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “500 cubits” or “about 270 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

not holy

Ezekiel 43

Ezekiel 43 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. God entered the temple. He told the people not to defile the temple by being idol worshipers or by having the funerals of their kings in the temple courtyard. He also told them what offerings to make each day. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Ezekiel 43:2

The word “Behold” here alerts the reader to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

This simply means “a lot of water.” It could refer to a loud river or a large waterfall or the waves crashing at the ocean. All of these are very loud. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:24.

Alternate translation: “the earth was full of bright light from his glory”

Ezekiel 43:3

Alternate translation: “The glory of God coming from the east was”

This could mean: (1) the second phrase beginning with “according to” explains the meaning of the first phrase beginning with “according to.” Alternate translation: “It was according to the appearance of the vision that I saw when he had come to destroy the city” or (2) the first phrase refers to the vision that Ezekiel had just seen of God’s glory. Alternate translation: “The appearance of this vision that I saw was according to the vision that I saw when he had come to destroy the city”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “just like what appeared in the vision” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “like the vision”

“when the God of Israel had come to destroy the city.” If the earlier Hebrew reading “when I had come to destroy the city” is used, then “destroy the city” is a synecdoche for “prophesy that the city will be destroyed.” Alternate translation: “when I had come to prophesy that the city will be destroyed” or “when I had come to prophesy that the God of Israel will destroy the city” (See: Synecdoche)

Ezekiel 43:5

Your language may have a different word to show that Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw.

Ezekiel 43:7

The idols that the people’s kings worshiped are spoken of as if they are corpses because the idols are not alive. Alternate translation: “the lifeless idols that their kings worshiped” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 43:8

Alternate translation: “The Israelites profaned”

“the disgusting things they did.” God was angry because the people were worshiping idols and false gods. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:9.

The phrase “consumed” here means “completely destroyed.” Alternate translation: “completely destroyed them because I was angry” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 43:9

The idols that the people’s kings worshiped are spoken of as if they are corpses because the idols are not alive. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:7. Alternate translation: “the lifeless idols that their kings worshiped” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 43:10

Alternate translation: “this pattern” or “this plan”

Ezekiel 43:11

Here the Israelites are referred to by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 21:6. Alternate translation: “before them” or “before the Israelite people” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “will keep its pattern”

Ezekiel 43:12

Alternate translation: “the instruction” or “the rule”

The word “border” probably refers to the wall that goes all the way around the temple.

Alternate translation: “absolutely holy”

“This is important!” Your language may have a way of indicating that the words that follow are important.

Ezekiel 43:13

Each “long cubit” was about 54 centimeters. You may choose not to include this information if you give modern measurements instead of “cubits” as the UST does. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 54 centimeters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “The border going around its edge”

A span was 23 centimeters. You may choose not to include this information if you give modern measurements instead of “cubits” as the UST does. Alternate translation: “about 23 centimeters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “These will be the measurements of the base of the altar”

Alternate translation: “the bottom supporting the altar” or “the foundation of the altar”

Ezekiel 43:14

a narrow and flat surface that sticks out from a wall

Ezekiel 43:15

the place where sacrifices were either cooked or burnt up with fire

The horns were the parts of the altar at the four corners of the altar that stuck up above the rest of the altar.

Ezekiel 43:16

Ezekiel 43:17

Alternate translation: “with steps on the east side of the altar” or “and the altar’s steps are on its east side”

Ezekiel 43:18

Alternate translation: “Yahweh said”

Alternate translation: “the rules” or “the instructions”

Ezekiel 43:19

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

Ezekiel 43:20

The word “you” is singular. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:19. (See: Forms of You)

The horns were the parts of the altar at the four corners of the altar that stuck up above the rest of the altar. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:15.

Ezekiel 43:22

The word “you” and the command refer to Ezekiel and so are singular. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:19. (See: Pronouns and Forms of You)

Ezekiel 43:23

All instances of “you” and the commands refer to Ezekiel and so are singular. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:19. (See: Pronouns and Forms of You)

Ezekiel 43:24

The altar on which they will sacrifice the bull and ram is in front of the temple, where the presence of Yahweh dwells.

Ezekiel 43:25

This is spoken to Ezekiel and so the word “You” is singular. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:19. (See: Pronouns and Forms of You)

Ezekiel 43:27

This phrase is used here to mark an important part of the instructions. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

The words “your” and “you” are second person plural and refer to the people of Israel in general. (See: Pronouns and Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “will gladly receive you”

Ezekiel 44

Ezekiel 44 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. Foreigners and the Levites who have worshiped idols are not allowed in the temple. The priests alone will do the temple work. (See: temple, house, house of God and priest, priesthood)

Ezekiel 44:1

Alternate translation: “to the outer sanctuary gate on the east side of the temple”

Ezekiel 44:2

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will open it” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:4.

Ezekiel 44:3

He will enter the courtyard through another gate and then sit in the portico of the east gate and eat.

covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support. In this case, the portico opens into the courtyard and is between the entrance to the temple and the inside of the gate. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Alternate translation: “in front of Yahweh” or “in the presence of Yahweh”

Ezekiel 44:4

This could mean: (1) “Then the man” or (2) “Then Yahweh.”

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

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.

Ezekiel 44:5

“pay attention to” or “think about.” Translate as you translated “fix your mind on” in Ezekiel 40:4. (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “all the instructions about the house of Yahweh”

Ezekiel 44:6

Alternate translation: “Your disgusting actions have been more than enough for you” or “You have done far too many disgusting deeds”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:9.

Ezekiel 44:10

The way a person lives is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: “stopped worshiping me … stopped doing what I wanted them to do. Instead, they worshiped their idols” (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 44:11

Alternate translation: “will be the servants in my temple”

Alternate translation: “performing guard duty at the gates of the house”

Alternate translation: “these Levites will stand before the people, so that they can serve the people”

Ezekiel 44:12

A person who causes another person to sin is spoken of as if he were something on a path over which people stumble. Alternate translation: “became people who caused the house of Israel to sin” (See: Metaphor)

In those days a person would raise his right hand to show that he realized that God would punish him if he did not do what he swore to do. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 20:6. Alternate translation: “I will solemnly swear” (See: Symbolic Action)

Alternate translation: “that I will punish them”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word punishment, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I will certainly punish them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Ezekiel 44:13

the Levites (Ezekiel 44:10)

“I will not permit them to come near.” Yahweh does not want them to come to him the way a servant comes to a king to receive commands, as the descendants of Zadok will do (Ezekiel 40:46).

Alternate translation: “will be ashamed and suffer when I punish them”

“the disgusting things you do.” God was angry because the people were worshiping idols and false gods. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:9.

Ezekiel 44:14

people who guard or take care of something

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “that they need to do in it” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 44:15

Alternate translation: “who are descendants of Zadok and fulfilled”

Ezekiel 44:17

Alternate translation: “So”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2.

cloth or clothing made of the soft hair of sheep

Ezekiel 44:18

A turban is a head covering that is that is made of a long cloth wrapped around the head.

Ezekiel 44:19

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:5.

Ezekiel 44:20

must keep their hair neat

Ezekiel 44:22

a woman whose husband has died

Alternate translation: “who is a descendant of the people of Israel”

Ezekiel 44:24

Alternate translation: “When people are arguing, they will be the ones who decide who is right by applying my laws”

Ezekiel 44:27

Ezekiel 44:28

The word “you” refers to the people of Israel and so is plural. (See: Pronouns)

land that a person owns and uses to provide for the needs of his family

Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel”

Ezekiel 44:30

Alternate translation: “every gift of whatever kind from all your gifts” or “all gifts of every sort of all of your gifts”

This phrase means “so that I will bless your family and everything that belongs to you.” (See: Idiom)

Ezekiel 44:31

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “or any creature that a bird or a wild animal has torn apart” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 45

Ezekiel 45 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. There should be an area around the temple complex for the homes of the priests and Levites who work at the temple. People should celebrate the festivals. (See: temple, house, house of God and priest, priesthood)

Ezekiel 45:1

Each cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits long…10,000 cubits wide” or “about 13.5 kilometers long … about 5.4 kilometers wide” (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “all of the area inside of the borders around it”

Ezekiel 45:2

Each cubit was about 54 centimeters. Alternate translation: “500 cubits…50 cubits wide” or “about 270 meters … about 27 meters wide” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 45:3

the temple and the border surrounding it

Alternate translation: “a portion of land”

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits…10,000 cubits” or “about 13.5 kilometers … about 5.4 kilometers” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 45:6

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “5,000 cubits…25,000 cubits” or “about 2.7 kilometers … about 13.5 kilometers” (See: Biblical Distance)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you gave for the holy place” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 45:7

It is implied that Ezekiel is comparing the prince’s land with the size of the land given to each of the tribes. Alternate translation: “The length will be the same as the length of one of the portions given to the tribes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

It is implied that these are the western and eastern borders of the land of Israel. “from the western border of Israel at the sea to the eastern border at the Jordan River”

Ezekiel 45:8

Alternate translation: “This portion of the land will be the property of the prince among the people of Israel”

Ezekiel 45:9

Alternate translation: “You have done too many bad things” or “You have been acting badly for far too long”

Ezekiel 45:10

an instrument that was used to weigh things that people sold or bought

Ezekiel 45:11

Alternate translation: “so that ten baths will be the same amount as a homer”

about 220 liters (See: Biblical Volume)

Ezekiel 45:12

about 11 grams (See: Biblical Weight)

about 0.55 grams (See: Biblical Weight)

about 660 grams (See: Biblical Weight)

Ezekiel 45:13

It is implied that this is the amount of wheat that the people harvest. Alternate translation: “for every homer of wheat from the harvest” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ezekiel 45:14

Alternate translation: “You must offer one tenth of a bath of oil”

Ezekiel 45:15

Alternate translation: “the parts of Israel that get a good amount of water”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “you will use for” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 45:17

the festivals that happen at the same time every year or month or week

Ezekiel 45:18

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

The word “you” is singular and refers to whoever is the prince in Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Ezekiel 45:20

“on the seventh day of the first month” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “for each person who had sinned without meaning to or because he did not know he was sinning” or “for each person who had sinned by accident or because he did not now what was right”

Ezekiel 45:21

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

The word “you” is plural and refers to the prince and the rest of the people of the house of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Ezekiel 45:23

Alternate translation: “Seven bulls and seven rams that are completely healthy”

Ezekiel 45:24

This is also called a “grain offering.”

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “twenty-two liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “four liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “each twenty-two liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

Ezekiel 45:25

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth day is near the beginning of October. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This is a different festival from the festival Ezekiel was describing before.

Ezekiel 46

Ezekiel 46 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. This chapter focuses on many of the temple’s rules. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Ezekiel 46:1

Alternate translation: “the gate on the east side of the inner courtyard” or “the eastern gate of the inner courtyard”

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Ezekiel 46:2

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:19.

Ezekiel 46:3

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:24.

Ezekiel 46:6

perfectly healthy and normal

Ezekiel 46:8

covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.

Ezekiel 46:9

“in front of Yahweh” or “in the presence of Yahweh.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 44:3.

Translate as you translated “appointed feasts” in Ezekiel 36:37.

Ezekiel 46:12

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 Levites will open the gate facing east for him” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the eastern gate” or “the gate on the east side of the courtyard”

Ezekiel 46:14

Alternate translation: “which will soak”

Ezekiel 46:16

Ezekiel 46:17

This is the year that a servant gains freedom. This is also called the “Year of Jubilee.”

Ezekiel 46:19

Alternate translation: “which had their main entrances to the north”

Ezekiel saw something interesting.

Ezekiel 46:20

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:5.

Ezekiel 46:21

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:5.

Ezekiel 46:22

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “40 cubits…30 cubits” or “about 21.6 meters … about 16.2 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 46:23

places where people can build fire and cook food

Ezekiel 47

Ezekiel 47 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. There was a river flowing from the temple. The land was to be divided among the tribes. The landscape of Jerusalem will have changed in a significant way. (See: temple, house, house of God)

Ezekiel 47:1

This is the right side of the altar when a person looks at it while they are facing east, so it is on the south side of the altar. Alternate translation: “on the south side of the altar”

Ezekiel 47:2

Alternate translation: “the eastern gate” or “the eastern gate of the outer wall”

Ezekiel 47:3

a string or a rope that people use to measure longer distances

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. Alternate translation: “1,000 cubits” or “about 540 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 47:5

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “a river that no one could cross on foot” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 47:6

Yahweh is commanding Ezekiel to think about what he has just seen. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:15. Alternate translation: “think about this.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Ezekiel 47:10

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 21:7.

This is the name of a very large spring on the western side of the Salt Sea. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “a place for people to dry out their fishing nets”

This is the name of a large spring on the eastern side of the Salt Sea. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ezekiel 47:11

places with shallow water and trees growing in deep mud

places with shallow water and grasses growing in deep mud

Ezekiel 47:13

The person is a metonym for his descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Joseph will receive two areas of land” (See: Metonymy)

Ezekiel 47:14

In those days a person would raise his right hand to show that he realized that God would punish him if he did not do what he swore to do. (See: Symbolic Action)

Ezekiel 47:15

the end of an area of land

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

Ezekiel 47:16

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

Ezekiel 47:17

the name of a town (See: How to Translate Names)

where two areas of land meet

Ezekiel 47:18

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

Ezekiel 47:19

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

a very large ravine in the northeast part of the Sinai

Ezekiel 47:20

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

Ezekiel 47:23

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 21:7.

Ezekiel 48

Ezekiel 48 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. There is more dividing of the land between the tribes in this chapter as well.

Ezekiel 48:1

Alternate translation: “one piece of the land that you will distribute”

Alternate translation: “boundary will be … boundary will be”

This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 47:15.

This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 47:15 or Ezekiel 47:20

This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 47:17.

Ezekiel 48:4

Translate as you translated “one portion of land” in Ezekiel 48:1.

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 48:3.

Ezekiel 48:8

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits” or “13.5 kilometers” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 48:9

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits…10,000 cubits” or “13.5 kilometers…5.4 kilometers” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 48:10

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The leaders of the Israelites will assign land to the priests” (See: Active or Passive)

Ezekiel 48:12

Alternate translation: “This smaller portion within the holy portion of the land will belong to these priests, a portion that is more holy than the rest of the holy portion of the land”

Ezekiel 48:13

Ezekiel 48:14

“this land which is the firstfruits.” Here “firstfruits” probably means the best things among all the offerings set aside to give to God. This land is spoken of in that way, as land set aside for Yahweh’s use. (See: Metaphor)

Ezekiel 48:15

“5,000 cubits…25,000 cubits.” Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “almost 2.3 kilometers … about 13.5 kilometers” (See: Numbers and Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “will be an area that all the people of the city will share and use”

Alternate translation: “as a place for houses and for an open space”

Ezekiel 48:16

“four thousand five hundred cubits.” Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 2.4 kilometers” (See: Numbers and Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 48:17

“two hundred and fifty cubits.” A cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 135 meters” (See: Numbers and Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 48:18

“10,000 cubits.” A cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 5.4 kilometers” (See: Numbers and Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “the food that grows there”

Ezekiel 48:20

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits” or “about 13.5 kilometers” (See: Biblical Distance)

Alternate translation: “You will offer the holy offering and also the property of the city”

This is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

the land that the people of Israel gave to Yahweh for the Levites, the priests, and the temple

Ezekiel 48:21

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 48:18.

Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits” or “about 13.5 kilometers” (See: Biblical Distance)

Ezekiel 48:23

Translate as you translated “one portion of land” in Ezekiel 48:1.

Ezekiel 48:28

names of towns. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 47:19. (See: How to Translate Names)

a very large ravine in the northeast part of the Sinai. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 47:19. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ezekiel 48:29

This is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

See how you translated this in Ezekiel 45:1.

Ezekiel 48:30

Ezekiel 48:33

“four thousand five hunded cubits.” This is about 2.4 kilometers. (See: Numbers and Biblical Distance)

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Ezekiel

Ezekiel front

Introduction to Ezekiel

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Ezekiel

What is Ezekiel about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

Who wrote the Book of Ezekiel?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was Ezekiel’s temple?

Do the sacrifices in Ezekiel follow the law of Moses?

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How should one represent Ezekiel’s visions in translation?

What does “and you will know that I am Yahweh” mean?

Ezekiel 1

Ezekiel 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Ezekiel’s call

Ezekiel 1:1

Ezekiel 1:3

Ezekiel 1:4

Ezekiel 1:5

Ezekiel 1:6

Ezekiel 1:7

Ezekiel 1:8

Ezekiel 1:9

Ezekiel 1:10

Ezekiel 1:11

Ezekiel 1:12

Ezekiel 1:13

Ezekiel 1:14

Ezekiel 1:15

Ezekiel 1:16

Ezekiel 1:17

Ezekiel 1:18

Ezekiel 1:19

Ezekiel 1:20

Ezekiel 1:22

Ezekiel 1:23

Ezekiel 1:24

Ezekiel 1:25

Ezekiel 1:26

Ezekiel 1:27

Ezekiel 1:28

Ezekiel 2

Ezekiel 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Ezekiel 2:1

Ezekiel 2:2

Ezekiel 2:3

Ezekiel 2:4

Ezekiel 2:5

Ezekiel 2:6

Ezekiel 2:7

Ezekiel 2:8

Ezekiel 2:9

Ezekiel 2:10

Ezekiel 3

Ezekiel 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Ezekiel 3:1

Ezekiel 3:2

Ezekiel 3:3

Ezekiel 3:4

Ezekiel 3:6

Ezekiel 3:7

Ezekiel 3:8

Ezekiel 3:9

Ezekiel 3:10

Ezekiel 3:11

Ezekiel 3:12

Ezekiel 3:14

Ezekiel 3:15

Ezekiel 3:16

Ezekiel 3:17

Ezekiel 3:18

Ezekiel 3:19

Ezekiel 3:20

Ezekiel 3:21