Exodus

Exodus front

Introduction to Exodus

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Exodus

Israel in Egypt; preparing to depart from slavery (1–12)
First genealogy (1:1–6)
Israel as slaves in Egypt (1:7–22)
Moses’ history to the time of the Exodus (2:1–4:26)
Israel suffers in Egypt (4:27–6:13)
Second genealogy (6:14–27)
Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh (6:28–7:25)
The plagues (8:1–11:10)
Instructions for celebrating the Passover (12:1–30)
From Egypt to Mount Sinai (12:31–18:27)
The Passover; preparing to leave Egypt; leaving Egypt (12:31–50, 13:1–22)
Journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai (14:1–18:27)
Mount Sinai and the Law (19-40)
Preparing for the covenant (19:1–25)
The Ten Commandments (20:1–17)
The covenant described (20:18–23:33)
The people agree to the covenant; Moses returns to Mount Sinai (24:1–18)
Design of the tabernacle and its furnishings; what was required of those who serve in it; tabernacle functions (25:1–31:18)
The golden calf; Moses prays for the people (32:1–33:22)
The covenant described again (34:1–35)
Making of the ark and its furnishings (35:1–38:31) and priestly garments (39:1–43, 40:1–33)
The cloud (40:34–38)

What is the Book of Exodus about?

Exodus continues the story of the previous book, Genesis. The first half of Exodus is about how Yahweh made Abraham’s descendants into a nation. This nation, which would be called “Israel,” was meant to belong to Yahweh and worship him. The second half of Exodus describes how God gave the Israelites his law through Moses. The law of Moses told the Israelites how to obey and worship Yahweh properly.

The Book of Exodus tells how the Israelites were to build the tabernacle. The tabernacle was a tent where Yahweh would be among his people. The Israelites worshiped and sacrificed animals to Yahweh at the tabernacle. (See: INVALID bible/kt/lawofmoses and INVALID bible/kt/tabernacle)

How should the title of this book be translated?

“Exodus” means “exit” or “departure.” Translators may translate this title in a way that can communicate its subject clearly, for example, “About the Israelites Leaving Egypt” or “How the Israelites Left the Land of Egypt.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Who wrote the Book of Exodus?

The writers of both the Old and New Testaments present Moses as being very involved with writing the book of Exodus. Since ancient times, both Jews and Christians have thought that Moses wrote Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Why did Moses write so much about God delivering or rescuing the people of Israel?

Moses wrote much about God rescuing his people from the Egyptians to show that Yahweh is very powerful. Egypt was the most powerful nation at that time. And Yahweh was still able to free the Israelites from the Egyptians. Also, by rescuing the Israelites, Yahweh showed that he had chosen them as his people and they should worship him.

How does the Book of Exodus show the fulfillment of the promises given to Abraham?

The Book of Exodus shows God beginning to fulfill his promise to Abraham. In Genesis, God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants and that they would become a large nation. When God rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians, he took them to Mount Sinai. There he made a covenant with them, and they became the nation that belonged to Yahweh.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the Jewish Passover?

The Jewish Passover was a religious festival. Yahweh commanded the Israelites to celebrate it every year. Passover was a time to remember how God rescued them from the Egyptians. The first Passover meal was eaten in the evening just before they left Egypt.

What was the law of Moses to the people of Israel?

The law of Moses instructed the people of Israel what Yahweh required them to do as his people. In the law, God told the people how they should live so that they honor him. He also instructed them about their need to offer animal sacrifices. God required these sacrifices so that he could forgive their sins and continue living among them. The law also described the duties of the priests and told how to build the tabernacle.

What did it mean that Israel was to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (19:6 ULT)?

Israel was a holy nation because Yahweh separated them from all other nations to belong to him. They were to honor and worship him only. This made them different than all the other nations of the world. These other nations worshiped many false gods.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Why are the details of the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 25–32 repeated in Exodus 35–40?

In Exodus 25-32, God describes exactly how the tabernacle was to be built. The details were repeated in Exodus 35-40. This showed that the people were to be careful to do exactly as God commanded.

Are the events in the order that they actually happened?

Most but not all of the events in the Book of Exodus are told in the order that they actually happened. Translators may need to make it clear when the events are in an unusual order.

What does it mean that God “lived” among his people?

The Book of Exodus presents God as living in the tabernacle among the nation of Israel. God is everywhere, but he lived among the Israelites in a special way. God dwelled with Israelites because they belonged to him. He promised to lead them and bless them. In return, the people were to worship him and honor him.

Exodus 1

Exodus 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is intended to form a smooth transition with the last chapter of the book of Genesis.

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel’s growth

Israel grew in number. This was in fulfillment of the covenant God made with Abraham. It also caused the Egyptians great concern that there would be more Israelites than Egyptians because they would be unable to defend themselves against such a large number of people. Pharaoh also tried to kill all of the male babies so they would not become soldiers who fought against him. (See: INVALID bible/kt/fulfill and INVALID bible/kt/covenant)

End of the famine

It is obvious that some time has passed since the beginning of the famine which brought the Israelites into Egypt. Yahweh appears to be punishing the Hebrews for not returning back to the Promised Land instead choosing to stay in Egypt. No return attempt is recorded to have been made. (See: INVALID bible/kt/promisedland and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“All of the descendants of Jacob were seventy in number”

This number included both Jacob’s children and grandchildren. It may cause confusion, but it is important to remember Jacob only had 12 sons.

Exodus 1:1

This refers to all the people who live in a house together, usually a large family with servants. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 1:5

“70 in number” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“Joseph lived in Egypt before his brothers”

Exodus 1:6

This includes 10 older brothers and 1 younger brother.

Exodus 1:7

The birth of children to the Israelites is spoken of as if they were plants that were producing fruit. Alternate translation: “had many children” or “gave birth to many children” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They filled the land” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

The word “them” refers to the Israelites.

Exodus 1:8

Here “Egypt” refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “began to rule over the people of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 1:9

“The king said to his people”

These were the people who lived in Egypt, the Egyptians.

Exodus 1:10

The word “us” is inclusive and refers to the king and his people, the Egyptians. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

Here war is spoken of as a person that is able to act. (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

“leave Egypt”

Exodus 1:11

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work

“to force the Israelites to do hard work for the Egyptians”

These were places where the leaders put food and other important things to keep them safe.

Exodus 1:13

“made…work very hard” or “harshly made…work”

Exodus 1:14

The difficult lives of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were bitter food that was difficult to eat. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

This was a wet glue or mud put between bricks or stones that held them together when it dried.

“The Egyptians made them work very hard” or “The Egyptians forced them to work very hard”

Exodus 1:15

The king of Egypt is called Pharaoh.

These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby.

These are Hebrew women’s names. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 1:16

Women sat on this short stool as they gave birth. Therefore, it is associated with birth. Alternate translation: “as they give birth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 1:18

These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:16.

Pharaoh asked this question to rebuke the midwives for allowing the male children to live. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have disobeyed my order by not killing the male babies!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 1:19

The midwives answered wisely to appease Pharaoh’s anger.

Exodus 1:20

God kept Pharaoh from killing these midwives.

These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:16.

“The Israelites increased in numbers”

Exodus 1:21

“revered God” or “had reverence for God”

“the enabled them to have children”

Exodus 1:22

This order was given in order to drown the male children. The full meaning of this may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You must…into the river so they will drown” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 2

Exodus 02 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Moses’ heritage

In the first part of this chapter, Pharaoh’s daughter recognizes Moses as being a Hebrew, but in the last part of this chapter, the Midianites believe him to be an Egyptian.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Ironic situations

While Pharaoh tried to diminish the power of the Israelites by killing all of their baby boys, Yahweh used Pharaoh’s own daughter to save Moses. Moses was the one who would ultimately be used by Yahweh to deliver Israel.

Exodus 2:1

This word is used here to mark a break in the main event. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the narrative. If you have a way of doing this in your language, consider using it here. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

Exodus 2:3

This is a basket made from a tall grass that grows by the Nile River in Egypt.

You could explicitly state that this was to keep out water. Alternate translation: “spread tar on it to keep water from getting into it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Here “sealed” means that she applied a waterproof coating.

This is a sticky black paste made from petroleum. It can be used to keep out water. Alternate translation: “tar” (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

This is a sticky brown or black paste that can be made from tree sap or from petroleum. Therefore, “pitch” would include not only “bitumen” but also plant-based resins. It too can be used to keep out water. Alternate translation: “tar” or “resin” (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

These “reeds” were a type of tall grass that grew in flat, wet areas.

Exodus 2:4

This means she stood far enough away so that she would not be noticed, but close enough to see the basket.

Exodus 2:5

the young women whose job was to be with her and make sure nothing bad happened to her

Exodus 2:6

The word “behold” signals the surprising information that follows.

Exodus 2:7

feed with milk from the breast

Exodus 2:10

“the Hebrew woman brought him”

“he became the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter”

Translators may add a footnote that says “The name Moses sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘pull.’”

“pulled him”

Exodus 2:11

“hitting a Hebrew” or “beating a Hebrew”

Exodus 2:12

These two opposite directions have the combined meaning of “everywhere.” Alternate translation: “He looked all around” (See: INVALID translate/figs-merism)

Exodus 2:13

“Moses went out”

The word “behold” here shows that Moses was surprised by what he saw. You can use a word in your language that will give this meaning.

This was a customary way of saying “the one who started the fight.” Alternate translation: “the one who was guilty of starting the fight” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Exodus 2:14

The man used this question to rebuke Moses for intervening in the fight. Alternate translation: “You are not our leader and have no right to judge us!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

The man used a question here to be sarcastic. Alternate translation: “We know that you killed an Egyptian yesterday. You had better not kill me!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 2:15

The word “now” is used here to mark a break in the event. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the incident.

Exodus 2:16

The word “now” is used here to mark a break in the event. Here the author tells about new people in the narrative.

This means that they brought up water from a well.

a long, narrow, open container for animals to eat or drink out of

Exodus 2:17

“chase them away”

“rescued them”

Exodus 2:20

This question is a mild rebuke to the daughters for not inviting Moses into their home according to the normal hospitality of that culture. Alternate translation: “You should not have left this man at the well!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 2:21

“Moses agreed to live with Reuel”

This is Reuel’s daughter. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 2:22

This is Moses’s son. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“stranger in a foreign land”

Exodus 2:23

They did this because of their sorrow and misery. Alternate translation: “sighed deeply”

The cries of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were a person and were able to travel up to where God is. Alternate translation: “God heard their pleas” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

Exodus 2:24

This was a customary way of saying God thought about what He had promised. Alternate translation: “God remembered his covenant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Exodus 3

Exodus 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records one of the most important events in the history of the Israelite people: the revelation of the name Yahweh at the burning bush. (See: INVALID bible/kt/reveal)

Special concepts in this chapter

God’s holiness

God is so holy that people could not look upon him without dying. This is why Moses covered his eyes. It is also why he took off his shoes. (See: INVALID bible/kt/holy and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Yahweh

The name Yahweh is sacred in the Hebrew religion. It is the personal name of God, which he revealed to Moses. It is by this name, he is known. Yahweh means “I am.” Some translations use all capitals to set this apart, “I AM.” Great care must be taken in translating the phrase “I am that I am.” (See: INVALID bible/kt/yahweh)

Exodus 3:2

This was Yahweh himself appearing as an angel, and not just an angel that Yahweh sent. “Yahweh appeared as an angel” .

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

The word “behold” here shows that Moses saw something that was very different from what he expected.

Exodus 3:5

“made holy”

Exodus 3:6

All of these men worshiped the same God. Alternate translation: “the God of your father, of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob”

Possible meanings are 1) “your ancestor” or 2) “your father.” If it means “your ancestor,” then the phrases following it clarify who “your father” refers to: it refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If it means “your father,” then it refers to Moses’s own father.

Exodus 3:7

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.

Exodus 3:8

“a land where milk and honey flow.” God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate translation: “a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“full of” or “with an abundance of”

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 3:9

Here the word “shouts” are spoken of as if they were persons who are capable of moving on their own. Alternate translation: “I have heard the cries of the people of Israel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

Exodus 3:11

Moses uses this question to tell God that Moses is a nobody and no one will listen to him. Alternate translation: “I am not important enough to go to Pharaoh…Egypt!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 3:14

This is God’s response to Moses’ question about God’s name. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “God said to Moses, ‘Tell them that God says his name is, “I AM THAT I AM.”’”

Possible meanings are 1) this whole sentence is God’s name or 2) God is not telling his name but something about himself. By saying this, God is teaching that he is eternal; he has always lived and always will live.

Languages that do not have an equivalent to the verb “am” may need to render this as “I LIVE” or “I EXIST.”

Exodus 3:16

God continues speaking to Moses.

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were three of Moses’s ancestors. They all worshiped the same God.

The word “you” refers to the people of Israel.

Exodus 3:17

“a land where milk and honey flow.” God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in Exodus 3:8. Alternate translation: “a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“full of” or “with an abundance of”

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 3:18

The word “you” refers to Moses. Alternate translation: “The elders will listen to you”

Exodus 3:19

God continues speaking to Moses.

This can be stated in active form. The word “hand” is a metonym for the power of the owner of the hand. Possible meanings are 1) “only if he sees that he has no power to do anything else,” where the “hand” belongs to Pharaoh; where the “hand” belongs to Yahweh, 2) “only if I force him to let you go” or 3) “not even if I force him to let you go.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 3:20

Here “hand” refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “I will powerfully attack” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 3:21

The word here “empty-handed” is used to emphasize the opposite meaning. Alternate translation: “will go with your hands full of good things” or “will go with many valuable things” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

Exodus 3:22

“any Egyptian woman staying in the houses of her Egyptian neighbors”

Exodus 4

Exodus 04 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Moses does not understand

Although Moses believes in Yahweh, he does not trust in him. This is because Moses lacks understanding. Moses tries to believe the things he is asked to do are done by his own power. Yahweh is trying to get Moses to trust that these are Yahweh’s doing. (See: INVALID bible/kt/believe and INVALID bible/kt/trust)

Children of God

This chapter really introduces the concept that the people group Israel is the chosen people of God and God’s children, possibly God’s firstborn children. (See: INVALID bible/kt/elect and INVALID bible/kt/peopleofgod and INVALID bible/other/firstborn)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart

Scholars are divided over how to understand this statement. There is debate over whether Pharaoh plays an active or passive role in the hardening of his own heart. (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 4:1

“if the Israelites do not believe”

Exodus 4:4

“pick it up by the tail” or “grasp it by the tail”

“turned into a rod” or “changed into a staff”

Exodus 4:5

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were three of their ancestors. They all worshiped the same God.

Exodus 4:6

This word is used to create an exclamation, showing surprise. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclamations)

The word “as” here is used to compare what Moses’ hand looked like. Leprosy causes the skin to look white. You may not have a word for snow in your language. If so, consider an alternative that describes something white. Alternate translation: “as white as wool or as white as the sand on the beach” (See: INVALID translate/figs-simile)

Exodus 4:8

“acknowledge” or “accept”

Exodus 4:10

“have never been an excellent speaker”

The phrases “slow of speech” and “slow of tongue” mean basically the same thing. Moses uses them to emphasize that he is not a good speaker. (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

Here “tongue” refers to Moses’ ability to speak. Alternate translation: “unable to speak well” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 4:11

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the Creator who makes if possible for people to speak. Alternate translation: “I Yahweh am the one who created the human mouth and the ability to speak!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who decides if people can speak and hear, and if they can see. Alternate translation: “I Yahweh make people able to speak, or hear, or to see, or to be blind!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he alone makes these decisions. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am the one who does this!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 4:12

Here “mouth” refers to Moses’ ability to speak. Alternate translation: “I will give you the ability to speak” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 4:14

Here “heart” refers to inner thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “he will be very happy” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 4:15

Words here are spoken of as if they were something that can be physically placed in a person’s mouth. Alternate translation: “give him the message that he is to repeat” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The word “mouth” here represents Moses choice of words. Alternate translation: “I will give you the right words to speak” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The word “mouth” here represents Aaron’s choice of words. Alternate translation: “I will give him the right words to speak” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 4:16

The word “mouth” here represents Aaron repeating what Moses told him. Alternate translation: “He will say what you tell him to say” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The word “like” here means Moses would represent the same authority to Aaron as God did to Moses. Alternate translation: “you will speak to Aaron with the same authority with which I spoke to you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-simile)

Exodus 4:18

This refers to the father of Moses’ wife.

Exodus 4:21

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. Alternate translation: “will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 4:22

The word “Israel” here represents all the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel are my own children” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a firstborn son who causes joy and pride. Alternate translation: “is like my own firstborn son” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 4:23

The word “him” refers to the people of Israel as God’s son. Alternate translation: “you have refused to let my son go” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The word “son” here refers to the actual son of Pharaoh.

Exodus 4:24

This may have been because Moses had not circumcised his son.

Exodus 4:25

This is the name of Moses’s wife. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This was a knife with a sharpened stone blade.

It is possible that the word “feet” here may have been a more respectful way to refer to the genital area of the body. (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

The meaning of this metaphor is unclear. It was probably a known saying in that culture. Alternate translation: “you are related to me by this blood” or “you are my husband because of blood” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 4:27

You may want to add a word that marks the beginning of a new part of the story, as the UST does with the word “Meanwhile.”

This may have been the mountain at Sinai, but the text does not include that information.

Exodus 4:28

The word “he” refers to Yahweh, and “him” refers to Moses.

Exodus 4:30

“before the people” or “in the presence of the people”

Exodus 4:31

“saw the Israelites” or “was concerned about the Israelites”

Possible meanings are 1) “they bowed their heads in awe” or 2) “they bowed down low in reverence.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Exodus 5

Exodus 05 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

A slave’s work

The Egyptians were known for making their slaves do a lot of work. They were forced to make a specific number of bricks every day. In this chapter, the were required to not only make these bricks, but also to gather the straw in order to make these bricks.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Let my people go”

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Titles

The leaders are given different titles in this chapter. The ULT uses “taskmasters” and “foremen.” Many cultures will not have these types of titles. Generic expressions like “Egyptian leaders” and “Hebrew leaders” may be necessary.

Exodus 5:1

It is unclear how long Moses and Aaron waited until they went to see Pharoah.

This is a celebration to worship Yahweh.

Exodus 5:2

Pharaoh uses this question to show that he does not recognize Yahweh as a legitimate god. Alternate translation: “I do not know Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Pharaoh uses this question to state that he has no interest in obeying Yahweh or in letting the Israelites go to worship him. Alternate translation: “He is nothing to me and I will not let Israel go!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

The words “his voice” represent the words God spoke. Alternate translation: “listen to what he says” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 5:3

This is a term also used for the Israelites’ God or Yahweh.

Here “sword” represents war or an attack by enemies. Alternate translation: “or cause our enemies to attack us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 5:4

Pharaoh uses this question to express his anger towards Moses and Aaron for taking the Israelites away from their work. Alternate translation: “stop distracting the people from doing their work!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 5:6

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.

Exodus 5:7

The word “you” in these verses is plural and refers to the taskmasters and foremen. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 5:10

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.

The word “you” is plural and refers to the Israelite people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 5:11

The word “you” is plural and refers to the Israelite people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Here “yourselves” emphasizes that the Egyptians will no longer help them. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you must continue to make the same number of bricks as before”

Exodus 5:12

This is an generalization used to show the extra effort Israel made to meet Pharaoh’s demands. Alternate translation: “to many places throughout Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

the part of a plant that is left over after harvest

Exodus 5:13

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.

Exodus 5:14

The taskmasters used this question to show they were angry with the lack of bricks. Alternate translation: “You are not producing enough bricks, either yesterday or today, as you did in the past!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 5:15

“complained”

Exodus 5:16

Here “they” refers to the Egyptian taskmasters.

Exodus 5:19

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when Pharaoh told them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 5:20

This is a very large house that a king lives in.

Exodus 5:21

The Egyptians responded to the Israelites the same way they would respond to a foul odor. Alternate translation: “you have caused them to hate us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Here “a sword” represents an opportunity to destroy enemies. Alternate translation: “have given them a reason to kill us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 5:22

This question shows how disappointed he was that the Egyptians were treating the Israelites even more harshly now. Alternate translation: “Lord, I am sorry that you have caused this trouble for this people.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

This question shows how disappointed Moses was that God had sent him to Egypt. Alternate translation: “I wish you had never sent me here!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 5:23

The word “name” here represents the message of God. Alternate translation: “to give him your message” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 6

Exodus 06 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Promised Land

According to the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham, Egypt is not the home of the Hebrew people. It is the Promised Land in Canaan. The people are to return home to their land. (See: INVALID bible/kt/covenant and INVALID bible/kt/promisedland)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 6:1

The word “hand” here represents God’s actions or works. Alternate translation: “the power I show in my works” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 6:3

“I showed myself to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They did not know me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 6:5

This means making sad sounds because of pain and suffering.

Exodus 6:6

This is a command from Yahweh to Moses. “Yahweh told Moses to say to the Israelites”

Exodus 6:8

“I promised” or “I said I would”

Exodus 6:12

Moses asked this question hoping God would change His mind about using Moses. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Since the Israelites did not listen to me, neither will Pharaoh, because I am not good at speaking!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 6:14

Here “heads” refers to the original ancestors of the clan. Alternate translation: “the ancestors of the clans”

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 6:15

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 6:16

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“one hundred and thirty-seven years old” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 6:18

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“one hundred and thirty-three years old” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 6:20

“one hundred and thirty-seven years” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 6:21

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 6:22

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 6:23

These are the names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 6:25

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The word “heads” here represents family leaders. Alternate translation: “These were the leaders of the families” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 6:26

“one tribe at a time” or “one family group after another”

Exodus 6:30

Moses asks this question hoping to change God’s mind. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am not good…Pharaoh will certainly not listen to me!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 7

Exodus 07 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Miracles

When Yahweh had Moses perform miracles, Pharaoh’s men were able to copy these miracles. It is unknown how they were able to do this, but since it was not from Yahweh, they were probably done under some evil power. (See: INVALID bible/kt/miracle and INVALID bible/kt/evil)

Pharaoh’s hard heart

Pharaoh’s heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh’s instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 7:1

“I will cause Pharaoh to consider you as a god”

Exodus 7:3

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this in Exodus 4:21. Alternate translation: “will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The words “signs” and “wonders” mean basically the same thing. God uses them to emphasize the greatness of what he will do in Egypt. (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

Exodus 7:4

The words “my hand” represent God’s great power. Alternate translation: “use my power against” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 7:5

The words “my hand” represent God’s great power. Alternate translation: “show my powerful acts against” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 7:7

“Aaron was eighty-three years old” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 7:9

This could be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “When Pharaoh tells you to do a miracle, then you will tell Aaron to take his staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, so that it may become a snake” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Exodus 7:12

“ate up” or “devoured”

Exodus 7:13

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh became more defiant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 7:14

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this in Exodus 7:13. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh is stubborn” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 7:15

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “when he goes down to the Nile River to bathe” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 7:16

“Say to Pharaoh”

Exodus 7:17

“hit the water”

Exodus 7:19

“in every part of”

Exodus 7:20

The name of the river may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “in the Nile River” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 7:22

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this in Exodus 7:13. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh became more defiant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 7:24

The word “all” here is a generalization that means “many.” Alternate translation: “Many of the Egyptians” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

Exodus 8

Exodus 08 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh’s hard heart

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 8:3

“the Nile River” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

These are bowls in which bread is made.

Exodus 8:8

“Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron”

Exodus 8:9

“You can choose when I will pray for you” or “You can choose the time I should pray for you”

Exodus 8:15

“Pharaoh hardened his heart.” Here “hardened” means that he became stubborn. (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

“just as Yahweh had said Pharaoh would do”

Exodus 8:19

The words “finger of God” represent the power of God. Alternate translation: “This is the powerful work of God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. See how you translated this in Exodus 7:13. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh became more defiant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 8:20

“present yourself to Pharaoh”

“set my people free”

Exodus 8:22

Yahweh continues to speak to Pharaoh through Moses.

Exodus 8:24

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the swarms of flies devastated the land” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 8:26

This was a customary way of saying “in the presence of someone.” Alternate translation: “in their presence” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Moses asks this question to show Pharaoh the Egyptians would allow the Israelites to worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “they will certainly stone us!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 8:29

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you must begin to deal truthfully with us and let our people go” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

“But you must not deceive us” or “But you must not lie to us”

Exodus 8:32

Exodus 9

Exodus 09 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh’s hard heart

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 9:1

Yahweh continues talking with Moses about dealing with Pharaoh and bringing the Hebrew people out of Egypt.

Exodus 9:2

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. They will emphasize to Pharaoh what will happen if Pharaoh does this. Alternate translation: “if you continue refusing to let them go” (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

Exodus 9:3

The word “hand” here represents Yahweh’s power to afflict their animals with disease. Alternate translation: “then the power of Yahweh will afflict your cattle” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The word “your” here refers to all the people of Egypt who owned cattle.

Exodus 9:4

Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the cattle belonging to the people of Israel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Here “Egypt” refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the cattle belonging to the people of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 9:5

“set a time” or “appointed a time”

Exodus 9:6

This is exaggerated to emphasize the seriousness of the event. There were still some animals alive that were afflicted by later plagues. However, it may be best to translate this with the word “All.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

Here “Egypt” refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the cattle belonging to the people of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 9:7

Pharaoh collected facts about the situation.

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

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “he refused to change his mind” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Exodus 9:8

a furnace

Exodus 9:9

very small

“to quickly appear on”

Exodus 9:12

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 7:13. Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused Pharaoh to became more defiant”(See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 9:14

This means that even Pharaoh will be hurt by the plagues. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

The word “this” refers to the plagues that Moses had just told Pharaoh about.

Exodus 9:15

Here “my hand” refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “used my power to strike you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 9:16

Here “my name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “so that people everywhere will know I am great” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 9:17

Pharaoh’s opposition to letting Israel go to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if he was raising himself up as a barrier to them. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 9:18

“Pay attention to the important thing I am about to tell you”

Exodus 9:27

“to call”

Exodus 9:29

“Moses said to Pharaoh”

This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. Alternate translation: “lift up my hands and pray to Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Exodus 9:30

Honoring God involves obeying him and living in a way that shows how great he is.

Exodus 9:31

This is a plant that produces fibers that can be made into linen cloth.

This is a type of grain used for making bread; also used for cattle feed.

Exodus 9:32

This is a kind of wheat.

Exodus 9:33

This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 9:29. Alternate translation: “lifted up his hands toward Yahweh and prayed” (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Exodus 9:34

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. Alternate translation: “became more defiant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 9:35

Exodus 10

Exodus 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh’s hard heart

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 10:1

Yahweh speaks of making Pharaoh and his servants stubborn as if he were making their hearts hard. See how you translated “Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart” in Exodus 9:12. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 10:2

“many different signs”

Exodus 10:4

This word adds emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-imperative)

Exodus 10:5

Hail is raindrops that freeze while falling from the clouds.

Exodus 10:6

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “nothing anyone has ever seen” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 10:7

A “menace” is someone who brings trouble or harm.

Pharaoh’s servants ask this question to show Pharaoh the extent of destruction in Egypt. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We cannot allow this man to continue to bring trouble to us!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Pharaoh’s servants ask this question to bring Pharaoh to recognize what he refuses to see. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should realize that Egypt is destroyed!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that these plagues have destroyed Egypt” or “that their God has destroyed Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 10:10

Pharaoh says this to emphasize that he would not let Moses take the children with them to worship Yahweh. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hypo)

Exodus 10:11

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh drove Moses and Aaron out from his presence” or “Then Pharaoh had his servants drive Moses and Aaron out from his presence” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 10:15

There were so many locusts that the land appeared to be dark. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that they darkened the land” or “so that the land appeared dark” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 10:17

“once again”

The word “death” here refers to the destruction by the locusts of all plants in Egypt, which would eventually lead to the deaths of people because there were no crops. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “stop this destruction that will lead to our deaths” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 10:19

“moved the locusts upwards”

Exodus 10:20

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 9:12. Alternate translation: “caused Pharaoh to became more defiant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 10:21

Yahweh speaks of extreme darkness as if it is so thick that people can grasp it in their hands. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “dense darkness that people can grasp with their hands” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 10:26

Here the word “hoof” refers to the entire animal. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we cannot leave behind a single animal” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 10:27

“Pharaoh would not let them go”

Exodus 10:28

“Make sure of one thing” or “Be certain of one thing”

Here the word “face” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you see me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Exodus 10:29

With these words, Moses emphasizes that Pharaoh has spoken the truth. Alternate translation: “What you have said is true” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Exodus 11

Exodus 11 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh’s hard heart

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

In the previous chapters, Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he demanded that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people. In this chapter, the same wording is used to refer to Pharaoh “allowing” the Hebrew people to leave Egypt.

Exodus 11:1

Each occurrence of the word “you” in this verse is plural and refers to Moses and the rest of the Israelites. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 11:4

This is the time of 12 am (at night) or 2400 hours.

Exodus 11:5

The “firstborn” always refers to the oldest male offspring.

This phrase refers to Pharaoh.

“who is grinding at the handmill” or “who is behind the handmill grinding grain”

Exodus 11:8

This means that Moses and the people of Israel will leave Egypt. Alternate translation: “After that I will leave here” or “After that I will go out from Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 11:10

Here “heart” refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 9:12. Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused Pharaoh to became more defiant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 12

Exodus 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter are known as the Passover. They are remembered in the celebration of Passover. (See: INVALID bible/kt/passover)

Special concepts in this chapter

Unleavened bread

The concept of unleavened bread is introduced in this chapter. Its significance stems from its connection to the events in this chapter. (See: INVALID bible/kt/unleavenedbread)

Ethnic segregation

The Hebrew people were to be separate from the rest of the world. Because of this, they separated themselves from other people groups. At this time, these foreigners were looked upon as unholy. (See: INVALID bible/kt/holy)

Exodus 12:2

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the month in which the events of this chapter take place will be the beginning of their calendar year. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

The first month of the Hebrew calendar includes the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. It marks when Yahweh rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians. (See: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

Exodus 12:4

This means that there are not enough people in the family to eat an entire lamb. Alternate translation: “If there are not enough people in the household to eat an entire lamb” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Here “the man” refers to the man who is the leader of the household.

Exodus 12:6

This refers to the time of evening after the sun has set but while there is still some light.

Exodus 12:7

“on the sides and top of the way into the house”

Exodus 12:8

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Eat it with bread which you have made without yeast” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

These are small plants that have a strong and usually bad taste.

Exodus 12:9

“Do not eat the lamb or goat uncooked”

Exodus 12:10

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Do not leave any of it until the morning” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 12:11

This refers to a strip of leather or fabric for tying around the waist.

“eat it quickly”

Here the word “it” refers to eating the animal on the tenth day of the month. Alternate translation: “This observance is Yahweh’s Passover” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 12:12

This can be stated with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I will punish all the gods of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Exodus 12:13

This implies that Yahweh will see the blood which indicates an Israelite home. Alternate translation: “that I will see when I come to you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

The words “pass over” were a customary way of saying to not visit or enter. Alternate translation: “I will not enter your house” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Exodus 12:15

The metaphor “cut off” has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) “the people of Israel must send him away” or 2) “I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” or 3) “the people of Israel must kill him.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 12:16

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “an assembly that you have set apart to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You will do no work on these days” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “That must be the only work that you do” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 12:17

The term used for these groups is a military term referring to a large number of soldiers. Alternate translation: “division by division” or “regiment by regiment”

Exodus 12:18

This refers to the time of evening after the sun has set but while there is still some light. See how you translated this in Exodus 12:6.

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. (See: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

“the twenty-first day of the first month.” This is near the middle of April on Western calendars. (See: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Exodus 12:19

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there must not be any yeast in your houses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

The metaphor “cut off” has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) “the people of Israel must send him away” or 2) “I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” or 3) “the people of Israel must kill him.” See how you translated “must be cut off from Israel” in Exodus 12:15. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphorand INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 12:20

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Exodus 12:8. Alternate translation: “bread which you have made without yeast” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 12:21

officially called

Exodus 12:22

a woody plant with small leaves that can be used for sprinkling liquids

“on the sides and top of the way into the house.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:7.

Exodus 12:23

Here the word “door” implies the entire house. This means that God will spare the Israelites in houses with blood on the doors. Alternate translation: “pass over your house” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Exodus 12:24

These words refer to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh.

Exodus 12:25

These words refer to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh.

Exodus 12:27

This means that Yahweh spared the Israelites’ firstborn sons. Alternate translation: “He did not kill the firstborn sons in our houses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 12:28

“everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do”

Exodus 12:29

“in the middle of the night”

Here, “firstborn” always refers to the oldest male offspring. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 11:5.

This refers to Pharaoh.

“to the firstborn of people in prison.” This refers to prisoners, in general, and not to a specific person in prison.

Exodus 12:30

This can be stated with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “All the Egyptians cried loudly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

This double negative emphasizes the positive. Alternate translation: “because someone was dead in every house” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

Exodus 12:33

The Egyptians were afraid that they would die if the Israelites did not leave Egypt. Alternate translation: “We will all die if you do not leave” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 12:34

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They had already tied up their kneading bowls in their clothes and on their shoulders” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 12:37

Rameses was a major Egyptian city where grain was stored. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.

“They numbered about six hundred thousand men.” The total number of men was about 600,000. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 12:39

“bread with dough that did not contain yeast”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians had driven them out of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 12:40

“four hundred and thirty years” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 12:41

“four hundred and thirty years” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This refers to the tribes of Israel. See how you translated “armed group” in Exodus 12:17.

Exodus 12:42

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that all the Israelites were to observe” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“all the Israelites and the all the generations of their descendants”

Exodus 12:43

The pronoun “it” refers to the Passover meal.

Exodus 12:44

“any slave of an Israelite”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the Israelite has bought with money” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 12:46

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Each Israelite family must eat the food in one house” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“you must not break any of its bones.” Here the word “it” refers to the lamb which the Israelite family will eat.

Exodus 12:48

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone must circumcise all his male relatives” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Here the word “land” refers to Canaan. The expression “born in the land” means a person who is a native Israelite. Alternate translation: “those who are Israelites by birth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: “only circumcised people may eat” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

Exodus 12:50

“everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do”

Exodus 12:51

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

The term used for these groups is a military term referring to a large number of soldiers. See how you translated “armed group” in Exodus 12:17. Alternate translation: “by their divisions” or “by their regiments”

Exodus 13

Exodus 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the instructions for the celebration of Passover. (See: INVALID bible/kt/passover)

Special concepts in this chapter

Law

The law mentioned here is not the law of Moses because it has not yet been revealed. Instead, it is a more generic “rule.” (See: INVALID bible/kt/lawofmoses and INVALID bible/kt/reveal)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people. When this chapter states that Pharaoh let the people go, it indicates that he gave them permission to leave.

Exodus 13:2

God requires that every firstborn male child be set apart for him.

Exodus 13:3

The words “Call…to mind” were a customary way of telling someone to remember something. Alternate translation: “Remember and celebrate this day” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate translation: “the place where you were slaves” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Here the word “hand” refers to power. See how you translated “strong hand” in Exodus 6:1. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must not eat bread with yeast” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 13:4

This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. (See: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 13:5

When the Israelites live in Canaan, they must celebrate the Passover on this day each year. See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 12:25.

Exodus 13:6

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

“For 7 days” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 13:7

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must eat bread without yeast” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You may not have any bread with yeast among you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You may not have any yeast” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“inside any of the borders of your land”

Exodus 13:8

The quotation can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “On that day you are to tell your children that this is because of what Yahweh did for you when you came out of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Exodus 13:9

These are two different types of physical reminders so people will not forget something important. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were tying an object around their hands to remind them of what Yahweh had done. Alternate translation: “like something you tie around your hand as a reminder” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were tying an object around their foreheads to remind them of what Yahweh had done. Alternate translation: “like something you tie around your head as a reminder” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The words “in your mouth” here refers to the words that they speak. Alternate translation: “so you may always be speaking of the law of Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The word “hand” here represents God’s actions or works. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:1. Alternate translation: “the power I show in my works” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 13:11

“when he gives the land of the Canaanites to you”

Exodus 13:13

Israel is given a choice to kill the firstborn donkey or buy it back with a lamb.

Exodus 13:14

The first quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “When your son asks you later what this means, then you are to tell him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in Exodus 13:3. Alternate translation: “the place where you were slaves” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 13:16

This expresses two ways to remember the importance of the passover event. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 13:9. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

Exodus 13:17

“was close to where they were located”

Since Israelites had lived in slavery all their lives, they were more accustomed to peace than to war and would rather return to slavery than fight.

Exodus 13:20

Etham is located south of the route heading towards the Philistines, at the border of the wilderness. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 13:21

“a cloud in the shape of a column…fire in the shape of a column.” God is with them in a cloud by day and in a fire by night.

Exodus 14

Exodus 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is an important event in the history of Israel, known as the “parting of the Sea of Reeds.”

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh’s hard heart

Pharaoh’s chariots

These chariots were a fighting force. Pharaoh took an army to kill the Hebrew people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The Israelites asked a few rhetorical questions of Moses. These questions were not really directed at Moses, but at Yahweh. This showed their lack of faith in Yahweh. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID bible/kt/faith)

Exodus 14:2

These are towns on Egypt’s eastern border. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Here the word “You” is plural and refers to Moses and the Israelites. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 14:3

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh will say the Israelites are wandering in the land and the wilderness has closed in on them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Pharaoh speaks of the wilderness as a person who has trapped the Israelites. (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

Exodus 14:4

Yahweh continues to instruct Moses on where to go and what Yahweh will do.

Here “heart” refers to the Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 9:12. Alternate translation: “I will cause Pharaoh to became more defiant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“Pharaoh will pursue the Israelites”

“People will honor me”

“The Egyptians will understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the Israelites camped as Yahweh had instructed them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 14:5

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When someone told the king of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This refers to Pharaoh.

“had run away”

Here the word “minds” refers to their attitudes towards the Israelites. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh and his servants changed their attitudes about the people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

They asked this question to show they thought they had done a foolish thing. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have done a stupid thing by letting Israel go free from working for us!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 14:7

“He took 600 of his best chariots” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 14:8

Here “heart” refers to the Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 9:12. Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused Pharaoh to became more defiant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 14:9

These are towns on Egypt’s eastern border. See how you translated them in Exodus 14:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 14:10

The word “Pharaoh” here represents the entire Egyptian army. Alternate translation: “When Pharaoh and his army came close” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

“the Israelites were terrified”

Exodus 14:11

The Israelites ask this question to express their frustration and fear of dying. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “There were plenty of graveyards in Egypt for us to be buried in. You did not have to take us into the wilderness to die!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

The Israelites ask this question to rebuke Moses for bringing them to the desert to die. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have treated us like this by bringing us out of Egypt!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 14:12

The Israelites ask this question to emphasize that this is what they had told Moses. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is exactly what we told you while we were in Egypt.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “We told you to leave us alone, so we could work for the Egyptians.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Exodus 14:13

Moses responds to the Israelites’ fears.

The pronoun “you” refers to the Israelites. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Moses used a polite way of saying God was going to destroy the Egyptian army. Alternate translation: “For God will kill the Egyptians” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

Exodus 14:15

Moses apparently had been praying to God for help so God uses this question to compel Moses to act. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not call out to me any longer, Moses.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 14:16

“divide the sea into two parts”

Exodus 14:17

“Know”

Here “hearts” refers to the Egyptians themselves. Their stubborn attitude is spoken of as if their hearts were hard. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 9:12. Alternate translation: “I will cause the Egyptians to became more defiant” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“so that the Egyptians will go into the sea after the Israelites”

Exodus 14:20

“the Egyptian army and the Israelite people”

This means that the Egyptians and the Israelites could not approach one another.

Exodus 14:21

An east wind originates in the east and blows towards the west.

where the sun rises

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh divided the waters” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 14:22

“on each side of them” or “on both sides of them”

Exodus 14:24

Panic is when someone becomes so afraid that they cannot think normally.

Exodus 14:25

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Mud clogged their chariot wheels” or “Their chariot wheels were getting stuck in the mud” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 14:26

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Yahweh told Moses to reach out with his hand over the sea so that the waters would come back onto the Egyptians, their chariots, and their horsemen.”

“fall on”

Exodus 14:27

Since the sea was closing in on top of the Egyptians, instead of escaping, they were actually running right into the water.

“Yahweh pushed the Egyptians” or “Yahweh threw the Egyptians”

Exodus 14:30

Here the word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “from the Egyptians’ power” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“on the land along the edge of the sea”

Exodus 15

Exodus 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic songs in 15:1-18 and 15:21. (See: INVALID translate/writing-poetry)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s laws

In this chapter, Moses talks about Yahweh’s laws. The law of Moses is about to be introduced. Although it has not yet been formally introduced, this is what is being referenced in this chapter in anticipation of the revelation of the law of Moses. (See: INVALID bible/kt/lawofmoses and INVALID bible/kt/reveal)

Exodus 15:1

This is a song about the events that happened in Exodus 14:26-28.

It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. Alternate translation: “he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Moses sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them into the sea. Alternate translation: “he has made the sea cover over the horse and rider” or “he has made the horse and rider drown in the sea” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

This refers to all or many of the Egyptian horses and riders that were chasing the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the horses and their riders” (See: INVALID translate/figs-genericnoun)

This is a person who sits on a horse or travels in a chariot that a horse is pulling.

Exodus 15:2

Possible meanings are 1) “Yahweh is the one who gives me strength” or 2) “Yahweh is the strong one who protects me.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Moses calls Yahweh his song because Yahweh is the one he sings about. Alternate translation: “the one I sing about” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Moses calls God his salvation because God saved him. Alternate translation: “he has saved me” or “he is the one who saves me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 15:3

Moses calls God a warrior because God powerfully fought against the Egyptians and won. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is like a warrior” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 15:4

Moses sings about God causing the sea to cover Pharaohs chariots and army as if God had thrown them into the sea. Alternate translation: “he has made the sea cover over Pharaoh’s chariots and army” or “He has made Pharaoh’s chariot riders and army drown in the sea” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 15:5

Just as a stone does not float but sinks to the bottom of the sea, the enemy soldiers sank to the bottom of the sea. Alternate translation: “they went down into the deep water like a stone sinking to the bottom of the sea” (See: INVALID translate/figs-simile)

Exodus 15:6

Moses speaks of God as if God had hands. The right hand refers to God’s power or the things God does powerfully. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, your power is glorious” or “Yahweh, what you do is glorious in power” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Moses speaks of God as if God had hands. The right hand refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, your power has shattered the enemy” or “Yahweh, by your power you have shattered the enemy” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Moses speaks of the enemy as if it were fragile and could be shattered like glass or pottery. Alternate translation: “has completely destroyed the enemy” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 15:7

Rebelling against God is spoken of as rising up against him. Alternate translation: “those who rebelled against you” or “your enemies” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Moses speaks of God’s wrath as if it were a servant that God sent out to do something. Alternate translation: “You showed your wrath” or “You acted according to your wrath” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

Moses speaks of God’s wrath as if it were fire that could completely burn up things. His enemies were completely destroyed like stubble in a fire. Alternate translation: “it completely destroyed your enemies like a fire that burns up straw” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-simile)

Exodus 15:8

Moses speaks of God as if God had a nose, and he speaks of the wind as if God blew the wind from his nose. Alternate translation: “You blew on the sea and” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

Exodus 15:9

This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: “I will satisfy my desire on them” or “I will take all I want from them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

The enemies speak of destroying the Israelites by the power of their hands as if it were their hands that would destroy them. Alternate translation: “I will destroy them with my hand” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 15:10

Moses spoke about God making the wind blow as if God blew the wind through his nose or mouth. Alternate translation: “But you made the wind blow” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Lead is a heavy metal that is commonly used to make things sink in water. The word “lead” here is used to show how fast God’s enemies were destroyed. Alternate translation: “sank as fast as lead in the deep turbulent waters” (See: INVALID translate/figs-simile)

Exodus 15:11

Moses uses this question to show how great God is. Alternate translation: “O Yahweh, no one is like you among the gods!” or “Yahweh, none of the gods is like you!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Moses uses this question to show how great God is. Alternate translation: No one is like you. No one is majestic in holiness as you are, no one is honored in praises as you are, and no one does miracles as you do!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 15:12

The phrase “right hand” represents the strong power of God. Alternate translation: “with your strong power” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Moses speaks about God causing something to happen as if God reached out with his hand. Alternate translation: “With your strong power you made it happen” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Moses personifies the earth as if it could swallow or devour with it’s mouth. Alternate translation: “the earth devoured them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

Exodus 15:14

This means to shake because you are afraid.

Moses speaks of terror as if it were a person that could forcefully grab hold of someone and make them extremely afraid. Alternate translation: “the inhabitants of Philistia will be afraid” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

Exodus 15:15

Moses speaks of people becoming weak from their fear as melting away. Alternate translation: “will be weak from fear” or “will be afraid and faint” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 15:16

Moses continues to sing about how the people of other nations will feel when they see God’s people.

These two words mean that fear will come upon them. Alternate translation: “Fear will come upon them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

Dread is extreme fear or anxiety about something that is going to happen or might happen.

God’s arm represents his great strength. Alternate translation: “Because of your great strength” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Possible meanings are 1) “They will be silent like stone” or 2) “They will be motionless as stone” (See: INVALID translate/figs-simile)

Exodus 15:17

Where God would bring them can be stated clearly. Since Moses was not already in Canaan, some languages would use “take” rather than “bring.” Alternate translation: “You will take your people to Canaan” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-go)

Moses speaks about God giving his people the land to live in as if they were a tree that God was planting. Alternate translation: “settle them on the mountain” or “let them live on the mountain” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

This refers to Mount Zion in the land of Canaan.

Moses speaks about God promising to give his people the mountain forever as if he were giving it to them as an inheritance. Alternate translation: “that you have given them as an inheritance” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The phrase “your hands” refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “that you have built by your power” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-pastforfuture)

Exodus 15:20

Miriam was the older sister of Moses and Aaron. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is a musical instrument like a small drum that also has pieces of metal around the side that make a sound when shaken. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 15:21

It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. See how you translated this in Exodus 15:1. Alternate translation: “he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Miriam sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them into the sea. See how you translated this in Exodus 15:1. Alternate translation: “He has made the horse and rider drown in the sea” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 15:22

The word “Israel” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Moses led the Israelite people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

We do not know the exact locations of this place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 15:23

We do not know the exact locations of this place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 15:24

“were unhappy and told Moses” or “angrily told Moses”

Exodus 15:26

Yahweh is speaking about his own voice. His voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: “my voice” or “what I say” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “do what Yahweh considers to be right”(See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

God speaks of causing people to have diseases as putting diseases on them. Alternate translation: “I will not cause any of you to have the diseases” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 15:27

This is an oasis in the desert, a place with water and shade trees. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“12” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“70” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 16

Exodus 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Complaints

The Israelites complained about the amount of food Yahweh gave them, even when he miraculously provided their food for them. This is intended to show their ungratefulness and their sinful view of Yahweh. (See: INVALID bible/kt/sin)

Prohibition against storing food

The people were not allowed to store the food, called manna, they were provided with. This is because they were to trust in Yahweh to provide for their needs every day. (See: INVALID bible/kt/trust)

Sabbath

This is the first recorded celebration of the Sabbath rest. (See: INVALID bible/kt/sabbath)

Ark of the covenant

Although the covenant has not yet been made, it is referenced in Exodus 16:34. This is probably done either in anticipation of the building of the ark or as an editorial comment made by Moses after these events. (See: INVALID bible/kt/covenant)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Wilderness of Sin

Sin is the name of a part of the Sinai Wilderness. It is not the description of a place, and it has nothing to do with sinning. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 16:1

The word “Sin” here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word “sin.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This time coincides with the end of April and the beginning of May on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “on day 15 of the second month” (See: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

Exodus 16:2

“All the Israelites complained.” This is a generalization. Moses and Aaron did not complain. Alternate translation: “The Israelites complained” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

“were angry and spoke”

Exodus 16:3

This is a way of saying that they wished that they had died. Alternate translation: “We wish that we had died”

The phrase “Yahweh’s hand” represents Yahweh’s action. Alternate translation: “by Yahweh’s action” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 16:4

God speaks of food coming down from heaven as if it were rain. Alternate translation: “I will make bread come down from heaven like rain” or “I will make bread fall to you from the sky” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

God speaks of the food that he will send as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. Alternate translation: “food” or “food like bread” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

God speaks of obeying his law as walking in it. Alternate translation: “obey my law” or “live according to my law” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“my command”

Exodus 16:5

“It will happen on the sixth day that they” or “On the sixth day they”

“on day 6” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

two times

Exodus 16:7

Moses and Aaron used this question to show the people that it was foolish to complain against them. Alternate translation: “We are not powerful enough for you to complain against us.” or “It is foolish to complain against us, because we cannot do what you want.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 16:8

Moses speaks of the food that God will send as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. See how you translated it in Exodus 16:4. Alternate translation: “food” or “food like bread” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Moses used this question to show the people that he and Aaron did not have the power to give them what they wanted. Alternate translation: “Aaron and I cannot give you what you want.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

The people were complaining against Moses and Aaron, who were Yahweh’s servants. So by complaining against them, the people were really complaining against Yahweh. Alternate translation: Your complaints are not really against us; they are against Yahweh, because we are his servants” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 16:10

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

The word “behold” here shows that the people saw something interesting.

Exodus 16:12

God speaks of the food that he will send as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. See how you translated it in Exodus 16:4. Alternate translation: “food” or “food like bread” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 16:13

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

These are small, plump birds. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 16:14

The original readers knew what frost is like, so this phrase would help them understand what the flakes were like. Frost is frozen dew that forms on the ground. It is very fine. Alternate translation: “that looked like frost” or “that was fine like frost” (See: INVALID translate/figs-simile and INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 16:15

Moses speaks of the food that God sent as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. See how you translated it in Exodus 16:4. Alternate translation: “food” or “food like bread” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 16:16

Moses continues telling the people about the food that God was providing for them.

2 liters (See: INVALID translate/translate-bvolume)

Exodus 16:22

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. Verses 16:22-30 tell about what the people did concerning the manna on the sixth and seventh days of the week. If your language has a way for marking this as a new part of the story, you could consider using it here.

“on day 6” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

two times

This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning.

Exodus 16:23

“a day to rest quietly and think seriously”

Exodus 16:24

“did not smell rotten”

Exodus 16:25

“today is a Sabbath and is to be used only for honoring Yahweh”

Exodus 16:26

“but on day seven” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This was the name the Israelites gave to the bread that Yahweh caused to appear for them each morning.

Exodus 16:27

“they did not find any manna”

Exodus 16:28

Yahweh speaks to Moses, but the word “you” refers to the people of Israel in general.

God used this question to scold the people because they did not obey his laws. Alternate translation: “You people still do not keep my commandments and laws!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

“to obey my commandments and my laws”

Exodus 16:29

Yahweh speaks about teaching people to rest on the Sabbath as if the Sabbath were a gift. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, have taught you to rest on the Sabbath” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“day 6…2 days…day 7” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning.

Exodus 16:31

Coriander is also known as cilantro. People dry the seeds and grind them into a powder and put it in food to give it flavor. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

very thin biscuits or crackers

Exodus 16:32

2 liters (See: INVALID translate/translate-bvolume)

This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning.

Exodus 16:33

“two liters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bvolume)

Exodus 16:36

An omer and an ephah are both containers for measuring volume. The original readers would have known how much an ephah was. This sentence would help them know how much an omer was. For languages that do not use fractions, this can be reworded. Alternate translation: “Now ten omers equal one ephah” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bvolume and INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

Exodus 17

Exodus 17 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Moses uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these questions is to convince people of their sin. Likewise, the people’s rhetorical question showed their ignorance. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID bible/kt/sin)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Wilderness of Sin

Sin is the name of a part of the Sinai Wilderness. It is not the description of a place, and it has nothing to do with sinning. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 17:1

The word “Sin” here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word “sin.” See how you translated this in Exodus 16:1. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This means “the resting place,” a place to rest on long journeys through the wilderness. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 17:2

Moses uses these questions to scold the people. Alternate translation: “You should not quarrel with me! You should not test Yahweh!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 17:3

The people use this question to accuse Moses of wanting to kill them. Alternate translation: “You only brought us out here to kill us and our children and cattle by not letting us have any water to drink!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 17:7

a place in the desert whose name means “testing” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

a place in the desert whose name means “complaining” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 17:8

This was the name of a place in the desert. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 17:10

Joshua represents himself and the Israelites that he led into battle. Alternate translation: “So Joshua and the men he chose fought against the Amalekites” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Hur was a friend of Moses and Aaron. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 17:11

The words “Israel” and “Amalek” represent the fighters from those groups. Alternate translation: “the Israelite fighters were winning…the Amalekite fighters would begin to win” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Exodus 17:12

The author writes of Moses’ arms becoming tired as if his hands became heavy. Alternate translation: “arms became tired” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 17:13

The sword represents battle. Alternate translation: “in battle” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 17:14

God speaks of destroying Amalek as if he were removing people’s memory of Amalek. When a group of people is completely destroyed, there is nothing to remind people about them. Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy Amalek” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

This refers to the Amalekites. Alternate translation: Amalekites” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 17:16

People would raise their hand when they made a promise or pledge, so raising the hand represents making a promise. Alternate translation: “a promise was made” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh lifted up his hand” or “Yahweh made a solemn promise” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 18

Exodus 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Leadership lessons

Jethro taught Moses an important leadership lesson in this chapter. Many scholars look at this chapter for important leadership lessons. Moses delegated some of his responsibilities to other godly men so that he would not become worn out by all the demands made of him. (See: INVALID bible/kt/godly)

Exodus 18:1

This refers to the father of the wife of Moses.

Exodus 18:2

Possible meanings are 1) Jethro took Zipporah to Moses, or 2) Jethro had earlier welcomed back Zipporah.

This is something Moses had done earlier. The full meaning of the can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “after Moses had sent her home to her parents” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 18:3

This is the ending of the sentence that begins with the words “Jethro…took Zipporah” in verse 2. Possible meanings are 1) Jethro took Zipporah and her two sons to Moses, or 2) Jethro had earlier welcomed back Zipporah and her two sons.

This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means “foreigner.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 18:4

This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means “God is the one who helps me.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This represents being killed by Pharaoh or Pharaoh’s army. Alternate translation: “being killed by Pharaoh” or “being killed by Pharaoh’s army” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 18:5

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “where he camped with the Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 18:7

These symbolic acts were the normal way that people showed great respect and devotion in that culture. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Exodus 18:8

The word “Israel” represents the Israelite people. Alternate translation: “in order to help the Israelite people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Moses writes of hardships happening to them as if hardships had come to them. Alternate translation: “all the hardships that had happened to them” or “all the hardships they had experienced” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 18:9

The hand represents the power of someone to do something. Alternate translation: “the power of the Egyptians…the power of Pharaoh” or “what the Egyptians were doing to you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 18:10

The hand represents the power of someone to do something. Alternate translation: “the power of the Egyptians…the power of Pharaoh” or “what the Egyptians were doing to you…what Pharaoh was doing to you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 18:14

Jethro uses this question to show Moses that what he was doing was not good. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be doing all of this for the people!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Jethro used this question to show Moses that he was doing too much. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not sit alone…from morning till evening!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

The word “sit” here is a metonym for “judge.” Judges would sit while they listened to people’s complaints. Alternate translation: “you judge alone” or “you are the only one who judges the people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 18:18

“you will surely make yourselves very tired”

Jethro speaks of the hard work that Moses is doing as if it were a physical burden that Moses was carrying. Alternate translation: “This work is too much for you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 18:19

“you guidance” or “you instruction”

Jethro speaks of God helping Moses as if God would be with Moses. Alternate translation: “God will help you” or “God will give you wisdom” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Jethro speaks of Moses telling God about their disputes as if Moses were bringing their disputes to God. Alternate translation: “you tell God about their disputes” or “you tell God what they are arguing about” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 18:20

Jethro speaks of living or behaving like walking. Alternate translation: “You must show them how to live” or “You must show them how to behave” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 18:21

Jethro continues speaking to Moses.

“In addition, you must choose” or “You must also choose”

Jethro speaks of giving them authority over people as putting them over people. Alternate translation: You must give them authority over people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of people in each group. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of groups of 1,000 people, groups of 100 people, groups of 50 people, and groups of 10 people” or 2) these numbers are not exact, but represent groups of people of various sizes. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of very small groups, small groups, large groups, and very large groups” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 18:22

“the simple cases”

Jethro speaks of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. Alternate translation: “the difficult cases they will tell you about” or “when there are difficult cases, they will tell you about them so you can judge them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Jethro speaks of the hard work that they would do as if it were a burden that they would carry. Alternate translation: “they will do the hard work with you” or “they will help you do the hard work” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 18:23

What they will endure can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “endure the stress of the work” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 18:25

Moses writes of the leaders of people as if they were the head of a body. Alternate translation: “leaders of the people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

What they were capable of doing can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “men who were able to lead” or “men who were able to judge” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 18:26

“judged the people most of the time” or “judged the people’s easy cases”

The author writes of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. Alternate translation: “the difficult cases they told Moses about” or “when there were difficult cases, they told Moses about them so that he would judge them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“the easy cases”

Exodus 19

Exodus 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“A kingdom of priests”

The function of the priests was to intercede for the people. The Levites were the only priests in Israel; this is a metaphor indicating that the nation was to intercede for the world as a whole. They were also to be holy, or set apart, from the rest of the world. (See: INVALID bible/kt/priest and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID bible/kt/holy)

Revealing the Law

The events of this chapter are concerned with preparing the people to receive the law of Moses. The people go through all of this to prepare themselves for the law, which show the great importance of this event for Israel. (See: INVALID bible/kt/lawofmoses)

Exodus 19:1

This means they arrived at the wilderness on the first day of the month just as they left Egypt on the first day of the month. The first day of the third month on the Hebrew calendar is near the middle of May on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “In the third month…on the first day of the month” (See: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

“had left”

Exodus 19:2

This is an area on the edge of the wilderness of Sinai where the people of Israel had been camping. See how you translated this name in Exodus 17:1. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 19:3

The word “house” here represents Jacob’s family and descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Jacob” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The phrase “the people of Israel” explains what “the house of Jacob” means.

Exodus 19:4

The word “you” here refers to the Israelites. Yahweh is telling Moses what to tell the Israelites. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

God speaks of caring for his people while they traveled as if he were an eagle and carried them on his wings. Alternate translation: “I helped you travel like an eagle that carries her babies on her wings” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 19:5

Obediently can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “listen to my voice and obey me”

God’s voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: “what I say” or “my words” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“do what my covenant requires you to do”

“treasure”

Exodus 19:6

God speaks of his people as if they were priests. Alternate translation: “a kingdom of people who are like priests” or “a kingdom of people who do what priests do” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 19:7

The author writes of Moses telling people things as if he were setting the words before them. AT “told them all these words” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“all that Yahweh had commanded him”

Exodus 19:8

Where Moses went can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Moses went back up the mountain to report” (See: INVALID translate/figs-go and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

The word “words” refers to what the people said. Alternate translation: “what the people said” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 19:10

This probably means “tell them to dedicate themselves to me” or “tell them to purify themselves for me.”

“their clothes” or “what they are wearing”

Exodus 19:11

This was a command to the people of Israel. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 19:12

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“make a boundary.” This was either a mark or some kind of barrier.

This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: “You must surely put to death any person who touches the mountain” or “You must surely kill anyone who touches the mountain” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“Any person who touches” or “Anyone who touches”

Exodus 19:13

“a person who does that” or “a person who touches the mountain”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly stone or shoot him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This refers to being killed by someone who shoots arrows from a bow or stones from a slingshot.

“a long, loud sound”

Exodus 19:15

This is a polite way of talking about sleeping with their wives. Alternate translation: “do not sleep with your wives” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

Exodus 19:16

“All the people…shook with fear”

Exodus 19:18

“Yahweh came down”

This shows that it was a very large amount of smoke. Alternate translation: “like the smoke from a very large fire”

an oven that can be made extremely hot (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 19:19

“continued to become louder and louder”

The word “voice” here refers to a sound that God made. Possible meanings are 1) “by speaking loudly like thunder” or 2) “by speaking” or 3) “by causing thunder to sound” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 19:20

“he commanded Moses to come up”

Exodus 19:21

God spoke about walking past the boundary as if they might break down a barrier and walk through it. See how you translated “set bounds” in Exodus 19:12. Alternate translation: “not to go beyond the boundary” or “not to go through the barrier”(See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 19:24

“go down”

God spoke about walking past the boundary as if they might break down a barrier and walk through it. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 19:21. Alternate translation: “go beyond the boundary” or “go through the barrier” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 20

Exodus 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The instructions recorded in this chapter are commonly known as the “ten commandments.”

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant

Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness is now based on the covenant he made with Abraham as well as the covenant he is making with Moses. (See: INVALID bible/kt/covenantfaith and INVALID bible/kt/covenant)

Exodus 20:2

“place where you were slaves”

Exodus 20:3

“You must not worship any other gods but me”

Exodus 20:4

“and you must not make the likeness”

Exodus 20:5

The word “them” refers to carved figures or idols.

God wants his people to worship only him.

God will punish people for the sin of their parents.

“to generations 3 and 4.” This refers to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alternate translation: “even on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

Exodus 20:6

The abstract noun “faithfulness” can be stated as “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “I faithfully love thousands of those who love me” or “I am faithful to the covenant with thousands of those who love me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

The word “thousands” is a metonym for a number too many to count. Alternate translation: “forever to those who love me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 20:7

“use the name of Yahweh your God”

“carelessly” or “without proper respect”

This double-negative can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “I will certainly consider guilty” or “I will certainly punish” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

Exodus 20:8

“set it apart for a special purpose”

Exodus 20:9

“do all your usual duties”

Exodus 20:10

Cities often had walls around them to keep out enemies, and gates for people to go in and out. Alternate translation: “within your community” or “inside your city” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 20:11

“on day seven.” Here “seventh” is the ordinal number for “7.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

Possible meanings are that 1) God caused the Sabbath day to produce good results, or 2) God said that the Sabbath day was good.

Exodus 20:14

“You must not have sex with anyone other than your spouse”

Exodus 20:16

“must not speak a false report” or “must not tell lies about someone”

Exodus 20:17

“must not strongly want to have” or “must not want to take”

Exodus 20:18

“sound of the trumpet”

“smoke coming from the mountain”

“they shook with fear”

“stood far away” or “stood at a distance”

Exodus 20:20

“so that you will honor him and not sin”

Exodus 20:21

“Moses went closer to”

Exodus 20:22

“Tell the Israelites this”

“You have heard me speak to you from heaven”

Exodus 20:23

“You must not make idols as other gods instead of me”

“gods made out of silver or gold” or “idols made out of silver or gold”

Exodus 20:24

an altar made of materials from the ground, such as stone, soil, or clay

Here “name” is a metonym for God’s being. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “choose for you to honor me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 20:26

“Do not build steps up to the altar and go up to it on those steps”

“your private parts”

Exodus 21

Exodus 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant with Moses

Although the covenant Yahweh made with Moses began in the previous chapter, it formally begins with the statement, “Now these are the decrees that you must set before them.” The law of Moses was a major part of this covenant. (See: INVALID bible/kt/covenant and INVALID bible/kt/lawofmoses)

Slavery

This passage does not condone slavery as an acceptable practice. However, it does impose some restrictions on the practice.

Justice in society

The rules and law of this chapter are not intended to be followed by every society. Israel was God’s chosen nation and was required to live in a special way. These laws concerned creating a just society and a holy nation. (See: INVALID bible/kt/elect and INVALID bible/kt/justice and INVALID bible/kt/holy)

Exodus 21:1

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“you must give them” or “you must tell them”

Exodus 21:2

Yahweh tells Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 21:3

What “by himself” means can be stated clearly. Some languages require that the additional condition, that he marries while a slave, be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “If he became a slave while he had no wife, and if he marries while he is a slave, the master need only free the man” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

“alone” or “without a wife”

“if he was married when he became a slave” or “if he came as a married man”

Exodus 21:5

“clearly says”

“I do not want my master to set me free”

Exodus 21:6

“put a hole in his ear”

a pointed tool used to make a hole

“until the end of his life” or “until he dies”

Exodus 21:8

“has chosen”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he must allow her father to buy her back” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“has no authority to sell”

“he has deceived her”

Exodus 21:9

“decides that she is the one who will be his son’s wife”

Exodus 21:10

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “he must give the first wife the same food, clothing, and marital rights she had before” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

“must not take away her food” or “must not give her less food”

This includes things that a husband must do for his wife, including sleeping with her. Alternate translation: “and he must continue to sleep with her as before” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

Exodus 21:12

“hits a man” or “attacks a man”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly execute that person” or “you must certainly kill that person” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 21:13

“did not plan to do it” or “did not do it on purpose”

The purpose of choosing a place can be stately clearly here. Alternate translation: “I will choose a place that he can run away to be safe” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 21:14

“after thinking carefully about it”

The word “him” refers to the one who killed his neighbor.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you can kill him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 21:15

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If anyone hits his father or mother, you must surely put him to death” or “You must surely kill anyone who hits his father or mother” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“must certainly”

Exodus 21:16

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must kill that kidnapper” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 21:17

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must surely kill anyone who curses his father or his mother” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 21:18

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “cannot get out of bed” or “has to stay in bed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 21:19

“he gets better”

This is a stick that can be leaned on for support while walking.

This refers to a situation when someone cannot work to earn money. You can express this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “the time he could not work” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

“pay his medical costs” or “pay for his costs for healing”

Exodus 21:20

“because of the injury” or “because his master hit him”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly punish that man” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 21:21

You can express clearly in the translation that the servant was valuable to his master. Alternate translation: “because he has already lost his servant who was valuable to him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 21:22

“her baby dies in her womb” or “her baby is born too soon and dies”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly fine the guilty man” or “the guilty man must pay a fine” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“what the judges decide”

Exodus 21:23

This means that if she is hurt, the person who hurt her must be hurt in the same way. Alternate translation: “he must give his life for her life” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 21:24

This means that if she is hurt, the person who hurt her must be hurt in the same way. Alternate translation: “his eye for her eye” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 21:26

Here “man” refers to the owner of a slave.

“as payment.” Compensation is what someone does for another person or gives to another person to make up for what he has caused that person to lose.

Exodus 21:28

“an ox injures with its horns”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must stone the ox to death” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must not eat its flesh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must acquit the ox’s owner” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 21:29

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must also kill its owner” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 21:30

If the ox’s owner can pay a fine to save his own life, then he must pay whatever the judges decide. The full meaning of this can be stated clearly. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if the owner of the bull can pay a fine to save his own life, he must pay the full amount that the judges say that he must pay” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 21:31

“has injured with its horns”

Exodus 21:32

“330 grams of silver.” A shekel weighed eleven grams. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must kill the ox by stoning it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 21:33

“uncovers a hole in the ground” or “takes a cover off a hole in the ground”

Exodus 21:34

The owner must be paid for the loss of his animal. Alternate translation: “pay the owner for the dead animal” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

The one who paid for the loss of the animal will become the owner of the dead animal and can do what he wants with it. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “will belong to the owner of the pit” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 21:35

“divide the money” or “divide the money they receive”

Exodus 21:36

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if people knew” or “if the owner knew” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“had gored other animals before”

This means that the owner did not keep his ox securely inside a fence. This can be clearly stated in the translation. Alternate translation: “its owner did not keep it inside a fence” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

The owner of the ox that killed must give an ox to the man who lost his ox. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “the owner of the ox that killed must surely give a living ox to the owner of the ox that died” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 22

Exodus 22 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice in society

The rules and laws of this chapter are not intended to be followed by every society. Israel was God’s chosen nation and was required to live in a special way. These laws concerned creating a just society and a holy nation. In this chapter, the purpose of these laws often focuses on minimizing the people’s desire for vengeance. (See: INVALID bible/kt/elect, INVALID bible/kt/lawofmoses, INVALID bible/kt/justice and INVALID bible/kt/holy and INVALID bible/other/avenge)

Exodus 22:1

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 22:2

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If anyone finds a thief” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“using force to come into a house”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if anyone strikes the thief so that he dies” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“no one will be guilty of murdering him”

Exodus 22:3

“if it is light before he breaks in” or “if he breaks in and it is after sunrise”

“the person who kills him will be guilty of murder”

“pay for what he stole”

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “you must sell him as a slave in order to pay for what he stole” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 22:4

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If they find that he still has the live animal that he stole” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

pay two animals for every animal that he took

Exodus 22:5

“If a man lets his animals eat plants”

“it eats plants”

“he must pay back the owner of that field”

Exodus 22:6

“If someone starts a fire and it spreads in thorns”

“moves along the ground through dry plants”

This is grain that has been cut and tied in bundles. “bundled grain” or “harvested grain”

This is grain that has not been cut, but it is ready to be harvested.

“fire consumes a field” or “fire destroys a field”

“must certainly pay for the grain that the fire destroyed”

Exodus 22:7

“to watch over it” or “to keep it safe”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if someone steals it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

someone who steals something

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if you find the thief” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 22:8

“come before the judges so that they can find out if”

This is an idiom. If you have a way of saying this in your language, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “has stolen his neighbor’s property” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Exodus 22:9

The judges must listen to both people who claim that the item belongs to them and the judges will decide who is guilty.

Exodus 22:11

Only the man who is accused of stealing the animal must swear the oath. The owner of the lost animal must accept the oath that has been sworn. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the man who was caring for the animal must swear an oath before Yahweh and the owner must accept that oath” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 22:12

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But if someone stole the animal from him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 22:13

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But if a wild beast tore the animal in pieces” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He will not have to pay for the animal that the wild beast destroyed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 22:14

“must certainly repay with another animal” or “must certainly pay the owner for the animal”

Exodus 22:15

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if someone rented the animal” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

The one who borrowed the animal will not have to pay the owner anything more than the hiring or rental fee. This fee will pay for the loss of the animal. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “the money that someone paid to rent the animal will cover the loss of the animal” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

“rental fee” or “money paid to rent the animal”

Exodus 22:16

“a man persuades a virgin who is not engaged that she wants to sleep with him”

“not promised to be married”

Lying with someone is a euphemism for having sex. Alternate translation: “if he has sex with her” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

“dowry” or “bride price”

Exodus 22:17

These pronouns refer back to the man who seduced the virgin.

Exodus 22:19

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “Whoever has sexual relations with an animal” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

Exodus 22:20

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, you must completely destroy” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 22:21

“mistreat a foreigner” or “cheat a foreigner”

Exodus 22:22

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “You must treat all widows and fatherless children fairly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

“woman whose husband has died”

“orphan” or “child with no parents”

Exodus 22:24

To be killed “with the sword” is a metonym that means a person will die violently, or perhaps fighting in a war. Alternate translation: “you will die a violent death” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 22:25

“one who lends money”

“charge him extra money for borrowing” or “charge him extra money for the loan”

Exodus 22:26

“coat as collateral” or “coat as a guarantee to repay the loan”

Exodus 22:27

“only coat” or “only garment to keep him warm”

This question adds emphasis. You can translate it as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “He will have nothing to wear while he sleeps!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Exodus 22:28

“Do not insult God” or “Do not speak evil about God”

“and do not ask God to do bad things to a ruler”

Exodus 22:29

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “You must bring all of your offerings” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

“dedicate your firstborn sons to me”

Exodus 22:30

“dedicate to me the firstborn of”

This can be written as a numeral. Alternate translation: “For 7 days after they are born” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This can be written as a numeral. Alternate translation: “day number 8” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“dedicate them to me”

Exodus 23

Exodus 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice in society

The rules and laws of this chapter are not intended to be followed by every society. Israel was God’s chosen nation and was required to live in a special way. These laws concerned creating a just society and a holy nation. (See: INVALID bible/kt/elect, INVALID bible/kt/lawofmoses and INVALID bible/kt/justice and INVALID bible/kt/holy)

Celebrations of feasts and festivals

The people of Israel were required to celebrate certain feasts and festivals. These were part of the law of Moses and some are described in this chapter. Their purpose was to worship Yahweh and to remember the great things Yahweh has done for them.

Exodus 23:1

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

This is the same as a lying or false witness.

Exodus 23:2

“and you also must not speak”

This is a metaphor that describes one’s agreeing with a group of people as if he actually walked over and stood with that group. Alternate translation: “doing what the crowd wants” or “agreeing with the majority” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

do illegal or immoral actions that result in a unjust ruling

Exodus 23:4

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 23:6

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

“Do not decide to treat a poor man unjustly in legal matters”

Here, this refers to any matter that a court decides.

Exodus 23:7

“I will not find the wicked not guilty” or “I will not say of wicked people that they are innocent”

Exodus 23:8

Here a “bribe” is described as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “bribe discredits…undermines” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

Exodus 23:9

“the kind of life a stranger lives in a foreign land”

Exodus 23:10

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

“the food its plants produce”

Exodus 23:11

uncultivated, untilled

in its natural state, not used for to grow food

The poor can eat any food that grows on its own in a field that is not cultivated. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “so the poor among your people may harvest and eat any food that grows on its own in that field” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 23:12

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

“your work animals”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “any foreigner may rest and regain his strength” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 23:13

“Do” or “Obey”

This represents praying to other gods. Alternate translation: “pray to other gods” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 23:14

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 23:15

This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. See how you translated this in Exodus 13:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-names)

Here understatement is used to emphasize that the Israelites must bring a suitable offering to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “come to me without a proper offering” or “always bring an offering to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

Exodus 23:16

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

“You must honor” or “You must celebrate”

This festival celebrated the final harvesting of all the crops for the year.

Exodus 23:17

Here to “appear” means to gather for worship. Alternate translation: “All the men must gather to worship the Lord Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 23:18

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

The fat was burned as an offering to Yahweh and was never eaten.

Exodus 23:19

“the best and first produce of the harvest”

This was a magical fertility practice among the Canaanites, which the Israelites were not permitted to participate in.

Exodus 23:20

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 23:21

“Listen to him”

“If you provoke him, he will not pardon”

Here “name” refers to God’s authority. Alternate translation: “He has my authority” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 23:22

Here “voice” represents what the angel says. Alternate translation: “If you carefully obey what he says” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

These two phrases mean the same thing and are used for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

Exodus 23:23

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 23:24

The Israelites must not live as the people who worship other gods. Alternate translation: “You must not…live as the people who worship those gods” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 23:25

This is a merism that means food and drink. Alternate translation: “he will bless your food and drink” or “he will bless you by giving you food and drink” (See: INVALID translate/figs-merism)

Yahweh switched between the first and third pronoun to refer to himself. Here both “he” and “I” refer to Yahweh. (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

Exodus 23:26

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Every woman will be able to become pregnant and give birth to healthy babies” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

to have a pregnancy end early and unexpectedly

Exodus 23:28

a flying insect that can sting people and cause pain

Exodus 23:29

“because no one would be living in the land”

Exodus 23:30

Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

Exodus 23:33

This means worshiping other gods will lead the people of Israel to certain destruction as if they were an animal caught in a hunter’s trap. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 24

Exodus 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Moses’ covenant

The people of Israel promise to obey the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. Their continued blessings were contingent upon their obedience to this covenant. (See: INVALID bible/kt/promise and INVALID bible/kt/covenant)

God’s holiness

Because Yahweh is perfectly holy, he can only be approached in a certain way. Because of this, only Moses was allowed near Yahweh. This is also why Yahweh is described as a “devouring fire.” (See: INVALID bible/kt/holy)

Exodus 24:1

These are men’s names. See how you translated these names in Exodus 6:23. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“70 of Israel’s elders” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 24:3

This is an idiom that means the people were in complete agreement. Alternate translation: “together” or “in agreement” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Exodus 24:4

“base of the mountain” or “bottom of the mountain”

Exodus 24:6

Moses collected half of the blood in basins in order to splash it on the people in Exodus 24:8. This would confirm the people’s participation in the covenant between the people of Israel and God.

Here the altar represents God. This would confirm God’s participation in the covenant between God and the people of Israel.

Exodus 24:7

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “We will obey everything” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 24:8

This refers to the blood that Moses had put into the bowls. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Then Moses took the blood that was in the bowls” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 24:9

These are men’s names. See how you translated these names in Exodus 6:23. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 24:10

This speaks of God as if he had human feet. (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

“a pavement made of blue stones called sapphires”

a hard surface for walking or riding

This is a gemstone that is blue in color. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

This is a simile. Alternate translation: “as clear as the sky is when there are no clouds” (See: INVALID translate/figs-simile)

Exodus 24:11

This means that God did not harm the leaders. Alternate translation: “God did not harm the Israelite leaders” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 24:12

God had written the law and commandments on the tablets of stone. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “two stone slabs on which I have written all the laws” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 24:13

“with Joshua who assisted him” or “with Joshua who helped him”

Exodus 24:14

“wait for Joshua and me”

Hur was a man who was a friend of Moses and Aaron. See how you translated this name in Exodus 17:10. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 24:16

This was the brilliant light of God’s presence. Alternate translation: “The brilliant light showing God’s presence” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 24:17

This means the glory of Yahweh was very large and seemed to burn brightly like a fire. Alternate translation: “like a big fire burning” (See: INVALID translate/figs-simile)

Their eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents their thoughts or judgment about they saw. Alternate translation: “to the Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 24:18

“40 days and 40 nights” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 25

Exodus 25 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The tent of meeting

This chapter gives specific instructions regarding the building of a tent where Moses would meet Yahweh and the ark would be stored. This would eventually become the tabernacle. It was to be considered a very holy place. (See: INVALID bible/kt/tabernacle and INVALID bible/kt/holy)

Exodus 25:2

This is an idiom that indicates a person’s desire to give an offering. Alternate translation: “who wants to give an offering” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

The word “you” refers to Moses and the leaders. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 25:3

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 25:4

Possible meanings are 1) “material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or 2) “blue, purple and scarlet dye” to dye the linen.

bright red

Exodus 25:6

dried plants that people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 25:7

a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “precious stones for someone to set” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“valuable gems” or “treasured gems”

Exodus 25:8

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 25:9

Here this word means the same thing as the word “sanctuary” in verse 8.

Here “you” is plural and refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

“show you in the design” or “show you in the pattern.” Here “you” is singular and refers to Moses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 25:10

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.5 cubits…1.5 cubits” or “115 centimeters…almost 69 centimeters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance and INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

Exodus 25:12

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Casting was a process in which gold was melted, poured into a mold that was in the shape of a ring, and then allowed to harden.

Exodus 25:14

“so that you can carry the ark”

Exodus 25:15

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 25:17

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.5 cubits…1.5 cubits” or “115 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance and INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

Exodus 25:18

“beaten gold”

Exodus 25:19

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must make them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 25:21

Here “you” refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 25:22

Yahweh continues to speak to Moses.

“I will meet with you at the ark.” In 25:22 the word “you” is singular and refers to Moses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

Exodus 25:23

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2 cubits…1 cubit…1.5 cubits” or “92 centimeters…46 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance and INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

Exodus 25:25

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

a measurement of 7 to 8 centimeters

“frame for the table”

Exodus 25:26

“legs are”

Exodus 25:27

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must attach the rings” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“so you can carry”

Exodus 25:28

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you may carry the table with them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 25:29

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you may use them to pour out drink offerings” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 25:30

This bread represented the presence of God.

Exodus 25:31

“beaten gold.” See how you translated this in Exodus 25:18.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make the lampstand” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make its cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers all of one piece with the lampstand” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 25:33

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).

white or pink flowers that have five petals

Exodus 25:34

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).

Exodus 25:35

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must make them as one piece with the lampstand” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 25:36

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).

Exodus 25:37

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“so they shine light from it”

Exodus 25:38

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make the tongs and their trays of pure gold” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 25:39

A talent weighs about thirty-three kilograms. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bweight)

the tongs and the trays

Exodus 25:40

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am showing you on the mountain” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 26

Exodus 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

The tent of meeting

Exodus 26:1

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do (Exodus 25:1).

Yahweh is speaking to Moses, so the word “you” is singular. Yahweh probably expected Moses to tell someone else to do the actual work, but Moses would be the one responsible for seeing that the work was done correctly. “Tell a craftsman to make” (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

These were large, heavy sections of woven cloth that were used to form the covering and dividing walls of the tabernacle.

wool dyed a deep red color

a person who is skilled in making beautiful objects by hand

Exodus 26:2

“28 cubits…4 cubits.” A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 26:3

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Sew five curtains together to make one set, and sew the other five curtains together to make another set” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 26:4

“one set of five curtains”

“the second set of five curtains”

Exodus 26:6

The clasps fit into the loops (verses 4 and 5) to hold the curtains together.

Exodus 26:7

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“11” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 26:8

“30…4” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 26:10

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

See how you translated these in Exodus 26:4.

Exodus 26:11

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:6.

Exodus 26:12

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 26:13

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 26:14

See how you translated similar phrases in Exodus 25:5.

“colored red”

Exodus 26:15

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This refers to frames or panels that they made by joining together smaller pieces of wood.

Exodus 26:16

“10 cubits…1.5 cubits” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 26:19

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

These were silver blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place.

The silver bases kept the wooden board off the ground.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Put two bases” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 26:21

This means that what was said about the first two boards should be done for the rest of the boards. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “and two bases for each of the rest of the boards” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 26:22

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 26:24

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Separate these frames at the bottom, but join them at the top” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 26:25

These were silver blocks that had a slot in them to keep the frame in place. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:19.

“total”

This means that what was said about the first two frames should be done for the rest of the frames. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:21. Alternate translation: “and two bases for each of the rest of the frames” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 26:26

Yahweh continue to tell Moses how the tabernacle was to be built.

These are horizontal support beams that give stability to the structure.

Exodus 26:27

The front was on the east side of the tabernacle.

Exodus 26:29

Yahweh continues to tell Moses how the tabernacle must be constructed.

“which will hold the crossbars” or “because they will hold the crossbars”

These are horizontal support beams that give stability to the structure. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:26.

Exodus 26:30

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that I have shown you here on this mountain” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 26:31

Yahweh continues to tell Moses how the tabernacle is to be constructed.

Exodus 26:33

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:6.

The ark of the testimony is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “you must bring in the chest containing the commandments” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The curtain will separate the holy place” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 26:34

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

“on the chest that contains the commandments”

Exodus 26:35

This is the table that holds the bread that represents the presence of God. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Place the table for the bread of God’s presence on the north side” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 26:36

Yahweh continues to tell Moses how to construct the tabernacle.

This was a large curtain made of cloth.

Possible meanings are 1) “yarn that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or 2) “blue, purple, and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:4.

“finely twisted linen.” This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread.

“a person who sews designs into cloth” or “a person who embroiders”

Exodus 27

Exodus 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

The tent of meeting

Exodus 27:1

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do (Exodus 25:1).

“2.2 meters long on each side” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

“The altar must be square and 1.3 meters high” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 27:2

“You must make projections that look like ox horns on its four corners”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must make the horns” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“must cover the altar and horns”

Exodus 27:3

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

bowls

These were pans that held hot coals from the altar.

These were any instrument, vessel, or tool that served a useful purpose.

Exodus 27:4

“You must make a bronze grate for the altar”

a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning

Exodus 27:5

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people need to do.

The grate was placed inside the altar. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “You must put the grate under the rim of the altar, on the inside of the altar” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 27:6

These poles were used for carrying the altar. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “You must make poles for carrying the altar” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 27:7

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people should do.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must put the poles into the rings and place them on each side of the altar to carry it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 27:8

a long, flat piece of wood that is thicker than a board

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that I have shown to you here on this mountain” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 27:9

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must place hangings…courtyard” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

A “hanging” was a large curtain made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36

“finely twisted linen.” This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “44 meters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 27:10

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must also attach hooks…posts” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support

Exodus 27:11

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 27:9.

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “you must make hangings”

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 27:10.

Exodus 27:12

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “you must make a curtain”

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “You must make ten posts”

Exodus 27:13

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “Make the courtyard fifty cubits long”

Exodus 27:14

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

These were large curtains made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

These were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in Exodus 27:10.

These were metal blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:19.

about seven meters (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 27:16

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “You must make a curtain twenty cubits long to be the courtyard gate”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They must make the curtain…fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer” or “Embroiderers must make the curtain…fine twined linen” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Possible meanings are 1) “yarn that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or 2) “blue, purple, and scarlet dye” to dye the linen.

a person who sews designs into cloth

Exodus 27:17

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 27:18

“100 cubits.” A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“finely twisted linen.” This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

Exodus 27:19

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “make all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

sharp pieces of wood or metal used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground

Exodus 27:20

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 27:21

This is another name for the tabernacle.

This is the chest that contains the sacred slabs of stone on which Yahweh had written his commandments.

“I require that the people do this as a lasting statute”

Exodus 28

Exodus 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Holy garments

Because Yahweh is holy, only the priests could approach him, and when they did they must be wearing specially made clothing. (See: INVALID bible/kt/priest and INVALID bible/kt/holy)

Exodus 28:1

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do (Exodus 25:1).

Here “yourself” refers to Moses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 28:2

Here “you” refers to the people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “garments that you will set apart to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 28:4

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“a coat with a design woven into it”

a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times.

a piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest

Exodus 28:6

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

“finely-twisted linen.” This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

a person who can make beautiful objects by hand

Exodus 28:8

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they must make it in one piece” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 28:9

These are valuable stones that have layers of white and black, red or brown. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:7. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 28:10

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 28:11

“In the same way a person engraves on a seal”

a person who cuts designs into a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal

an engraved stone used to stamp a design into a wax seal

pieces of metal that hold the stone onto the ephod

Exodus 28:13

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

These are pieces of metal that hold each stone onto the ephod. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:11.

Exodus 28:14

“two chains of pure gold that are braided like cords”

Exodus 28:15

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“a skillful workman will make it like the ephod”

Exodus 28:16

A span is 22 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 28:17

Twelve kinds of stone are listed here. Scholars are not sure which kinds of stones the Hebrew words refer to. Some translations list different stones.

“valuable gems” or “treasured gems.” See how you translated these in Exodus 25:7. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

These are precious stones. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 28:18

These are precious stones.

This is a gemstone that is blue in color. See how you translated this in Exodus 24:10.

Exodus 28:19

These are precious stones

Exodus 28:20

These are precious stones. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

This is a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown. See how you translated these in Exodus 25:7. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must mount them in gold settings” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 28:21

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must arrange the stones” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

A signet is an engraved stone used to stamp a design into a wax seal. Here the stone is mounted on a ring. See how you translated “signet” in Exodus 28:11.

Exodus 28:22

“chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords.” See how you translated similar phrases in Exodus 28:14.

Exodus 28:25

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

“chains braided like cords.” See how you translated this in Exodus 28:14.

These are two settings that enclose the stones. This can be clearly stated in the translation. Alternate translation: “to the two settings that enclose the stones” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 28:27

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 28:28

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that they may attach it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “the breastpiece would stay attached to the ephod” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

Exodus 28:29

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This refers to the names of the tribes engraved on the twelve stones the breastplate as described in Exodus 28:17-21.

“over Aaron’s heart” or “on his chest”

Exodus 28:30

The second phrase appears to refer to the Urim and Thummim and explain their purpose.

It not clear what these are. They were objects, possibly stones, that the priest used to determine somehow the will of God. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 28:31

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 28:32

This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “A weaver must make this robe”

“a person who weaves” or “a person who creates cloth using thread”

Exodus 28:33

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people do.

A pomegranate is a round fruit with a red outer skin. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 28:34

This phrase is repeated to show the pattern of the design on the robe.

Exodus 28:35

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Aaron must wear the robe when he serves” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that the bells make a sound” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

It is implied that he would die because he did not obey Yahweh. This can be stated. Alternate translation: “As a result, he will not die because of disobeying my instructions” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 28:36

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

“write on it in the same way a person engraves on a seal.” See how you translated similar words in Exodus 28:11

Exodus 28:37

This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

Exodus 28:38

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Aaron must wear it on his forehead” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Aaron must always wear the turban on his forehead” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 28:39

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that a person wears around his waist or across his chest. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

An embroiderer is a person who sews designs into cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

Exodus 28:40

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that a person wears around his waist or across his chest. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes.

Exodus 28:41

Aaron was the older brother of Moses. You can state this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “Put these clothes on your older brother Aaron” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 28:42

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

These are underwear, clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin.

Exodus 28:43

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

“a law the will not end”

Exodus 29

Exodus 29 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Consecrating priests

This chapter records the process of consecrating priests. The priests were to be set apart from the rest of Israel because Yahweh is holy. (See: INVALID bible/kt/consecrate and INVALID bible/kt/priest and INVALID bible/kt/holy)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“I will live among the Israelites”

As God, Yahweh is everywhere and cannot be limited to a single space. This phrase indicates that he permanently remains within Israel in a special way while they have the ark.

Exodus 29:1

The word “now” marks a change in topic from garments for priests to consecrating priests.

Here “you” refers to Moses.

“to set apart Aaron and his sons”

Here “me” refers to Yahweh.

a male cow

Exodus 29:2

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Also take wafers without yeast and rub them with oil” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

These are different kinds of food made from flour.

Exodus 29:3

Yahweh continues to speak to Moses

“You must put the bread, cake, and wafer”

Here “present” means to offer as a sacrifice. The full meaning of this can be translated clearly. Alternate translation: “offer them to me when you sacrifice the bull and the two rams” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 29:4

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

Exodus 29:5

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This was a coat with a design woven into it. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 29:6

This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

This crown is described in Exodus 29:6 as being engraved with the words “dedicated to Yahweh” and made of pure gold.

Exodus 29:8

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“bring Aaron’s sons”

These were coats with a design woven into them. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

Exodus 29:9

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest. See how you translated this word in Exodus 28:4.

A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:40.

“the duty of being priests”

The duty of being priests will also belong to the descendants of Aaron’s sons. You can state this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “will belong to them and their descendants” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

“a law the will not end.” See how you translated this in Exodus 28:43.

Exodus 29:10

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

Exodus 29:11

The bull offering was to be killed by Moses, not the priests, at the doorway, not inside the tent of meeting.

Since the following verses will tell what to do with the blood from the bull, use a term for “kill” that will imply a method similar to “slitting its throat and catch the blood in a bowl.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 29:12

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:2.

“the remaining blood”

Exodus 29:13

“covers the organs”

These are organs in the body.

Exodus 29:14

“But as for the remaining parts of the bull”

Exodus 29:16

For these consecration sacrifices for the priests, it was Moses, not Aaron or his sons, who had to kill the animals.

Exodus 29:17

“the organs.” See how you translated this in Exodus 29:13.

Exodus 29:18

Unlike the bull offering that was burned outside of the tent, the ram was to be burned on the inner altar.

Exodus 29:19

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 29:20

The ram was killed by cutting its throat. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “Then kill the ram by slitting its throat” or “Then kill the ram by cutting its throat” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 29:21

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “By doing this, you will dedicate Aaron to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 29:22

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

These refer to organs inside the body. See how you translated this in Exodus 29:13.

Exodus 29:23

For 29:23 see how you translated similar words in Exodus 29:2.

“that you have placed before Yahweh”

Exodus 29:24

God continues speaking to Moses.

Here “these” refers to the parts of the sacrifice mentioned in the previous verses.

Exodus 29:25

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “burn it as an offering to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 29:26

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“ram that you dedicated” or “ram that you killed”

“the ram that you used to dedicate Aaron”

Exodus 29:28

“This is what Aaron and his sons will always receive from the people”

Exodus 29:29

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

These garments belong to the priesthood and are not just Aaron’s personal clothing. Alternate translation: “Aaron must reserve the holy garments for his sons after him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They must wear the holy garments when you anoint his sons and ordain them to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 29:30

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

Exodus 29:31

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“the ram you killed when you installed the priests”

This is not the same as the holy place outside of the most holy place. This refers to a place within the courtyard. Alternate translation: “at the entrance to the tent of meeting” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 29:32

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

Exodus 29:33

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you sacrificed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 29:34

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one must eat it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because you have set it apart to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 29:35

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“I have commanded you to treat Aaron and his sons this way”

Exodus 29:37

“Then the altar will be most holy”

“will also be very holy”

Exodus 29:38

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“You must daily offer on the altar”

Exodus 29:40

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“1/10…1/4” (See: INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

An ephah is 22 liters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bvolume)

A hin is 3.7 liters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bvolume)

Exodus 29:41

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “it will be a burnt offering to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 29:42

“through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

Exodus 29:43

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My awesome presence will dedicate the tent to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 29:45

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 30

Exodus 30 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Atonement

The atonement offered by the priests was very important in the religious life of Israel. In order to offer sacrifices, the priests had to maintain ritual cleanliness by washing themselves. (See: INVALID bible/kt/atonement and INVALID bible/kt/priest and INVALID bible/kt/clean)

Exodus 30:1

Yahweh tells Moses how to build the worship equipment.

Here “you” refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 30:2

These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated “horns” in Exodus 27:2. Alternate translation: “You must make its horns” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 30:3

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“an altar to burn incense”

Exodus 30:4

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which you will attach to the altar” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 30:5

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 30:6

The ark is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:33. Alternate translation: “the chest containing the commandments” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

Here “you” refers to Moses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 30:7

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 30:8

“through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 30:9

Though the word “you” is addressed to Moses, the instruction is given specifically to Aaron and his descendants as to when and what they are to offer on the altar of incense.

Exodus 30:10

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:2.

“through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 30:12

Possible meanings are 1) “you” refers to just Moses or 2) “you” refers to Moses and the leaders of Israel in future generations when they take a census. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

The leaders only counted the Israelite men.

Exodus 30:13

This can be stated in active form. They counted only the men. Alternate translation: “Everyone you count” or “Every man you count” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“1/2 a shekel of silver.” Translators may use a unit of measure that people understand and a round number: “5.5 grams of silver” or “six grams of silver” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney and INVALID translate/translate-bweight and INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used.

“20 gerahs.” A gerah is a unit that people used for measuring how much something very small weighed. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 30:14

Larger numbers are spoken of as being up or above smaller numbers. Alternate translation: “from twenty years old and more” or “who is twenty years old or older” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 30:15

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Only the men made this offering.

Translators may use a unit of measure that people understand and a round number: “the 5.5 grams of silver” or “the 6 grams of silver.” See how you translated this in Exodus 3:13. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney and INVALID translate/translate-bweight and INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

Exodus 30:16

Possible meanings are 1) “It will remind the Israelites to make atonement for their lives” or 2) “It will remind the Israelites that they have made atonement for their lives.”

Exodus 30:18

Here “you” refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

“bronze bowl” or “bronze tub”

This is what the basin would be put on.

This phrase explains what the priests were to use the large bronze basin for.

the altar of sacrifice

Exodus 30:19

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“water in the basin”

Exodus 30:21

“for Aaron and all the generations of his descendants.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 30:22

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 30:23

dried plants that people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:6. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

“500 shekels…two hundred and fifty shekels.” A shekel is about 11 grams. Translators may use units that people know and round numbers: “5.7 kilograms…11.4 kilograms” or “six kilograms…three kilograms” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/translate-bweight and INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

These are sweet spices. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 30:24

This is a sweet spice. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used. See how you translated this in Exodus 30:13. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bweight)

Translators may use units that people know and round numbers: “3.7 liters” or “four liters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bvolume and INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

Exodus 30:25

“with these items”

Possible meanings are 1) Moses was to have a perfumer do the work or 2) Moses was to do the work himself the way a perfumer would do it.

a person who is skilled in mixing spices and oils

Exodus 30:26

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Here “you” refers to Moses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 30:28

“the altar on which offering were burnt”

Exodus 30:29

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This refers to the items listed in Exodus 30:26-28.

Exodus 30:31

“all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 30:32

Yahweh continues telling Moses what Moses must tell the people.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must not put the anointing oil that is dedicated to Yahweh on a person’s skin” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“with the same ingredients” or “with the same items”

Exodus 30:33

The metaphor “cut off” has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) “I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” 2) “the people of Israel must send him away” or 3) “the people of Israel must kill him.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 30:34

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what to do. Yahweh gives the commands only to Moses: all instances of “you” are singular. However, the words “blended by a perfumer” might mean that Moses could have the perfumer take the spices, blend them, grind them, and give them to Moses so Moses could put part of the mixture in front of the ark, as in UST.

Exodus 30:35

The phrase with “blended” can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make it into the form of incense that a perfumer has blended” or “A perfumer must blend it into a kind of incense” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Possible meanings are 1) Moses was to have a perfumer do the work or 2) Moses was to do the work himself the way a perfumer would do it. See how you translated these words in Exodus 30:25.

Exodus 30:36

“You will crush it.” Here “you” refers to Moses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Here “you” is plural and refers to Moses and all the people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 30:37

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

The word “you” here refers to the people of Israel.

“with the same ingredients” or “with the same items.” See how you translated this in Exodus 30:32.

“You must consider it to be most holy”

Exodus 30:38

This is a pleasant smelling liquid a person puts on his or her body.

The metaphor “cut off” has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) “I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” 2) “the people of Israel must send him away” or 3) “the people of Israel must kill him.” See how you translated this in Exodus 30:33. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 31

Exodus 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the end of Exodus’ recording of the law of Moses. (See: INVALID bible/kt/lawofmoses)

Special concepts in this chapter

Sabbath

As described in this chapter, the Sabbath is more than just a day of worship or celebration. Its significance extends beyond a way to help people rest. It is a major part of the identity of the Hebrew people. (See: INVALID bible/kt/sabbath)

Exodus 31:2

God speaks of choosing specific people as calling them by name. Alternate translation: “I have chosen” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 31:3

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Yahweh speaks of giving Bezalel his Spirit as if Bezalel were a container and God’s Spirit were a liquid. Alternate translation: “I have given my Spirit to Bezalel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The abstract noun “craftsmanship” can be translated as “making crafts” or “making things.” Alternate translation: “for making all kinds of crafts” or “so that he can make all kinds of things” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Exodus 31:6

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

God speaks of making people able to make things as if he were putting the ability into their hearts. Alternate translation: “I have given skill to all who are wise” or “I have made all who are wise able to make things well”

Exodus 31:7

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

Exodus 31:8

“altar to burn incense.” See how you translated this in Exodus 30:3.

Exodus 31:9

“altar on which offering were burnt.” See how you translated this in Exodus 30:28.

Exodus 31:10

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 31:11

“These people who are skilled in making beautiful things”

Exodus 31:13

God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “You must certainly obey Yahweh’s instructions about the Sabbath” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

God speaks of choosing people to be his as setting them apart for himself. Alternate translation: “who has chosen you to be his people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 31:14

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for you must treat it as holy” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

God speaks of treating the Sabbath with disrespect as defiling it. Alternate translation: “Everyone who treats the Sabbath with disrespect” or “Everyone who does not obey the laws about the Sabbath” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“must surely be killed.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must surely kill” or “you must surely execute” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

The metaphor “cut off” has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) “Yahweh will no longer consider him to be one of his people” 2) “you must surely send him away” or 3) “you must surely kill him.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 31:15

“but day 7” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 31:16

Yahweh continues telling Moses what he must tell the people of Israel.

God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “must obey Yahweh’s instructions about the Sabbath” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“They and all the generations of their descendants must observe it.” See how you translated “throughout their people’s generations” in Exodus 12:42.

“a covenant that will always exist.” See how you translated this in Exodus 28:43.

Exodus 31:18

This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: “which Yahweh wrote on with his own hand” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 32

Exodus 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter occur while Moses spoke with God and therefore happen at the same time as the events in chapters 20-31.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 32:18.

Special concepts in this chapter

Idolatry

The making of the golden calf was considered a form of idolatry. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 32:1

Here understanding something is spoken of as if it were being seen. Alternate translation: “the people realized” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The word “come” strengthens the force of the command following it. The people were demanding that Aaron make an idol for them.

“lead us” or “be our leader”

Exodus 32:2

The word “them” refers to the golden rings.

Exodus 32:3

This refers to all the people who rejected Moses as their leader and Moses’ God as their God.

Exodus 32:4

Aaron melted the gold and poured it into a mold that had the shape of a calf. When the gold became hard, he removed the mold, and the hardened gold had the shape of a calf.

Exodus 32:5

You may need to make explicit what he saw. “When Aaron saw what the people did” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 32:6

“to have a wild party.” The people likely behaved in sexually immoral ways at the party.

Exodus 32:8

Here God speaks of the people disobeying what he commanded them as if he had told them to walk on a certain road and they left that road. Alternate translation: “stopped doing what I commanded them to do” or “have stopped obeying what I commanded them to do” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 32:9

Here Yahweh compares knowing the people to seeing them. Alternate translation: “I know this people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had stiff necks. Alternate translation: “a stubborn people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 32:10

The word “now” is used here to mark a break in what Yahweh was telling Moses. Here Yahweh tells what he will do to the people.

Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were a fire that could burn hot. Alternate translation: “My anger towards them will be terrible” or “I am extremely angry with them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The word “you” refers to Moses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 32:11

Moses used this question to try to persuade Yahweh not to be so angry with his people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not let your anger burn against your people…a mighty hand.” or “Do not be so angry with your people…a mighty hand.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

These two phrases share similar meanings and are combined for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

Here the word “hand” refers to the things Yahweh did. Alternate translation: “and the powerful things you did” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 32:12

Moses continues to reason with God not to destroy Israel.

Moses used this question to try to persuade God not to destroy his people. This rhetorical question can be translated with a statement. Alternate translation: If you destroy your people, the Egyptians might say, ‘He led them out…to destroy them from the face of the earth.’ (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

“from the surface of the earth” or “from the earth”

“Stop your burning anger” or “Stop being so angry”

Moses speaks of God’s anger as if it were a fire that was burning. Alternate translation: “your terrible anger” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 32:13

“Remember Abraham” or “Think about Abraham”

“you made an oath” or “you solemnly promised”

God speaks about them possessing the land as if they would inherit it. Alternate translation: “They will possess it forever” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 32:15

These are the two stone slabs on which God had engraved his commandments.

Exodus 32:16

These two phrases share similar meanings. The second explains how the tablets were “God’s own work.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

Exodus 32:17

It is assumed that Joshua met Moses while Moses was going back to the camp. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 32:19

“the two stone slabs that Yahweh had written on”

Exodus 32:21

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Then Moses asked Aaron what the people do to him, that he have brought such a great sin on them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Moses spoke of causing people to sin as if sin were an object and Aaron put it on them. Alternate translation: “you have caused them to sin so terribly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 32:22

Aaron spoke of Moses’ anger as if it were a fire that could burn. “Do not be so angry” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Being determined to do evil is spoken of as being set on evil. Alternate translation: “they are determined to do what is evil” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 32:23

People showed disrespect by putting the word “this” before his name, as if Moses were someone they did not know and could not trust.

Exodus 32:24

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “So I told them that whoever had any gold should take it off” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Instead of taking ownership for making the calf, Aaron claims the calf came out of the fire supernaturally.

Exodus 32:25

“were behaving wildly” or “were not controlling themselves”

Exodus 32:26

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Then Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said that whoever was on Yahweh’s side should come to him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Moses speaks of being loyal to Yahweh as being on Yahweh’s side. Alternate translation: “Whoever is loyal to Yahweh” or “Whoever serves Yahweh” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 32:27

“go from side of the camp to the other, starting at one entrance to the camp and going to the entrance on the other side of the camp”

Exodus 32:28

“3000 of the people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 32:29

This probably means “You have been chosen to serve Yahweh” or “You have become Yahweh’s servants.”

The fact that they did this in obedience to God can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “for you have obeyed Yahweh and killed your sons and your brothers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 32:30

They worshiped an idol.

Moses spoke of persuading God to forgive the people as if he could make atonement for their sin. Alternate translation: “Perhaps I can persuade Yahweh to forgive you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 32:32

The word “me” here refers to the name of Moses. Alternate translation: “erase my name from the book” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

What God had written in the book can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the book in which you have written the names of your people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 32:33

The phrase “that person” represents “that person’s name.” Alternate translation: “I will erase that person’s name from my book” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

This refers to the book of Yahweh that Moses spoke of in Exodus 32:32.

Exodus 32:34

On the day that God decides to punish them, it will be clear that it is God who is judging them.

Exodus 32:35

This plague may have been a serious illness. Alternate translation: “Yahweh made the people very sick”

Even though Aaron made the calf, the people were also guilty because they told Aaron to do it. Alternate translation: “they told Aaron to make the calf”

Exodus 33

Exodus 33 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant

While the covenants Yahweh made may not be conditioned upon the obedience of Israel, it is clear that their conquering of the Promised Land was conditioned on their obedience to Yahweh. (See: INVALID bible/kt/covenant and INVALID bible/kt/promisedland)

Exodus 33:1

Yahweh continues to tell Moses of his anger.

Exodus 33:3

The land was good for raising livestock and growing crops. See how you translated this in Exodus 3:8. Alternate translation: “a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“full of” or “with an abundance of”

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“people who refuse to change”

Exodus 33:4

beautiful clothing as well as chains and rings with jewels in them

Exodus 33:5

“people who refuse to change.” See how you translated this in Exodus 33:3.

Exodus 33:9

The cloud had the shape of a pillar. See how you translated this in Exodus 13:22. Alternate translation: “the cloud shaped like a pillar” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Where it came down from can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “would come down from the sky” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 33:11

Speaking directly rather than through dreams and visions, is spoken of as if Moses and God saw each other’s faces while they spoke. Alternate translation: “Yahweh would speak directly to Moses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Joshua was old enough to be a soldier, but he was much younger than Moses

Exodus 33:12

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

To know someone by name is to know them well. Alternate translation: “I know you well” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing God’s evaluation. Alternate translation: “I have evaluated you and approve” or “I am pleased with you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 33:13

Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing God’s evaluation. Alternate translation: “Now If you are pleased with me” or “Now if you approve of me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Possible meanings: 1) “show me what you are going to do in the future” or 2) “show me how people can do what pleases you.”

Exodus 33:14

God’s presence represents himself. Alternate translation: “I will go” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The word “you” here refers to Moses. It is singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

“I will let you rest”

Exodus 33:16

“For if your presence does not go with us”

This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: how will people know” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Moses used this question in order to emphasize that if God does not go with them, no one will know that Moses had found favor in God’s sight. Alternate translation: “no one will know…people.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

“Will it not only be known if”

Exodus 33:17

When Yahweh uses the word “you” in this verse, it is singular and refers to Moses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Here “found favor” is an idiom that means that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you translated this in Exodus 33:12. Alternate translation: “I am pleased with you” or “I approve of you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

To know someone by name is to know them well. See how you translated this in Exodus 33:12. Alternate translation: “I know you well” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Exodus 33:19

God speaks of walking past Moses so that Moses can see his goodness as if only his goodness would go past Moses. Alternate translation: “I will move past you so that you may see my goodness” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 33:21

“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

Exodus 33:23

This is because Yahweh will be walking away from Moses.

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “but you will not see my face” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 34

Exodus 34 General Notes

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“He will bring the punishment for the fathers’ sin on their children”

This phrase does not mean that a child is necessarily punished for the sins of their parents. Many scholars believe that this passage indicates that a parent’s sins will have consequences that will affect their children and grandchildren. (See: INVALID bible/kt/sin)

Exodus 34:1

“flat slabs of stone.” See how you translated this in Exodus 31:18

Exodus 34:3

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Being seen doing something represents doing that. Alternate translation: “Do not let anyone else be anywhere on the mountain” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

“Even flocks or herds are not allowed to come near the mountain to eat.”

Exodus 34:5

“stood with Moses on the mountain”

Possible meanings are 1) “he spoke the name ‘Yahweh.’” or 2) “he proclaimed who Yahweh is.” For the second meaning, “name” would represent who God is. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 34:6

God is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am God, and I am merciful and gracious” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

“always showing covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness”

The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” can be stated as “faithful” and “trustworthy.” Alternate translation: “always being faithful to my covenant and always being trustworthy” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Exodus 34:7

The abstract noun “faithfulness” can be stated as “faithfully” or “faithful.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 20:6. Alternate translation: “faithfully loving thousands of generations” or “faithful to his covenant with thousands of generation” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Yahweh is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “But I will” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

Yahweh is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “I will by no means clear the guilty” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

“will certainly not clear the guilty” or “will certainly not say that the guilty are innocent” or “will certainly not free guilty people”

Punishing people is spoken of as if punishment were an object that someone could bring on people. Alternate translation: “He will punish the children for their fathers’ sin” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The word “children” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “their descendants” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 34:9

Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you translated this in Exodus 33:12. Alternate translation: “Now If you are pleased with me” or “Now if you approve of me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The words “iniquity” and “sin” mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “all our sins” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

Something that someone possesses forever is spoken of as if it were something that they had inherited. Alternate translation: “take us as the people that you possess forever” or “accept us as the people who belong to you forever” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 34:10

Here “your” refers to Moses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

A fearful thing is a thing that causes people to be afraid. In this case, people will fear God when they see what he does. Alternate translation: “what I do for you will cause people to fear me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Here “you” refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Exodus 34:12

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. Here he tells him what Moses and the people must do.

People who tempt others to sin are spoken of as if they were a trap. Alternate translation: “they will tempt you to sin” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 34:14

The word “Jealous” here means that God is concerned to keep his honor. If his people worship other gods, he loses honor, because when his people do not honor him, other people also will not honor him. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, always guard my honor” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

The word “name” here represents God’s character. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, who am always jealous” or “I, Yahweh, am always jealous” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 34:15

Yahweh continues to tell Moses how his people are to behave towards outsiders.

God speaks of people worshiping other gods as if they were prostitutes going to other men. Alternate translation: “for they worship other gods” or “because they worship other gods like prostitutes who go to other men” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

The consequence of eating food that is sacrificed to another god can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “you will eat some of his sacrifice and become guilty of worshiping his gods” or “and you will prostitute yourself to his god by eating some of his sacrifice” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 34:18

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

“7 days” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. See how you translated “Aviv” in Exodus 13:4. (See: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 34:19

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 34:20

Firstborn sons and firstborn donkeys belonged to Yahweh, but Yahweh did not want them sacrificed to Him. Instead, the Israelites were to sacrifice a lamb in their place. This allowed the Israelites to buy the donkeys and sons back from Yahweh.

God speaks of the offering as if the person was to carry it in his hands. Alternate translation: “No one may come to me without an offering” or “Everyone who comes to me must bring me an offering” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 34:21

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“Even when you are preparing the soil or gathering the crops”

Exodus 34:22

This festival was also known as the Festival of Shelters or the Festival of Booths. The idea came from the practice of the farmers living in temporary booths, or huts, out in the fields to guard the crop as it ripened. The word “Ingathering” means when they harvest their crop.

Exodus 34:23

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 34:25

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

The fact that the blood is from an animal can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the blood of an animal that you sacrifice to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

The fact that any yeast would be in bread can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “with bread that has yeast in it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 34:28

“Moses was on the mountain”

“40 days” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“for forty days, both day and night”

“Moses wrote”

Exodus 34:29

“had started to shine”

Exodus 34:31

“approached him” or “went to him.” They did not go up the mountain.

Exodus 34:32

Telling commands is spoken of as if the commands were objects that could be given. Alternate translation: “all the commands that Yahweh had told him” or “everything that Yahweh had commanded them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 34:34

“Moses would remove”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh had commanded him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 35

Exodus 35 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sacrifice

All of the people offered sacrifices to Yahweh. This was a form of worship and a sign of repentance from making the golden calf idol. (See: INVALID bible/kt/worship and INVALID bible/kt/repent)

Exodus 35:2

“day number seven” or “Saturday” (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must kill anyone who does work on that day” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 35:4

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:5

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

“Take up a collection for Yahweh”

Here “heart” refers to the person bringing the offering. Alternate translation: “everyone who is willing” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Exodus 35:6

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:7

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

See how you translated similar phrases in Exodus 25:5.

Exodus 35:8

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:9

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:10

Moses continues telling the people what God commanded them to do.

“Every man with a skill”

Exodus 35:11

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:6.

These are heavy objects that rest on the ground and keep the object attached to them from moving. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:31.

Exodus 35:12

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

Exodus 35:13

“The people of Israel brought”

This bread represented the presence of God. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:30.

Exodus 35:16

This is a frame of crossed bronze bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated “grate” in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 35:17

These were large curtains made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

These were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in Exodus 27:10.

These were blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:19.

Exodus 35:18

sharp pieces of wood or metal used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:19.

Exodus 35:19

This was clothing made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 35:20

This refers to the people in the tribes. Alternate translation: “the people from all the tribes of Israel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Exodus 35:21

Here “heart” refers to the person. The heart that responded to God is spoken of as if it were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: “who responded to God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Here “spirit” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “who was willing” or “who wanted to” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Exodus 35:22

Here “heart” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “everyone who was willing” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

These are different kinds of jewelry.

Exodus 35:23

For 35:23 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:4-5.

Exodus 35:25

Possible meanings are 1) “material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or 2) “blue, purple and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 25:4.

Exodus 35:26

Here “hearts” refers to the women. The hearts of the women who responded to God are spoken of as if they were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: “who responded to God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 35:27

For 35:27 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:7.

Exodus 35:28

For 35:28 see how you translated many similar words in Exodus 25:6

Exodus 35:29

Here “heart” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “who was willing” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Exodus 35:30

See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2

Exodus 35:31

God’s Spirit who gave Bezalel the ability to work is spoken of here as if he was something that filled up Bezalel. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:3

Exodus 35:32

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:4

Exodus 35:33

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:5

Exodus 35:34

Moses continues speaking to the people.

Here “heart” refers to Bezalel. The ability to teach is spoken of as if it something that could be placed in a heart. Alternate translation: “He gave Bezalel the ability to teach” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“Oholiab” and “Ahisamak” are names of men. See how you translated these names in Exodus 31:6. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 35:35

Skill to create beautiful objects is spoken of as if it was something that could fill up a person. Alternate translation: “made them very skillful” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

a person who cuts designs into a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal

people who sew designs into cloth

people who are skilled in making beautiful objects by hand

a person who creates cloth using thread

a person who creates beauty with materials

Exodus 36

Exodus 36 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Tent of meeting

The tent of meeting, or tabernacle, mentioned in previous chapters is constructed in this chapter. (See: INVALID bible/kt/tabernacle)

Exodus 36:1

Moses continues speaking to the people.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:6. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Here skill and ability are spoken of as if they are something that Yahweh can place inside a person. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

“just as Yahweh has commanded”

Exodus 36:2

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:6. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Here “mind” refers to the person who was made skillful by Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to whom Yahweh had given skill” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Exodus 36:5

The can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “The craftsmen told Moses that the people were bringing much more than enough for doing the work that Yahweh has commanded them to do” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

“The men working on the sanctuary told Moses”

Exodus 36:8

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:1.

These curtains are sheets of cloth woven and sewed together so that they can hang to form a wall or tent.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 36:9

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:2.

Exodus 36:10

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:3.

Exodus 36:11

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:4.

Here “he” refers to Bezalel, but it includes all the men working on the sanctuary.

loops of blue cloth

These were large, heavy sections of woven cloth that were used to form the covering and dividing walls of the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:1.

Exodus 36:12

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:5.

Exodus 36:13

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:6.

“50 gold clasps” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 36:14

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:7.

“made 11” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 36:15

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:8.

“30 cubits” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 36:16

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:9.

Exodus 36:17

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:10.

“50 loops” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 36:18

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:11.

“50 bronze clasps” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 36:19

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:14.

Exodus 36:20

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:15.

Exodus 36:21

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:16.

“10 cubits…1.5 cubits” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance and INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

Exodus 36:22

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:17.

A wooden peg is a small piece of wood sticking out beyond the end of the board so it can be secured.

Exodus 36:23

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:18.

Exodus 36:24

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:19.

“40 silver bases” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

“20 frames” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 36:25

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:20.

Exodus 36:26

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:21.

There will be two bases under each and every frame.

Exodus 36:27

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:22.

on the side that is on the west

Exodus 36:28

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:23.

for the corners at the rear of the tabernacle

Exodus 36:29

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:24.

Exodus 36:30

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:25.

“16 bases in all” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

There will be two bases under each and every frame.

Exodus 36:31

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:26.

Exodus 36:32

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:27.

on the west side

Exodus 36:33

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:28.

from one side of the tabernacle to the other side

Exodus 36:34

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:29.

Exodus 36:35

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:31.

Exodus 36:36

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:32.

Exodus 36:37

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:36.

Here “he” refers to Bezalel and those working for him. “Bezalel and his men made”

a curtain

Exodus 36:38

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:37.

Exodus 37

Exodus 37 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The ark of the covenant

The ark, mentioned in previous chapters, is constructed in this chapter. There are other furnishings of the tabernacle that are also produced in this chapter. (See: INVALID bible/kt/tabernacle)

Exodus 37:1

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:10.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 37:2

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:11.

Exodus 37:3

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:12.

These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 37:4

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:13.

Though “he” refers to Bezalel, “he” may include all of the workers who assisted him.

Exodus 37:5

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:14.

Exodus 37:6

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:17.

Exodus 37:7

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:18.

Exodus 37:8

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:19.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made them as one piece” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 37:9

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:20.

Bezalel placed the statues of the cherubim as if they were real cherubim which were spreading their wings and overshadowing the atonement lid. Alternate translation: “They placed the winged creatures so that their wings touched each other and spread out over” (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

“The faces of the cherubim were towards each other, and they looked toward”

Exodus 37:10

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:23.

Exodus 37:11

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:24.

Exodus 37:12

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:25.

This was the width of a man’s hand with fingers spread out. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 37:13

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:26.

These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Exodus 37:14

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:27.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Bezalel attached the rings” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 37:15

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:28.

Exodus 37:16

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:29.

It is only the bowls and pitchers that are used to pour out the offerings. Alternate translation: “plates and cups, and also the jars and bowls which the priests will use for pouring out the offerings” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 37:17

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:31.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made the cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers as one piece with the lampstand” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 37:18

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:32.

Exodus 37:19

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:33.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he made the 3 cups look like almond blossoms” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

An almond blossom is a white or pink flower with five petals that grows on an almond tree.

Exodus 37:20

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:34.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there were 4 cups which Bezalel made to look like almond blossoms” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 37:21

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:35.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which he made as one piece with the lampstand” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 37:22

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:36.

Exodus 37:23

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:37-38.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

This is a tool made from two sticks of wood or metal connected at one end and used for picking up objects.

Exodus 37:24

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:39.

“33 kilograms” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bweight)

Exodus 37:25

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:1-2.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made the horns as one piece with the altar” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 37:26

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:3.

Exodus 37:27

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:4.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which they attached to the altar” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 37:28

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:5.

Exodus 37:29

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:25.

See how you translated this in Exodus 25:6.

A perfumer is skilled in mixing spices and oils.

Exodus 38

Exodus 38 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The altar

The altar is constructed in this chapter. There are other furnishings of the tabernacle that are also produced in this chapter. (See: INVALID bible/kt/tabernacle)

Materials

The list of materials being used is intended to give the reader an understanding of the scale of the tabernacle. It should fill the reader with awe concerning the power of Yahweh. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 38:1

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:1.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

One cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 38:2

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:2.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made the horns as one piece” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 38:3

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:3.

Exodus 38:4

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:4 and Exodus 27:5.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which they placed under the ledge” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 38:5

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 38:6

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:6.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

Exodus 38:7

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:7-8.

a long, flat piece of wood that is thicker than a board

Exodus 38:8

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

The stand supported the bronze basin. See how you translated this in Exodus 30:18.

The bronze came from the mirrors. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “The bronze for the basin came from the mirrors” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

A mirror is a piece of polished metal or glass that reflects an image.

Exodus 38:9

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:9.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

“100” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 38:10

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:10.

“20” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 38:11

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:11.

“100…20” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 38:12

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:12.

“50…10” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 38:13

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:13.

“50” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 38:14

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:14.

“15…3” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 38:15

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:15.

Exodus 38:16

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Bezalel and the workers made all the hangings around the courtyard with fine linen” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 38:17

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:17.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Bezalel and the workers made the bases for the posts out of bronze” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made the hooks, the rods for the posts, and the covering for the tops of the posts out of silver” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They covered the courtyard posts with silver” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 38:18

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:16.

“20…5” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made the curtain out of” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 38:19

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:17.

“4” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made the covering for the tops of the posts and their rods out of silver” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 38:20

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:19.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made all of the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 38:21

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which Moses instructed the Levites to write down” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Exodus 6:23. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 38:22

“Bezalel” and “uri” are the name of men. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“everything that Yahweh told Moses to do”

Exodus 38:23

“Oholiab” and “Ahisamak” are names of men. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:6. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

“as a skilled engraver and embroiderer”

Exodus 38:24

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “All the gold that the people used for the project” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “29 talents” or “about 960 kilograms” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/translate-bweight)

A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: “seven hundred and thirty shekels” or “about 8 kilograms.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/translate-bweight)

There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used. See how you translated this in Exodus 30:13. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bweight)

Exodus 38:25

A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “100 talents” or “about 330 kilograms” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/translate-bweight)

A shekel is 11 grams. “one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels” or “about 20 kilograms” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/translate-bweight)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The silver which the community gave” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 38:26

A beka is 1/2 a shekel. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bweight)

A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: “1/2 a shekel” or “five and a half grams” or “5 1/2 grams” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bweight and INVALID translate/translate-fraction)

Every man who was 20 years old or older was included in the census and was required to give half a shekel.

“20 years old” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 38:27

A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “The workers cast 100 talents of silver” or “The workers cast 3,300 kilograms of silver” (See: INVALID translate/translate-bweight and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“100 talents” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 38:28

“one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 38:29

“70 talents and two thousand four hundred shekels.” This would be about 2,300 kilograms. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/translate-bweight)

Exodus 38:30

Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 38:31

These are sharp bronze stakes that were used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:19.

Exodus 39

Exodus 39 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The holy clothing

The special, holy clothing mentioned in previous chapters is produced in this chapter to the correct specifications. (See: INVALID bible/kt/holy)

Exodus 39:1

Bezalel’s work crew shifts to making the priestly garments.

The word “they” refers to Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workmen.

“just as Yahweh told Moses to do”

Exodus 39:2

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:6.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 39:4

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:7.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Exodus 39:5

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:8.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they made it as one piece with the ephod with fine twisted linen” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

“just as Yahweh told Moses to do.” See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 39:1.

Exodus 39:6

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:9 and Exodus 28:11.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

This was an engraved stone that was used to stamp a design in a wax seal. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:11.

“12 sons” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Exodus 39:7

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:12.

“just as Yahweh told Moses to do.” See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 39:1.

Exodus 39:8

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:15.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

“Bezalel made” or “Bezalel and the workers made”

Exodus 39:9

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:16.

A span is 23 centimeters. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bdistance)

Exodus 39:10

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

“The workers set in the breastpiece”

Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in Exodus 28:17. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Exodus 39:11

Exodus 39:12

Exodus 39:13

Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in Exodus 28:20. (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They mounted the stones in gold settings” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 39:14

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:21.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The workers arranged the stones” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 39:15

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:22.

Exodus 39:16

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:23-24.

Exodus 39:17

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:24.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

“chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords.” See how you translated this in Exodus 28:14.

Exodus 39:18

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:25.

Exodus 39:19

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:26.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Exodus 39:20

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:27.

This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 39:21

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:28.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so they could attach it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

The double negative can be translated as a positive. Alternate translation: “the breastpiece would stay attached to the ephod” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

Exodus 39:22

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:31-32.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Exodus 39:23

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:32.

Exodus 39:24

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:33.

Exodus 39:25

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:34-35.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments as commanded in Exodus 28:34-35.

These were tiny bells.

Exodus 39:26

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:34-35.

Exodus 39:27

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:39.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Exodus 39:28

This is a head covering worn by men made of a long strip of cloth wound around the head. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:40.

This is clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:42. Alternate translation: “underwear” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 39:29

This is a long piece of cloth worn over the shoulder or around the waist. See how you translated this word in Exodus 28:4

Exodus 39:30

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:36.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments..

This was an engraved crown made of pure gold. See how you translated this in Exodus 29:6.

Exodus 39:31

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:37.

Exodus 39:32

The Israelites finish making the things Yahweh commanded in Exodus 35:4-9 and Exodus 35:10-12.

The “tabernacle” and “tent of meeting” are the same thing. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the people of Israel finished all of the work on the tabernacle” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 39:33

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:6.

These are heavy objects that rest on the ground and keep the object attached to them from moving. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:31.

Exodus 39:34

See how you translated similar phrases in this in Exodus 25:5.

Exodus 39:35

This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:17.

Exodus 39:36

Bezalel’s work crew continues to present all that they made to Moses.

This bread represented the presence of God. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:30.

Exodus 39:39

This is a frame of crossed bars that held wood while burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 39:40

Bezalel’s work crew continues to present all that they made to Moses.

“The people of Israel brought”

These refer to the same place.

Exodus 39:42

“And so the people”

Exodus 39:43

The word “behold” here draws attention to the information that follows.

“They did it in the way that Yahweh had commanded them”

Exodus 40

Exodus 40 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is repetitive and should read as a series of instructions. It is repeated as well to show that Moses was obedient to every detail of Yahweh’s command.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Yahweh’s glory filled the tabernacle”

This phrase indicates that Yahweh began to dwell within the tabernacle, among Israel, in a special way. (See: INVALID bible/kt/glory and INVALID bible/kt/tabernacle)

Exodus 40:2

The new year marks the time when God rescued his people from Egypt. This happens around the middle of March on Western calendars. (See: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

Exodus 40:3

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

“place the ark of the covenant decrees in the sacred chest”

“put the ark behind the curtain”

Exodus 40:5

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This refers to the “sacred chest.”

Exodus 40:8

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 40:9

“all the things that are a part of it”

Exodus 40:12

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Moses will do these things himself.

Exodus 40:13

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you have set apart to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 40:14

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 40:15

“through all the generations of their descendants.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 40:17

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the people set up the tabernacle” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

This refers to exactly one year after God rescued his people from Egypt. This happens around the middle of March on Western calendars. See how you translated this in Exodus 40:2. (See: INVALID translate/translate-hebrewmonths and INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

This is the second year after Yahweh brought his people out of Egypt. (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

Exodus 40:18

Moses was the leader. The people helped him set up the tabernacle. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support

Exodus 40:21

Moses was the leader. He had workers helping him.

“in front of”

Exodus 40:24

Moses instructed his workers to move the lampstand. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “Moses’ workmen set the lampstand inside the sacred tent” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 40:26

This curtain separated the holy place from the very holy place. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “in front of the curtain that separated the holy place from the very holy place” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 40:31

They washed with water from the basin. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “washed their hands and their feet with water from the basin” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Exodus 40:33

“And so”

Exodus 40:34

“Yahweh’s awesome presence filled”

Exodus 40:36

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “rose up from” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Exodus 40:37

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when it rose up” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

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Exodus

Exodus front

Introduction to Exodus

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Exodus

What is the Book of Exodus about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

Who wrote the Book of Exodus?

Why did Moses write so much about God delivering or rescuing the people of Israel?

How does the Book of Exodus show the fulfillment of the promises given to Abraham?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the Jewish Passover?

What was the law of Moses to the people of Israel?

What did it mean that Israel was to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (19:6 ULT)?

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Why are the details of the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 25–32 repeated in Exodus 35–40?

Are the events in the order that they actually happened?

What does it mean that God “lived” among his people?

Exodus 1

Exodus 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel’s growth

End of the famine

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“All of the descendants of Jacob were seventy in number”

Exodus 1:1

Exodus 1:5

Exodus 1:6

Exodus 1:7

Exodus 1:8

Exodus 1:9

Exodus 1:10

Exodus 1:11

Exodus 1:13

Exodus 1:14

Exodus 1:15

Exodus 1:16

Exodus 1:18

Exodus 1:19

Exodus 1:20

Exodus 1:21

Exodus 1:22

Exodus 2

Exodus 02 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Moses’ heritage

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Ironic situations

Exodus 2:1

Exodus 2:3

Exodus 2:4

Exodus 2:5

Exodus 2:6

Exodus 2:7

Exodus 2:10

Exodus 2:11

Exodus 2:12

Exodus 2:13

Exodus 2:14

Exodus 2:15

Exodus 2:16

Exodus 2:17

Exodus 2:20

Exodus 2:21

Exodus 2:22

Exodus 2:23

Exodus 2:24

Exodus 3

Exodus 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

God’s holiness

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Yahweh

Exodus 3:2

Exodus 3:5

Exodus 3:6

Exodus 3:7