Revelation

Revelation front

Introduction to Revelation

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Revelation

1. Opening (1:1-20)
2. Letters to the seven churches (2:1-3:22)
3. Vision of God in heaven, and a vision of the Lamb (4:1-11)
4. The seven seals (6:1-8:1)
5. The seven trumpets (8:2-13:18)
6. Worshipers of the Lamb, the martyrs, and the harvest of wrath (14:1-20)
7. The seven bowls (15:1-18:24)
8. Worship in heaven (19:1-10)
9. The Lamb’s judgment, the destruction of the beast, the thousand years, the destruction of Satan, and the final judgment (20:11-15)
10. The new creation and the new Jerusalem (21:1-22:5)
11. Jesus’ promise to return, the witness from the angels, John’s closing words, Christ’s message to his church, the invitation and the warning (22:6-21)

Who wrote the Book of Revelation?

The author identified himself as John. This was probably the Apostle John. He wrote the Book of Revelation while on the island of Patmos. The Romans exiled John there for teaching people about Jesus.

What is the Book of Revelation about?

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

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by one of its traditional titles, “Revelation,” “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” “The Revelation to Saint John,” or “The Apocalypse of John.” Or they may choose a possibly clearer title, such as “The Things that Jesus Christ Showed to John.” (See: How to Translate Names)

What type of writing is the Book of Revelation?

John used a special style of writing to describe his visions. John described what he saw by using many symbols. This style of writing is called symbolic prophecy or apocalyptic literature. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Are the events of Revelation past or future?

Since early Christian times, scholars have interpreted Revelation differently. Some scholars think John described events that happened during his time. Some scholars think John described events happening from his time until the return of Jesus. Other scholars think John described events that will happen in a short period of time just before Christ returns.

Translators will not need to decide how to interpret the book before they translate it. Translators should leave the prophecies in the tenses that are used in the ULT.

Are there any other books in the Bible like Revelation?

No other book of the Bible is like the Book of Revelation. But, passages in Ezekiel, Zechariah, and especially Daniel are similar in content and style to Revelation. It may be beneficial to translate Revelation at the same time as Daniel since they have some imagery and style in common.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Does one need to understand the Book of Revelation to translate it?

One does not need to understand all of the symbols in the Book of Revelation to translate it properly. Translators should not give possible meanings for the symbols or numbers in their translation. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in Revelation in the ULT?

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

• The meaning in two passages indicates moral holiness. Here, the ULT uses “holy.” (See: 14:12; 22:11)
• Usually the meaning in Revelation indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 5:8; 8:3, 4; 11:18; 13:7; 16:6; 17:6; 18:20, 24; 19:8; 20:9)
• Sometimes the meaning implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “sanctify,” “set apart,” “dedicated to,” or “reserved for.”

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

Periods of time

John referred to various periods of time in Revelation. For example, there are many references to forty-two months, seven years, and three and a half days. Some scholars think these time periods are symbolic. Other scholars think these are actual time periods. The translator should treat these time periods as referencing actual periods of time. It is then up to the interpreter to determine their significance or what they may represent.

The verb “Behold” which occurs often in the book of Revelation

Behold is a word that focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say or do. The word literally means “look!” or “see!” However, in this case, the expression denotes the act of seeing figuratively by means of giving notice and attention. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully!” (See: Metaphor)

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Revelation?

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

• “‘I am the alpha and the omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘the one who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty’” (1:8). Some versions add the phrase “the Beginning and the End.”
• “the elders prostrated themselves and worshiped” (5:14). Some older versions read, “the twenty-four elders prostrated themselves and worshiped the one who lives forever and ever.”
• “so that a third of it \[the earth\] was burned up” (8:7). Some older versions do not include this phrase.
• “the one who is and who was” (11:17). Some versions add the phrase “and who is to come.”
• “they are blameless” (14:5). Some versions add the phrase “before the throne of God” (14:5).
• “the one who is and who was, the Holy One” (16:5). Some older versions read, “O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be.”
• “The nations will walk by the light of that city” (21:24). Some older versions read, “The nations that are saved will walk by the light of that city.”
• “Blessed are those who wash their robes” (22:14). Some older versions read “Blessed are those who do his commandments.”
• “God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city” (22:19). Some older versions read, “God will take away his share in the book of life and in the holy city.”

(See: Textual Variants)

Revelation 1

Revelation 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Outline of Chapter One of Revelation

I. The Introduction to Revelation

A. The Prologue (1:1-8)

1. The Preface (1:1-3)
2. The Address and the Doxology (1:4-6)
3. The Book’s Theme (1:7-8)

II. John’s Vision of Christ

B. John’s Appointment to Write the Book of Revelation (1:9-20)

1. The Initial Appointment to Write (1:9-11)
2. The Source of the Appointment (1:12-16)
3. The Appointment Repeated and Elaborated (1:17-20)

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

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULT does this with the quoted words in verse 7.

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven churches

John wrote this book to seven actual churches in Asia Minor, which is now the country of Turkey.

White

The Bible often speaks of something that belongs to a person as being “white.” This is metaphor and metonym for that person living rightly and pleasing God. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

“Him who is, and who was, and who is to come”

God exists now. He has always existed. He will always exist. Your language may have a different way of saying this.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Blood

Blood is a metonym for death. Jesus “has released us from our sins by his blood.” John means that Jesus saved us from our sins by dying for us. (See: Metonymy)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“He is coming with the clouds”

Jesus went into the clouds when he went up to heaven after God raised him from the dead. When Jesus returns, he will also be “with the clouds.” It is not clear whether he will be sitting or riding on clouds or coming in the clouds or “with the clouds” in some other way. Your translation should express this in a way that is natural in your language.

“One like a son of man”

This refers to Jesus. You should translate the words “son of man” using the same words as you did in the Gospels for when Jesus called himself the “Son of Man.”

“The angels of the seven churches”

The word “angels” here can also mean “messengers.” This might refer to heavenly beings, or to the messengers or leaders of these seven churches. John uses the same word “angel” (singular) in verse 1 and in many other places throughout the book. Your translation should also use the same word.

Revelation 1:1

ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of revelation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “What God disclosed to Jesus Christ” or “The matters that God revealed to Jesus Christ” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

This phrase could mean: (1) this book is revelation that came to Jesus from God. Alternate translation: “revelation to Jesus Christ” (2) this book is revelation that came from Jesus to the author of the book, namely John. Alternate translation: “revelation from Jesus Christ” (See: Possession)

τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ

Here, his servants refers to people who believe in Jesus Christ and serve him as their Lord. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternative translation: “those who serve him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι ἐν τάχει

Alternate translation: “the events that must happen soon”

ἐσήμανεν

The pronoun he here refers to Jesus Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus communicated it” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Ἰωάννῃ

John is the name of a man who was Jesus’ disciple and one of the original twelve apostles. (See: How to Translate Names)

τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ, Ἰωάννῃ

The Apostle John is referring to himself in the third person here. If this is confusing in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “to me, John, his servant” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Revelation 1:2

ὃς ἐμαρτύρησεν

The subject of this sentence is the author John. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “John testified” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, John uses word figuratively to refer to the message that God said by using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the message that God spoke” (See: Metonymy)

τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what Jesus Christ testified” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

John is using the possessive form to describe the testimony that Jesus Christ has given about the personal revelation received directly from God and then given in prophecy by the book’s author, John. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that Jesus Christ has given him” (See: Possession)

Revelation 1:3

ὁ ἀναγινώσκων

Here, the one who reads does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who readsthe words of the prophecy aloud or in public. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “anyone who reads aloud” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

τῆς προφητείας

Here, this prophecy refers to this whole book that John is writing. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “of this book of prophecy”

τηροῦντες τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ γεγραμμένα

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “who keep what John has written in it” or “who obey what they read in it” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς

Here, the time refers specifically to the appointed time when God will make the prophecies in this book come true. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the time for the fulfillment of what is written in this book is near” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς

Here, John speaks figuratively of time as if it could be near something. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time will be soon” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 1:4

Ἰωάννης

In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the first person. If your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, you could also use that. Alternate translation: “I, John, am writing this letter” or “From John” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ταῖς ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησίαις ταῖς ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ

In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would then say to whom they were writing, naming those people in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “to you who are members of the seven churches that are in Asia” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος

In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing. Alternate translation: “May the one who is, and who was, and who is coming give you grace and peace” (See: Blessings)

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of grace and peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May the one who is, and who was, and who is coming treat you kindly and give you peaceful relationships” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος

These three phrases all refer to God. If this might confuse your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the God who is, and who was, and who is coming” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ ἐρχόμενος

Here, is coming has two possible connotations. The expression could refer to the the physical act of coming, when God will be present on earth for a final judgment. Alternatively, the phrase indicates the future tense, which seems more likely given the prior context describing the past and present times of God’s existence. In other words, John uses is coming figuratively to state that God will exist in the future. If this would confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who will still exist in the future” (See: Metaphor)

ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων

The number seven is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection. Here, the seven spirits could refer to: (1) the Spirit of God, which is described with seven attributes in Isaiah 11:2. Alternate translation: “the sevenfold Holy Spirit” (2) seven individual spirits who serve God, which might be the “seven angels” in 8:2. Alternate translation: “the seven spirit beings” or “the seven angelic spirits” (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 1:5

καὶ ἀπὸ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

The first half of this verse continues the sentence from the previous verse. If you make this a new sentence, then you will need to repeat some of the information from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “And may grace be to you and peace also from Jesus Christ”

ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστός

This phrase the faithful witness is a title describing Jesus Christ. The expression is probably an allusion to Psalm 89, specifically to Psalm 89:37. Likewise, every title that is describing Jesus Christ in this verse alludes to a portion of Psalm 89, including: the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. All the titles in this verse describe Jesus Christ as the one who completes God’s promises given to David in 2 Samuel 7 and then affirmed again within Psalm 89 later. Therefore, the translator can indicate the presence of an Old Testament quotation or allusion here. (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

ὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν

This phrase the firstborn from the dead is an idiom meaning “the first person to die and become alive again”. The term firstborn commonly refers to the first child actually to be born to parents and, therefore, the primary recipient of the parents’ inheritance. The idiomatic expression apparently alludes to Psalm 89:27. However, every title describing Jesus Christ in this verse alludes to portions of Psalm 89, including: the faithful witness and the ruler of the kings of the earth. If your readers would not understand the phrase the firstborn from the dead, you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “the first person to be raised from death” or “the first person to come back to life” (See: Idiom)

τῶν νεκρῶν

The word dead is a singular noun that refers to a group of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “from those who are dead” or “from those who have died” (See: Collective Nouns)

καὶ ὁ ἄρχων τῶν βασιλέων τῆς γῆς

This phrase the ruler of the kings of the earth is a title of Jesus Christ that describes his future dominion over the earth. The expression the ruler of the kings of the earth alludes to Psalm 89:27. However, every title describing Jesus Christ in this verse alludes to portions of Psalm 89, including: the faithful witness and the firstborn from the dead. All the titles in this verse describe Jesus Christ as the one who completes God’s promises given to David in 2 Samuel 7, which are then affirmed again in Psalm 89 later. Therefore, the translator can indicate the presence of an Old Testament quotation or allusion here. (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

τῷ ἀγαπῶντι ἡμᾶς

The second half of this verse begins a doxology that continues through the rest of this verse and all of the next verse. The doxology directly praises Jesus Christ personally. If you make this a new sentence, then you will need to state some of the information from the following verse that will then be repeated in verse 1:6 once again. Alternate translation: “May Jesus Christ, who loves us, receive glory and power always”

λύσαντι ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν

Here John uses released figuratively of forgiving people for their sins. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “has forgiven us for our sins” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν

John uses sins figuratively to refer to the punishment for sins. He means that Jesus causes people who believe in him to escape eternal punishment for their sins. If this would confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “has released us from the punishment for our sins” (See: Metonymy)

τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ

Here, blood figuratively represents the death of Christ on the cross. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a comparable word that stands for death or express the idea in non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “his death on the cross” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 1:6

καὶ ἐποίησεν ἡμᾶς βασιλείαν, ἱερεῖς

The subject of the sentence, as well as of the contents of this entire verse, is Jesus Christ. Thus, the UST makes the subject of Jesus explicit throughout the entire verse. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

βασιλείαν

Here, a kingdom functions as a metaphor for the service that believers give to God. Believers in Jesus Christ serve God like citizens serve their ruling king in a kingdom. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the meaning of kingdom explicitly. Alternate translation: “the citizens that God rules over” (See: Metaphor)

ἱερεῖς

Here, priests represent people that God chose to offer sacrifices on behalf of others. The language here functions as a metaphor for the service that believers give to God. Believers in Jesus Christ benefit God like priests attended to God in the temple or the tabernacle of the Old Testament. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the meaning of the office of priest explicitly. Alternate translation: “people that offer sacrifices” or “people that serve in the temple” (See: Metaphor)

βασιλείαν, ἱερεῖς τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ— αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος

If your language does not use an abstract noun for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns kingdom, priests, glory, and power in other ways. Alternate translation: “he has created us to aid him in his program and to be household custodians serving God, his Father. May Jesus have proper honor and recognized authority always” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ

Here, God and Father refers to two persons of the Godhead, who exists in essence as a trinity of individual persons. The name Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Alternate translation: “for God, his Father” (See: Translating Son and Father)

αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος

This is a wish or prayer. This could mean: (1) John prays that people honor Jesus Christ in light of or with respect to hisglory and power. Alternate translation: “May all honor Jesus with glory and power.” (2) John prays that Jesus Christ will be honored and will be able to rule completely over everyone and everything. Alternate translation: ‘May Jesus accept glory and power throughout eternity.” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὸ κράτος

Here, the power probably refers to Jesus Christ’s authority as king. Thus, the power is a metonym that describes the rule of Jesus in his kingdom. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the dominion” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 1:7

ἰδοὺ, ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν, καὶ ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς, καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς

The clauses Behold, he is coming with the clouds, every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and will mourn because of him are quotations from the Old Testament. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

ἰδοὺ

Here, Behold is a word that focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say or do. The word literally means “look!” or “see!” However, in this case, the expression denotes the act of seeing figuratively by means of giving notice and attention. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully!” (See: Metaphor)

ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν

The pronoun he here refers to Jesus Christ. Jesus will come to the earth from above, or from the sky above, as seen originally in Daniel 7:14 and Daniel 7:27. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus is coming with the clouds” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν

Alternate translation: “He approaches on the clouds”

πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς

Since people see with their eyes, the word eye is used to refer to people. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every person” or “everyone” (See: Synecdoche)

καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν

Jesus’ hands and feet were pierced when he was nailed to the cross. Here it refers to the people who killed him. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even those who bore a hole in him” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν

John is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “even those who pierced him will see him” (See: Ellipsis)

πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς

The phrase all the tribes of the earth describes all types of the earth’s peoples by the category of every single tribe. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “every ethnicity of the earth” or “every racial type of the earth” (See: Collective Nouns)

ναί! ἀμήν!

Here, the phrase Yes, Amen has two words that mean basically the same thing. Yes affirms, emphasizes, and strengthens the following word, Amen. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Certainly it shall be thus!” or “Yes indeed, may this truly be so!” (See: Doublet)

Revelation 1:8

ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος, ὁ Θεός, ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ὁ Παντοκράτωρ

Here, says the Lord God indicates that the clauses that comes before and after this phrase are quotations. If this might confuse your readers, you could move this phrase to the beginning or end of the verse. Alternate translation: “The Lord God says, ‘I am the alpha and the omega, the one who is, and who was, and who is coming, the Almighty.’”

τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are alpha and omega. If your readers would misunderstand this, you may consider using the first and last letters of your language’s alphabet. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the first thing and the last thing”

τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ

This could mean: (1) God the Father or Jesus Christ is the one who began all things and who will end all things. Alternate translation: “the one who began and will end all things” (2) God the Father or Jesus Christ is the one who has always lived and who always will live. Alternate translation: “the one who always existed and will always exist” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ

Here, the alpha and the omega refers by merism to the eternal nature of God the Father or that of Jesus Christ. A merism gives a sense of a totality by a description that references two extreme parts of a concept’s whole. In this case, the parts at the extremities of the concept’s whole are the first (alpha) and last (omega) letters of the Greek alphabet. The Greek alphabet is a type of metaphor for eternity, which has a beginning and a end normally in time, although here the idea is that of the eternal existence of God. (See: Merism)

τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος

Some versions add the phrase “the Beginning and the End” after this statement. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the phrase it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of the ULT. (See: Textual Variants)

ὁ ἐρχόμενος

See how you translated the phrase who is coming in verse 4. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 1:9

ἐγὼ Ἰωάννης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν, καὶ συνκοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει, καὶ βασιλείᾳ, καὶ ὑπομονῇ, ἐν Ἰησοῦ

The Apostle John refers to himself in the third person here in this verse. If this is confusing in your language, you could translate this in the first person primarily or predominantly. Alternate translation: “I … am experiencing affliction with you …” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν

Here, your is plural and refers to the believers assembled among the seven churches mentioned in chapters 1–3 of this book. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the brother of you believers” (See: Forms of You)

βασιλείᾳ

Here, kingdom expresses the idea that Christ rules and will rule over the lives of believers. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of kingdom, you could express the same idea in some phrase that uses the verb “rule.” Alternate translation: “realm where Christ rules” (See: Abstract Nouns)

διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

John uses word of God figuratively to describe the gospel message that came from God and that John proclaimed by using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of the message from God” (See: Metonymy)

τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ

John is using the possessive form to describe the testimony about Jesus that John proclaimed. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that I proclaimed about Jesus” (See: Possession)

Revelation 1:10

ἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι

Here, in the Spirit could mean: (1) God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit) took control of John in order to influence John to receive divine revelation. Alternate translation: “I was influenced by the Spirit of God” or “God’s Spirit took control of me” (2) God caused John’s spirit to be in a state so that he could perceive revelation. Alternate translation: “God influenced my spirit” or “God took control of my spirit” (See: Idiom)

τῇ Κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ

Here, the Lord’s day refers specifically to Sunday, which was the day of the week when believers gathered to worship together in John’s time. Some scholars think that the Lord’s day here refers to the future time of God’s judgment called “the day of the Lord” throughout the Bible. However, this exact phrase is not used anywhere else in the Bible. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Sunday, the Lord’s day” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

φωνὴν μεγάλην ὡς σάλπιγγος

The voice was very loud so that the noise sounded like a trumpet. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a voice as loud as a trumpet being blown” (See: Simile)

φωνὴν μεγάλην

Here, a loud voice figuratively refers to the person speaking the voice, which is later revealed in the context to be the divine voice of Jesus Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a great sound of one speaking” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 1:11

λεγούσης

Here, saying introduces a quotation. What follows is what the voice of the previous verse actually said. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “that voice said” (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

Σμύρναν…Πέργαμον…Θυάτειρα…Σάρδεις…Φιλαδέλφιαν…Λαοδίκιαν

These are names of cities in the region of western Asia Minor that are in the modern area of southwestern Turkey today. The logic of the order seems to begin with Ephesus, the most important city at the time and then proceed to move clockwise until it reaches the city that is the furthest south at Laodicea. (See: How to Translate Names)

Revelation 1:12

τὴν φωνὴν ἥτις

Here, voice refers figuratively to the person speaking. The context indicates that Jesus Christ is the one speaking here. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who” (See: Metonymy)

ἑπτὰ λυχνίας χρυσᾶς

Here, seven golden lampstands refers to seven golden lamp holders that are place holding stands for portable oil lamps. These seven lamp holders are made of gold or, at the very least, were plated with gold. Apparently these lamp holders represent the seven assemblies of believers in the seven cities mentioned in the previous verse. The number seven is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection, although the context would simply suggest that the number is required by the amount of the churches addressed in Revelation chapters two and three. Alternate translation: “seven golden portable oil lamp-holding stands” (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 1:13

ὅμοιον Υἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου

The expression like a son of man describes a human figure that recalls the same Aramaic phrase in Daniel 7, specifically within Daniel 7:13. The point of this comparison is that the figure John saw looked like a human. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “a being that looked like a man” or “a figure that resembled a human being” (See: Simile)

ζώνην χρυσᾶν

A sash was a strip of cloth worn around the chest. This one may have been woven from golden threads. Clearly sash is not a belt that is worn around the waist specifically. Alternate translation: “strap” or “band”

Revelation 1:14

ἡ δὲ κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ αἱ τρίχες λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών

The point of this comparison is that the head and hair were like wool and snow, which are both very white. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Now his head and hair were very white, like the white color of wool and snow” (See: Simile)

λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών

John uses white as in order to emphasize how white the head and hair were. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “extremely white like wool and snow” (See: Doublet)

ἔριον

The word wool refers to the hair of a sheep or goat that can often be very white. If your readers would not be familiar with this material, you could use the name of a type of fur or fabric in your area that is known to be very white, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “white fabric” (See: Translate Unknowns)

οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ ὡς φλὸξ πυρός

The point of this comparison is that the eyes were like a flame of fire, which full of light and very bright. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “his eyes were glowing like a flame of fire” or “his eyes blazed like a flame of fire” (See: Simile)

Revelation 1:15

οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ

The point of this comparison is that the feet were like polished bronze, which is very shiny. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “his feet were very shiny like polished bronze” or “his feet were reflecting light like polished bronze” (See: Simile)

ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμένης

Here, furnace refers to a strong container for holding a very hot fire. People would put metal like bronze in it, and the hot fire would make the metal refined by melting away any impurities that were in the metal. Do not translate this verse in a way that would imply that the bronze was first polished and then refined in a furnace, which reverses the actual order of events. Alternate translation: “like bronze that has been purified in a hot furnace and then polished” (See: Order of Events)

ἡ φωνὴ αὐτοῦ ὡς φωνὴ ὑδάτων πολλῶν

The point of this comparison is that the sound of his voice was like the sound of a large and fast flowing river or of a large waterfall with loud waves of constant water flow, which is very loud. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “his voice was very loud like the sound of rushing waters” (See: Simile)

Revelation 1:16

καὶ ἔχων

Here, the subject of and having should be assumed from earlier in verse 1:13 rendered one like a son of man. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “and the one like the son of man had”

καὶ ἔχων ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ ἀστέρας ἑπτά

Here, seven stars refer to “the angels of the seven churches” as stated explicitly in 1:20. The symbolism of Jesus Christ holding stars could refer to: (1) Christ having absolute authority over the churches symbolized by the stars. Alternate translation: “and exercising authority over the stars” (2) Christ keeping the churches symbolized by the stars secure and safe from death or evil so as to have eternal life as described in John 10:28. Alternate translation: “and keeping seven stars in his right hand” (See: Symbolic Language)

καὶ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ῥομφαία δίστομος ὀξεῖα ἐκπορευομένη

Here, the sword refers to a sword that is sharpened on both edges so that it can cut in both directions on both sides. Only the blade of the sword protruded from Christ’s mouth since the imagery is most likely a metaphor for the spoken word as being figuratively sharp and able to pierce things. The symbolism was probably inspired by the fact that Roman double-edged swords were shaped like human tongues in their forms. Thus, double-edged swords in the shape of human tongues apparently signify spoken words coming from the human mouth. The translator may wish to indicate this imagery in his translation of the symbolism. Alternate translation: “a sharp, double-edged sword was protruding from his mouth” (See: Symbolic Language)

ὡς ὁ ἥλιος φαίνει ἐν τῇ δυνάμει αὐτοῦ

Here, the simile in the phrase shining as the sun at its strength expresses a very bright appearance. Thus, the face of Jesus Christ appeared very bright in a similar manner to the way that the sun shines in its full force during the middle of the day. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “shining as bright as the noonday sun” or “shining as bright as the mid-day sun” (See: Simile)

Revelation 1:17

ἔπεσα πρὸς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ, ὡς νεκρός

This phrase describes John laying down with his face toward the ground in a common gesture that expresses a deferential respect for a person before whom one bows down before. This symbolic action or cultural gesture of obeisance signifies great respect, reverential awe, and maybe even some fear at the person who receives the symbolic gesture of the bow. John was probably very frightened and was showing Jesus great respect by the customary act of a dramatic bow before the presence of Jesus. If the translator has a similar symbolic action or cultural gesture to indicate obeisance in the culture of the target language, then perhaps the similar cultural action should be incorporated in the translation. Alternate translation: “fell down at his feet like a dead man to show his fear and respect” (See: Symbolic Action)

καὶ ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ

Here, the subject of and he placed his right hand on me should be assumed from earlier in the context at verse 1:13. Verse 1:13 mentions one like a son of man as a description of Jesus Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could explicitly state the subject as Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus placed his right hand on me” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

καὶ ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ

Here, the phrase and he placed his right hand on me signifies a cultural gesture or symbolic action that expresses comfort and assurance for the person who is need of encouragement at the moment of fear. The symbolic action has the accompanying verbal expression of Do not be afraid so as to illustrate the significance and symbolism of the cultural gesture. Alternate translation: “and he touched me with his right hand” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος

Here, the first and the last refers to the eternal nature of Jesus. He existed before anything else and he will continue to exist after everything else is gone. In this expression, first refers to what is before everything and last refers to what is after everything. This is similar to the use of alpha and omega in verse 8. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who existed before everything and will exist after everything” (See: Merism)

Revelation 1:18

καὶ ὁ ζῶν καὶ ἐγενόμην νεκρὸς

Here, the one who lives refers to God. It could refer to: (1) God possessing eternal life in himself. Alternate translation: “the living one” (2) God being the source of life. Alternate translation: “the one who gives life” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἰδοὺ

See how you translated behold in Revelation 1:7. Here, it is more natural to avoid the usual “pay attention” in the UST. The translator should probably be less literal in the translation here of behold due to the unique context (See: Metaphor)

ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου

John uses keys here figuratively to refer to authority or power. Just as keys have the ability to control the opening or locking of a door, so Jesus has the power to control death and Hades. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have the power over death and over Hades” (See: Metaphor)

ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου

This clause implies that Jesus can give life to those who have died and let them out of Hades. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I have the power to give life to people who have died and to let them out of Hades” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου

Hades here refers to the world of people who have died and is commonly transliterated directly from the Greek language, as in the ULT. Hades signifies the place or location where deceased individuals go after they die within the cultural world of Greek mythology. The distinction between death and Hades is not great, but there is a slight difference. Death indicates the state of being dead. However, Hades represents the place where the spirits of dead people reside. Thus, the translator might indicate the slight differences between the two words in this verse here when translating the expression. Alternate translation: “of death’s state and of death’s location” (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

Revelation 1:19

ἃ εἶδες, καὶ ἃ εἰσὶν, καὶ ἃ μέλλει γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα

Here, what you have seen and what is and what is about to happen after these things represents the three-part division of the entire Book of Revelation. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” The command to John requires John to write everything down in the book with no exceptions from what he is required to write. If it would help your readers, you could indicate the use of this verse here as a natural three-part division of the book of Revelation. Alternatively, you may wish to reflect in the translation of the three different clauses with their different verb tenses. Alternate translation: “that which you are seeing, that which exists now, and that which will happen afterwards” (See: Litany)

Revelation 1:20

τὸ μυστήριον τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων

Here, the mystery refers to a secret or symbolic meaning of a symbolic vision of the seven stars. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the secret meaning of the seven stars” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων

See how you translated this phrase in verse 16. (See: Symbolic Language)

λυχνίας

See how you translated this word in verse 12. (See: Symbolic Language)

ἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν

Here, the angels of the seven churches could refer to: (1) heavenly angels who protect the seven churches, or (2) human messengers who are sent to the seven churches. In the second case, the angels could either be representatives who lead among each of the seven churches or, alternatively, the actual messengers who went from John bearing the book of Revelation to the seven churches mentioned in verse 11. The translator should retain the literal transliteration of angel to allow for both possible interpretations, but he should give a marginal note to explain the two possible understandings. Alternate translation: “the seven messengers of the seven churches” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν

See how you translated this in verse 11.

Revelation 2

Revelation 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Outline of Chapters Two and Three of Revelation

I. The Current Condition of the Churches (2:1-3:22)

A. The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)

B. The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)

C. The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)

D. The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)

E. The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)

F. The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)

G. The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)

Chapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the “seven letters to the seven churches.” You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted words of verse 27.

Special concepts in this chapter

The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches

Jesus uses the phrase I know to express his personal familiarity and knowledge at times of some of the churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. The phrase I know is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced among the various churches mentioned in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation. The idiomatic expression I know indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current conditions or circumstances in which the Christians were living. Although usually positive in a tone of assurance (see Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:8), the phrase I know sometimes expresses a critical or negative assessment that Jesus affirms (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression I know affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus, but the phrase also asserts a claim to be in a position to make a valid judgment as an impartial arbiter who might be critical at times. Therefore, the translator may wish to provide for his readership a textual note that explains the phrase I know as meaning something more than simply the awareness that Jesus has of the current religious, social, and moral conditions for the Christians which are addressed by Jesus (see Revelation chapters two and three). Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: Idiom)

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

The second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout chapters two and three of the book of Revelation are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual angel, so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Poverty and wealth

The Christians in Smyrna were poor because they did not have much money. But they were rich spiritually because God would reward them for their suffering. (See: spirit, wind, breath)

“The devil is about to”

People were about to take some of the Christians in Smyrna and throw them into prison and even kill some of them (Revelation 2:10). John does not say who these people were. But he does speak of them harming the Christians as if Satan himself were harming them. (See: Metonymy)

Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel

Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel were people who lived long before Jesus was born. They all tried to harm the Israelites either by cursing them or by making them want to stop obeying God.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”

The writer knew that almost all of his readers had physical ears. The ear here is a metonym for hearing what God says and desiring to obey him. (See: Metonymy)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The angel of the church”

The word angel here can also mean “messenger” or “representative.” This might refer to the messenger or a representative leader of the church. See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20.

“Says these things”

The verses with the phrase says these things can be difficult to translate. They do not make complete sentences. You may need to add “These are” to the beginning of these verses. Jesus uses these words to speak of himself as if he were speaking of another person. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking of other people. Jesus began speaking in Revelation 1:17. He continues to speak through the end of Chapter 3. The phrase says these things indicates that the words that come after this expression are a direct quotation. Use a phrase that makes this clear in your language. Alternate translation: “says this message” or “says the following words” (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

Revelation 2:1

τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Ephesus. Ephesus is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: How to Translate Names)

τῷ ἀγγέλῳ

Here, the angel could refer to: (1) a heavenly angel who protects the church in Ephesus, or (2) a human messenger who is sent to the church in Ephesus as a representative leader. In this case, the angel could either be a representative leader of the church in Ephesus or the actual messenger who went from John bearing the book of Revelation to the church in Ephesus. See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τάδε λέγει

Here, says these things indicates that the words that come after this phrase are a direct quotation. Use a phrase that makes this clear in your language. Alternate translation: “says this message” or “says the following words” (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν

Here, the implied subject of the two clauses is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the assumed subject from the context established in the previous chapter one. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the intended reference to Jesus explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ, the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἀστέρας

These stars are symbols. The stars represent the seven angels of the seven churches. Note the translations of stars in Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 1:20. The figure of speech is that of symbolic language which is common to the Book of Revelation. (See: Symbolic Language)

τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν

The golden lampstands are symbols that represent the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers. See how you translated lampstands in Revelation 1:12. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 2:2

οἶδα

For the expression I know that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (see Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15), please see the explanatory note for I know in the chapter two introduction.

τὸν κόπον

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun labor, you can express it with the verb “to work”. Alternate translation: “that you laboured very hard” or “that you worked very hard” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν ὑπομονήν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun endurance, you can express it with the verb “endure.” Alternate translation: “that you patiently suffered” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὰ ἔργα σου, καὶ τὸν κόπον καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου, καὶ ὅτι οὐ δύνῃ βαστάσαι κακούς; καὶ ἐπείρασας τοὺς λέγοντας ἑαυτοὺς ἀποστόλους, καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν, καὶ εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς

The second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout this verse and throughout chapters two and three are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual angel (see the previous verse), so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

κακούς

Here, evil people translates directly an adjective in the Greek that signifies simply “wicked” or evil. Thus, the translator must supply a noun that the adjective is describing through an assumed implication. The natural assumption for the noun to be supplied would be human individuals who were people in the surrounding community of those being addressed here. Alternate translation: “wayward people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς

Here, you have found them indicates the literal translation of the Greek. However, the sense of found is something like “to understand” or simply to come to the knowledge about a certain reality. The understood reality is actually the falsehood of the claim of certain people to be apostles. Alternate translation: “you have recognized those people to be false apostles”

Revelation 2:3

καὶ ὑπομονὴν ἔχεις

Here, and you have patient endurance implies a missing affirmation of I know from the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternative translation: “I realize that you have patient endurance” or “I recognize that you have patient endurance” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου

Here, name is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ, since Jesus uses name here to refer to himself. The believers in Ephesus are suffering persecution and difficult circumstances for the sake of Jesus Christ as believers in him. The assembly in Ephesus suffers for the sake of the person and message of Jesus Christ within their society. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you believe in my name” or “because you believe in me” (See: Metonymy)

οὐ κεκοπίακες

Being discouraged is spoken of as growing weary. The metaphor relates the notion of quitting an action with becoming tired since often people stop an action if they are tired. Alternate translation: “you have not become discouraged” or “you have not quit” (See: Metaphor)

οὐ κεκοπίακες

Here, have not grown weary is a litotes expression that expresses emphasis by negating the opposite statement. In this case, Jesus emphasizes the act of persevering and not giving up despite obstacles by stating the opposite notion. The believers at Ephesus had persevered in trials but did not give up. Thus, they did not grow weary or become tired, but rather they continued to try hard. See the previous note about the metaphor in the figure of speech. Alternate translation: “you have not grown tired” (See: Litotes)

Revelation 2:4

ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ, ὅτι

Here I have against you that indicates a negative, critical sentiment. It expresses the idea of a critical attitude in the person speaking, meaning something like: “I have something against you” or “there is something about you that I disapprove of”. Jesus is leaving out a word in the idiomatic expression that some languages would need in order for a clause to be complete. However, the following words in the context describe the matter of contention that Jesus is angry about. If your language requires an explanation of what Jesus is taking issue with the Ephesian church about, then you can supply it from the context. Alternate translation: “I disapprove of you because” or “I have a criticism to make of you” (See: Ellipsis)

τὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην ἀφῆκες

To stop doing something is spoken of as leaving it behind. Here, love represents an object that can abandoned. Here, the expression presents a metaphor expressing love as an object that can be forsaken. Alternate translation: “you have stopped loving me as you did at the beginning” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 2:5

πόθεν πέπτωκας

The notion of the church no longer loving as much as they used to love is spoken of as having fallen in the sense of “how far you have fallen from your original location”. Here, “falling” from a standing location is a metaphor for abandoning an earlier love and devotion for a person, in this case Jesus. Here, the metaphorical expression describes a tremendous decline in the love for Jesus among the Christians at Ephesus. Alternate translation: “how much you have changed” or “how much you once loved me” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ τὰ πρῶτα ἔργα ποίησον

Here, the first works is a metonym that describes the behavior or way of life of the Ephesian believers earlier in their Christian practice. Earlier in the Christian way of life of the Ephesian believers they made greater efforts in their stronger devotion for Jesus. Alternate translation: “and do the first efforts” (See: Metonymy)

ἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς

Here, I will come to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place could refer to: (1) a special coming in judgment that Jesus would make personally for only the church of Ephesus. (2) the final, second coming of Jesus to the earth in judgment. In both interpretation options, Jesus uses a metaphor from the actual Roman destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD. In 70 AD, the Romans entered the Jerusalem temple and removed the seven-branched lampstand from inside the sanctuary. However, the translator should not make either interpretive option explicit in the translation. Alternate translation: “I will come to you and I will extract your lampstand from its place” (See: Metaphor)

ἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς

The lampstand is a symbol that represents one of the seven churches. See how you translated lampstand in Revelation 1:12. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 2:6

ἀλλὰ τοῦτο ἔχεις

But you have this is a metaphor in which this represents the fact that Jesus hates the works of the Nicolaitans. The metaphor in this idiomatic expression is that this is spoken of as if it were an object someone could have. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “But this is to your credit” or “But here is a good thing you are doing” (See: Metaphor)

τῶν Νικολαϊτῶν

The Nicolaitans were people who followed the teachings or practices of a man named Nicolaus. The translator should not attempt to specify the actual teachings or practices of the Nicolaitans since there is no certainty about what Nicolaus taught or practiced. (See: How to Translate Names)

Revelation 2:7

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

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

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, then listen to” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τῷ νικῶντι

To the one who conquers refers to anyone who conquers, or is victorious throughout obstacles and difficulties in the Christian life. The expression represents a metaphor comparing the Christian life to a military battle, in which the Christian overcomes the forces of evil and any difficult obstacles in warfare. Alternate translation: “To the one who wins the victory” or “To the one who overcomes the obstacles” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς

John is using the possessive form of tree to describe the tree as giving life. The imagery recalls Genesis 3:22’s reference to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the tree that grants life” (See: Possession)

τῷ Παραδείσῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, paradise is a Greek transliteration of a Persian word that describes a pleasure garden and zoo that Persian monarchs built at their residences. However, in the Bible paradise becomes a symbol for heaven. The symbolism for heaven might be seen in Luke 23:43 and 2 Corinthians 12:4, which both show that paradise is a name for the abode of God. Thus, paradise represents the eternal and permanent home of believers in Jesus Christ in the new heavens and the new earth of the future. Alternate translation: “the garden of God” (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

Revelation 2:8

καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σμύρνῃ ἐκκλησίας γράψον

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Smyrna. Smyrna is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: How to Translate Names)

τῷ ἀγγέλῳ

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τάδε λέγει

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person here. If this is confusing in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I am the first and the last and I am the one who became dead but came to life again” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος

Here, the first and the last refers to the eternal nature of Jesus Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:17. (See: Merism)

ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν

Here, the phrase who became dead but came to life again describes Jesus by the two extremes of his death on the cross as well as his current life after the resurrection. The figure of speech is a type of merism. See how you translated the very similar phrase in Revelation 1:18. However, note that there are slight differences between this verse and Revelation 1:18, such as in the order of the words. Alternate translation: “who became dead but lived again” or “who became dead but returned back to life” (See: Merism)

Revelation 2:9

σου

See how you translated second person pronouns and references in Revelation 2:2. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

τὴν θλῖψιν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun affliction, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “I know how you have suffered” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν πτωχείαν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun poverty, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “how poor you are” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀλλὰ πλούσιος εἶ

Here, rich is a metaphor for the spiritual condition of the Christians in Smyrna. The Christians in Smyrna were physically poor because they did not have much money. However, they were spiritually rich because God would reward them for their suffering in the future. Thus, the metaphor uses the language of physical money to describe the spiritual condition of Smyrna’s Christians. (See: Metaphor)

τὴν βλασφημίαν ἐκ τῶν λεγόντων Ἰουδαίους εἶναι ἑαυτούς

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun slander, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “how people have slandered you—those who say they are Jews” or “how people have said terrible things about you—those who say they are Jews” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν

Here, but they are not is irony in the sense of the fact that Jesus does not intend to say that the people are not literal Jews. Jesus actually means that these people are indeed Jews, although they do not behave in a manner that agrees with their ethnic identification. Jews should behave as if they were God’s people, but these people mentioned here do not act as if they were actually God’s chosen race. Alternate translation: “but they are not real Jews” (See: Irony)

συναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ

Here, a synagogue of Satan is a metaphor describing Jewish people in Smyrna that were slandering the Christians in the local church. The metaphor uses the imagery of the word synagogue as a place to gather together Jews for both worship and for learning. However, the Jews described in this verse gather together to slander the Christians of Smyrna. Therefore, these Jews actually gather and serve Satan as a synagogue in a certain sense. (See: Metaphor)

συναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ

Here, a synagogue of Satan signifies a synagogue that serves Satan in some metaphorical sense (see previous note). The phrase uses the possessive form to describe the fact that the synagogue of Jews serves Satan. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “a synagogue that follows Satan” (See: Possession)

Revelation 2:10

ἰδοὺ

See how you translated Behold in Revelation 1:7. (See: Metaphor)

μέλλει βάλλειν ὁ διάβολος ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν, ἵνα πειρασθῆτε

Here, to throw is a idiomatic expression for putting someone into prison or jail. The enemies of the Christians will test them, not God himself. Translators should avoid making the impression to their readers that God is in league with Satan as an author of evil or temptation. Alternate translation: “the devil will soon cause others to put some of you in prison” (See: Idiom)

ἐξ ὑμῶν

See how you translated the second person pronouns and references in Revelation 2:2. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

ἡμερῶν δέκα

Here, ten days is probably metaphorical for a short time or limited amount of time for testing. Daniel 1:14 is most likely the source of the expression for a short time of testing. The translator should not avoid, however, rendering the time as a literal length of time of ten days, in contrast to some unspecified amount of time in a metaphorical expression. Alternate translation: “for a short time of testing” (See: Metaphor)

γίνου πιστὸς ἄχρι θανάτου

The use of the word until does not mean that you should stop being faithful at death. Rather, the idea is to be faithful even to the point of death. Alternate translation: “Be faithful to me even if they kill you”

τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς

Here, the crown of life refers as a metaphor to the reward of eternal life itself. Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the crown or the wreath as the prize of life itself. Eternal life is the reward in the metaphor of a crown. Alternate translation: “life as your crown” or “life as your wreath” (See: Possession)

Revelation 2:11

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: Metonymy)

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ νικῶν

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: Metaphor)

οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου

Here, the clause will certainly not be hurt is a euphemism for experiencing the second death in actuality. The literal meaning of the clause gives the sense of mistreating or injuring someone. However, in this case, the euphemism represents the greater danger of a second, spiritual death (see next note). Alternate translation: “will not experience the second death” or “will not die the second death” (See: Euphemism)

ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου

Here, by the second death is a metaphor that describes the spiritual or eternal transition from normal life that occurs after the first natural death that people suffer at the end of life. The phrase second death is further described and defined in Revelation 20:6,14: 21:8. The translator should translate the phrase the second death literally and also give an explanatory note with references to Revelation 20:6,14; 21:8. Alternate translation: “by the eternal death” or “by the spiritual death” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 2:12

καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Περγάμῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Pergamum. Pergamum is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: How to Translate Names)

τῷ ἀγγέλῳ

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τάδε λέγει

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

τὴν ῥομφαίαν τὴν δίστομον τὴν ὀξεῖαν

See how you translated this type of sword and its imagery in Revelation 1:16 (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 2:13

οἶδα ποῦ κατοικεῖς

Here, I know where you live is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present condition and difficult circumstances that the Christians in Pergamum were experiencing at that time. The idiomatic expression indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current problems and difficult conditions of the people which he addresses here. Jesus not only expresses knowledge of the city of Pergamum as a location or place, but he also expresses his familiarity with the religious, social, and moral conditions which the Christians experienced while living in Pergamum. See the explanatory note for I know in the chapter two introduction contents. Alternate translation: “I know where you dwell” or “I know where you have your home” (See: Idiom)

ὁ θρόνος τοῦ Σατανᾶ

Here, the throne of Satan means the place that “Satan controls and gives power to his throne”. Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the place where Satan has power and control with a reference to a throne for describing the rule of Satan as a metonym. There is most likely a local reference to a giant altar to the god Zeus that existed in Pergamum at this time. Alternate translation: “where Satan rules” (See: Possession)

κρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου

Here, you hold tightly to my name is a idiomatic expression meaning to firmly believe in the name of Jesus. Alternate translation: “you firmly believe in my name” or “you have a strong faith in my name” (See: Idiom)

τὸ ὄνομά μου

Here, name is a metonym for the person of Jesus. See how you translated the phrase my name in Revelation 2:3. Alternate translation: “you hold tightly to me” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὴν πίστιν μου

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun faith, you can express it positively with the verb “believe.” Alternate translation: “you continued to tell people that you believe in me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν πίστιν μου

Here, {your} faith in me means “your faith that places trust in me.” Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the faith that the Christians had in Jesus as the object of their belief. Alternate translation: “your belief in me” (See: Possession)

Ἀντιπᾶς

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

ὁ μάρτυς μου ὁ πιστός μου

Here, my witness, my faithful one means that Antipas “faithfully testified of me.” Jesus is using the possessive form to describe Antipas as a faithful witness to Jesus himself. Antipas faithfully witnessed about Jesus even up to the point of death so that one can simply call Antipas a “martyr.” Alternate translation: “my faithful martyr” (See: Possession)

ὃς ἀπεκτάνθη

Here, who was killed can be changed from the awkward passive form in some languages. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom those in your city killed” (See: Active or Passive)

παρ’ ὑμῖν

See how you translated second person pronouns and references in Revelation 2:2. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

ὅπου ὁ Σατανᾶς κατοικεῖ

Here, where Satan lives is an idiomatic expression that basically means where Satan rules. For this idiom and metaphorical imagery to describe Satan’s rule in Pergamum, see the note above for the phrase the throne of Satan in this same verse here. Alternate translation: “where Satan has power” or “where Satan rules” (See: Idiom)

Revelation 2:14

ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὀλίγα

See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:4, although in this case there is no actual ellipsis technically speaking with the presence of the object a few things. Alternate translation: “I disapprove of you because of a few things you have done” or “I am angry with you because of a few things you did” (See: Ellipsis)

κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ

Here, hold tightly is an idiomatic expression for either: (1) people who teach what Balaam taught. (2) people who do what Balaam taught. The second option seems preferable in this context for the metaphor, as seen in the UST rendition. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “some who do the teaching of Balaam” (See: Metaphor)

τῷ Βαλὰκ

Balak was the name of a king in the Old Testament (See: How to Translate Names)

βαλεῖν σκάνδαλον

Here, to throw a stumbling block is a metaphor for the act of leading and, thereby, causing people to sin. Therefore, this expression speaks of an action or behavior that leads people to sin as if it were a stone that sits in a road over which people stumble. The Greek word for stumbling block also can mean the trigger peg in an animal trap so that the phrase expresses the idea of setting a trap. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “to set a trap” (See: Metaphor)

φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα

If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word food sacrificed to idols, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is sacrificed rather than the person who does the sacrificing. If you must state who does the sacrificing, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “the things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: Active or Passive)

φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα

Here, to eat food sacrificed to idols speaks of eating food dedicated to a pagan god so that Jews considered the food to be unclean and, thus, forbidden to eat. The phrase food sacrificed to idols describes animals that are slaughtered, offered to a god, and then eaten. If your language has a specific word or phrase for meat from an animal that has been offered to a god, you could use it here. If your language does not have such a word, you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” (See: Translate Unknowns)

πορνεῦσαι

Here, to be sexually immoral literally means immoral sexual activity. Yet, often people take the expression as a metaphor that signifies idolatry. If the expression is indeed a metaphor, then one should translate the word literally. However, if this might confuse the readers, one could use an equivalent expression in the target language, one could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to sin sexually” or “to commit sexual sin” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 2:15

κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν

See how you the phrase holding tightly to the teaching in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “doing the teaching” (See: Metaphor)

Νικολαϊτῶν

See how you translated Nicolaitans in Revelation 2:6 (See: How to Translate Names)

Revelation 2:16

εἰ δὲ μή

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can supply the verb from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “If you do not repent, I” (See: Ellipsis)

ἔρχομαί

See how you translate this word in Revelation 2:5. Alternate translation: “I will punish” (See: Metaphor)

πολεμήσω

Here, will wage war expresses a metaphor for judgment that utilizes the imagery of a sword coming from the mouth of Jesus. The translator may wish to maintain a fairly literal rendition in order to allow the metaphor to work with the sword imagery in this verse and from the prior verses of Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 2:12. Alternate translation: “I will punish” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ στόματός μου

This refers to the sword in Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 2:12. Although symbols in apocalyptic language are not normally to be replaced with the item they represent, translators may choose whether or not to show that this is a symbol which represents the words that Jesus speaks (see the UST). This symbol indicates that Jesus will defeat his enemies by giving a simple command. Alternate translation: “with the sword that is my mouth” (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 2:17

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: Metonymy)

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τῷ νικῶντι

See how you translated this in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “To the one who gains victory” or “To the one who overcomes” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ μάννα τοῦ κεκρυμμένου

If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word hidden manna, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is hidden rather than the person who does the hiding. If you must state who does the hiding, you could use an indefinite subject or Jesus himself (see the UST). Alternate translation: “manna that I have hid” (See: Active or Passive)

ψῆφον λευκήν

Here, a white stone could signify a variety of different interpretive options which relate to the social context of Pergamum when John wrote the book of Revelation. The translator should not choose any interpretation over another in this case, but simply maintain a fairly literal translation of the phrase a white stone. Hence, this note would suggest that the translator should not attempt to render a white stone in any way that seeks to be culturally relevant, since commentators are not exactly sure what the phrase signifies first in the original context here (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὄνομα καινὸν γεγραμμένον

Here, a new name written could mean the name of Jesus, the name of God, or else, more likely, the new name of the person who conquers. The translator should not choose any interpretation over another in this case, but simply maintain a fairly literal translation of the phrase a new name written. If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word written, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is written rather than the person who does the writing. If you must state who does the writing, you could use an indefinite subject or Jesus himself (see the UST). Alternate translation: “a new name that I wrote” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 2:18

καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Θυατείροις ἐκκλησίας γράψον

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Thyatira. Thyatira is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: How to Translate Names)

τῷ ἀγγέλῳ

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τάδε λέγει

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

Son of God is an important title for Jesus (See: Translating Son and Father)

ὁ ἔχων τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ ὡς φλόγα πυρός

Here, Jesus has eyes that are full of light so that they resemble a flame of fire. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:14. Alternate translation: “whose eyes glow like a flame of fire” (See: Simile)

οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ

People create objects of bronze and have them polished in order to make them shine and reflect light. Likewise, the feet of Jesus shine and reflect light like polished bronze. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:15. Alternate translation: “whose feet are very shiny like polished bronze” (See: Simile)

Revelation 2:19

οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα

See how you translated the clause I know your works in Revelation 2:2

σου τὰ ἔργα, καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου, καὶ τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων

See how you translated the second person pronouns and second person individuals addressed in Revelation 2:2. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun love, faith, service, and endurance, you can express them with their corresponding verbs that describe the actions. Alternate translation: “how you have loved, trusted, served, and endured patiently” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου

If your readers would misunderstand these abstract nouns in the clause then you can state the implied objects of these terms explicitly. Alternate translation: “how you have loved me and others, trusted me, served me and others, and endured troubles patiently” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων

Here, the clause your last works {are} greater than {your} first {works} presents a comparison of previous labor or efforts to the current labor or efforts of the believers. If your readers would misunderstand the noun works, you can express it with the verb “to work” or “to do”. Alternate translation: “you do more now than you did at first”

Revelation 2:20

ἀλλ’ ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ

See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:4. Alternate translation: “But I disapprove of some of the things you are doing” or “But I am angry with you because of something you are doing” (See: Ellipsis)

τὴν γυναῖκα Ἰεζάβελ

Jesus spoke of a certain woman in their church at Thyatira as if she were the famous Queen Jezebel, because she did the same kinds of sinful actions that Jezebel had done in the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “the woman who is just like Jezebel” (See: Metaphor)

πορνεῦσαι, καὶ φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα

See how you translated a similar clause with the same phrases in Revelation 2:14. It is possible to interpret both phrases as metaphors for idolatry or sinful actions in general (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 2:21

ἔδωκα αὐτῇ χρόνον ἵνα μετανοήσῃ

Here, I gave her time so that she might repent represents a purpose clause. The word so that introduces a purpose clause. Jesus is stating a purpose for which he granted some time for the woman Jezebel to repent of her actions. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “I gave her time for the purpose of her repentance” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς

Here, her immorality expresses the idea of impure passion. The word immorality always applies to females. The manner of expressing female immorality varies greatly in many languages. Use a natural idiom for expressing female immorality in your target language (See: Idiom)

Revelation 2:22

ἰδοὺ

See how you translated Behold in Revelation 1:7. (See: Metaphor)

βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην…εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην

Here, having Jezebel lie in a bed would be the result of Jesus making her very sick. The imagery of the bed is simply a metonym for the entire process of lying in bed when one is sick. The act of throwing someone into a bed causes the punishment to appear to be more intense and graphic in its idiomatic expression. Alternate translation: “I will make her lie sick in bed … I will make suffer greatly” or “I will make her very sick … I will make suffer greatly” (See: Metonymy)

βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην, καὶ τοὺς μοιχεύοντας μετ’ αὐτῆς εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην

Here, Jesus speaks of causing people to suffer with the idiomatic expression of throwing them into suffering. The metaphor or idiomatic expression presents the imagery of causing suffering or hurt by the act of throwing someone into the suffering or hurt. Alternate translation: “I will throw her onto a bed, and I will make her and those who commit adultery with her to suffer greatly” (See: Metaphor)

ἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσουσιν ἐκ τῶν ἔργων αὐτῆς

This implies that they have participated with her in her wicked behavior. By repenting of her deeds, they also repent of participating in her behavior. Alternate translation: “if they do not repent from doing the evil that she does” or “if they do not repent of participating in her deeds” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 2:23

τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς

Jesus spoke of the disciples of Jezebel as if they were her children. Alternate translation: “her followers” or “her disciples” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς ἀποκτενῶ ἐν θανάτῳ

Here, I will strike her children dead expresses the idea of killing the disciples of Jezebel. The phrase implies death by a swift and ruthless action. The idiomatic language suggests the idea of killing by means of a pestilence. Alternate translation: “I will slay her children” or “I will exterminate her children” (See: Idiom)

νεφροὺς καὶ καρδίας

The terms kidneys and hearts are metonyms that represents feelings and desires in the idiomatic language. Alternate translation: “what people think and want” or “secret thoughts and desires” (See: Metonymy)

δώσω ὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ

The phrase I will give to each one of you represents an idiomatic expression describing the distribution of punishment and reward. If this idiom might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will punish or reward each one of you” (See: Idiom)

ὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ὑμῶν

See how you translated second person pronouns and references in Revelation 2:2. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Revelation 2:24

ὑμῖν δὲ λέγω τοῖς λοιποῖς τοῖς ἐν Θυατείροις, ὅσοι οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην, οἵτινες οὐκ ἔγνωσαν τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ, ὡς λέγουσιν; οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος

See how you translated second person pronouns and references in Revelation 2:2. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

ὅσοι οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην

Here, to believe in a teaching is spoken of as to hold or to grasp the teaching. If this idiom might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to everyone who does not believe this teaching” (See: Idiom)

οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην

Here, teaching is an abstract noun that your readers might misunderstand without the use of a verbal phrase. If this abstract noun would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly with a verb. Alternate translation: “do not hold to what she teaches” or “do not believe what she teaches” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὰ βαθέα

Here, the adjective deep describes matters that that the disciples of Jezebel consider to be profound and very important. The adherents to Jezebel’s instruction kept this type of subject matter secret which they also thought to be deep in the sense of important or profound. Alternate translation: “the secret things” or “the profound matters” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ

Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the deep things that Satan supposedly taught the disciples of Jezebel. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly with a verb. Alternate translation: “the deep things that Satan revealed to them” or “the deep things that Satan taught them” (See: Possession)

οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος

Here, to put any other burden literally translates as “to throw another heavy load” onto someone to carry in a metaphorical manner. The phrase is an idiom for requiring another difficult command or burdensome order that one must perform besides already existing commands. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or explicit language. Alternate translation: “I do not place any other burden on you” or “I do not impose any other burden upon you” (See: Idiom)

οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος

Here, other refers to the phrase “what you have” in the next verse. In other words, Jesus is saying that he will not give these people any additional command beyond what they already have from him. If this is confusing or if it would appear in your language that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it in the next verse, you could connect these ideas in a different way. If you do this, you will need to delete the word “However” in the next verse. Alternate translation: “the only burden I will put on you is this:” or “I will only burden you with obeying what I have already commanded you” (See: Connect — Exception Clauses)

Revelation 2:25

πλὴν ὃ ἔχετε

Here, what you have refers to the commands that Jesus has already given to the believers in Thyatira. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the commands that I have already given to you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κρατήσατε

See how you translated the verb to hold on tightly to in Revelation 2:13 (See: Idiom)

Revelation 2:26

ὁ νικῶν

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ ἔργα μου

Here, my works does not refer to the things that Jesus does, but rather, it refers to the things he orders his disciples to do. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the works that I give to you” or “the works that I require of you” (See: Possession)

Revelation 2:27

καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται

This is a prophecy from Psalm 2 in the Old Testament about a king of Israel, but Jesus applied it here to those to whom he gives authority over the nations.

ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ

Ruling harshly is spoken of as ruling with a rod of iron. Alternate translation: “he will rule them harshly as if striking them with an iron stick” (See: Metaphor)

ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται

Breaking jars of clay to pieces is an image that represents either: (1) destroying evildoers. (2) defeating enemies. Alternate translation: “and he will defeat his enemies completely as if breaking clay jars into pieces” (See: Simile)

Revelation 2:28

ὡς κἀγὼ εἴληφα παρὰ τοῦ πατρός μου

Some languages may need to tell what was received. This could mean: (1) he received authority from his Father. (2) he received the morning star from his Father. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ πατρός μου

Here, Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

καὶ δώσω αὐτῷ

Here, him refers to the one who conquers.

τὸν ἀστέρα τὸν πρωϊνόν

This is a bright star that sometimes appears early in the morning just before dawn. It was a symbol of victory. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 2:29

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: Metonymy)

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Revelation 3

Revelation 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Outline of Chapters Two and Three of Revelation

I. The Current Condition of the Churches (2:1-3:22)

A. The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)

B. The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)

C. The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)

D. The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)

E. The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)

F. The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)

G. The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)

Chapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the “seven letters to the seven churches.” You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verse 7.

Special concepts in this chapter

The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches

Jesus uses the phrase I know to express his personal familiarity and knowledge at times of some of the churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. The phrase I know is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced among the various churches mentioned in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation. The idiomatic expression I know indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current conditions or circumstances in which the Christians were living. Although usually positive in a tone of assurance (see Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:8), the phrase I know sometimes expresses a critical or negative assessment that Jesus affirms (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression I know affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus, but the phrase also asserts a claim to be in a position to make a valid judgment as an impartial arbiter who might be critical at times. Therefore, the translator may wish to provide for his readership a textual note that explains the phrase I know as meaning something more than simply the awareness that Jesus has of the current religious, social, and moral conditions for the Christians which are addressed by Jesus (see Revelation chapters two and three). Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: Idiom)

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

The second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout chapters two and three of the book of Revelation are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual angel, so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Seven spirits of God

These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.

Seven stars

These stars are the seven stars of Revelation 1:20.

Important metaphors in this chapter

Look, I am standing at the door and am knocking

Jesus speaks of his desire to have the Christians in Laodicea obey him as if he were a man asking people in a house to allow him to enter and eat with them (Revelation 3:20). (See: Metaphor)

“Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”

The speaker knew that almost all of his readers had physical ears. The ear here is a metonym for hearing what God says and desiring to obey him. (See: Metonymy)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The angel of the church”

The word angel here can also mean “messenger” or “representative.” This might refer to the messenger or a representative leader of the church. See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20.

“Says these things”

The verses with the phrase says these things can be difficult to translate. They do not make complete sentences. You may need to add “These are” to the beginning of these verses. Jesus uses these words to speak of himself as if he were speaking of another person. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking of other people. Jesus began speaking in Revelation 1:17. He continues to speak through the end of Chapter 3. The phrase says these things indicates that the words that come after this expression are a direct quotation. Use a phrase that makes this clear in your language. Alternate translation: “says this message” or “says the following words” (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

Revelation 3:1

καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σάρδεσιν ἐκκλησίας γράψον

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Sardis. Sardis is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: How to Translate Names)

τῷ ἀγγέλῳ

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τάδε λέγει

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

ὁ ἔχων τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα

The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The seven spirits refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:4. (See: Symbolic Language)

τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας

These stars are symbols that represent the seven angels of the seven churches. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:16. (See: Symbolic Language)

ζῇς, καὶ νεκρὸς εἶ

Obeying and honoring God is spoken of as being alive; disobeying and dishonoring him is spoken of as being dead. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 3:2

γίνου γρηγορῶν, καὶ στήρισον τὰ λοιπὰ, ἃ ἔμελλον ἀποθανεῖν

The good deeds done by the believers in Sardis are spoken of as if they were alive but in danger of dying. Alternate translation: “Wake up and complete the work that remains, or what you have done will become worthless” or “Wake up. If you do not finish what you have started to do, your previous work will have been useless” (See: Metaphor)

γίνου γρηγορῶν

Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. Alternate translation: “Be alert” or “Be careful” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 3:3

πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας

This phrase refers to God’s word, which they believed. Alternate translation: “God’s word that you heard and the truth that you believed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐὰν…μὴ γρηγορήσῃς

Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. See how you translated “wake up” on Revelation 3:2. Alternate translation: “If you are not alert” or “If you are not careful” (See: Metaphor)

ἥξω ὡς κλέπτης

Jesus will come at a time when people do not expect him, just as a thief comes when not expected. (See: Simile)

Revelation 3:4

ὀλίγα ὀνόματα

Here, names is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “a few people” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν

Jesus speaks of sin in a person’s life as if it were dirty clothes. Alternate translation: “have not made their lives sinful like dirty clothes” (See: Metaphor)

περιπατήσουσιν μετ’ ἐμοῦ

People commonly spoke of living as “walking.” Alternate translation: “they will live with me” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν λευκοῖς

Clothes that are white represent a pure life without sin. Alternate translation: “and they will be dressed in white, which shows that they are pure” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 3:5

ὁ νικῶν

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: Metaphor)

οὕτως περιβαλεῖται ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς

If your readers would misunderstand the passive verb clothed, you can translate it with an active verb. Alternate translation: “will wear white garments” or “I will give white clothes” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁμολογήσω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ

Here I will confess his name means he would announce that the person belongs to him, not simply say the person’s name. Alternate translation: “I will announce that he belongs to me” (See: Metonymy)

ἐνώπιον τοῦ Πατρός μου

Alternate translation: “in the presence of my Father”

τοῦ Πατρός μου

Here, Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 3:6

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: Metonymy)

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Revelation 3:7

καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Φιλαδελφίᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: How to Translate Names)

τῷ ἀγγέλῳ

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τάδε λέγει

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

τὴν κλεῖν Δαυείδ

Jesus speaks of his authority to decide who may go into his kingdom as if it were King David’s key. (See: Symbolic Language)

ὁ ἀνοίγων καὶ οὐδεὶς κλείσει

Alternate translation: “he opens the door to the kingdom and no one can close it”

κλείων καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀνοίγει

Alternate translation: “he closes the door and no one can open it”

Revelation 3:8

δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην

Alternate translation: “I have opened a door for you”

ἐτήρησάς μου τὸν λόγον

This could mean: (1) they have followed his teachings. (2) they have obeyed his commands.

τὸ ὄνομά μου

Here, name is a metonym for the person who has that name. Alternate translation: “me” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 3:9

συναγωγῆς τοῦ Σατανᾶ

People who gather to obey or honor Satan are spoken of as if they were in a synagogue, a place of worship and teaching for the Jews. See how you translated this in Revelation 2:9. (See: Metaphor)

προσκυνήσουσιν

Here to bow down is a sign of submission, not worship. Alternate translation: “bow down in submission” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἐνώπιον τῶν ποδῶν σου

Here, feet represents the person before whom these people bow down. Alternate translation: “before you” or “to you” (See: Synecdoche)

γνῶσιν

Alternate translation: “they will learn” or “they will admit”

Revelation 3:10

κἀγώ σε τηρήσω ἐκ τῆς ὥρας τοῦ πειρασμοῦ

Alternate translation: “I will also prevent the hour of testing from happening to you” or “I will protect you so you do not enter the hour of testing”

ὥρας τοῦ πειρασμοῦ

This probably means “the time when people try to make you disobey me.”

τῆς μελλούσης ἔρχεσθαι

Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 3:11

ἔρχομαι ταχύ

It is understood that he is coming in order to judge. Alternate translation: “I am coming to judge soon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κράτει ὃ ἔχεις

Continuing to believe firmly in Christ is spoken of as if it were holding something tightly. Alternate translation: “Continue to believe firmly” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν στέφανόν

Here, crown stands for a reward. See how you translated “crown” in Revelation 2:10. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 3:12

ὁ νικῶν

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: Metaphor)

ποιήσω αὐτὸν στῦλον ἐν τῷ ναῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ μου

The pillar represents an important and permanent part of God’s kingdom. Alternate translation: “I will make him strong, like a pillar in the temple of my God” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 3:13

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: Metonymy)

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Revelation 3:14

καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον

This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in Laodicea. Laodicea is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11 (See: How to Translate Names)

τῷ ἀγγέλῳ

See how you translated angel in Revelation 1:20 (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τάδε λέγει

See how you translated the phrase says these things in Revelation 2:1 (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

ὁ Ἀμήν

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

ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς κτίσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, the beginning of the creation of God could refer to: (1) the one who rules over everything that God created. (2) the one through whom God created everything.

Revelation 3:15

οὔτε ψυχρὸς εἶ οὔτε ζεστός

The writer speaks of the Laodiceans as if they were water. Here, cold and hot could: (1) represent two extremes of spiritual interest or love for God, where “cold” is to be completely against God, and to be “hot” is to be zealous to serve him. (2) both refer to water that is useful for drinking or for cooking or healing, respectively. Alternate translation: “you are like water that is neither cold nor hot” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 3:16

μέλλω σε ἐμέσαι ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου

Rejecting them is spoken of as vomiting them out of the mouth. Alternate translation: “I will reject you as I would spit out lukewarm water” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 3:17

σὺ εἶ ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός

Jesus speaks of their spiritual condition as if he were speaking about their physical condition. Alternate translation: “you are like people who are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 3:18

ἀγοράσαι παρ’ ἐμοῦ χρυσίον πεπυρωμένον ἐκ πυρὸς, ἵνα πλουτήσῃς, καὶ ἱμάτια λευκὰ, ἵνα περιβάλῃ, καὶ μὴ φανερωθῇ ἡ αἰσχύνη τῆς γυμνότητός σου, καὶ κολλούριον ἐγχρῖσαι τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς σου, ἵνα βλέπῃς

Here, to buy represents receiving things from Jesus that have true spiritual value. The gold refined by fire represents spiritual wealth. The brilliant white garments represents righteousness. And the salve to anoint your eyes represents the ability to understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: “to come to me and receive spiritual wealth, which is more valuable than gold that is refined by fire. Receive from me righteousness, which is like brilliant white garments, so that you will not be ashamed. And receive from me wisdom, which is like salve for the eyes, so that you may understand spiritual things” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)

Revelation 3:19

ζήλευε…καὶ μετανόησον

Alternate translation: “be serious and repent”

Revelation 3:20

ἕστηκα ἐπὶ τὴν θύραν καὶ κρούω

Jesus speaks about wanting people to relate to him as if he wanted them to invite him into their home. Alternate translation: “I am like one standing at the door and knocking” (See: Metaphor)

κρούω

When people want someone to welcome them into their home, they knock on the door. Alternate translation: “I want you to let me come inside” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἀκούσῃ τῆς φωνῆς μου

Here, my voice refers to Christ speaking. Alternate translation: “hears me speak” or “hears me call” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ εἰσελεύσομαι πρὸς αὐτὸν

Some languages might prefer the verb “go” here. Alternate translation: “I will indeed go into his home” (See: Go and Come)

καὶ δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ

Here, eat with him represents being together as friends. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 3:21

This is the end of the Son of Man’s messages to the angels of the seven churches.

ὁ νικῶν

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: Metaphor)

καθίσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐν τῷ θρόνῳ μου

To sit down on a throne means to rule. Alternate translation: “to rule with me” or “to sit down on my throne and rule with me” (See: Metonymy)

τοῦ Πατρός μου

Here, Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Revelation 3:22

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: Metonymy)

ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7 (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Revelation 4

Revelation 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 8 and 11.

John has finished describing the letters to the churches. He now begins to describe a vision that God showed him.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jasper, carnelian, and emerald

These words refer to kinds of special stones that the people in John’s day considered valuable. It may be difficult for you to translate these words if people in your culture do not value special kinds of stones.

Twenty-four elders

Elders are church leaders. Twenty-four elders may be symbolic of the whole church through the ages. There were twelve tribes in Old Testament Israel and twelve apostles in the New Testament church. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Seven spirits of God

These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.

Giving glory to God

God’s glory is the great beauty and radiant majesty that God has because he is God. Other Bible writers describe it as if it were a light so bright that no one can look at it. No one can give God this kind of glory, because it is already his. When people give glory to God or when God receives glory, people say that God has the glory that is his, that it is right for God to have that glory, and that people should worship God because he has that glory. (See: glory, glorious, glorify and worthy, worth, unworthy, worthless and prostrate, bow down, worship)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Difficult images

Such things as bolts of lightning coming from the throne, lamps that are spirits, and a sea in front of the throne may be difficult to imagine, and so the words for them may be difficult to translate. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Revelation 4:1

John begins to describe his vision of the throne of God.

μετὰ ταῦτα

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

θύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ

The expression open door in heaven stands for the ability that God gave John to see into heaven, at least by means of a vision. (See: Metaphor)

ὡς σάλπιγγος λαλούσης μετ’ ἐμοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can state explicitly how the voice was like a trumpet. Alternate translation: “speaking to me loudly like the sound of a trumpet” (See: Simile)

σάλπιγγος

A trumpet is a instrument for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:10.

Revelation 4:2

ἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι

John speaks of being influenced by God’s Spirit as if he were in the Spirit. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:10. Alternate translation: “I was influenced by the Spirit” or “the Spirit influenced me” (See: Idiom)

Revelation 4:3

λίθῳ, ἰάσπιδι καὶ σαρδίῳ

The terms jasper and carnelian refer to valuable stones. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal, and carnelian may have been red. (See: Translate Unknowns)

σμαραγδίνῳ

An emerald is a green, valuable stone. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 4:5

ἀστραπαὶ

Use your language’s way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears.

φωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί

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

τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ

The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The seven spirits refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:4. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 4:6

θάλασσα ὑαλίνη

If your readers would misunderstand this metaphor, you can state how it was like glass or a sea. This could mean: (1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: “a sea that was as smooth as glass” (2) glass is spoken of as if it were a sea. Alternate translation: “glass that was spread out like a sea” (See: Metaphor)

ὁμοία κρυστάλλῳ

If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can state how it was like crystal. Alternate translation: “clear as crystal” (See: Simile)

ἐν μέσῳ τοῦ θρόνου καὶ κύκλῳ τοῦ θρόνου

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

τέσσαρα ζῷα

Alternate translation: “four living beings” or “four living things”

Revelation 4:7

τὸ ζῷον τὸ πρῶτον ὅμοιον λέοντι, καὶ τὸ δεύτερον ζῷον ὅμοιον μόσχῳ, καὶ τὸ τρίτον ζῷον ἔχων τὸ πρόσωπον ὡς ἀνθρώπου, καὶ τὸ τέταρτον ζῷον ὅμοιον ἀετῷ πετομένῳ

How the head of each living creature appeared to John is expressed as a comparison with something more familiar. (See: Simile)

ζῷον

See how you translated this term in Revelation 4:6 Alternate translation: “living being” or “living thing”

Revelation 4:8

κυκλόθεν καὶ ἔσωθεν γέμουσιν ὀφθαλμῶν

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

ὁ ἐρχόμενος

Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 4:9

τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ, τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων

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

εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων

These two words mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” (See: Doublet)

Revelation 4:10

πεσοῦνται

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

βαλοῦσιν τοὺς στεφάνους αὐτῶν ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου

The elders were respectfully placing the crowns on the ground, showing that they were submitting to God’s authority to rule. Alternate translation: “they lay their crowns before the throne to show that they were submitting to him” (See: Symbolic Action)

βαλοῦσιν

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

Revelation 4:11

ὁ Κύριος καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν

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

λαβεῖν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν καὶ τὴν δύναμιν

Here, the glory and the honor and the power are things that God always has. Being praised for having them is spoken of as receiving them. Alternate translation: “to be praised for your glory, honor, and power” or “for everyone to praise you because you are glorious, honorable, and powerful” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 5

Revelation 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this in verses 9-13.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sealed scroll

Kings and important people in John’s time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, “the one who was seated on the throne” had written the scroll. Only the person called “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” and “the Lamb” had the authority to open it. (See: scroll and authority)

Twenty-four elders

Elders are church leaders. Twenty-four elders may be symbolic of the whole church through the ages. There were twelve tribes in Old Testament Israel and twelve apostles in the New Testament church. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Christian prayers

The prayers of Christians are described as incense. Christian prayers have a good smell to God. He is pleased when Christians pray.

Seven spirits of God

These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

The “Lion of the tribe of Judah” and the “Root of David” are metaphors that refer to Jesus. Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah and the family of David. Lions are fierce, and all animals and people are afraid of them, so they are a metaphor for a king whom everyone obeys. The words Root of David speak of Israel’s King David as if he were a seed that God had planted and of Jesus as if he were a root growing from that seed. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 5:1

John continues to describe what he saw in his vision of the throne of God.

καὶ εἶδον

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

τοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου

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

βιβλίον, γεγραμμένον ἔσωθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν

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

κατεσφραγισμένον σφραγῖσιν ἑπτά

Alternate translation: “and it had seven seals keeping it closed”

Revelation 5:2

τίς ἄξιος ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ?

Someone would need to break the seals in order to open the scroll. Alternate translation: “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (See: Order of Events)

τίς ἄξιος ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ?

If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can translate it as a statement: “Show us who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Revelation 5:3

ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, οὐδὲ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς

This means everywhere: the place where God and the angels live, the place where people and animals live, and the place where those who have died are. Alternate translation: “anywhere in heaven or on the earth or under the earth” (See: Merism)

Revelation 5:5

ἰδοὺ

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

ὁ λέων ὁ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰούδα

This is a title for the man from the tribe of Judah that God had promised would be the great king. Alternate translation: “The one who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah” or “The king who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah”

ὁ λέων

The king is spoken of as if he were a Lion because a lion is very strong. (See: Metaphor)

ἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ

This is a title for the descendant of David that God had promised would be the great king. Alternate translation: “the one who is called the Root of David”

ἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ

The descendant is spoken of as if David’s family were a tree and he were a root of that tree. Alternate translation: “the Descendant of David” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 5:6

The Lamb appears in the throne room. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Ἀρνίον

Here, Lamb is used symbolically to refer to Christ. (See: Symbolic Language)

τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ

The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The seven spirits refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:4. (See: Symbolic Language)

ἀπεσταλμένοι εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can translate it with an active verb. Alternate translation: “which God sent out over all the earth” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 5:7

ἦλθεν

He approached the throne. Some languages would use the verb “go.” Alternate translation: “he went” (See: Go and Come)

Revelation 5:8

τοῦ Ἀρνίου

Here, Lamb is used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: Symbolic Language)

ἔπεσαν

Their faces were toward the ground to show that they were worshiping the Lamb. They did this on purpose; they did not fall accidentally. Alternate translation: “lay down on the ground”

ἕκαστος

Here, each one could refers to: (1) each of the elders and living creatures. (2) each of the elders.

φιάλας χρυσᾶς γεμούσας θυμιαμάτων, αἵ εἰσιν αἱ προσευχαὶ τῶν ἁγίων

Here, incense here is a symbol for the believers’ prayers to God. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 5:9

ὅτι ἐσφάγης

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for they slaughtered you” or “for people killed you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐσφάγης

If your language has a word for killing an animal for a sacrifice, consider using it here.

ἐν τῷ αἵματί σου

Since blood represents a person’s life, losing the blood represents dying. This probably means “by your death” or “by dying.” (See: Metonymy)

ἠγόρασας τῷ Θεῷ

Alternate translation: “you bought people so that they could belong to God” or “you paid the price so that people could belong to God”

ἐκ πάσης φυλῆς, καὶ γλώσσης, καὶ λαοῦ, καὶ ἔθνους

This means that people from every ethnic group are included.

Revelation 5:11

μυριάδες μυριάδων καὶ χιλιάδες χιλιάδων

Use an expression in your language that shows that it is a huge number. Alternate translation: “millions” or “too many thousands to count” (See: Numbers)

Revelation 5:12

ἄξιόν ἐστιν τὸ Ἀρνίον τὸ ἐσφαγμένον

Alternate translation: “wdwdThe Lamb who has been slaughtered is worthy”

λαβεῖν τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ πλοῦτον, καὶ σοφίαν, καὶ ἰσχὺν, καὶ τιμὴν, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ εὐλογίαν

These are all things that the Lamb has. Being praised for having them is spoken of as receiving them. (See: Metonymy)

λαβεῖν τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ πλοῦτον, καὶ σοφίαν, καὶ ἰσχὺν, καὶ τιμὴν, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ εὐλογίαν

If your readers would misunderstand these abstract nouns, you can express them as verbs. See how you translated a similar sentence in Revelation 4:11. Alternate translation: “for everyone to honor, glorify, and praise him because he is powerful, wealthy, wise, and strong” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Revelation 5:13

ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς

This means everywhere: the place where God and the angels live, the place where people and animals live, and the place where those who have died are. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:3. (See: Merism)

τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ

Alternate translation: “May he who sits on the throne and the Lamb have”

Revelation 6

Revelation 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The author describes what happened after the Lamb opens each of the first six seals. The Lamb does not open the seventh seal until Chapter 8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven Seals

Kings and important people in John’s time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, the Lamb opens the seals. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

The Four Horsemen

As the Lamb opens each of the first four seals, the author describes horsemen riding different colored horses. The colors of the horses seem to symbolize how the rider will affect the earth.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

The Lamb

This refers to Jesus. In this chapter, it is also a title for Jesus. (See: lamb, Lamb of God and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Similes

In verses 12-14, the author uses several similes to try to describe the images he sees in the vision. He compares the images to everyday things. (See: Simile)

Revelation 6:1

John continues to describe the events that happened before the throne of God. The Lamb begins to open the seals on the scroll.

ἔρχου!

This is a command to one person, apparently to the rider of the white horse who is spoken of in verse 2.

Revelation 6:2

ἐδόθη αὐτῷ στέφανος

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he received a crown” or “God gave him a crown” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 6:3

τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν δευτέραν

The word second is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “seal number two” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

τοῦ δευτέρου ζῴου

The word second is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next living creature” or “living creature number two” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Revelation 6:4

ἐξῆλθεν…πυρρός

This can the stated as a second sentence. Alternate translation: “came out. It was red like fire” or “came out. It was bright red”

τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, ἐδόθη αὐτῷ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave permission to its rider” or “its rider received permission” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐδόθη αὐτῷ μάχαιρα μεγάλη

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this rider received a huge sword” or “God gave this rider a huge sword” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 6:5

τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν τρίτην

The word third is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “seal number three” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

τοῦ τρίτου ζῴου

The word third is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next living creature” or “living creature number three” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ζυγὸν

A scales is a tool used for weighing things.

Revelation 6:6

χοῖνιξ σίτου δηναρίου

Some languages might want a verb such as “cost” or “buy” in the sentence. There was very little wheat for all the people, so its price was very high. Alternate translation: “A choenix of wheat now costs one denarius” or “Buy a choenix of wheat with one denarius”

χοῖνιξ σίτου…τρεῖς χοίνικες κριθῶν

A choenix was a specific measure that was about one liter. The plural of choenix is “choenices.” Alternate translation: “one liter of wheat … three liters of barley” or “one bowl of wheat … three bowls of barley” (See: Biblical Volume)

δηναρίου

The denarius was a coin that was worth a day’s wages. Alternate translation: “one silver coin” or “the pay for one day of work” (See: Biblical Money)

καὶ τὸ ἔλαιον καὶ τὸν οἶνον μὴ ἀδικήσῃς

If the oil and wine were harmed, there would be less of them for people to buy, and their prices would go up.

τὸ ἔλαιον καὶ τὸν οἶνον

The oil and the wine probably stand for the olive oil harvest and the grape harvest. (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 6:7

τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν τετάρτην

The word fourth is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “seal number four” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

τοῦ τετάρτου ζῴου

The word fourth is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next living creature” or “living creature number four” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Revelation 6:8

ἵππος χλωρός

Here, pale is the color of a dead body, so its color is a symbol of death. Alternate translation: “a grey horse”

τὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς

Here, the earth represents the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “one-fourth of the people on the earth” (See: Metonymy)

τὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς

Alternate translation: “one out of every four of the people on the earth” (See: Fractions)

ῥομφαίᾳ

Here, the sword represents war. (See: Metonymy)

ὑπὸ τῶν θηρίων τῆς γῆς

This means that Death and Hades would cause the wild animals to attack and kill people.

Revelation 6:9

τὴν πέμπτην σφραγῖδα

The word fifth is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “seal number five” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ὑποκάτω τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου

This may have been “at the base of the altar.”

τῶν ἐσφαγμένων

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom others had killed” (See: Active or Passive)

διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν εἶχον

Here, the word of God is a metonym for the message from God. (See: Metonymy)

διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν εἶχον

Here, held is a metaphor. Here, holding the testimony could refer to: (1) believing God’s word and testimony. Alternate translation: “because of the teachings of scripture and what they taught about Jesus Christ” or “because they believed the word of God, which is his testimony” (2) testifying about the word of God. Alternate translation: “because they testified about the word of God” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 6:10

ἐκδικεῖς τὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν

Here, blood represents their deaths. Alternate translation: “punish those who killed us” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 6:11

ἕως πληρωθῶσιν καὶ οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτῶν, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῶν, οἱ μέλλοντες ἀποκτέννεσθαι ὡς καὶ αὐτοί

This implies that God had decided that a certain number of people should be killed by their enemies. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until people had killed the full number of their fellow servants and brothers that they were going to kill” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτῶν, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῶν

This is one group of people described in two ways: as fellow servants and as brothers. Alternate translation: “their brothers who serve God with them” or “their fellow believers who serve God with them”

οἱ ἀδελφοὶ

Christians are often spoken of as being one another’s brothers. Females were among those spoken of here. Alternate translation: “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 6:12

τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἕκτην

The word sixth is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “seal number six” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

μέλας ὡς σάκκος

Sometimes sackcloth was made of black hair. People would wear sackcloth when they were mourning. The image of sackcloth is meant to lead people to think of death and mourning. Alternate translation: “as black as mourning clothes” (See: Simile)

ὡς αἷμα

The image of blood is meant to lead people to think of death. If your readers would misunderstand this simile, you can state how it was like blood. Alternate translation: “red like blood” (See: Simile)

Revelation 6:13

ὡς συκῆ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς, ὑπὸ ἀνέμου μεγάλου σειομένη

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “just as a stormy wind shakes a fig tree and causes it to drop its unripe fruit” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 6:14

ὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον

The sky was normally thought of as being strong like a sheet of metal, but now it was weak like a sheet of paper and easily torn and rolled up. (See: Simile)

Revelation 6:15

οἱ χιλίαρχοι

Here, the generals refers to the warriors who command in the battle.

τὰ σπήλαια

These caves are large holes in the sides of hills.

Revelation 6:16

προσώπου τοῦ

Here, face represents “presence.” Alternate translation: “the presence of the one” or “the one” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 6:17

ἦλθεν ἡ ἡμέρα ἡ μεγάλη τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτῶν

The great day of their wrath refers to the time when they would punish wicked people. Alternate translation: “this is the terrible time when they will punish people” (See: Metonymy)

ἦλθεν

Existing now is spoken of as having come. (See: Metaphor)

ὀργῆς αὐτῶν

Here, their refers to the one on the throne and the Lamb.

τίς δύναται σταθῆναι?

Surviving, or staying alive, is spoken of as standing. Alternate translation: “Who can survive?” (See: Metonymy)

τίς δύναται σταθῆναι?

This question is used to express their great sadness and fear that no one will be able to survive when God punishes them. Alternate translation: “no one can survive!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Revelation 7

Revelation 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Scholars have interpreted parts of this chapter in many different ways. Translators do not need to fully understand what this chapter means to accurately translate its contents. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

It is important to accurately translate the large numbers in this chapter. The number 144,000 is twelve times twelve thousand.

Translators should be aware that the tribes of the people of Israel are not listed in this chapter the same as they are generally listed in the Old Testament.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 5-8 and 15-17.

Special concepts in this chapter

Worship

God saves his people and keeps them through times of trouble. His people respond by worshipping him. (See: prostrate, bow down, worship)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

The Lamb

This refers to Jesus. In this chapter, it is also a title for Jesus. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 7:1

John begins to describe a vision of 144,000 servants of God who become marked with seals. Their marking takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal.

τὰς τέσσαρας γωνίας τῆς γῆς

The earth is spoken of as if it were flat and square like a sheet of paper. The phrase the four corners refers to the north, south, east, and west.

Revelation 7:2

σφραγῖδα

Here, the seal refers to a tool that is used to press a mark onto a wax seal. In this case the tool would be used to put a mark on God’s people. Alternate translation: “the marker” or “stamp” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 7:3

σφραγίσωμεν τοὺς δούλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν

Here, to seal refers to placing a mark on something. This mark shows that the people belong to God and that he will protect them. Alternate translation: “we put a mark on the foreheads of the servants of God” (See: Metonymy)

μετώπων

The forehead is the top of the face, above the eyes.

Revelation 7:4

τῶν ἐσφραγισμένων

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God’s angel marked” (See: Active or Passive)

ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες

Alternate translation: “one hundred forty-four thousand people” (See: Ellipsis)

Revelation 7:5

δώδεκα χιλιάδες

Alternate translation: “12,000 people” (See: Ellipsis)

Revelation 7:9

John begins to describe a second vision about a multitude praising God. This vision also takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal.

ὄχλος πολύς

Alternate translation: “a huge crowd” or “a great number of people”

στολὰς λευκάς

Here the color white represents purity.

Revelation 7:10

ἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν

Alternate translation: “Salvation comes from our God”

ἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ

They were praising God and the Lamb. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract Salvation, you can express it with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “Our God, who sits on the throne, and the Lamb have saved us!” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Revelation 7:11

τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων

These are the four living creatures mentioned in Revelation 4:6-8.

ἔπεσαν…ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν

Here, fell on their faces is an idiom that means hey lay down facing the ground. See how you translated “prostrated themselves” in Revelation 4:10. Alternate translation: “they bowed down” (See: Idiom)

Revelation 7:12

ἡ εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν

Alternate translation: “Our God is worthy of all praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power and strength”

εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν

You can use the verb “give” to show how praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and strength are to be to our God. Alternate translation: “We must give praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength to our God”

εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων

These two words forever and ever mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the praise will never end.

Revelation 7:13

περιβεβλημένοι τὰς στολὰς τὰς λευκὰς

These white robes showed that they were righteous.

Revelation 7:14

οἱ ἐρχόμενοι ἐκ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης

Alternate translation: “the one who have survived the great tribulation” or “are the people who have lived through the great tribulation”

τῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης

Alternate translation: “the time of terrible suffering” or “the time when people suffered terribly”

ἔπλυναν τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐλεύκαναν αὐτὰς ἐν τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου

Being made righteous by the blood of the Lamb is spoken of as washing their robes in his blood. Alternate translation: “they have been made righteous by washing their robes white in his blood” (See: Metaphor)

τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου

Here, blood is used to refer to the death of Lamb. (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 7:15

εἰσιν…αὐτούς

Here, they and them refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation.

ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς

Here, day and night are used together to mean “all the time” or “without stopping” (See: Merism)

σκηνώσει ἐπ’ αὐτούς

Protecting them is spoken of as if he were giving them shelter to live under. Alternate translation: “will shelter them” or “will protect them” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 7:16

οὐ πεινάσουσιν…αὐτοὺς

Here, They and them refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation.

οὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος

The heat of the sun is compared to punishment that causes people to suffer. Alternate translation: “and the sun will not burn them” or “and the sun will not make them weak” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 7:17

αὐτούς…αὐτοὺς

Both occurrences of them refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation.

τὸ Ἀρνίον τὸ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ θρόνου

Alternate translation: “the Lamb, who is standing in the middle of the area around the throne”

ὅτι τὸ Ἀρνίον…ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς

The elder speaks of the Lamb’s care for his people as if it were a shepherd’s care for his sheep. Alternate translation: “for the Lamb … will be like a shepherd to them” or “for the Lamb … will care for them as a shepherd cares for his sheep” (See: Metaphor)

ὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ ζωῆς πηγὰς ὑδάτων

The elder speaks of what gives life as if it were springs of fresh water. Alternate translation: “he will guide them like a shepherd guiding his sheep to fresh water” or “he will guide them to life like a shepherd guiding his sheep to living water” (See: Metaphor)

ἐξαλείψει ὁ Θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν

Here, a tear represents sadness. Alternate translation: “God will wipe away their sadness, like wiping away tears” or “God will cause them to not be sad anymore” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 8

Revelation 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven seals and seven trumpets

This chapter begins to show what happens when the Lamb opens the seventh seal. God uses the prayers of all believers to cause dramatic things to happen on earth. John then describes what happens when angels sound the first four of seven trumpets. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Passive voice

John uses the passive voice several times in this chapter. This hides who performs the action. This will be difficult to convey if the translator’s language does not have a passive voice. (See: Active or Passive)

Similes

In verses 8 and 10, John uses similes to try to describe the images he sees in the vision. He compares the images to everyday things. (See: Simile)

Revelation 8:1

The Lamb opens the seventh seal.

τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἑβδόμην

This is the last of the seven seals on the scroll. The word seventh is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “the final seal” or “seal number seven” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Revelation 8:2

ἐδόθησαν αὐτοῖς ἑπτὰ σάλπιγγες

Each of the seven angels were given one trumpet. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) God gave them seven trumpets. (2) the Lamb gave them seven trumpets. (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 8:3

δώσει

Alternate translation: “he would offer the incense to God by burning it”

Revelation 8:4

ἐκ χειρὸς τοῦ ἀγγέλου

This refers to the bowl in the angel’s hand. Alternate translation: “from the bowl in the angel’s hand” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 8:5

ἐγέμισεν αὐτὸν ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς

Here, the fire probably refers to burning coals. Alternate translation: “filled it with burning coals” or “filled it with coals of fire” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 8:7

ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the angel threw the hail and fire mixed with blood down onto the earth” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν δένδρων κατεκάη, καὶ πᾶς χόρτος χλωρὸς κατεκάη

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “it burned up a third of the earth, a third of the trees, and all the green grass” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 8:8

ὁ δεύτερος ἄγγελος

The word second is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next angel” or “angel number two” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ὡς ὄρος μέγα πυρὶ καιόμενον, ἐβλήθη

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the angel threw something like a great mountain burning with fire” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐγένετο τὸ τρίτον τῆς θαλάσσης αἷμα

If your readers would misunderstand the fraction a third, you can explain it in translation. Alternate translation: “it was like the sea was divided into three parts, and one of those parts became blood” (See: Fractions)

ἐγένετο…αἷμα

Here, became blood could mean: (1) it became red like blood. (2) it really became blood. (See: Simile)

Revelation 8:9

τῶν κτισμάτων τῶν ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ τὰ ἔχοντα ψυχάς

Alternate translation: “of the things living in the sea” or “of the fish and other animals that lived in the sea”

Revelation 8:10

ἔπεσεν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἀστὴρ μέγας, καιόμενος ὡς λαμπάς

The fire of the huge star looked similar to the fire of a torch. Alternate translation: “a huge star that was blazing like a torch fell from the sky” (See: Simile)

λαμπάς

A torch a stick with one end lit on fire to provide light.

Revelation 8:11

τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ ἀστέρος λέγεται ὁ Ἄψινθος

Wormwood is a shrub that tastes bitter. People made medicine out of it, but they also believed that it was poisonous. Alternate translation: “the name of the star is Bitterness” or “the name of the star is Bitter Medicine” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐγένετο…ἄψινθον

The bitter taste of the water is spoken of as if it were wormwood. Alternate translation: “became bitter like wormwood” or “became bitter” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπέθανον ἐκ τῶν ὑδάτων, ὅτι ἐπικράνθησαν

Alternate translation: “died when they drank the bitter water”

Revelation 8:12

ἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου

Causing something bad to happen to the sun is spoken of as striking, or hitting, it. (See: Metaphor)

ἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a third of the sun changed” or “God changed a third of the sun” (See: Active or Passive)

σκοτισθῇ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῶν

The phrase a third of then turned dark could mean: (1) one third of the time, they were dark. (2) one third of the sun, one third of the moon, and one third of the stars became dark.

ἡ ἡμέρα μὴ φάνῃ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῆς, καὶ ἡ νὺξ ὁμοίως

Alternate translation: “there was no light during one third of the day and one third of the night” or “they did not shine during one third of the day and one third of the night”

Revelation 8:13

ἐκ τῶν λοιπῶν φωνῶν τῆς σάλπιγγος τῶν τριῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν μελλόντων σαλπίζειν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “because the three angels who have not yet sounded their trumpets are about to sound them” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 9

Revelation 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, John continues to describe what happens when angels sound seven trumpets. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Woe

John describes several “woes” in the Book of Revelation. This chapter begins to describe three “woes” announced at the end of Chapter 8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Animal imagery

This chapter includes several animals: locusts, scorpions, horses, lions, and snakes. Animals convey different qualities or traits. For example, a lion is powerful and dangerous. Translators should use the same animals in their translation if possible. If the animal is unknown, one with similar qualities or traits should be used.

Bottomless pit

This image is seen several times in the Book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and the opposite direction as heaven. (See: hell, lake of fire)

Abaddon and Apollyon

“Abaddon” is a Hebrew word. “Apollyon” is a Greek word. Both words mean “Destroyer.” John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. The ULT and UST write the sounds of both words with English letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate these words using the letters of the target language. The original Greek readers would have understood “Apollyon” to mean “Destroyer.” So translators may also supply what it means in the text or in a footnote. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

Repentance

Despite great signs, people are described as not repenting and so remain in their sin. People refusing to repent are also mentioned in Chapter 16. (See: repent, repentance and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

John uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision. (See: Simile)

Revelation 9:1

The fifth of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.

εἶδον ἀστέρα ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ πεπτωκότα

John saw the star after it had fallen. He did not watch if fall.

ἡ κλεὶς τοῦ φρέατος τῆς Ἀβύσσου

Alternate translation: “the key that unlocks the shaft of the bottomless pit”

τοῦ φρέατος τῆς Ἀβύσσου

Here, shaft could be: (1) another way of referring to the abyss and describes it as long and narrow. (2) the opening of the abyss.

τῆς Ἀβύσσου

The abyss is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom.

Revelation 9:2

ὡς καπνὸς καμίνου μεγάλης

A huge furnace gives off a great amount of thick, dark smoke. Alternate translation: “like the great amount of smoke that comes from a huge furnace” (See: Simile)

ἐσκοτώθη

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase were darkened, you can state it inm active form. Alternate translation: “became dark” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 9:3

ἀκρίδες

The locusts are insects that fly together in large groups. People fear them because they can eat up all the leaves in gardens and on trees. (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία, ὡς ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν οἱ σκορπίοι

These scorpions have the ability to sting and poison people. Alternate translation: “they have the ability to sting people as scorpions do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

σκορπίοι

A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger on its tail. Its sting is extremely painful and the pain lasts a long time. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 9:4

ἐρρέθη αὐταῖς, ἵνα μὴ ἀδικήσουσιν τὸν χόρτον τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ πᾶν χλωρὸν, οὐδὲ πᾶν δένδρον

Ordinary locusts were a terrible threat to people because when they swarm, they can eat up all the grass and all the leaves on plants and trees. These locusts were told not to do this.

εἰ μὴ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους

The phrase “to damage” or “to harm” is understood. Alternate translation: “but only to harm the men” (See: Ellipsis)

τὴν σφραγῖδα τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, seal refers to a tool that is used to press a mark onto a wax seal. In this case the tool would be used to put a mark on God’s people. See how you translated “seal” in Revelation 7:3. Alternate translation: “the marker of God” or “stamp of God” (See: Metonymy)

μετώπων

The forehead is the top of the face, above the eyes.

Revelation 9:5

ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς

Here, them refers to the locusts. (Revelation 9:3)

αὐτούς

Here, them refers to the people whom the locusts were stinging.

βασανισθήσονται μῆνας πέντε

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase will be tormented, you can state it in active form. Alternate translation: “the locusts will torment the people for five months” (See: Active or Passive)

βασανισθήσονται

Alternate translation: “will suffer terrible pain”

βασανισμὸς σκορπίου

A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death.

Revelation 9:6

ζητήσουσιν οἱ ἄνθρωποι τὸν θάνατον, καὶ οὐ μὴ εὑρήσουσιν αὐτόν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun death, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “people will try to find a way to die, but will not find it” or “people will try to kill themselves, but will not find a way to die” (See: Abstract Nouns)

φεύγει ὁ θάνατος ἀπ’ αὐτῶν

John speaks of death as if it were a person or animal that could run away. Alternate translation: “they will not be able to die” or “they will not die” (See: Personification)

Revelation 9:7

These locusts did not look like ordinary locusts. John describes them by telling how parts of them looked like other things.

Revelation 9:10

ἔχουσιν οὐρὰς

Here, they refers to the locusts.

ὁμοίας σκορπίοις καὶ κέντρα

A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 9:6. Alternate translation: “with stingers like scorpion stingers” or “with stingers that could cause terrible pain as scorpion stingers can” (See: Simile)

ἐν ταῖς οὐραῖς αὐτῶν ἡ ἐξουσία αὐτῶν ἀδικῆσαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους μῆνας πέντε

This could mean: (1) they had power for five months to harm people. (2) they could sting people and the people would be in pain for five months.

Revelation 9:11

τῆς Ἀβύσσου

The abyss is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.

Ἀβαδδών…Ἀπολλύων

Both Abaddon and Apollyon mean “Destroyer.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Revelation 9:12

ἔρχεται ἔτι δύο οὐαὶ

Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 9:13

The sixth of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.

ἤκουσα φωνὴν μίαν ἐκ

The voice refers to the one who was speaking. John does not say who the speaker was, but it may have been God. Alternate translation: “I heard someone speaking” (See: Synecdoche)

τῶν κεράτων τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου τοῦ χρυσοῦ

These are horn-shaped extensions at each of the four corners of the top of the altar.

Revelation 9:14

λέγουσαν

This one who is speaking is the voice in verse 13. Alternate translation: “the voice said” or “the speaker said” (See: Synecdoche)

τοὺς τέσσαρας ἀγγέλους, τοὺς δεδεμένους

The text does not say who has bound the angels, but it implies that God told someone to bind them. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the four angels whom God has commanded them to bind” or “the four angels whom God has commanded someone to bind” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 9:15

ἐλύθησαν οἱ τέσσαρες ἄγγελοι, οἱ ἡτοιμασμένοι εἰς τὴν ὥραν, καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ μῆνα, καὶ ἐνιαυτόν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the angel released the four angels who had been prepared for that hour and day and month and year” (See: Active or Passive)

οἱ τέσσαρες ἄγγελοι, οἱ ἡτοιμασμένοι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the four angels whom God had prepared” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς τὴν ὥραν, καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ μῆνα, καὶ ἐνιαυτόν

These words are used to show that there is a specific, chosen time and not just any time. Alternate translation: “for that exact time” (See: Parallelism)

Revelation 9:16

Suddenly, a huge number of soldiers on horseback appear in John’s vision. John is no longer speaking about the four angels mentioned in the previous verse.

δύο μυριάδες μυριάδων

Some ways to express two myriads are: “two hundred million” or “two hundred thousand thousand” or “twenty thousand times ten thousand.” If your language does not have a specific number for this, you could also see how you translated a similar large number in Revelation 5:11. (See: Numbers)

Revelation 9:17

πυρίνους

See how you translated this in Revelation 6:3. Alternate translation: “red like fire” or “bright red”

θειώδεις

Alternate translation: “yellow like sulfur” or “bright yellow like sulfur”

Revelation 9:18

τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀνθρώπων

See how you translated “A third” in Revelation 8:7. Alternate translation: “One third of the people” (See: Fractions)

Revelation 9:20

οἳ οὐκ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν ταῖς πληγαῖς ταύταις

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom the plagues had not killed” (See: Active or Passive)

ἃ οὔτε βλέπειν δύνανται, οὔτε ἀκούειν, οὔτε περιπατεῖν

This phrase reminds us that idols are not alive and do not deserve to be worshiped. But the people did not stop worshiping them. Alternate translation: “even though these idols cannot see, hear, or walk” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

Revelation 10

Revelation 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Seven thunders

John here describes the seven thunders as making sounds that he could understand as words. However, translators should use their normal word for “thunder” when translating these verses. (See: Personification and Symbolic Prophecy)

“The mystery of God”

This refers to some aspect of the hidden plan of God. It is not necessary to know what this mystery is to translate it. (See: reveal, revealed, revelation)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

John uses similes to help him describe the face, legs, and voice of the mighty angel. Translators should understand other objects in this chapter, such as the rainbow and the cloud, with their normal meanings. (See: Simile)

Revelation 10:1

John begins to describe a vision of a mighty angel holding a scroll. In John’s vision he is viewing what is happening from earth. This takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.

περιβεβλημένον νεφέλην

John speaks of the angel as if he were wearing a cloud as his clothing. This expression may be understood as metaphor. However, because very unusual things were often seen in visions, it might be understood as a literally true statement in its context. (See: Metaphor)

τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος

John compares the brightness of his face with the brightness of the sun. Alternate translation: “his face was bright like the sun” (See: Simile)

οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὡς στῦλοι πυρός

Here, feet refers to the legs. Alternate translation: “his legs were like pillars of fire” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 10:3

καὶ ἔκραξεν

Alternate translation: “then the angel shouted”

ἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ

The seven thunders are described as if they were people who could speak. Alternate translation: “the seven thunders made a loud noise” or “the thunder sounded very loudly seven times”

ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ

This may refer to thunder occurring seven times, yet being spoken of as if it were seven different thunders.

Revelation 10:4

καὶ ἤκουσα φωνὴν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

Here, voice refers to words spoken by someone other than the angel. Alternate translation: “but I heard someone speaking from heaven” (See: Synecdoche)

Revelation 10:5

ἦρεν τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ τὴν δεξιὰν εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν

He raised his right hand to heaven to show that he was swearing by God. (See: Symbolic Action)

Revelation 10:6

ὤμοσεν τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων

Alternate translation: “and he asked that what he was going to say would be confirmed by the one who lives forever and ever”

τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων

Here, the one who lives forever and ever refers to God.

χρόνος οὐκέτι ἔσται

Alternate translation: “There will be no more waiting” or “God will not delay”

Revelation 10:7

ἐτελέσθη τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will accomplish his mystery” or “God will complete his secret plan” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 10:8

John hears the voice from heaven, which he had heard in Revelation 10:4, speak to him again.

ἡ φωνὴ ἣν ἤκουσα ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

Here, voice refers to the speaker. Alternate translation: “the one I heard speak from heaven” or “the one who had spoken to me from heaven” (See: Synecdoche)

ἤκουσα

John heard.

Revelation 10:9

λέγει μοι

Alternate translation: “the angel said to me”

πικρανεῖ σου τὴν κοιλίαν

This refers to a bad taste from the stomach after eating something that is not good. Alternate translation: “it will make your stomach sour”

Revelation 10:11

γλώσσαις

Here, tongues refers to the people who speak the languages. Alternate translation: “many language communities” or “many groups of people who speak their own languages” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 11

Revelation 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 15 and 17-18.

Woe

John describes several “woes” in the book of Revelation. This chapter describes a second and third “woe” announced at the end of Chapter 8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gentiles

The word “Gentiles” here refers to ungodly people groups and not Gentile Christians. (See: godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness)

Two witnesses

Scholars have suggested many different ideas about these two witnesses. Translators do not need to understand this passage to accurately translate it. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Bottomless pit

This image is seen several times in the Book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and the opposite direction as heaven. (See: hell, lake of fire)

Revelation 11:1

John begins to describe a vision about receiving a measuring rod and two witnesses that God appointed. This vision also takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.

ἐδόθη μοι κάλαμος ὅμοιος ῥάβδῳ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “sSomeone gave me a reed like a measuring rod” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐδόθη μοι…λέγων

Here, me refers to John.

τοὺς προσκυνοῦντας ἐν αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “count those who worship in the temple”

Revelation 11:2

πατήσουσιν

To trample to treat something as worthless by walking on it.

Revelation 11:3

περιβεβλημένοι σάκκους

You can make it explicit why they will wear sackcloth. Alternate translation: “wearing rough mourning clothes” or “wearing scratchy clothes to show that they are very sad” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 11:4

οὗτοί εἰσιν αἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Κυρίου τῆς γῆς ἑστῶτες

The two olive trees and the two lampstands symbolize these people, but they are not literally the people. Alternate translation: “The two olive trees and the two lampstands that have stood before the Lord of the earth represent these witnesses” (See: Symbolic Language)

αἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ

John expects his readers to know about the two olive trees and the two lampstands because many years earlier another prophet had written about them. Alternate translation: “the two olive trees and the two lampstands, told about in scripture, that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 11:5

πῦρ ἐκπορεύεται ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτῶν, καὶ κατεσθίει τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν

Because this is about future events, you can state this in the future tense. Alternate translation: “fire will come out of their mouth and devour their enemies”

πῦρ…κατεσθίει τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν

Here, fire burning and killing people is spoken of as if it were an animal that could eat them up. Alternate translation: “fire … will destroy their enemies” or “fire … will completely burn up their enemies” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 11:6

κλεῖσαι τὸν οὐρανόν, ἵνα μὴ ὑετὸς βρέχῃ

John speaks of the sky as if it had a door that someone can open to let rain fall or close to stop the rain. Alternate translation: “to keep rain from falling from the sky” (See: Metaphor)

στρέφειν

Alternate translation: “to change”

πατάξαι τὴν γῆν ἐν πάσῃ πληγῇ

John speaks of the plagues as if they were a stick that someone could hit the earth with. Alternate translation: “to cause all kinds of trouble to occur on earth” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 11:7

Ἀβύσσου

The abyss is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.

Revelation 11:8

τὰ πτώματα αὐτῶν

Here, their corpses refers to the bodies of the two witnesses.

ἐπὶ τῆς πλατείας τῆς πόλεως τῆς μεγάλης

The city had more than one street. This was a public place where people could see them. Alternate translation: “in one of the streets of the great city” or “in the main street of the great city”

ὁ Κύριος αὐτῶν

They served the Lord, and like him, would die in that city.

Revelation 11:9

ἡμέρας τρεῖς καὶ ἥμισυ

Alternate translation: “three full days and one half day” or “3.5 days” or “3-1/2 days” (See: Numbers)

τὰ πτώματα αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀφίουσιν τεθῆναι εἰς μνῆμα

They will leave their bodies in the street as a sign of disrespect.

Revelation 11:10

χαίρουσιν ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς, καὶ εὐφραίνονται

Alternate translation: “will rejoice and celebrate that the two witnesses have died”

δῶρα πέμψουσιν ἀλλήλοις

Sending gifts to one another shows how happy the people were. (See: Symbolic Action)

ὅτι οὗτοι οἱ δύο προφῆται ἐβασάνισαν τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

This is the reason that the people will be so happy that the witnesses have died.

Revelation 11:11

τὰς τρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ ἥμισυ

Alternate translation: “three full days and one half day” or “3.5 days” or “3-1/2 days.” See how you translated this in Revelation 11:9. (See: Numbers)

πνεῦμα ζωῆς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς αὐτούς

The ability to breathe is spoken of as if it were something that can go into people. Alternate translation: “God will cause the two witnesses to breathe again and live” (See: Metaphor)

φόβος μέγας ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τοὺς θεωροῦντας αὐτούς

Here, fear is spoken of as if it were a object that can fall on people. Alternate translation: “those who see them will be extremely afraid” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 11:12

καὶ ἤκουσαν

Here, they heard could mean: (1) the two witnesses will hear. (2) the people will hear what is said to the two witnesses.

φωνῆς μεγάλης ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

Here, a loud voice refers to the one who speaks. Alternate translation: “someone speak loudly to them from heaven and” (See: Metonymy)

λεγούσης αὐτοῖς

Alternate translation: “saying to the two witnesses”

Revelation 11:13

οἱ λοιποὶ

Alternate translation: “those who do not die” or “those who are still living”

ἔδωκαν δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

Alternate translation: “said that the God of heaven is glorious”

Revelation 11:14

ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ δευτέρα ἀπῆλθεν

See how you translated “The first woe is past” in Revelation 9:12. Alternate translation: “The second terrible event is over”

ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ τρίτη ἔρχεται ταχύ

Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. Alternate translation: “The third woe will happen soon” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 11:15

The last of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.

ὁ ἕβδομος ἄγγελος

This is the last of the seven angels. See how you translated seventh in Revelation 8:1. The word seventh is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the final angel” or “angel number seven” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ἐγένοντο φωναὶ μεγάλαι ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ λέγουσαι

The phrase loud voices represents speakers who spoke loudly. Alternate translation: “speakers in heaven spoke loudly and said”

ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ

Here, kingdom refers to the authority to rule the world. Alternate translation: “The authority to rule the world has become the authority that belongs to our Lord and his Christ” (See: Metonymy)

τοῦ κόσμου

Here, the world refers to every person in the world. Alternate translation: “everyone in the world” (See: Metonymy)

ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “Our Lord and his Christ are now the rulers of the world”

Revelation 11:16

ἔπεσαν ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν

Here, fell upon their faces is an idiom that means they lay down facing the ground. See how you translated “prostrated themselves” in Revelation 4:10. Alternate translation: “they bowed down” (See: Idiom)

Revelation 11:17

σοι, Κύριε ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ, ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν

You can state these phrases as sentences. Alternate translation: “you, Lord God, the ruler over all. You are the one who is, and you are the one who was” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

ὁ ὢν

Alternate translation: “the one who exists” or “the one who lives”

ὁ ἦν

Alternate translation: “who has always existed” or “who has always lived”

εἴληφας τὴν δύναμίν σου τὴν μεγάλην

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state explicitly what God did with his great power. Alternate translation: “you have defeated with your power everyone who has rebelled against you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 11:18

The words you and your refer to God.

ἦλθεν ἡ ὀργή σου

Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. Alternate translation: “you are ready to show your anger” (See: Metaphor)

τῶν νεκρῶν κριθῆναι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for God to judge the dead” (See: Active or Passive)

τῶν νεκρῶν

If your readers would misunderstand the nominal adjective dead, you can state it as a verb or adjective. Alternate translation: “for those who have died” or “for the dead people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τοῖς φοβουμένοις τὸ ὄνομά σου

Here, name is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “to those who fear you” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 11:19

καὶ ἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then someone opened God’s temple in heaven” (See: Active or Passive)

ὤφθη ἡ κιβωτὸς τῆς διαθήκης τοῦ Κυρίου ἐν τῷ ναῷ αὐτοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I saw the ark of his covenant in his temple” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀστραπαὶ

Use your language’s way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.

φωναὶ, καὶ βρονταὶ

Here, loud sounds and crashes of thunder refers to the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your language’s way of describing the sound of thunder. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.

Revelation 12

Revelation 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 10-12.

Special concepts in this chapter

Serpent

The Book of Revelation uses imagery from the Old Testament. For example, John refers to Satan as the serpent. This image comes from the account of the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“A great sign was seen in heaven”

By using the passive voice here, John does not say who saw this great sign in heaven. The translation may be difficult when the subject is unclear, if your language does not have a passive voice. Many English translations use the past tense here and say “A great sign appeared in heaven.” (See: Active or Passive and Symbolic Prophecy)

Revelation 12:1

John begins to describe a woman who appears in his vision.

γυνὴ περιβεβλημένη τὸν ἥλιον, καὶ ἡ σελήνη ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν αὐτῆς

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a woman who was wearing the sun and had the moon under her feet” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 12:3

John describes a dragon that appears in his vision.

δράκων

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 12:4

τὸ τρίτον

See how you translated this in Revelation 8:7. Alternate translation: “one third” (See: Fractions)

Revelation 12:5

ποιμαίνειν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ

Here, ruling harshly is spoken of as ruling with an iron rod. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:27. (See: Metaphor)

ἡρπάσθη τὸ τέκνον αὐτῆς πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God quickly took her child to himself” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 12:7

δράκοντος

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 12:8

οὐδὲ τόπος εὑρέθη αὐτῶν ἔτι ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ

Alternate translation: “so the dragon and his angels could no longer stay in heaven”

Revelation 12:9

ὁ δράκων ὁ μέγας, ὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος, ὁ καλούμενος, Διάβολος, καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς, ὁ πλανῶν τὴν οἰκουμένην ὅλην; ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν, καὶ οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐβλήθησαν

You can give the information about the serpent in a separate sentence after the statement that it was thrown down to the earth. Alternate translation: “the great dragon was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. He is the old serpent who deceives the world and is called the devil or Satan” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

ἐβλήθη ὁ δράκων ὁ μέγας, ὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος, ὁ καλούμενος, Διάβολος, καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς, ὁ πλανῶν τὴν οἰκουμένην ὅλην; ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν, καὶ οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐβλήθησαν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw the great dragon—the ancient serpent, who people also call the devil and Satan—and his angels out of heaven and sent them to the earth” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 12:10

ἤκουσα

The word I refers to John.

ἤκουσα φωνὴν μεγάλην ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ

Here, the voice refers to someone who speaks. Alternate translation: “I heard someone saying loudly from heaven” (See: Metonymy)

ἄρτι ἐγένετο ἡ σωτηρία, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ

God saving people by his power is spoken of as if his salvation and power were things that have come. God’s ruling and Christ’s authority are also spoken of as if they have come. Alternate translation: “Now God has saved his people by his power, God rules as king, and his Christ has all authority” (See: Metaphor)

ἐγένετο

God is revealing these things because their time to occur has come. It is not that they did not exist before. Alternate translation: “have begun to really exist” or “have appeared” or “have become real”

ἐβλήθη ὁ κατήγορος τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν

Here, the accuser of our brothers is the dragon that was thrown down in Revelation 12:9.

τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν

Fellow believers are spoken of as if they were brothers. Alternate translation: “our fellow believers” (See: Metaphor)

ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός

These two parts of the day are used together to mean “all the time” or “without stopping” (See: Merism)

Revelation 12:11

αὐτοὶ ἐνίκησαν αὐτὸν

Alternate translation: “they conquered the accuser”

διὰ τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Ἀρνίου

Here, the blood refers to the death of the Lamb. Alternate translation: “because the Lamb had shed his blood and died for them” (See: Metonymy)

διὰ τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun testimony, you can express it with the verb “testify” and you can state who they testified. Alternate translation: “by what they said when they testified” (See: Abstract Nouns)

διὰ τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state explicitly what they testified. Alternate translation: “by what they said when they testified to others about Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄχρι θανάτου

The believers told the truth about Jesus, even though they knew that their enemies might try to kill them because of it. Alternate translation: “but they kept testifying even though they knew that they might die for it”

Revelation 12:13

εἶδεν ὁ δράκων ὅτι ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the dragon realized that God had thrown him out of heaven and sent him to earth” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ δράκων

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 12:14

τοῦ ὄφεως

Here, the serpent is another way of referring to the dragon.

Revelation 12:15

ὄφις

Here, the serpent is the same being as the dragon mentioned earlier in Revelation 12:9.

ὡς ποταμόν

The water flowed from his mouth like a river flows. Alternate translation: “in large volume” (See: Simile)

αὐτὴν ποταμοφόρητον ποιήσῃ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he might sweep her away with a flood” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 12:16

ἤνοιξεν ἡ γῆ τὸ στόμα αὐτῆς, καὶ κατέπιεν τὸν ποταμὸν, ὃν ἔβαλεν ὁ δράκων ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

Here, the earth is spoken of as if it were a living thing, and a hole in the earth is spoken of as if it were a mouth that could drink up the water. Alternate translation: “a hole in the ground opened up and the river from the dragon went down into the hole” (See: Personification)

δράκων

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 12:17

ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun testimony, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “who continue to testify about Jesus” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Revelation 13

Revelation 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the words of verse 10, which are from the Old Testament.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Similes

John uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision. (See: Simile)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Unknown animals

John uses different animals to try to describe what he saw. Some of these animals may not be known in the target language. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 13:1

John begins to describe a beast who appears in his vision. Here, I refers to John.

Revelation 13:2

δράκων

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: Symbolic Language)

ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ δράκων τὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ

The dragon made the beast as powerful as he was. He did not lose his power, however, by giving it to the beast.

ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ δράκων τὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐξουσίαν μεγάλην

The words power, throne, and authority are three ways of referring to the dragon’s authority, and together they emphasize that the authority was great.

τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ

Here, throne refers to the dragon’s authority to rule as king. Alternate translation: “his royal authority” or “his authority to rule as king” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 13:3

καὶ ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ ἐθεραπεύθη

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but its fatal wound healed” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου

This is an injury that is serious enough to cause a person to die. Alternate translation: “deadly wound”

ὅλη ἡ γῆ

Here, the whole earth refers to all the people who live anywhere on it. Alternate translation: “all the people on the earth” (See: Metonymy)

ὀπίσω τοῦ θηρίου

Alternate translation: “obeyed the beast”

Revelation 13:4

δράκοντι

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: Symbolic Language)

ἔδωκεν τὴν ἐξουσίαν τῷ θηρίῳ

Alternate translation: “he had caused the beast to have as much authority as he had”

τίς ὅμοιος τῷ θηρίῳ, καὶ τίς δύναται πολεμῆσαι μετ’ αὐτοῦ?

This question shows how amazed they were about the beast. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can translate it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one is as powerful as the beast or able to fight against it and win!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Revelation 13:5

ἐδόθη αὐτῷ…ἐδόθη αὐτῷ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave the beast” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐδόθη αὐτῷ στόμα λαλοῦν

Being given a mouth refers to being allowed to speak. Alternate translation: “the beast was allowed to speak” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 13:6

εἰς βλασφημίας πρὸς τὸν Θεόν

Alternate translation: “to say disrespectful things about God”

βλασφημῆσαι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὴν σκηνὴν αὐτοῦ, τοὺς ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ σκηνοῦντας

These phrases tell how the beast spoke blasphemies against God.

Revelation 13:7

ἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἐξουσία

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God gave authority to the beast” (See: Active or Passive)

πᾶσαν φυλὴν, καὶ λαὸν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ ἔθνος

This means that people from every ethnic group are included. See how you translated a similar list in Revelation 5:9.

Revelation 13:8

προσκυνήσουσιν αὐτὸν

Alternate translation: “will worship the beast”

ὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς

This phrase clarifies who on the earth will worship the beast. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone whose names the Lamb did not write in the Book of Life” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου

Alternate translation: “when God created the world”

τοῦ Ἀρνίου

A lamb is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: Symbolic Language)

τοῦ ἐσφαγμένου

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the people slaughtered” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 13:9

These verses are a break from John’s account of his vision. Here he give a warning to the people reading his account.

εἴ τις ἔχει οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. Here, has an ear is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “If anyone is willing to listen, listen” or “If anyone is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: Metonymy)

εἴ τις ἔχει οὖς, ἀκουσάτω

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 2:7. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Revelation 13:10

εἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν

This expression means that someone has decided who should be taken. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you may state explicitly who decided it. Alternate translation: “If God has decided that someone should be taken captive” or “If it is God’s will that someone should be taken into captivity” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun captivity, you can express it with the verb “capture.” Alternate translation: “If it is God’s will for a certain person to captured” (See: Abstract Nouns)

εἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “If it is God’s will for the enemy to capture a certain person” (See: Active or Passive)

εἴ τις ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτενεῖ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “If it is God’s will for the enemy to kill a certain person with a sword” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν μαχαίρῃ

Here, the sword represents war. Alternate translation: “in war” (See: Metonymy)

δεῖ αὐτὸν…ἀποκτανθῆναι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the enemy will kill him” (See: Active or Passive)

ὧδέ ἐστιν ἡ ὑπομονὴ καὶ ἡ πίστις τῶν ἁγίων

Alternate translation: “God’s holy people must endure patiently and be faithful”

Revelation 13:11

John begins to describe another beast who appears in his vision.

ἐλάλει ὡς δράκων

Harsh speech is spoken of as if it were the roar of a dragon. Alternate translation: “it spoke harshly like a dragon speaks” (See: Simile)

δράκων

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 13:12

τὴν γῆν καὶ τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ κατοικοῦντας

Alternate translation: “everyone on the earth”

οὗ ἐθεραπεύθη ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the one who had a lethal wound that healed” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου

This was an injury that was serious enough that it could have made him die. Alternate translation: “deadly wound”

Revelation 13:13

ποιεῖ

Alternate translation: “the beast from the earth performed”

Revelation 13:15

ἐδόθη αὐτῷ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God permitted the beast from the earth” (See: Active or Passive)

δοῦναι πνεῦμα τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου

Here, breath represents life. Alternate translation: “to give life to the beast’s image” (See: Metonymy)

τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου

This is the image of the first beast that had been mentioned.

ποιήσῃ ὅσοι ἐὰν μὴ προσκυνήσωσιν τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου ἀποκτανθῶσιν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “might put to death anyone who refused to worship the first beast” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 13:16

καὶ ποιεῖ πάντας

Alternate translation: “And the beast from the earth also forced everyone”

Revelation 13:17

μή τις δύνηται ἀγοράσαι ἢ πωλῆσαι, εἰ μὴ ὁ ἔχων τὸ χάραγμα, τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου

The implicit information is that the beast from the earth commanded these things. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “he commanded that people could buy or sell things only if they had the mark of the beast” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ χάραγμα, τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου

The mark indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast.

Revelation 13:18

This verse is a break from John’s account of his vision. Here he gives another warning to the people reading his account.

ὧδε ἡ σοφία ἐστίν

Alternate translation: “Wisdom is needed” or “You need to be wise about this”

ὁ ἔχων νοῦν ψηφισάτω

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun insight, you can express it with the verb “understand.” Alternate translation: “If anyone is able to understand things” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ψηφισάτω τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου

Alternate translation: “he should discern what the number of the beast means” or “he should figure out what the number of the beast means”

ἀριθμὸς…ἀνθρώπου ἐστίν

The number could represent: (1) one person. (2) all of humanity.

Revelation 14

Revelation 14 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Harvest

Harvest is when people go out to gather ripe food from plants. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about him so those people can be part of God’s kingdom. This chapter uses the metaphor of two harvests. Jesus gathers in his people from the whole earth. Then an angel gathers in wicked people whom God will punish. (See: Metaphor and faith)

Revelation 14:1

The word I refers to John.

John begins to describe the next part of his vision. There are 144,000 believers standing before the Lamb.

τὸ Ἀρνίον

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, the Lamb it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: Symbolic Language)

ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες

See how you translated this in Revelation 7:4. Alternate translation: “one hundred forty-four thousand” (See: Numbers)

ἔχουσαι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, γεγραμμένον ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “on whose foreheads the Lamb and his Father had written their names” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Revelation 14:2

φωνὴν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

Alternate translation: “a sound from heaven”

Revelation 14:3

ᾄδουσιν ᾠδὴν καινὴν

This phrase explains what the sound was that John heard in verse 2. Alternate translation: “that sound was a new song that they sang” or “the sound was the 144,000 people singing a new song”

τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων

See how you translated “living creature” in Revelation 4:6

τῶν πρεσβυτέρων

Here, the elders refers to the twenty-four elders around the throne. See how you translated “elders” in Revelation 4:4.

ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες

See how you translated this in Revelation 7:4. Alternate translation: “one hundred forty-four thousand” (See: Numbers)

Revelation 14:4

μετὰ γυναικῶν οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν

This could mean: (1) they have never had immoral sexual relations with a woman. (2) they have never had sexual relations with a woman. Defiling oneself with women may be a symbol of worshiping idols.

παρθένοι

This could mean: (1) they did not have sexual relations with a woman who was not their wife. (2) they are virgins.

οἱ ἀκολουθοῦντες τῷ Ἀρνίῳ ὅπου ἂν ὑπάγει

Doing what the Lamb does is spoken of as following him. Alternate translation: “they do whatever the Lamb does” or “they obey the Lamb” (See: Metaphor)

ἠγοράσθησαν ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀπαρχὴ

Here, firstfruits is a metaphor for the first offering to be made to God in celebration of harvest. Alternate translation: “have been purchased out of the midst of the rest of mankind as a special celebration of salvation” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 14:5

ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος

Here, their mouth refers to “what they said.” Alternate translation: “they never lied when they spoke” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 14:6

John begins to describe the next part of his vision. This is the first of three angels who proclaim judgment on the earth.

πᾶν ἔθνος, καὶ φυλὴν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ λαόν

This means that people from every ethnic group are included. See how you translated a similar list in Revelation 5:9.

Revelation 14:7

ἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ

Here, the hour represents the time that has been chosen for something, and the hour having come is a metaphor for now being the chosen time. Alternate translation: “now is the time that God has chosen for judgment” (See: Metaphor)

ἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun judgment, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “it is now the time for God to judge people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Revelation 14:8

ἔπεσεν, ἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη

The angel speaks of Babylon having been destroyed as if it had fallen. Alternate translation: “Babylon the great has been destroyed” (See: Metaphor)

Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη

This was probably a symbol for the city of Rome, which was large, wealthy, and sinful. Alternate translation: “Babylon the large city” or “the important city of Babylon” (See: Symbolic Language)

ἣ…πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη

Babylon is spoken of as if it were a person, instead of a city filled with people. (See: Metonymy)

ἣ ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς, πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη

Here, to drink from the wine is a symbol for participating in her sexually immoral passion. Alternate translation: “to be sexually immoral like her” or “to get drunk like her in sexual sin” (See: Symbolic Language)

τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς

Babylon is spoken of as if it were a prostitute who has caused other people to sin along with her. (See: Personification)

τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς

Here, immoral passion may well have a double meaning: literal sexual immorality and also the worship of false gods. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 14:10

καὶ αὐτὸς πίεται ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, to drink from the wine of the wrath of God is a symbol for being punished by God. Alternate translation: “will also drink some of the wine that represents God’s wrath” (See: Symbolic Language)

τοῦ κεκερασμένου ἀκράτου

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God has poured full strength” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦ κεκερασμένου ἀκράτου

This means that the wine has no water mixed into it. It is strong, and a person who drinks much of it will get very drunk. As a symbol, it means that God will be extremely angry, not just a little angry. (See: Symbolic Language)

τῷ ποτηρίῳ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ

This symbolic cup holds the wine that represents God’s anger. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 14:11

ὁ καπνὸς τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῶν

The phrase their torment refers to the fire that torments them. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the fire that torments them” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἀνάπαυσιν

Alternate translation: “they have no relief” or “the torment does not stop”

Revelation 14:12

ὧδε ἡ ὑπομονὴ τῶν ἁγίων ἐστίν

See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 13:10.

Revelation 14:13

οἱ νεκροὶ οἱ…ἀποθνῄσκοντες

Alternate translation: “those who die”

οἱ ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκοντες

This may refer to believers who are killed by their enemies. Alternate translation: “who are united to the Lord and die” or “who die because they are united to the Lord”

τὰ…ἔργα αὐτῶν ἀκολουθεῖ μετ’ αὐτῶν

These deeds are spoken of as if they were alive and able to follow those who did them. This could mean: (1) others will know the good deeds these people have done. (2) God will reward them for their deeds. (See: Personification)

Revelation 14:14

John begins to describe the next part of his vision. This part is about the Son of Man harvesting the earth. Harvesting the grain is a symbol of God’s judging people. (See: Symbolic Language)

ὅμοιον Υἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου

Here, the expression a son of man describes a human figure, someone who looks human. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:13. (See: Simile)

δρέπανον ὀξύ

A sickle is a tool with a curved blade used for cutting grass, grain, and vines (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 14:15

ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ

Alternate translation: “came out of the heavenly temple”

ἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα θερίσαι

Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 14:16

ἐθερίσθη ἡ γῆ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he harvested the earth” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 14:18

ὁ ἔχων ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τοῦ πυρός

Here, authority over refers to responsibility to tend the fire.

Revelation 14:19

τὴν ληνὸν τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ τὸν μέγαν

Alternate translation: “the large wine vat where God will show his wrath”

Revelation 14:20

ληνὸς

This is “the great winepress” of Revelation 14:19.

ἄχρι τῶν χαλινῶν τῶν ἵππων

Alternate translation: “as high as the bridle in a horse’s mouth”

τῶν χαλινῶν

A bridle is device made of leather straps that goes around a horse’s head and is used for directing the horse.

σταδίων χιλίων ἑξακοσίων

Alternate translation: “one thousand six hundred stadia” or “sixteen hundred stadia” (See: Numbers)

σταδίων χιλίων ἑξακοσίων

A “stadium” is 185 meters. The plural form of “stradium” is stadia. In modern measures this would be about “300 kilometers” or “200 miles.” (See: Biblical Distance)

Revelation 15

Revelation 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, John describes events and pictures that occur in heaven.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 3-4.

Special concepts in this chapter

“Victorious over the beast”

These people are spiritually victorious. While most spiritual battles cannot be seen, the Book of Revelation pictures spiritual battles as openly occurring. (See: spirit, wind, breath and Symbolic Prophecy)

“The temple having the tent of witness, was open in heaven”

Scripture elsewhere indicates the earthly temple copied God’s perfect dwelling place in heaven. Here John seems to refer to God’s heavenly dwelling place or temple. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly and Symbolic Prophecy)

Songs

The Book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. They worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped.

Revelation 15:1

This verse is a summary of what will happen in 15:6-16:21.

μέγα καὶ θαυμαστόν

The words great and marvelous have similar meanings and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “something that greatly amazed me” (See: Doublet)

ἀγγέλους ἑπτὰ ἔχοντας πληγὰς ἑπτὰ

Alternate translation: “seven angels who had authority to send seven plagues on the earth”

τὰς ἐσχάτας

Alternate translation: “and after them, there will not be any more plagues”

ὅτι ἐν αὐταῖς ἐτελέσθη ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for these plagues will complete the wrath of God” (See: Active or Passive)

ὅτι ἐν αὐταῖς ἐτελέσθη ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This could mean: (1) these plagues will show all of God’s anger. (2) after these plagues, God will no longer be angry.

Revelation 15:2

Here John begins to describe his vision of the people who had been victorious over the beast and who are praising God.

θάλασσαν ὑαλίνην

You can state explicitly how it was like glass or a sea. This could mean: (1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: “a sea that was as smooth as glass” (2) glass if spoken of as if it were a sea. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:6. Alternate translation: “glass that was spread out like a sea” (See: Metaphor)

τοὺς νικῶντας ἐκ τοῦ θηρίου, καὶ ἐκ τῆς εἰκόνος αὐτοῦ

You can state explicitly how they were victorious. Alternate translation: “who had been victorious over the beast and his image by not worshiping them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐκ τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ

You can state explicitly how they were victorious over the number. Alternate translation: “over the number representing his name by not being marked with that number” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ

This refers to the number described in Revelation 13:18.

Revelation 15:3

ᾄδουσιν

Alternate translation: “those who had been victorious over the beast were singing”

Revelation 15:4

τίς οὐ μὴ φοβηθῇ, Κύριε, καὶ δοξάσει τὸ ὄνομά σου, ὅτι μόνος ὅσιος?

This question is used to show their amazement at how great and glorious the Lord is. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Lord, everyone will fear you and glorify your name because you are holy!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

δοξάσει τὸ ὄνομά σου

The phrase your name refers to God. Alternate translation: “glorify you” (See: Metonymy)

τὰ δικαιώματά σου ἐφανερώθησαν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you have made everyone know about your righteous deeds” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 15:5

The seven angels with the seven plagues come out of the most holy place. They were spoken of previously in Revelation 15:1.

μετὰ ταῦτα

Alternate translation: “after the people finished singing”

Revelation 15:6

οἱ ἑπτὰ ἄγγελοι οἱ ἔχοντες τὰς ἑπτὰ πληγὰς

These seven angels were seen as holding seven plagues because in Revelation 17:7 they are given seven bowls full of the wrath of God.

λίθον

Linen is a fine, expensive cloth made from flax.

ζώνας χρυσᾶς

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth worn on the upper body.

Revelation 15:7

τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων

See how you translated living creatures in Revelation 4:6

ἑπτὰ φιάλας χρυσᾶς, γεμούσας τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ

The word wrath here refers to punishment. Alternate translation: “seven gold bowls full of something that represents the wrath of God” (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 15:8

ἄχρι τελεσθῶσιν αἱ ἑπτὰ πληγαὶ τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀγγέλων

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until the seven angels finished sending the seven plagues to the earth” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 16

Revelation 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the vision of chapter 15. Together they give the seven plagues that complete the wrath of God. (See: wrath, fury)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 5-7.

Special concepts in this chapter

“I heard a loud voice call out of the temple”

This is the same temple that was mentioned in chapter 15.

Seven bowls of God’s wrath

This chapter reveals severe judgments. They are pictured as angels pouring out seven bowls of God’s wrath. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The tone of this chapter is meant to astonish the reader. Translations should not minimize the vivid language expressed in this chapter.

Armageddon

This is a Hebrew word. It is the name of a place. John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate it using the letters of the target language. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

Revelation 16:1

John continues to describe the part of the vision about the seven angels with the seven plagues. The seven plagues are the seven bowls of God’s wrath.

ἤκουσα

Here, I refers to John.

φιάλας τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 15:7. Alternate translation: “bowls full of something that represents God’s wrath” (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 16:2

ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ

The word bowl refers to what is in it. Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: Metonymy)

ἕλκος κακὸν καὶ πονηρὸν

These could be infections from diseases or injuries that have not healed.

τὸ χάραγμα τοῦ θηρίου

The mark of the beast was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast. See how you translated this in Revelation 13:17.

Revelation 16:3

ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: Metonymy)

τὴν θάλασσαν

Here, the sea refers to all the salt water lakes and oceans. (See: Synecdoche)

Revelation 16:4

ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: Metonymy)

τοὺς ποταμοὺς καὶ τὰς πηγὰς τῶν ὑδάτων

This refers to all bodies of fresh water. (See: Synecdoche)

Revelation 16:5

τοῦ ἀγγέλου τῶν ὑδάτων

This could refers to: (1) the third angel who was in charge of pouring out God’s wrath on the rivers and springs of water. (2) another angel who was in charge of all the waters.

δίκαιος εἶ

Here, You refers to God. (See: Forms of You)

ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν

See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 1:4. Alternate translation: “God who is and who was”

Revelation 16:6

αἷμα ἁγίων καὶ προφητῶν ἐξέχεαν

Here, poured out the blood means they killed them. Alternate translation: “they murdered God’s holy people and the prophets” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ αἷμα αὐτοῖς ἔδωκας πιεῖν

God will make the evil people drink the waters that he turned to blood.

Revelation 16:7

ἤκουσα τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου λέγοντος

Here, altar here refers perhaps to someone at the altar. “I heard someone at the altar reply” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 16:8

ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: Metonymy)

ἐδόθη αὐτῷ καυματίσαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους

John speaks about the sun as if it were a person. (See: Personification)

ἐδόθη αὐτῷ καυματίσαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and caused the sun to severely burn the people” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 16:9

ἐκαυματίσθησαν οἱ ἄνθρωποι καῦμα μέγα

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the extreme heat burned them badly” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐβλασφήμησαν τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, the name of God represents God. Alternate translation: “they blasphemed God” (See: Metonymy)

τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ, τοῦ ἔχοντος τὴν ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τὰς πληγὰς ταύτας

This phrase reminds readers of something they already know about God. It helps to explain why the people were blaspheming God. Alternate translation: “God because he has the power over these plagues” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

τὴν ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τὰς πληγὰς ταύτας

This refers to the power to inflict these plague on people, and the power to stop the plagues. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 16:10

ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: Metonymy)

τὸν θρόνον τοῦ θηρίου

The throne of the beast is where the beast reigns from. It may refer to the capital city of his kingdom. (See: Metonymy)

ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ ἐσκοτωμένη

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the contents of the bowl made the kingdom of the beast dark” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐμασῶντο

Here, they refers to the people in the beast’s kingdom.

Revelation 16:11

ἐβλασφήμησαν

Here, they refers to the people in the beast’s kingdom.

Revelation 16:12

ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: Metonymy)

τὸν Εὐφράτην, καὶ ἐξηράνθη τὸ ὕδωρ αὐτοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. You can also make it into two sentences. Alternate translation: “the Euphrates, and caused its water to dry up” or “the Euphrates. Its water dried up” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 16:13

ὡς βάτραχοι

A frog is a small animal that lives near water. Jews considered them unclean animals.

τοῦ δράκοντος

A dragon is a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as “the devil or Satan.” See how you translated this in Revelation 12:3. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 16:15

Verse 15 is a break from the main story line of John’s vision. These are words spoken by Jesus. The story line continues in verse 16.

(ἰδοὺ, ἔρχομαι ὡς κλέπτης; μακάριος ὁ γρηγορῶν καὶ τηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ, ἵνα μὴ γυμνὸς περιπατῇ, καὶ βλέπωσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην αὐτοῦ.)

This is in parentheses to show that it is not part of the story line in the vision. Rather, this is something that the Lord Jesus said. You can state explicitly that the Lord Jesus said this, as in the UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔρχομαι ὡς κλέπτης

Jesus will come at a time when people do not expect him, just as a thief comes when not expected. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 3:3. (See: Simile)

τηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ

Living the right way is spoken of as keeping one’s clothes on. Alternate translation: “doing what is right, like keeping his clothes on” (See: Metaphor)

τηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ

Some versions translate this phrase as, “keeps his garments with him.”

βλέπωσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην αὐτοῦ

Here the word they refers to other people.

Revelation 16:16

συνήγαγεν αὐτοὺς

Alternate translation: “the spirits of the demons brought the kings and their armies together”

τὸν τόπον τὸν καλούμενον

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the place that people call” (See: Active or Passive)

Ἁρμαγεδών

Armageddon is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

Revelation 16:17

The seventh angel pours out the seventh bowl of God’s wrath.

ἐξέχεεν τὴν φιάλην αὐτοῦ

The word bowl refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in Revelation 16:2. Alternate translation: “poured out God’s wrath from his bowl” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ ἐξῆλθεν φωνὴ μεγάλη ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ θρόνου

This means someone sitting on the throne or someone standing near the throne spoke loudly. It is unclear who is speaking. (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 16:18

ἀστραπαὶ

Use your language’s way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.

φωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί

These sounds and crashes are the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your language’s way of describing the sound of thunder. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.

Revelation 16:19

ἐγένετο ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη εἰς

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the earthquake split the great city into” (See: Active or Passive)

Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

This does not mean that God remembered something he had forgotten. Alternate translation: “then God remembered Babylon the Great” or “then God thought of Babylon the Great” or “then God started to pay attention to Babylon the Great” (See: Active or Passive)

δοῦναι αὐτῇ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ

Here, the wine is a symbol of his wrath. Making people drink it is a symbol of punishing them. Alternate translation: “he made the people of that city drink the wine that represents his wrath” (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 16:20

ὄρη οὐχ εὑρέθησαν

The inability to see any mountains is metonymy expressing the idea that no mountains existed any longer. Alternate translation: “there were no longer any mountains” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 16:21

ταλαντιαία

You may convert the talent to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “33 kilograms” (See: Biblical Weight)

Revelation 17

Revelation 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins to describe how God will destroy Babylon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Prostitute

Scripture often pictures idolatrous Jews as adulterous people and sometimes as prostitutes. This is not the reference here. The translator should allow this illustration to be vague. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Seven hills

This possibly refers to the city of Rome, which was known as the city on seven hills. However, the translator should not attempt to identify Rome in the translation.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

John uses many different metaphors in this chapter. He explains some of their meanings, but allows them to remain relatively unclear. The translator should attempt to do the same. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The beast you saw existed, does not exist now, but is about to come up”

This and similar phrases in this chapter contrast the beast with Jesus. Jesus is called “the one who is, and who was, and who is to come” elsewhere in the Book of Revelation. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in 17:11 is a paradox: “the beast … is itself also an eighth king; but it is one of those seven kings.” The translator should not attempt to resolve this paradox. It should remain a mystery. (Revelation 17:11)

Revelation 17:1

John begins to describe the part of his vision about the great prostitute.

τὸ κρίμα τῆς πόρνης τῆς μεγάλης

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun “judgment”, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “how God will judge the great prostitute” or “how God will condemn the great prostitute”(See: Abstract Nouns)

τῆς πόρνης τῆς μεγάλης

Here, the great prostitute represents a certain sinful city. Alternate translation: “the prostitute that everyone knows about” or “a certain sinful city” (See: Symbolic Language)

ἐπὶ ὑδάτων πολλῶν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a more specific word for the kind of water. Alternate translation: “on many rivers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 17:2

ἐμεθύσθησαν οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν γῆν ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς

Here to be drunk from the wine of her sexual immorality represents fully giving themselves over to doing sexually immoral acts. Alternate translation: “the people of the earth fully engaged in every kind of sexual immorality” (See: Symbolic Language)

τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς

Here, the wine represents sexual immorality. Alternate translation: “her wine, that is, they were sexually immoral” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς

This may well have a double meaning: sexual immorality among people and also the worship of false gods. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 17:3

ἀπήνεγκέν με εἰς ἔρημον ἐν Πνεύματι

The setting changes from John being in heaven to being in a wilderness. (See: Background Information)

Revelation 17:4

μαργαρίταις

A pearl is a beautiful and valuable white bead that is formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 17:5

ἐπὶ τὸ μέτωπον αὐτῆς ὄνομα γεγραμμένον

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had written on her forehead a name” (See: Active or Passive)

Βαβυλὼν ἡ Μεγάλη

If it needs to be made explicit that the name refers to the woman, it can be put in a new sentence. Alternate translation: “I am Babylon, the powerful one” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 17:6

The angel begins to explain to John the meaning of the prostitute and the red beast. The angel explains these things through verse 18.

μεθύουσαν ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος…καὶ ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος

Alternate translation: “was drunk because she had drunk the blood … and had drunk the blood”

τῶν μαρτύρων Ἰησοῦ

Alternate translation: “of the believers who have died because they told others about Jesus”

ἐθαύμασα

Alternate translation: “I was amazed” or “I was surprised”

Revelation 17:7

διὰ τί ἐθαύμασας?

The angel used this question to gently scold John. If your readers would misunderstand thuis question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be astonished!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Revelation 17:8

τῆς Ἀβύσσου

The abyss is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.

καὶ εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun destruction, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “and then he will be destroyed” or “and God will destroy him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει

The certainty of what will happen in the future is spoken of as if the beast were going to it. (See: Metaphor)

ὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὰ ὀνόματα

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whose names God did not write” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 17:9

ὧδε ὁ νοῦς ὁ ἔχων σοφίαν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns mind and wisdom, you can express them with “think” and “wise” or “wisely.” Alternate translation: “You need to think wisely in order to understand this” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὧδε ὁ νοῦς ὁ ἔχων σοφίαν

You can state explicitly why a wise mind is needed. Alternate translation: “A wise mind is needed in order to understand this” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αἱ ἑπτὰ κεφαλαὶ ἑπτὰ ὄρη εἰσίν

Here, are means “stand for” or “represent.”

Revelation 17:10

οἱ πέντε ἔπεσαν

The angel speaks of dying as falling. Alternate translation: “five kings have died” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ εἷς ἔστιν

Alternate translation: “one is king now” or “one king is alive now”

ὁ ἄλλος οὔπω ἦλθεν

Not having existed yet is spoken of as not yet having come. Alternate translation: “the other has not yet become king” (See: Metaphor)

ὅταν ἔλθῃ, ὀλίγον αὐτὸν δεῖ μεῖναι

The angel speaks of someone continuing to be king as if he were remaining in a place. Alternate translation: “he can be king only for a little while” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 17:11

ἐκ τῶν ἑπτά ἐστιν

This could mean: (1) the beast rules twice: first as one of the seven kings, and then as the eighth king. (2) the beast belongs to that group of seven kings because he is like them.

εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει

The certainty of what will happen in the future is spoken of as if the beast were going to it. Alternate translation: “it will certainly be destroyed” or “God will surely destroy it” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 17:12

The angel explains the meaning of the ten horns of the beast.

μίαν ὥραν

If your language does not divide the day into 24 hours, you may need to use a more general expression. Alternate translation: “for a very short time” or “for a very small part of a day” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 17:13

οὗτοι μίαν γνώμην ἔχουσιν

Alternate translation: “These all think the same thing” or “These all agree to do the same thing”

Revelation 17:14

τοῦ Ἀρνίου

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, Lamb is used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: Symbolic Language)

κλητοὶ, καὶ ἐκλεκτοὶ, καὶ πιστοί

This refers to one group of people. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state the words called and chosen in active form. Alternate translation: “the called, chosen, and faithful ones” or “the ones whom God has called and chosen, who are faithful to him” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 17:15

τὰ ὕδατα ἃ εἶδες, οὗ ἡ πόρνη κάθηται, λαοὶ καὶ ὄχλοι εἰσὶν, καὶ ἔθνη καὶ γλῶσσαι

Here, are stands for “represent.” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ ὕδατα

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a more specific word for the kind of water. See how you translated “many waters” in Revelation 17:1. Alternate translation: “The rivers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὄχλοι

large groups of people

γλῶσσαι

Here, tongues refers to people who speak the languages. See how you translated this in Revelation 10:11. (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 17:16

ἠρημωμένην ποιήσουσιν αὐτὴν καὶ γυμνήν

Alternate translation: “they will steal everything that she has and leave her with nothing”

τὰς σάρκας αὐτῆς φάγονται

Destroying her completely is spoken of as eating all her flesh. Alternate translation: “they will destroy her completely” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 17:17

ὁ γὰρ Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν ποιῆσαι τὴν γνώμην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ποιῆσαι μίαν γνώμην, καὶ δοῦναι τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτῶν τῷ θηρίῳ, ἄχρι τελεσθήσονται οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοῦ

They would agree to give their power to the beast, but it would not be that they want to obey God. Alternate translation: “For God has put it into their hearts to agree to give their kingdom to the beast until God’s words are fulfilled, and by doing this, they would carry out God’s purpose”

ὁ γὰρ Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν ποιῆσαι

Here, heart is a metonym for desires. (See: Metonymy)

ὁ γὰρ Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν ποιῆσαι

Making them want to do something is spoken of as putting it into their hearts to do it. Alternate translation: “God has made them want to do” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτῶν

Alternate translation: “their authority” or “their kingly authority”

ἄχρι τελεσθήσονται οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until God fulfills what he said will happen” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 17:18

The angel finishes speaking to John about the prostitute and the beast.

ἔστιν

Here, is stands for “represents.” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ ἔχουσα βασιλείαν

When it says that the city rules, it means that the leader of the city rules. Alternate translation: “the great city whose leader rules” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 18

Revelation 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 1-8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Prophecy

The angel prophesies about Babylon falling, which here means being destroyed. It is spoken of as having already happened. This is common in prophecy. It emphasizes that the coming judgment will certainly happen. The angel also prophesies that the people will lament over Babylon falling. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and judge, judgment and Symbolic Prophecy)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Prophecy frequently uses metaphors. This chapter has a slightly different apocalyptic style than the Book of Revelation overall. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 18:1

Another angel comes down from heaven and speaks. This is a different angel than the one in the previous chapter, who spoke about the prostitute and the beast.

Revelation 18:2

ἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη

The angel speaks of Babylon having been destroyed as if it had fallen. See how you translated this in Revelation 14:8. (See: Metaphor)

Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη

The angel speaks of the city of Babylon as if it were a prostitute. (See: Personification)

Revelation 18:3

πάντα τὰ ἔθνη

Here, the nations is a metonym for the people of those nations. Alternate translation: “the people of all the nations” (See: Metonymy)

ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς, πέπτωκαν

Here, drinking from the wine of her immoral passion is a symbol for participating in her sexually immoral passion. Alternate translation: “have become sexually immoral like her” or “have become drunk like her in sexual sin” (See: Symbolic Language)

τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς

This may well have a double meaning: literal sexual immorality and also the worship of false gods. (See: Metaphor)

μετ’ αὐτῆς ἐπόρνευσαν

Babylon is spoken of as if it were a prostitute who has caused other people to sin along with her. (See: Personification)

ἔμποροι

A merchant is a person who sells things.

ἐκ τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ στρήνους αὐτῆς

Alternate translation: “because she spent so much money on sexual immorality”

Revelation 18:4

ἄλλην φωνὴν

Here, voice refers to the speaker, which is probably either Jesus or the Father. Alternate translation: “someone else” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 18:5

ἐκολλήθησαν αὐτῆς αἱ ἁμαρτίαι ἄχρι τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

The voice speaks of Babylon’s sins as if they were objects that could form a pile. Alternate translation: “her sins are so many they are like a pile that reaches heaven” (See: Metaphor)

ἐμνημόνευσεν

This does not mean that God remembered something he had forgotten. See how you translated “called to mind” in Revelation 16:19. Alternate translation: “has thought of” or “has started to pay attention to”

Revelation 18:6

ἀπόδοτε αὐτῇ ὡς καὶ αὐτὴ ἀπέδωκεν

The voice speaks of punishment as if it were repayment. Alternate translation: “Punish her as she has punished others” (See: Metaphor)

διπλώσατε τὰ διπλᾶ

The voice speaks of punishment as if it were repayment. Alternate translation: “punish her twice as much” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῷ ποτηρίῳ ᾧ ἐκέρασεν, κεράσατε αὐτῇ διπλοῦν

The voice speaks of causing others to suffer as preparing strong wine for them to drink. Alternate translation: “prepare for her the wine of suffering that is twice as strong as what she made for others” or “make her suffer twice as much as she made others suffer” (See: Metaphor)

κεράσατε…διπλοῦν

Here, mix double could mean: (1) they should prepare twice the amount. (2) they should make it twice as strong.

Revelation 18:7

ἐδόξασεν αὑτὴν

Alternate translation: “the people of Babylon glorified themselves”

ὅτι ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς λέγει

Here, heart is a metonym for a person’s mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: “For she says to herself” (See: Metonymy)

κάθημαι βασίλισσα

She claims to be a ruler, having her own authority. (See: Simile)

χήρα οὐκ εἰμί

She implies that she will not be dependent on other people. (See: Metaphor)

πένθος οὐ μὴ ἴδω

Experiencing mourning is spoken of as seeing mourning. Alternate translation: “I will never mourn” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 18:8

ἥξουσιν αἱ πληγαὶ αὐτῆς

Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. (See: Metaphor)

ἐν πυρὶ κατακαυθήσεται

Being burned up by fire is spoken of as being eaten up by fire. Alternate translation: “she will be completely burned up” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν πυρὶ κατακαυθήσεται

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “fire will completely burn her up” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 18:9

In these verses the word her refers to the city of Babylon.

μετ’ αὐτῆς πορνεύσαντες καὶ στρηνιάσαντες

Alternate translation: “sinned sexually and did whatever they wanted just as the people of Babylon did”

Revelation 18:10

διὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun torment, you can express it with a verb. Alternate translation: “because they were afraid that they would be tormented like Babylon” or “because they were afraid that God would torment them as he torments Babylon” (See: Abstract Nouns)

οὐαὶ, οὐαί

The word Woe is repeated for emphasis.

ἦλθεν ἡ κρίσις σου

Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 18:11

πενθοῦσιν ἐπ’ αὐτήν

Alternate translation: “mourn for the people of Babylon”

Revelation 18:12

λίθου τιμίου, καὶ μαργαριτῶν

See how you translated these in Revelation 17:4. Alternate translation: “many kinds of expensive stones”

βυσσίνου

The fine linen is an expensive cloth made from flax. See how you translated “linen” in Revelation 15:6.

πορφύρας, καὶ σιρικοῦ, καὶ κοκκίνου

Purple cloth is a very dark red cloth that was very expensive at that time. Silk is a soft, strong cloth made from the fine string that silkworms make when they make their cocoons. Scarlet cloth was an expensive red cloth. (See: Translate Unknowns)

πᾶν σκεῦος ἐλεφάντινον

Alternate translation: “all kinds of containers made of ivory”

σκεῦος ἐλεφάντινον

Ivory is a beautiful hard, white material that people get from the tusks or teeth of very large animals such as elephants or walruses. Alternate translation: “container made from tusks” or “container made from valuable animal teeth” (See: Translate Unknowns)

μαρμάρου

Marble is a precious stone that is used for building and to make statues, furniture, and many other things. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 18:13

κιννάμωμον

Cinnamon is a spice that smells nice and comes from the bark of a certain kind of tree.

ἄμωμον

Spice is a substance used to add flavor to food or a good smell to oil.

Revelation 18:14

ἡ ὀπώρα

The autumn fruit refers to fruit that ripens in the fall. Here, it is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Alternate translation: “result” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ψυχῆς

Alternate translation: “what you wanted very much”

ἀπώλετο ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν

Not to be found stands for not existing. Alternate translation: “has vanished, and they will never exist again” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπώλετο ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν

If your readers would misunderstand this figure of speech, you can state it in active form. Alternate translation: “has vanished; you will never have them again” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 18:15

διὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns fear and torment, you can express them as verbs. Alternate translation: “because they will be afraid of God tormenting them they way he torments her” or “because they will be afraid of suffering the way she is suffering” (See: Abstract Nouns)

κλαίοντες καὶ πενθοῦντες

The merchants are the ones who will be weeping and mourning loudly. Alternate translation: “and the merchants will weep and mourn loudly”

Revelation 18:16

ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον

Throughout this chapter, Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “the great city, which was like a woman dressed in fine linen” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον

The merchants speak of Babylon as being dressed in fine linen because its people were dressed in fine linen. Alternate translation: “the great city, whose women were dressed in fine linen” (See: Metonymy)

ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that wore fine linen” (See: Active or Passive)

κεχρυσωμένη ἐν χρυσίῳ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “adorned herself with gold” or “adorned themselves with gold” or “wore gold” (See: Active or Passive)

λίθῳ τιμίῳ

Alternate translation: “valuable gems” or “treasured gems”

μαργαρίτῃ

Pearls are beautiful and valuable white beads that are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. See how you translated this in Revelation 17:4. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 18:17

τὴν θάλασσαν ἐργάζονται

The phrase work the sea refers to what they do on the sea. Alternate translation: “who travel on the sea to make their living” or “who sail on the sea to different places in order to trade things” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 18:18

τίς ὁμοία τῇ πόλει τῇ μεγάλῃ?

This question shows the people the importance of the city of Babylon. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could translate it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No other city is like the great city, Babylon!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Revelation 18:20

ἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ κρίμα ὑμῶν ἐξ αὐτῆς

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun judgment, you can express it with the verb “judge.” Alternate translation: “God has judged her for you” or “God has judged her because of the bad things she did to you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Revelation 18:21

Another angel begins to speak about Babylon. This is a different angel than the ones who have spoken previously.

μύλινον μέγαν

A millstone large round stone used to crush grain.

ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις, καὶ οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι

To be thrown down and not be seen anymore speaks of complete destruction of the city. Alternate translation: “Babylon will be completely destroyed and will no longer exist” (See: Metaphor)

ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις, καὶ οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will violently throw down Babylon, the great city, and it will no longer exist” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι

Not being seen here means that it will not exist. Alternate translation: “it will not exist anymore” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 18:22

φωνὴ κιθαρῳδῶν, καὶ μουσικῶν, καὶ αὐλητῶν, καὶ σαλπιστῶν, οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one in your city will ever again hear the sound that harpists, musicians, flute players, and trumpeters make” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν σοὶ

The angel speaks as if Babylon were there listening to him. Alternate translation: “in Babylon” (See: Apostrophe)

οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι

Not being heard here means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: “they will not be in your city anymore” (See: Metonymy)

πᾶς τεχνίτης οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἐν σοὶ

Not being found there means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: “no craftsman of any kind will be in your city” (See: Metonymy)

φωνὴ μύλου οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι

The sound of something not being heard means that no one will make that sound. Alternate translation: “no one will use a mill in your city” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 18:23

The angel who threw the millstone finishes talking.

φωνὴ νυμφίου καὶ νύμφης οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will ever again hear in Babylon the happy voices of a bridegroom and a bride” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ ἐν σοὶ ἔτι

Not being heard here means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: “will not be in your city anymore” (See: Metonymy)

οἱ ἔμποροί σου ἦσαν οἱ μεγιστᾶνες τῆς γῆς

The angel speaks of important and powerful people as if they were princes. Alternate translation: “your merchants were like princes of the earth” or “your merchants were the most important men in the world” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῇ φαρμακείᾳ σου ἐπλανήθησαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you deceived the people of the nations with your magic spells” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 18:24

ἐν αὐτῇ αἷμα προφητῶν καὶ ἁγίων εὑρέθη, καὶ πάντων τῶν ἐσφαγμένων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

Here, blood being found means that the people of the city were guilty of killing people. Alternate translation: “in her is the guilt for the death of the prophets and saints, along with all the other people in the world who were killed” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν αὐτῇ αἷμα προφητῶν καὶ ἁγίων εὑρέθη, καὶ πάντων τῶν ἐσφαγμένων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Babylon is guilty of killing the prophets and believers and all the other people in the world who were killed” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 19

Revelation 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The beginning of chapter 19 concludes the topic of Babylon falling.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 1-8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Songs

The Book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. They worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly)

Wedding celebration

The wedding celebration or feast is an important image in Scripture. Jewish culture often pictured paradise, or life with God after death, as a feast. Here, the wedding feast is for the Lamb, who is Jesus, and his bride, who is all his people.

Revelation 19:1

This is the next part of John’s vision. Here he describes the rejoicing in heaven over the fall of the great prostitute, who is the city of Babylon.

ἤκουσα

Here, I refers to John.

ἁλληλουϊά

The word Hallelujah means “Praise God” or “Let us praise God.”

Revelation 19:2

τὴν πόρνην τὴν μεγάλην

Here John refers to the city of Babylon whose wicked people rule over all the people of the earth and lead them to worship false gods. He speaks of the wicked people of Babylon as if they were a great prostitute. (See: Metaphor)

ἥτις ἔφθειρεν τὴν γῆν

Here, the earth is a metonym for its inhabitants. Alternate translation: “who corrupted the people of the earth” (See: Metonymy)

τὸ αἷμα τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ

Here, the blood is a metonym that represents murder. Alternate translation: “the murder of his servants” (See: Metonymy)

ἐκ χειρὸς αὐτῆς

Here, he refers to Babylon. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Revelation 19:3

εἴρηκαν

Here, they refers to the crowd of people in heaven.

ἁλληλουϊά

The word Hallelujah means “Praise God” or “Let us praise God.” See how you translated this in Revelation 19:1.

καπνὸς αὐτῆς ἀναβαίνει

The word her refers to the city of Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a prostitute. The smoke is from the fire that destroys the city. Alternate translation: “smoke rises from that city”

Revelation 19:4

οἱ πρεσβύτεροι οἱ εἴκοσι τέσσαρες

See how you translated this in Revelation 4:4. (See: Numbers)

τὰ τέσσερα ζῷα

See how you translated this in Revelation 4:6 Alternate translation: “the four living beings” or “the four living things”

τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “who sat on the throne” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 19:5

φωνὴ ἀπὸ τοῦ θρόνου ἐξῆλθεν

Here John speaks of a voice as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “someone spoke from the throne” (See: Personification)

αἰνεῖτε τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν

Here, our refers to the speaker and all God’s servants. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

οἱ φοβούμενοι αὐτόν

Here, fear does not mean to be afraid of God, but to honor him. Alternate translation: “all you who honor him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ μικροὶ καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι

The speaker uses the words small and great together to include all of God’s people. (See: Merism)

Revelation 19:6

καὶ ἤκουσα ὡς φωνὴν ὄχλου πολλοῦ, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν ὑδάτων πολλῶν, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν βροντῶν ἰσχυρῶν

John speaks of what he is hearing as if it were like the sound made by a very large crowd of people, a large body of rushing water, and very loud thunder. (See: Simile)

ἁλληλουϊά

The word Hallelujah means “Praise God” or “Let us praise God.” See how you translated this in Revelation 19:1.

ὅτι…Κύριος

Alternate translation: “Because the Lord”

Revelation 19:7

The voice of the crowd from the previous verse continues speaking.

χαίρωμεν

Here, us refers to all of God’s servants.

δῶμεν τὴν δόξαν αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “give God the glory” or “honor God”

ὁ γάμος τοῦ Ἀρνίου…ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ ἡτοίμασεν ἑαυτήν

Here John speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people together forever as if it were a wedding celebration and his people were his bride. (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ Ἀρνίου

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, the Lamb used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: Symbolic Language)

ἦλθεν

Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. (See: Metaphor)

ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ ἡτοίμασεν ἑαυτήν

John speaks of God’s people as if they were a bride who has gotten herself ready for her wedding. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 19:8

ἐδόθη αὐτῇ ἵνα περιβάληται βύσσινον λαμπρὸν καθαρόν

Here, her and she refer to the people of God. John speaks of the righteous acts of God’s people as if they were a bright and clean dress that a bride wears on her wedding day. Alternate translation: “and it was permitted to them to wear a dress of bright and clean fine linen” (See: Metaphor)

ἐδόθη αὐτῇ ἵνα περιβάληται βύσσινον λαμπρὸν καθαρόν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God allowed her to wear a dress of bright and clean fine linen” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 19:9

An angel begins to speak to John. This is likely the same angel who began to speak to John in Revelation 17:1.

οἱ…κεκλημένοι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the people whom God invites” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ δεῖπνον τοῦ γάμου τοῦ Ἀρνίου

Here the angel speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people forever as if it were a wedding supper. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 19:10

ἔπεσα ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ

This means that John purposely lay on the ground and stretched himself out in reverence or submission. This action was an important part of worship, to show respect and willingness to serve. See note in Revelation 19:3.

τῶν ἀδελφῶν σου

Here the word brothers here refers to all believers, male and female.

τῶν ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ

Here holding stands for believing in or announcing. Alternate translation: “who speak the truth about Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ γὰρ μαρτυρία Ἰησοῦ ἐστιν τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς προφητείας

Here, the spirit of prophecy refers to God’s Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “for it is the Spirit of God who gives people the power to speak the truth about Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 19:11

This is the beginning of a new vision. John begins to describe a rider on a white horse.

καὶ εἶδον τὸν οὐρανὸν ἠνεῳγμένον

This imagery is used to signify the beginning of a new vision. See how you translated this idea in Revelation 4:1 and Revelation 11:19 and Revelation 15:5.

ὁ καθήμενος ἐπ’ αὐτὸν

The rider is Jesus.

ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ κρίνει καὶ πολεμεῖ

Here, righteousness refers to what is right. Alternate translation: “he judges all people and wages war according to what is right” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 19:12

οἱ…ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ φλὸξ πυρός

John speaks of the rider’s eyes as if they shone like a flame of fire. (See: Simile)

ἔχων ὄνομα γεγραμμένον

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and someone has written a name on him” (See: Active or Passive)

ὃ οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, εἰ μὴ αὐτός

Here, except himself means that he is the only one. Alternate translation: “on him, and only he knows the meaning of that name” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Revelation 19:13

περιβεβλημένος ἱμάτιον βεβαμμένον αἵματι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and blood had covered his robe” (See: Active or Passive)

κέκληται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, Word of God is a metonym for Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “his name is called the Message of God” (See: Metonymy)

κέκληται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “his name is also the Word of God” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 19:15

ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ἐκπορεύεται ῥομφαία ὀξεῖα

The sword blade was sticking out of his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 1:16.

πατάξῃ τὰ ἔθνη

Alternate translation: “he could destroy the nations” or “he could bring the nations under his control”

ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ

John speaks of the rider’s power as if he were ruling with an iron rod. See how you translated this in Revelation 12:5. (See: Metaphor)

αὐτὸς πατεῖ τὴν ληνὸν τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Παντοκράτορος

John speaks of the rider’s destroying his enemies as if they were grapes that a person tramples in a winepress. Alternate translation: “he crushes his enemies according to the wrath of God Almighty, just as a person crushes grapes in a winepress” (See: Metaphor)

αὐτὸς πατεῖ τὴν ληνὸν τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Παντοκράτορος

Here, wrath refers to God’s punishment of evil persons. Alternate translation: “he crushes his enemies according to the judgment of God Almighty” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 19:16

ἔχει ἐπὶ τὸ ἱμάτιον καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν μηρὸν αὐτοῦ, ὄνομα γεγραμμένον

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone has written a name on his robe and thigh:” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 19:17

εἶδον ἕνα ἄγγελον ἑστῶτα ἐν τῷ ἡλίῳ

Here, the sun is a metonym for the light of the sun. Alternate translation: “Then I saw an angel standing in the light of the sun” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 19:18

ἐλευθέρων τε καὶ δούλων, καὶ μικρῶν καὶ μεγάλων

The angel uses these two sets of opposite-meaning words together to refer to all people. (See: Merism)

Revelation 19:20

ἐπιάσθη τὸ θηρίον, καὶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ὁ ψευδοπροφήτης

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the rider on the white horse captured the beast and the false prophet” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ χάραγμα τοῦ θηρίου

The mark of the beast was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast. See how you translated this in Revelation 13:17.

ζῶντες ἐβλήθησαν οἱ δύο

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw the beast and the false prophet alive” (See: Active or Passive)

τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρὸς, τῆς καιομένης ἐν θείῳ

Alternate translation: “place full of fire that burns with sulfur”

Revelation 19:21

οἱ λοιποὶ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ ἵππου, τῇ ἐξελθούσῃ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the rider of the horse killed the remainder of the beast’s armies with the sword that extended from his mouth” (See: Active or Passive)

τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ…τῇ ἐξελθούσῃ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

The sword blade was sticking out of his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 1:16.

Revelation 20

Revelation 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The thousand-year reign of Christ

In this chapter, Jesus is said to reign for a thousand years, at the same time that Satan is bound. Scholars are divided over whether this refers to a future period of time or to Jesus reigning now from heaven. It is not necessary to understand this passage in order to translate it accurately. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Final rebellion

This chapter also describes what happens after the thousand years are ended. During this time, Satan and many people will attempt to rebel against Jesus. This will result in God’s ultimate and final victory over sin and evil. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and evil, wicked, unpleasant and eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)

Great white throne

This chapter ends with God judging all people who ever lived. God separates people who believe in Jesus from those who do not believe in him. (See: judge, judgment and heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly and faith)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Book of Life

This is a metaphor for eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Hades and the lake of fire

These appear to be two distinct places. The translator may wish to do further research to determine how to translate these two places differently. They should not be made the same as each other in translation. (See: hell, lake of fire)

Revelation 20:1

John begins to describe a vision of an angel throwing the devil into the bottomless pit.

καὶ εἶδον

Here, I refers to John.

τῆς Ἀβύσσου

The abyss is an extremely deep narrow hole. This could mean: (1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever. (2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.

Revelation 20:2

τὸν δράκοντα

The dragon was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 20:3

ἐσφράγισεν ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ

The angel sealed the abyss to keep anyone from opening it. Alternate translation: “sealed it to prevent anyone from opening it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μὴ πλανήσῃ…τὰ ἔθνη

Here, nations is a metonym for the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “he would not deceive the people-groups” (See: Metonymy)

δεῖ αὐτὸν λυθῆναι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will command the angel to free him” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 20:4

This is the next part of John’s vision. He describes suddenly seeing thrones and the souls of believers.

κρίμα ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God had given authority to them to judge” (See: Active or Passive)

τῶν πεπελεκισμένων

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whose heads others had cut off” (See: Active or Passive)

διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Alternate translation: “because they had spoken the truth about Jesus and about the word of God”

διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, the word of God is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: “for what they taught about the scriptures” (See: Metonymy)

ἔζησαν

Alternate translation: “they came back to life” or “they became alive again”

Revelation 20:5

οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν νεκρῶν

Alternate translation: “All of the other dead people”

τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη

Alternate translation: “the end of the thousand years” (See: Numbers)

Revelation 20:6

ἐπὶ τούτων ὁ δεύτερος θάνατος οὐκ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν

Here John describes the second death as a person with power. Alternate translation: “These people will not experience the second death” (See: Personification)

ὁ δεύτερος θάνατος

The second death is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8. See how you translated this in Revelation 2:11. Alternate translation: “the final death in the lake of fire” or “dying a second time” (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 20:7

λυθήσεται ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐκ τῆς φυλακῆς αὐτοῦ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will release Satan from his prison” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 20:8

ὧν ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτῶν ὡς ἡ ἄμμος τῆς θαλάσσης

The comparison to the sand of the sea emphasizes the extremely large number of soldiers in Satan’s army. (See: Simile)

Revelation 20:9

ἀνέβησαν

Alternate translation: “Satan’s army went up”

τὴν πόλιν τὴν ἠγαπημένην

Here, the beloved city refers to Jerusalem.

κατέβη πῦρ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ κατέφαγεν αὐτούς

Here John speaks of fire as if it were alive. Alternate translation: “God sent fire from heaven to burn them up” (See: Personification)

Revelation 20:10

ὁ διάβολος, ὁ πλανῶν αὐτοὺς, ἐβλήθη εἰς

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw the devil, who had deceived them, into” or “God’s angel threw the devil, who had deceived them, into” (See: Active or Passive)

τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρὸς καὶ θείου

See how you translated this in Revelation 19:20. Alternate translation: “the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” or “place full of fire that burns with sulfur”

βασανισθήσονται

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will torment them” or “the fire will torment them” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 20:11

This is the next part of John’s vision. He describes suddenly seeing a great white throne and the dead being judged.

οὗ ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου ἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός

John describes the earth and the heaven as if they were people who were trying to escape God’s judgment. This means that God completely destroyed the old heaven and earth. (See: Personification)

ἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός, καὶ τόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς

Here, not having a place means that God completely destroyed the old heaven and earth. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 20:12

βιβλία ἠνοίχθησαν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone opened the books” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐκρίθησαν οἱ νεκροὶ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God judged the people who had died and now lived again” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐκ τῶν γεγραμμένων

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “by what he had recorded” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 20:13

ἔδωκεν ἡ θάλασσα τοὺς νεκροὺς…ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἔδωκαν τοὺς νεκροὺς

Here John speaks of the sea, Death, and Hades as if they were living persons. (See: Personification)

ἐκρίθησαν ἕκαστος

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God judged each of the dead people” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ ᾍδης

Here, Hades is a metonym that represents the place where unbelievers go when they die, to wait for God’s judgment. (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 20:14

ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἐβλήθησαν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God threw Death and Hades” or “God’s angel threw Death and Hades” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερός

The second death is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8. See how you translated this in Revelation 2:11. Alternate translation: “the final death in the lake of fire” or “dying a second time” (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 20:15

εἴ τις οὐχ εὑρέθη…γεγραμμένος

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if God’s angel did not find a person’s name written” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν λίμνην τοῦ πυρός

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the angel threw him into the lake of fire” or “the angel threw him into the place where fire burns forever” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 21

Revelation 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives a detailed picture of the new Jerusalem.

Special concepts in this chapter

Second death

Death is a type of separation. The first death is physically dying, when the soul is separated from the body. The second death is being eternally separated from God. (See: die, dead, deadly, death and soul, self, person and eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Book of Life

This is a metaphor for eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

New heaven and new earth

It is unclear whether this is an entirely new heaven and earth or if it is remade out of the present heaven and earth. The same is also true of the new Jerusalem. It is possible this will affect translation in some languages. The word “new” in the original language means different and better than the old. It does not mean new in time.

Revelation 21:1

John begins to describe his vision of the new Jerusalem.

εἶδον

Here, I refers to John.

Revelation 21:2

ὡς νύμφην, κεκοσμημένην τῷ ἀνδρὶ αὐτῆς

John compares the new Jerusalem to a bride who has made herself beautiful for her bridegroom. (See: Simile)

Revelation 21:3

φωνῆς μεγάλης ἐκ τοῦ θρόνου λεγούσης

The great voice refers to the one who speaks. Alternate translation: “someone speak loudly from the throne saying” (See: Metonymy)

ἰδοὺ

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

ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ σκηνώσει μετ’ αὐτῶν

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that God will, indeed, live among men. (See: Parallelism)

Revelation 21:4

ἐξαλείψει πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν

Here, tears represent sadness. See how you translated this in Revelation 7:17. Alternate translation: “God will wipe away their sadness, like wiping away tears” or “God will cause them to not be sad anymore” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 21:5

οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί εἰσιν

Here, these words refers to the message that they formed. Alternate translation: “this message is trustworthy and true” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 21:6

τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize God’s eternal nature. (See: Parallelism)

τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος

These two phrases mean that God exists from the beginning of everything to the end of it, including everything in between. (See: Merism)

τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ

The alpha and the omega are first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and who ends all things. (2) the one who has always lived and who always will live. If your readers would misunderstand this, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:8. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the first and the last” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος

This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and the one who will cause all things to end. (2) the one who existed before all things and who will exist after all things.

τῷ διψῶντι δώσω ἐκ τῆς πηγῆς τοῦ ὕδατος τῆς ζωῆς δωρεάν

God speaks of a person’s desire for eternal life as if it were thirst and of that person receiving eternal life as if he were drinking life-giving water. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 21:7

The one seated on the throne continues to speak to John.

Revelation 21:8

τοῖς…δειλοῖς

Alternate translation: “those who are too afraid to do what is right”

ἐβδελυγμένοις

Alternate translation: “those who do terrible things”

τῇ λίμνῃ τῇ καιομένῃ πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ

See how you translated this in Revelation 19:20. Alternate translation: “the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” or “place full of fire that burns with sulfur”

ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερος

The second death is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8. See how you translated this in Revelation 2:11. Alternate translation: “the final death in the lake of fire” or “dying a second time” (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 21:9

τὴν νύμφην, τὴν γυναῖκα τοῦ Ἀρνίου

The angel speaks of Jerusalem as if it were a bride who is about to marry her groom, the Lamb. (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ Ἀρνίου

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, Lamb is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 21:10

ἀπήνεγκέν με ἐν Πνεύματι

The setting changes as the Spirit takes John to a high mountain where he can see the city of Jerusalem. See how you translated this phrase in Revelation 17:3. (See: Background Information)

Ἰερουσαλὴμ

Jerusalem is a metonymy for those believers who will inhabit it. (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 21:11

ἔχουσαν

This refers to the “Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven” that he described in the previous verse and not to the physical Jerusalem.

ὁ φωστὴρ αὐτῆς ὅμοιος λίθῳ τιμιωτάτῳ, ὡς λίθῳ ἰάσπιδι κρυσταλλίζοντι

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the brilliance of Jerusalem by naming a specific jewel. (See: Parallelism)

κρυσταλλίζοντι

Alternate translation: “extremely clear”

ἰάσπιδι

Jasper is a valuable stone. This jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:3. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 21:12

ἐπιγεγραμμένα

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had written” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 21:14

τοῦ Ἀρνίου

Here, the Lamb refers to Jesus. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6.

Revelation 21:16

σταδίων δώδεκα χιλιάδων

You may convert 12,000 stadia to modern measures. Alternate translation: “2,200 kilometers” (See: Biblical Distance)

Revelation 21:17

ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν

You may convert 144 cubits to modern measures. Alternate translation: “66 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Revelation 21:18

χρυσίον καθαρὸν, ὅμοιον ὑάλῳ καθαρῷ

The gold was so clear that it is spoken of as if it were glass. (See: Simile)

ἴασπις

Jasper is a valuable stone. It may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:3. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 21:19

οἱ θεμέλιοι τοῦ τείχους τῆς πόλεως…κεκοσμημένοι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone adorned the foundations of the city wall” (See: Active or Passive)

ἴασπις…σάπφειρος…χαλκηδών…σμάραγδος

These are valuable stones. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated it in Revelation 4:3. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 21:20

σαρδόνυξ…σάρδιον…χρυσόλιθος…βήρυλλος…τοπάζιον…χρυσόπρασος…ὑάκινθος…ἀμέθυστος

These are all precious gems. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Revelation 21:21

μαργαρῖται

Pearls are beautiful and valuable white beads that are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. See how you translated this in Revelation 17:4. (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἀνὰ εἷς ἕκαστος τῶν πυλώνων ἦν ἐξ ἑνὸς μαργαρίτου

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had made each of the gates from a single pearl” (See: Active or Passive)

χρυσίον καθαρὸν ὡς ὕαλος διαυγής

The gold was so pure that it is spoken of as if it was clear glass. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 21:18. (See: Simile)

Revelation 21:22

ὁ…Κύριος ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ ναὸς αὐτῆς ἐστιν, καὶ τὸ Ἀρνίον

The temple represented God’s presence. This means the new Jerusalem does not need a temple because God and the Lamb will live there. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 21:23

ὁ λύχνος αὐτῆς τὸ Ἀρνίον

Here the glory of Jesus, the Lamb, is spoken of as if it were a lamp that gives light to the city. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 21:24

περιπατήσουσιν τὰ ἔθνη

Here, the nations are a metonym for the people who live in the nations. Alternate translation: “the people from all the different nations will walk” (See: Metonymy)

περιπατήσουσιν τὰ ἔθνη

Here, walk here is a metaphor for “live.” Alternate translation: “the people from all the different nations will live” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 21:25

οἱ πυλῶνες αὐτῆς οὐ μὴ κλεισθῶσιν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will ever shut the gates” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 21:26

οἴσουσιν

Alternate translation: “the kings of the earth will bring”

Revelation 21:27

οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτὴν πᾶν κοινὸν, καὶ ὁ

If your readers would misunderstand this double negative, you can state it in positive form. Alternate translation: “only what is clean will ever enter, and never anyone” (See: Double Negatives)

εἰ μὴ οἱ γεγραμμένοι ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς τοῦ Ἀρνίου

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but only those whose names the Lamb wrote in his book of life” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦ Ἀρνίου

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, the Lamb is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 22

Revelation 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter emphasizes that Jesus is coming soon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Tree of life

There is probably an intended connection between the tree of life in the Garden of Eden and the tree of life mentioned in this chapter. The curse that began in Eden will end at this time.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Alpha and omega

These are the names of the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. The ULT spells out their names in English. This strategy can serve as a model for translators. Some translators, however, may decide to use the first and last letters in their own alphabet. This would be “A and Z” in English.

Revelation 22:1

John continues to describe the new Jerusalem as the angel shows it to him.

ἔδειξέν μοι

Here, me refers to John.

ποταμὸν ὕδατος ζωῆς

Alternate translation: “the river flowing with life-giving water”

ποταμὸν ὕδατος ζωῆς

Eternal life is spoken of as if it were provided by life-giving water. See how you translated this in Revelation 21:6. (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ Ἀρνίου

A lamb is a young sheep. Here, the Lamb is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6. (See: Symbolic Language)

Revelation 22:2

τῶν ἐθνῶν

Here, the nations refers to the people who live in every nation. Alternate translation: “the people of all nations” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 22:3

πᾶν κατάθεμα οὐκ ἔσται ἔτι

This could mean: (1) there will never be anyone there that God will curse. (2) there will not be anyone there who is under God’s curse.

οἱ δοῦλοι αὐτοῦ λατρεύσουσιν αὐτῷ

Here, his and him could refer to: (1) God the Father. (2) both God and the Lamb, who rule together as one.

Revelation 22:4

ὄψονται τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ

Here, see his face is an idiom that refers to being in God’s presence. Alternate translation: “they will be in God’s presence” (See: Idiom)

Revelation 22:6

This is the beginning of the end of John’s vision. In verse 6 the angel is speaking to John. In verse 7, Jesus is speaking. You can state this explicitly as is in the UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί

Here, words refers to the message that they formed. See how you translated this in Revelation 21:5. Alternate translation: “This message is trustworthy and true” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πνευμάτων τῶν προφητῶν

Here, spirits refers to: (1) the inward disposition of the prophets and indicates that God inspires them. Alternate translation: “God who inspires the prophets” (2) the Holy Spirit who inspires the prophets. Alternate translation: “God who gives his Spirit to the prophets” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 22:7

ἰδοὺ

Here Jesus begins to speak. The word behold adds emphasis to what follows.

ἔρχομαι ταχύ

It is understood that he is coming in order to judge. See how you translated this in Revelation 3:11. Alternate translation: “I am coming to judge soon!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Revelation 22:8

John tells his readers about how he responded to the angel.

ἔπεσα προσκυνῆσαι ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ποδῶν

This means that John purposely lay on the ground and stretched himself out in reverence or submission. This action was an important part of worship, to show respect and willingness to serve. See how you translated similar words in Revelation 19:10.

Revelation 22:10

The angel finishes speaking to John.

μὴ σφραγίσῃς τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου

To seal a book was to keep it closed with something that makes it impossible for anyone to read what was inside without breaking the seal. The angel is telling John not to keep the message a secret. Alternate translation: “Do not keep secret … this book” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου

Here, words refers to the message that they formed. See how you translated this in Revelation 22:7. Alternate translation: “This prophetic message of this book” (See: Metonymy)

Revelation 22:12

As the book of Revelation is ending, Jesus gives a closing greeting. (See: End of Story)

Revelation 22:13

τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος

These three phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that Jesus has existed and will exist for all time. (See: Parallelism)

τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος

These three phrases are merisms. They each represent everything included between the two ends. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are alpha and omega. They represent all the letters in between. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:8. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (See: Merism)

τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ

This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and who ends all things. (2) the one who has always lived and who always will live. If your readers would misunderstand this, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. (See: Metaphor)

ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος

This refers to the eternal nature of Jesus. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:17. (See: Metaphor)

ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος

This could refer to: (1) the one who began all things and the one who will cause all things to end. (2) the one who existed before all things and who will exist after all things. See how you translated this in Revelation 21:6. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 22:14

οἱ πλύνοντες τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν

Becoming righteous is spoken of as if it were washing one’s clothing. See how you translated as similar phrase in Revelation 7:14. Alternate translation: “those who have become righteous, as if they have washed their robes” (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 22:15

ἔξω

This means they are outside the city and not allowed to enter.

οἱ κύνες

In that culture, dogs were considered to be unclean, despised animals. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ κύνες

Here the word dogs is derogatory and refers to people who are wicked. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 22:16

μαρτυρῆσαι ὑμῖν

Here the word you is plural. (See: Forms of You)

ἡ ῥίζα καὶ τὸ γένος Δαυείδ

The words root and descendant mean basically the same thing. Together the words emphasize that Jesus belongs to the family of David. (See: Doublet)

ἡ ῥίζα καὶ τὸ γένος Δαυείδ

Jesus speaks of being a descendant as if he were a root that grew out of David. (See: Metaphor)

ὁ ἀστὴρ ὁ λαμπρός, ὁ πρωϊνός

Jesus speaks of himself as if he were the bright star that sometimes appears early in the morning and indicates that a new day is about to begin. See how you translated “morning star” in Revelation 2:28. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 22:17

This verse is a response to what Jesus said.

ἡ νύμφη

Believers are spoken of as if they were a Bride about to be married to her groom, Jesus. (See: Metaphor)

ἔρχου

Here, Come could mean: (1) this is an invitation for people to come and drink the water of life. Alternate translation: “Come and drink!” (2) this is a polite request for Jesus to return. Alternate translation: “Please come!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω; ὁ θέλων λαβέτω ὕδωρ ζωῆς δωρεάν

A person’s desire for eternal life is spoken of as if it were thirst and of that person receiving eternal life as if he were drinking life-giving water. (See: Metaphor)

ὕδωρ ζωῆς

Eternal life is spoken of as if it were provided by life-giving water. See how you translated this in Revelation 21:6. (See: Metaphor)

Revelation 22:18

John gives his final remarks about the book of Revelation.

μαρτυρῶ ἐγὼ

Here, I refers to John.

τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου

Here, the words refers to the message that they formed. See how you translated this in Revelation 22:7. Alternate translation: “this prophetic message of this book” (See: Metonymy)

ἐάν τις ἐπιθῇ ἐπ’ αὐτά, ἐπιθήσει ὁ Θεὸς ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὰς πληγὰς τὰς γεγραμμένας ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ

This is a strong warning to not change anything about this prophecy.

τὰς γεγραμμένας ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “which I have written about in this book” (See: Active or Passive)

Revelation 22:19

ἐάν τις ἀφέλῃ ἀπὸ τῶν λόγων τοῦ βιβλίου τῆς προφητείας ταύτης, ἀφελεῖ ὁ Θεὸς τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς καὶ ἐκ τῆς πόλεως τῆς ἁγίας, τῶν γεγραμμένων ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ

This is a strong warning to not change anything about this prophecy.

Revelation 22:20

In these verses John gives his and Jesus’ closing greetings.

ὁ μαρτυρῶν

Alternate translation: “Jesus, who testifies”