Exodus

Exodus front

Exodus front:intro

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)
- Sedond 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/tabernacle.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

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 ULB)?

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 1:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/fulfill.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]])

# 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 and instead choosing to stay in Egypt. No return attempt is recorded to have been made. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promisedland.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

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 1:1-5

household

This refers to all the people who live in a house together, usually a large family with servants. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

seventy

"70" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Joseph was already in Egypt

"Joseph lived in Egypt before his brothers"

translationWords

Exodus 1:6-7

all his brothers

This includes 10 older brothers and 1 younger brother.

were fruitful

The birth of children to the Israelites is spoken of as if they were plants that were producing fruit. AT: "had many children" or "gave birth to many children" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the land was filled with them

This can be stated in active form. AT: "They filled the land" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

with them

The word "them" refers to the Israelites.

translationWords

Exodus 1:8-10

arose over Egypt

Here "Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. AT: "began to rule over the people of Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

He said to his people

"The king said to his people"

his people

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

let us

The word "us" is inclusive and refers to the king and his people, the Egyptians. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-inclusive/01.md]])

war breaks out

Here war is spoken of as a person that is able to act. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

leave the land

"leave Egypt"

translationWords

Exodus 1:11-12

taskmasters

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

to oppress them with hard labor

"to force the Israelites to do hard work for the Egyptians"

store cities

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

translationWords

Exodus 1:13-14

made ... work rigorously

"made ... work very hard" or "harshly made ... work"

made their lives bitter

The difficult lives of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were bitter food that was difficult to eat. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

mortar

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

All their required work was hard

"The Egyptians made them work very hard" or "The Egyptians forced them to work very hard"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/life.md]]

This order was given in order to drown the male children. The full meaning of this may be made explicit. AT: "You must ... into the river so they will drown" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 2

Exodus 2:intro-0

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 2:1-2

Now

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

three

"3" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 2:3-4

papyrus basket

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

sealed it with bitumen and pitch

You could explicitly state that this was to keep out water. AT: "spread tar on it to keep water from getting into it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

sealed

Here "sealed" means that she applied a waterproof coating.

bitumen

This is a sticky black paste made from petroleum. It can be used to keep out water. AT: "tar" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

pitch

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. AT: "tar" or "resin" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

reeds

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

at a distance

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

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/seal.md]]

Exodus 2:5-6

attendants

"servants"

Behold

The word "behold" signals the surprising information that follows.

translationWords

Exodus 2:7-8

nurse

"breastfeed"

Exodus 2:9-10

she brought him

"the Hebrew woman brought him"

he became her son

"he became the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter"

Because I drew him from the water

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Moses sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'pull.'"

drew him

"pulled him"

translationWords

Exodus 2:11-12

striking

"hitting" or "beating"

He looked this way and that way

These two opposite directions have the combined meaning of "everywhere." AT: "He looked all around" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 2:13-14

their pleas went up to God

The cries of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were a person and were able to travel up to where God is. AT: "God heard their pleas" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

God called to mind his covenant

This was a customary way of saying God thought about what He had promised. AT: "God remembered his covenant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 3

Exodus 3:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/reveal.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/yahweh.md]])

Exodus 3:1-3

angel of Yahweh

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

Yahweh

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.

behold

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

translationWords

Exodus 3:4-6

set apart

"made holy"

the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob

All of these men worshiped the same God. AT: "the God of your father, of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob"

your father

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.

translationWords

Exodus 3:7-8

taskmasters

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

a land flowing with milk and honey

"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. AT: "a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

flowing with

"full of" or "with an abundance of"

milk

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. AT: "food from livestock" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

honey

Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. AT: "food from crops" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

They will listen to you

The word "you" refers to Moses. AT: "The elders will listen to you"

translationWords

Exodus 3:19-22

General Information:

God continues speaking to Moses.

unless his hand is forced

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

I will reach out with my hand and attack

Here "hand" refers to God's power. AT: "I will powerfully attack" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

will not go empty-handed

The word here "empty-handed" is used to emphasize the opposite meaning. AT: "will go with your hands full of good things" or "will go with many valuable things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

any women staying in her neighbors' houses

"any Egyptian woman staying in the houses of her Egyptian neighbors"

translationWords

Exodus 4

Exodus 4:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/believe.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/trust.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/elect.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/peopleofgod.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/firstborn.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Exodus 4:1-3

if they do not believe

"if the Israelites do not believe"

translationWords

Exodus 4:4-5

I will be with your mouth

Here "mouth" refers to Moses' ability to speak. AT: "I will give you the ability to speak" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 4:14-17

he will be glad in his heart

Here "heart" refers to inner thoughts and emotions. AT: "he will be very happy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

put the words to say into his mouth

Words here are spoken of as if they were something that can be physically placed in a person's mouth. AT: "give him the message that he is to repeat" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I will be with your mouth

The word "mouth" here represents Moses choice of words. AT: "I will give you the right words to speak" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

they bowed their heads

Possible meanings are 1) "they bowed their heads in awe" or 2) "they bowed down low in reverence." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 5

Exodus 5:intro-0

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 ULB 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 5:1-2

After these things happened

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

festival for me

This is a celebration to worship Yahweh.

Who is Yahweh?

Pharaoh uses this question to show that he does not recognize Yahweh as a legitimate god. AT: "I do not know Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why should I ... let Israel go?

Pharaoh uses this question to state that he has no interest in obeying Yahweh or in letting the Israelites go to worship him. AT: "He is nothing to me and I will not let Israel go!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

listen to his voice

The words "his voice" represent the words God spoke. AT: "listen to what he says" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 5:3-5

God of the Hebrews

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

or with the sword

Here "sword" represents war or an attack by enemies. AT: "or cause our enemies to attack us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

why are you taking the people from their work?

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/names/pharaoh.md]]

Exodus 5:12-14

throughout all the land of Egypt

This is an generalization used to show the extra effort Israel made to meet Pharaoh's demands. AT: "to many places throughout Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

stubble

the part of a plant that is left over after harvest

taskmasters

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

Why have you not produced all the bricks required of you ... in the past?

The taskmasters used this question to show they were angry with the lack of bricks. AT: "You are not producing enough bricks, either yesterday or today, as you did in the past!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 5:15-18

cried out

"complained"

they are still telling us, 'Make bricks!'

Here "they" refers to the Egyptian taskmasters.

translationWords

Exodus 5:19-21

when they were told

This can be stated in active form. AT: "when Pharaoh told them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

palace

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

you have made us offensive

The Egyptians responded to the Israelites the same way they would respond to a foul odor. AT: "you have caused them to hate us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

have put a sword in their hand to kill us

Here "a sword" represents an opportunity to destroy enemies. AT: "have given them a reason to kill us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 5:22-23

Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people?

This question shows how disappointed he was that the Egyptians were treating the Israelites even more harshly now. AT: "Lord, I am sorry that you have caused this trouble for this people." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why did you send me in the first place?

This question shows how disappointed Moses was that God had sent him to Egypt. AT: "I wish you had never sent me here!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

to speak to him in your name

The word "name" here represents the message of God. AT: "to give him your message" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 6

Exodus 6:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promisedland.md]])

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

my strong hand

The word "hand" here represents God's actions or works. AT: "the power I show in my works" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 6:2-5

I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob

"I showed myself to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob"

I was not known to them

This can be stated in active form. AT: "They did not know me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

groaning

This means making sad sounds because of pain and suffering.

translationWords

Exodus 6:6-7

say to the Israelites

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

translationWords

Exodus 6:8-9

I swore

"I promised" or "I said I would"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/oath.md]]

Exodus 6:10-13

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/death.md]]

Exodus 6:23-25

Nadab ... Ithamar

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Phinehas

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

These were the heads of the fathers' houses

The word "heads" here represents family leaders. AT: "These were the leaders of the families" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Exodus 6:26-27

by their groups of fighting men

"one tribe at a time" or "one family group after another"

translationWords

Exodus 6:28-30

I am not good ... why will Pharaoh listen to me?

Moses asks this question hoping to change God's mind. This rhetorical question can be translated as as statement. AT: "I am not good ... Pharaoh will certainly not listen to me!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/yahweh.md]]

Exodus 7

Exodus 7:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/miracle.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/evil.md]])

# 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.

translationWords

Exodus 7:20-22

Pharaoh's heart was hardened

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. AT: "Pharaoh became more defiant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

in the river

The name of the river may be made explicit. AT: "in the Nile River" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 7:23-25

All the Egyptians

The word "all" here is a generalization that means "many." AT: "Many of the Egyptians" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 8

Exodus 8:intro-0

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 8:1-4

The river

"the Nile River" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

kneading bowls

These are bowls in which bread is made.

translationWords

Exodus 8:5-7

translationWords

Exodus 8:8-9

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron

"Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron"

You can have the privilege of telling me when I should pray for you

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

translationWords

Exodus 8:10-12

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/god.md]]

Exodus 8:13-15

he hardened his heart

"Pharaoh hardened his heart." Here "hardened" means that he became stubborn. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

just as Yahweh had said that he would do

"just as Yahweh had said Pharaoh would do"

translationWords

Exodus 8:30-32

Pharaoh hardened his heart

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/heart.md]]

Exodus 9

Exodus 9:intro-0

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 9:1-4

General Information:

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

if you refuse to let them go, if you still keep them back

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. They will emphasize to Pharaoh what will happen if Pharaoh does this. AT: "if you continue refusing to let them go" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

then Yahweh's hand will be on your cattle

The word "hand" here represents Yahweh's power to afflict their animals with disease. AT: "then the power of Yahweh will afflict your cattle" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

on your cattle

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

Israel's cattle

Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. AT: "the cattle belonging to the people of Israel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Egypt's cattle

Here "Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. AT: "the cattle belonging to the people of Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 9:5-7

fixed a time

"set a time" or "appointed a time"

All the cattle of Egypt died

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

cattle of Egypt

Here "Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. AT: "the cattle belonging to the people of Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Pharaoh investigated

Pharaoh collected facts about the situation.

behold

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

his heart was stubborn

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. AT: "he refused to change his mind" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 9:8-10

kiln

a furnace

fine

"very small"

to break out on

"to quickly appear on"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/names/aaron.md]]

Exodus 9:11-12

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart

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. AT: "Yahweh caused Pharaoh to became more defiant"(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 9:13-14

translationWords

Exodus 9:22-24

translationWords

Exodus 9:25-26

translationWords

Exodus 9:27-28

summon

"call"

translationWords

Exodus 9:29-30

Moses said to him

"Moses said to Pharaoh"

spread my hands out to Yahweh

This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. AT: "lift up my hands and pray to Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

honor Yahweh God

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

translationWords

Exodus 9:31-33

flax

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

barley

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

spelt

This is a kind of wheat.

spread out his hands to Yahweh

This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 9:29. AT: "lifted up his hands toward Yahweh and prayed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 9:34-35

hardened his heart

Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. AT: "became more defiant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Pharaoh's heart was hardened

translationWords

Exodus 10

Exodus 10:intro-0

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 10:1-2

for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

various

"many different"

translationWords

Exodus 10:3-4

listen

This word adds emphasis to what is said next. AT: "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-imperative/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 10:5-6

hail

Hail is raindrops that freeze while falling from the clouds.

nothing ever seen

This can be stated in active form. AT: "nothing anyone has ever seen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/servant.md]]

Exodus 10:7-8

menace

A "menace" is someone who brings trouble or harm.

How long will this man be a menace to us?

Pharaoh's servants ask this question to show Pharaoh the extent of destruction in Egypt. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "We cannot allow this man to continue to bring trouble to us!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Do you not yet realize that Egypt is destroyed?

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. AT: "You should realize that Egypt is destroyed!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

that Egypt is destroyed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "that these plagues have destroyed Egypt" or "that their God has destroyed Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 10:9-11

if I ever let you go and your little ones go

Pharaoh says this to emphasize that he would not let Moses take the children with them to worship Yahweh. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hypo/01.md]])

Then Moses and Aaron were driven out from Pharaoh's presence

This can be stated in active form. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 10:12-13

translationWords

Exodus 10:14-15

so that it was darkened

There were so many locusts that the land appeared to be dark. This can be stated in active form. AT: "so that they darkened the land" or "so that the land appeared dark" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/locust.md]]

not a hoof of them may be left behind

Here the word "hoof" refers to the entire animal. This can be stated in active form. AT: "we cannot leave behind a single animal" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 10:27-29

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart

he would not let them go

"Pharaoh would not let them go"

Be careful about one thing

"Make sure of one thing" or "Be certain of one thing"

you see my face

Here the word "face" refers to the whole person. AT: "you see me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

You yourself have spoken

With these words, Moses emphasizes that Pharaoh has spoken the truth. AT: "What you have said is true" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 11

Exodus 11:intro-0

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 11:1-3

he will let you go from here

Each occurrence of the word "you" in this verse is plural and refers to Moses and the rest of the Israelites. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 11:4-5

midnight

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

All the firstborn ... the firstborn of Pharaoh ... the firstborn of the slave girl ... the firstborn of the cattle

The "firstborn" always refers to the oldest male offspring.

who sits on his throne

This phrase refers to Pharaoh.

who is behind the handmill grinding it

"who is grinding at the handmill" or "who is behind the handmill grinding grain"

translationWords

Exodus 11:6-8

After that I will go out

This means that Moses and the people of Israel will leave Egypt. AT: "After that I will leave here" or "After that I will go out from Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 11:9-10

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart

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. AT: "Yahweh caused Pharaoh to became more defiant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 12

Exodus 12:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/passover.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/unleavenedbread.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/unholy.md]])

Exodus 12:1-2

For you, this month will be the start of months, the first month of the year to you

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

the first month of the year

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 12:3-4

If the household is too small for a lamb

This means that there are not enough people in the family to eat an entire lamb. AT: "If there are not enough people in the household to eat an entire lamb" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the man and his next door neighbor

Here "the man" refers to the man who is the leader of the household.

translationWords

Exodus 12:5-8

twilight

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

on the two side doorposts and on the tops of the doorframes of the houses

"on the sides and top of the way into the house"

Eat it with bread made without yeast

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Eat it with bread which you have made without yeast" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

bitter herbs

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

translationWords

Exodus 12:9-11

Do not eat it raw

"Do not eat the lamb or goat uncooked"

You must not let any of it be left over until morning

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Do not leave any of it until the morning" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

belt

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

eat it hurriedly

"eat it quickly"

It is Yahweh's Passover

Here the word "it" refers to eating the animal on the tenth day of the month. AT: "This observance is Yahweh's Passover" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 12:12-14

I will bring punishment on all the gods of Egypt

This can be stated with a verbal form. AT: "I will punish all the gods of Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

for my coming to you

This implies that Yahweh will see the blood which indicates an Israelite home. AT: "that I will see when I come to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

I will pass over you

The words "pass over" were a customary way of saying to not visit or enter. AT: "I will not enter your house" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

for you, throughout your people's generations

"for you and all the generations of your descendants"

translationWords

Exodus 12:15-16

that person must be cut off from Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

an assembly that is set apart to me

This can be stated in active form. AT: "an assembly that you have set apart to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

No work will be done on these days

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You will do no work on these days" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

That must be the only work that may be done by you

This can be stated in active form. AT: "That must be the only work that you do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 12:17-18

armed group by armed group

The term used for these groups is a military term referring to a large number of soldiers. AT: "division by division" or "regiment by regiment"

twilight

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.

the fourteenth day in the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

the twenty-first day of the month

"the twenty-first day of the first month." This is near the middle of April on Western calendars. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 12:19-20

no yeast must be found in your houses

This can be stated in active form. AT: "there must not be any yeast in your houses" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

must be cut off from the community of Israel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]]and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

bread made without yeast

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Exodus 12:08. AT: "bread which you have made without yeast" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 12:21-22

summoned

"officially called"

hyssop

This is a plant in the mint family, which is woody and used for thin twigs.

the top of the doorframe and the two doorposts

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

translationWords

Exodus 12:23

pass over your door

Here the word "door" implies the entire house. This means that God will spare the Israelites in houses with blood on the doors. AT: "pass over your house" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 12:24-25

this event ... this act of worship

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

translationWords

Exodus 12:26-28

He set our households free

This means that Yahweh spared the Israelites' firstborn sons. AT: "He did not kill the firstborn sons in our houses" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron

"everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do"

translationWords

Exodus 12:29-30

at midnight

"in the middle of the night"

all the firstborn in the land of Egypt ... all the firstborn of cattle

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

who sat on his throne

This refers to Pharaoh.

430 years

"four hundred and thirty years" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 12:41-42

430 years

"four hundred and thirty years" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Yahweh's armed groups

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

to be observed by all the Israelites

This can be stated in active form. AT: "that all the Israelites were to observe" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

all the Israelites throughout their people's generations

"all the Israelites and the all the generations of their descendants"

translationWords

Exodus 12:43-44

No foreigner may share in eating it

The pronoun "it" refers to the Passover meal.

every Israelite's slave

"any slave of an Israelite"

bought with money

This can be stated in active form. AT: "whom the Israelite has bought with money" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Exodus 13:intro-0

Exodus 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the instructions for the celebration of Passover. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/passover.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/reveal.md]])

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 13:1-2

Set apart to me ... every firstborn male

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

translationWords

Exodus 13:3-5

Call this day to mind

The words "Call ... to mind" were a customary way of telling someone to remember something. AT: "Remember and celebrate this day" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the house of slavery

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. AT: "the place where you were slaves" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Yahweh's strong hand

Here the word "hand" refers to power. See how you translated "strong hand" in Exodus 6:1. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

No bread with yeast may be eaten

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You must not eat bread with yeast" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the month of Aviv

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

a land flowing with milk and honey

Since milk comes from cows and goats, "milk" represents food produced by livestock. Because honey is produced from flowers, "honey" represents food from crops. See how you translated this in Exodus 3:8. AT: "food from livestock and from crops" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

you must observe this act of worship

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.

translationWords

Exodus 13:6-7

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

For seven days

"For 7 days" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Bread without yeast must be eaten

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You must eat bread without yeast" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

no bread with yeast may be seen among you

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You may not have any bread with yeast among you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

No yeast may be seen with you

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You may not have any yeast" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

within any of your borders

"inside any of the borders of your land"

translationWords

Exodus 13:8-10

On that day you are to say to your children, 'This is because of what Yahweh did for me when I came out of Egypt.'

The quotation can be stated as an indirect quote. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

This will be a reminder for you on your hand, and a reminder on your forehead

These are two different types of physical reminders so people will not forget something important. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

a reminder for you on your hand

Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were tying an object around their hands to remind them of what Yahweh had done. AT: "like something you tie around your hand as a reminder" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

a reminder on your forehead

Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were tying an object around their foreheads to remind them of what Yahweh had done. AT: "like something you tie around your head as a reminder" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

so the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth

The words "in your mouth" here refers to the words that they speak. AT: "so you may always be speaking of the law of Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

strong hand

The word "hand" here represents God's actions or works. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:1. AT: "the power I show in my works" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 13:11-13

when he gives the land to you

"when he gives the land of the Canaanites to you"

Every firstborn of a donkey

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

each of your firstborn males among all your sons

Everyone in Israel who had a firstborn son, must buy him back.

translationWords

Exodus 13:14-16

When your son asks you later, 'What does this mean?' then you are to tell him

The first quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. AT: "When your son asks you later what this means, then you are to tell him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

strong hand

the house of slavery

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in Exodus 13:3. AT: "the place where you were slaves" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

become a reminder on your hands, and a reminder on your forehead

This expresses two ways to remember the importance of the passover event. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 13:8-10. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 13:17-18

nearby

"close to where they were located"

the people will change their minds ... and ... return to Egypt

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.

translationWords

Exodus 13:19-22

camped at Etham

Etham is located south of the route heading towards the Philistines, at the border of the wilderness. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

pillar of cloud ... pillar of fire

"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.

translationWords

Exodus 14

Exodus 14:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/faith.md]])

Exodus 14:1-3

Pi Hahiroth ... Migdol ... Baal Zephon

These are towns on Egypt's eastern border. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

You are to camp

Here the word "You" is plural and refers to Moses and the Israelites. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

Pharaoh will say about the Israelites, 'They are wandering in the land. The wilderness has closed in on them.'

This can be stated as an indirect quote. AT: "Pharaoh will say the Israelites are wandering in the land and the wilderness has closed in on them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

The wilderness has closed in on them

Pharaoh speaks of the wilderness as a person who has trapped the Israelites. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 14:4-5

General Information:

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

I will harden Pharaoh's heart

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. AT: "I will cause Pharaoh to became more defiant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

he will pursue them

"Pharaoh will pursue the Israelites"

I will get honor

"People will honor me"

The Egyptians will know that I am Yahweh

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

So the Israelites camped as they were instructed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "So the Israelites camped as Yahweh had instructed them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

When the king of Egypt was told

This can be stated in active form. AT: "When someone told the king of Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the king of Egypt

This refers to Pharaoh.

had fled

"had run away"

the minds of Pharaoh and his servants turned against the people

Here the word "minds" refers to their attitudes towards the Israelites. AT: "Pharaoh and his servants changed their attitudes about the people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.

They asked this question to show they thought they had done a foolish thing. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "We have done a stupid thing by letting Israel go free from working for us!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 14:6-9

He took six hundred chosen chariots

"He took 600 of his best chariots" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh

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. AT: "Yahweh caused Pharaoh to became more defiant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Pi Hahiroth ... Baal Zephon

These are towns on Egypt's eastern border. See how you translated them in Exodus 14:02. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 14:10-12

When Pharaoh came close

The word "Pharaoh" here represents the entire Egyptian army. AT: "When Pharaoh and his army came close" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

they were terrified

"the Israelites were terrified"

Is it because there were no graves in Egypt, that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?

The Israelites ask this question to express their frustration and fear of dying. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why have you treated us like this, bringing us out of Egypt?

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. AT: "You should not have treated us like this by bringing us out of Egypt!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Is this not what we told you in Egypt?

The Israelites ask this question to emphasize that this is what they had told Moses. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "This is exactly what we told you while we were in Egypt." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

We said to you, 'Leave us alone, so we can work for the Egyptians.'

This can be stated as an indirect quote. AT: "We told you to leave us alone, so we could work for the Egyptians." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 14:13-14

Moses said to the people

Moses responds to the Israelites' fears.

provide for you

The pronoun "you" refers to the Israelites. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

For you will never see again the Egyptians

Moses used a polite way of saying God was going to destroy the Egyptian army. AT: "For God will kill the Egyptians" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/fear.md]]

Exodus 14:15-18

Why are you, Moses, continuing to call out to me?

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. AT: "Do not call out to me any longer, Moses." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

divide it in two

"divide the sea into two parts"

Be aware

"Know"

I will harden the Egyptians' hearts

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. AT: "I will cause the Egyptians to became more defiant" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

so they will go after them

"so that the Egyptians will go into the sea after the Israelites"

translationWords

Exodus 14:19-20

the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel

"the Egyptian army and the Israelite people"

so one side did not come near the other

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

translationWords

Exodus 14:21-22

east wind

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

east

where the sun rises

the waters were divided

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Yahweh divided the waters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

on their right hand and on their left

"on each side of them" or "on both sides of them"

translationWords

Exodus 14:23-25

He caused panic among the Egyptians

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

Their chariot wheels were clogged

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Mud clogged their chariot wheels" or "Their chariot wheels were getting stuck in the mud" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 14:26-28

Yahweh said to Moses, "Reach out with your hand ... and their horsemen."

This can be stated as an indirect quote. AT: "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."

come back onto

"fall on"

The Egyptians fled into the sea

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

Yahweh drove the Egyptians

"Yahweh pushed the Egyptians" or "Yahweh threw the Egyptians"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/yahweh.md]]

Exodus 14:29-31

Israel

Each of the occurrences of "Israel" refer to the people of Israel. AT: "the people of Israel" or "the Israelites" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

out of the hand of the Egyptians

Here the word "hand" refers to power. AT: "from the Egyptians' power" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

on the seashore

"on the land along the edge of the sea"

translationWords

Exodus 15

Exodus 15:intro-0

Exodus 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations indent each line of poetry to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetic songs in 15:1-18 and 15:21. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-poetry/01.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/reveal.md]])

Exodus 15:1

General Information:

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

he has triumphed gloriously

It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. AT: "he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the horse and its rider he has thrown into the sea

Moses sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them into the sea. AT: "he has made the sea cover over the horse and rider" or "he has made the horse and rider drown in the sea" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the horse and its rider

This refers to all or many of the Egyptian horses and riders that were chasing the Israelites. AT: "the horses and their riders" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-genericnoun/01.md]])

it consumed them like stubble

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. AT: "it completely destroyed your enemies like a fire that burns up straw" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

By the blast of your nostrils

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. AT: "You blew on the sea and" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 15:9-11

my desire will be satisfied on them

This can be expressed with an active form. AT: "I will satisfy my desire on them" or "I will take all I want from them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

my hand will destroy them

The enemies speak of destroying the Israelites by the power of their hands as if it were their hands that would destroy them. AT: "I will destroy them with my hand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

But you blew with your wind

Moses spoke about God making the wind blow as if God blew the wind through his nose or mouth. AT: "But you made the wind blow" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

sank like lead in the mighty waters

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. AT: "sank as fast as lead in the deep turbulent waters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods?

Moses uses this question to show how great God is. AT: "O Yahweh, no one is like you among the gods!" or "Yahweh, none of the gods is like you!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Who is like you, ... doing miracles?

Moses uses this question to show how great God is. AT: 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 15:12-13

with your right hand

The phrase "right hand" represents the strong power of God. AT: "with your strong power" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

You reached out with your right hand

Moses speaks about God causing something to happen as if God reached out with his hand. AT: "With your strong power you made it happen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the earth swallowed them

Moses personifies the earth as if it could swallow or devour with it's mouth. AT: "the earth devoured them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 15:14-15

tremble

This means to shake because you are afraid.

terror will seize the inhabitants of Philistia

Moses speaks of terror as if it were a person that could forcefully grab hold of someone and make them extremely afraid. AT: "the inhabitants of Philistia will be afraid" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

will melt away

Moses speaks of people becoming weak from their fear as melting away. AT: "will be weak from fear" or "will be afraid and faint" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 15:16

Connecting Statement:

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

Terror and dread will fall on them

These two words mean that fear will come upon them. AT: "Fear will come upon them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

dread

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

Because of your arm's power

God's arm represents his great strength. AT: "Because of your great strength" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

they will become as still as a stone

Possible meanings are 1) "They will be silent like stone" or 2) "They will be motionless as stone" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/terror.md]]

Exodus 15:17-18

You will bring them

Where God would bring them can be stated clearly. Since Moses was not already in Canaan, some languages would use "take" rather than "bring." AT: "You will take your people to Canaan" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-go/01.md]])

plant them on the mountain

Moses speaks about God giving his people the land to live in as if they were a tree that God was planting. AT: "settle them on the mountain" or "let them live on the mountain" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the mountain of your inheritance

This refers to Mount Zion in the land of Canaan.

of your inheritance

Moses speaks about God promising to give his people the mountain forever as if he were giving it to them as an inheritance. AT: "that you have given them as an inheritance" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

that your hands have built

The phrase "your hands" refers to God's power. AT: "that you have built by your power" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pastforfuture/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 15:19-21

Miriam ... Aaron

Miriam was the older sister of Moses and Aaron. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

tambourine

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

he has triumphed gloriously

It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. See how you translated this in Exodus 15:1. AT: "he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea

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. AT: "He has made the horse and rider drown in the sea" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 15:22-23

Moses led Israel

The word "Israel" represents the people of Israel. AT: "Moses led the Israelite people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

wilderness of Shur ... Marah

We do not know the exact locations of these places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 15:24-26

complained to Moses and said

"were unhappy and told Moses" or "angrily told Moses"

the voice of Yahweh your God

Yahweh is speaking about his own voice. His voice represents what he says. AT: "my voice" or "what I say" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

do what is right in his eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. AT: "do what Yahweh considers to be right"(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I will put on you none of the diseases

God speaks of causing people to have diseases as putting diseases on them. AT: "I will not cause any of you to have the diseases" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 15:27

Elim

This is an oasis in the desert, a place with water and shade trees. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

twelve

"12" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

seventy

"70" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 16

Exodus 16:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/trust.md]])

# Sabbath

This is the first recorded celebration of the Sabbath rest. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sabbath.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Exodus 16:1-3

wilderness of Sin

The word "Sin" here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word "sin." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

on the fifteenth day of the second month

This time coincides with the end of April and the beginning of May on Western calendars. AT: "on day 15 of the second month" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

The whole community of Israelites

"All the Israelites." This is a generalization. Moses and Aaron did not complain. AT: "The Israelites" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

complained

"were angry and spoke"

If only we had died

This is a way of saying that they wished that they had died. AT: "We wish that we had died"

by Yahweh's hand

The phrase "Yahweh's hand" represents Yahweh's action. AT: "by Yahweh's action" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 16:4-5

I will rain down bread from heaven for you

God speaks of food coming down from heaven as if it were rain. AT: "I will make bread come down from heaven like rain" or "I will make bread fall to you from the sky" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

bread

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. AT: "food" or "food like bread" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

walk in my law

God speaks of obeying his law as walking in it. AT: "obey my law" or "live according to my law" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

my law

"my command"

It will come about on the sixth day, that they

"It will happen on the sixth day that they" or "On the sixth day they"

on the sixth day

"on day 6" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

twice

"two times" or "2 times" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 16:6-8

Who are we for you to complain against us?

Moses and Aaron used this question to show the people that it was foolish to complain against them. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

bread

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. AT: "food" or "food like bread" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Who are Aaron and I?

Moses used this question to show the people that he and Aaron did not have the power to give them what they wanted. AT: "Aaron and I cannot give you what you want." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Your complaints are not against us; they are against Yahweh

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. AT: Your complaints are not really against us; they are against Yahweh, because we are his servants" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/glory.md]]

Exodus 16:9-12

It came about

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.

behold

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

bread

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. AT: "food" or "food like bread" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 16:13-15

It came about ... that

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.

quails

These are small, plump birds. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

like frost

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. AT: "that looked like frost" or "that was fine like frost" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

bread

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. AT: "food" or "food like bread" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/bread.md]]

Exodus 16:16-18

Connecting Statement:

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

omer

"two liters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bvolume/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 16:19-21

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/angry.md]]

Exodus 16:22-23

coriander seed

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

wafers

very thin biscuits or crackers

omer

"2 liters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bvolume/01.md]])

bread

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

translationWords

Exodus 16:33-36

Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah

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. AT: "Now ten omers equal one ephah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bvolume/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

an omer

"two liters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bvolume/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 17

Exodus 17:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

# Wilderness of Sin

Exodus 17:1-3

wilderness of Sin

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Rephidim

This means "the resting place," a place to rest on long journeys through the wilderness. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?

Moses uses these questions to scold the people. AT: "You should not quarrel with me! You should not test Yahweh!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

To kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?

The people use this question to accuse Moses of wanting to kill them. AT: "You only brought us out here to kill us and our children and cattle by not letting us have any water to drink!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek

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. AT: "I will completely destroy Amalek" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

a hand was lifted up

People would raise their hand when they made a promise or pledge, so raising the hand represents making a promise. AT: "a promise was made" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

a hand was lifted up

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Yahweh lifted up his hand" or "Yahweh made a solemn promise" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Amalek

This refers to the Amalekites. AT: Amalekites" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 18

Exodus 18:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/godly.md]])

Exodus 18:1-4

Moses' father-in-law

This refers to the father of the wife of Moses.

took Zipporah, Moses' wife ... and her two sons

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.

after he had sent her home

This is something Moses had done earlier. The full meaning of the can be made explicit. AT: "after Moses had sent her home to her parents" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Gershom

This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means "foreigner." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Eliezer

This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means "God is the one who helps me." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Pharaoh's sword

This represents being killed by Pharaoh or Pharaoh's army. AT: "being killed by Pharaoh" or "being killed by Pharaoh's army" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 18:5-6

where he was camped

This can be stated in active form. AT: "where he camped with the Israelites" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 18:7-8

bowed down, and kissed him

These symbolic acts were the normal way that people showed great respect and devotion in that culture. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

for Israel's sake

The word "Israel" represents the Israelite people. AT: "in order to help the Israelite people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

all the hardships that had come to them

Moses writes of hardships happening to them as if hardships had come to them. AT: "all the hardships that had happened to them" or "all the hardships they had experienced" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 18:9-11

the hand of the Egyptians ... the hand of Pharaoh

The hand represents the power of someone to do something. AT: "the power of the Egyptians ... the power of Pharaoh" or "what the Egyptians were doing to you ... what Pharaoh was doing to you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 18:12

translationWords

Exodus 18:13-14

What is this that you are doing with the people?

Jethro uses this question to show Moses that what he was doing was not good. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "You should not be doing all of this for the people!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Why is it that you sit alone ... from morning until evening?

Jethro used this question to show Moses that he was doing too much. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "You should not sit alone ... from morning till evening!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

you sit alone

The word "sit" here is a metonym for "judge." Judges would sit while they listened to people's complaints. AT: "you judge alone" or "you are the only one who judges the people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 18:15-16

translationWords

Exodus 18:17-20

You will surely wear yourselves out

"you will surely make yourselves very tired"

This burden is too heavy for you

Jethro speaks of the hard work that Moses is doing as if it were a physical burden that Moses was carrying. AT: "This work is too much for you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

advice

"guidance" or "instruction"

God will be with you

Jethro speaks of God helping Moses as if God would be with Moses. AT: "God will help you" or "God will give you wisdom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

you bring their disputes to him

Jethro speaks of Moses telling God about their disputes as if Moses were bringing their disputes to God. AT: "you tell God about their disputes" or "you tell God what they are arguing about" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

You must show them the way to walk

Jethro speaks of living or behaving like walking. AT: "You must show them how to live" or "You must show them how to behave" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 18:21-23

Connecting Statement:

Jethro continues speaking to Moses.

Furthermore, you must choose

"In addition, you must choose" or "You must also choose"

You must put them over people

Jethro speaks of giving them authority over people as putting them over people. AT: You must give them authority over people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

leaders in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and of tens

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of people in each group. AT: "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. AT: "leaders in charge of very small groups, small groups, large groups, and very large groups" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

routine cases

"the simple cases"

the difficult cases they will bring to you

Jethro speaks of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they will carry the burden with you

Jethro speaks of the hard work that they would do as if it were a burden that they would carry. AT: "they will do the hard work with you" or "they will help you do the hard work" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

endure

What they will endure can be stated clearly. AT: "endure the stress of the work" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 18:24-27

heads over the people

Moses writes of the leaders of people as if they were the head of a body. AT: "leaders of the people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

capable men

What they were capable of doing can be stated clearly. AT: "men who were able to lead" or "men who were able to judge" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

leaders in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens

Possible meanings are 1) these numbers represent the exact amount of people in each group. AT: "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. AT: "leaders in charge of very small groups, small groups, large groups, and very large groups" See how you translated this in Exodus 18:21. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

circumstances

"situations"

The difficult cases they brought to Moses

The author writes of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the small cases

"the easy cases"

translationWords

Exodus 19

Exodus 19:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/priest.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]])

Exodus 19:1-2

In the third month ... on the same day

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. AT: "In the third month ... on the first day of the month" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

had gone out from

"had left"

Rephidim

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 19:3-6

the house of Jacob

The word "house" here represents Jacob's family and descendants. AT: "the descendants of Jacob" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the house of Jacob, the people of Israel

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

You have seen

The word "you" here refers to the Israelites. Yahweh is telling Moses what to tell the Israelites. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

I carried you on eagles' wings

God speaks of caring for his people while they traveled as if he were an eagle and carried them on his wings. AT: "I helped you travel like an eagle that carries her babies on her wings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

obediently listen to my voice

Obediently can be expressed as a verb. AT: "listen to my voice and obey me"

my voice

God's voice represents what he says. AT: "what I say" or "my words" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

keep my covenant

"do what my covenant requires you to do"

special possession

"treasure"

a kingdom of priests

God speaks of his people as if they were priests. AT: "a kingdom of people who are like priests" or "a kingdom of people who do what priests do" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 19:7-9

set before them all these words

The author writes of Moses telling people things as if he were setting the words before them. AT "told them all these words" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

all these words that Yahweh had commanded him

"all that Yahweh had commanded him"

Moses came to report

Where Moses went can be stated explicitly. AT: "Moses went back up the mountain to report" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-go/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the people's words

The word "words" refers to what the people said. AT: "what the people said" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 19:10-11

you must set them apart to me

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

garments

"clothes"

Be ready

This was a command to the people of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/setapart.md]]

Exodus 19:12-13

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

set boundaries

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

Whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death

This can be stated with an active form. AT: "You must surely put to death any person who touches the mountain" or "You must surely kill anyone who touches the mountain" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Whoever touches

"Any person who touches" or "Anyone who touches"

such a person

"a person who does that" or "a person who touches the mountain"

he must certainly be stoned or shot

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must certainly stone or shoot him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

shot

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

a long blast

"a long, loud sound"

translationWords

Exodus 19:14-15

do not go near your wives

This is a polite way of talking about sleeping with their wives. AT: "do not sleep with your wives" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/setapart.md]]

Exodus 19:16-18

trembled

"shook with fear"

descended

"came down"

like the smoke of a furnace

This shows that it was a very large amount of smoke. AT: "like the smoke from a very large fire"

furnace

an oven that can be made extremely hot (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/names/sinai.md]]

Exodus 19:19-22

grew louder and louder

"continued to become louder and louder"

in a voice

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

he summoned Moses

"he commanded Moses to come up"

not to break through

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. AT: "not to go beyond the boundary" or "not to go through the barrier"(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 19:23-25

get down

"go down"

break through the barrier

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. AT: "go beyond the boundary" or "go through the barrier" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 20

Exodus 20:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenantfaith.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]])

Exodus 20:1-3

house of slavery

"place where you were slaves"

You must have no other gods before me

"You must not worship any other gods but me"

translationWords

Exodus 20:4-6

nor the likeness

"and you must not make the likeness"

You must not bow down to them or worship them

The word "them" refers to carved figures or idols.

jealous

God wants his people to worship only him.

punish the ancestors' wickedness by bringing punishment on the descendants

God will punish people for the sin of their parents.

to the third and the fourth generation

"to generations 3 and 4." This refers to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. AT: "even on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

I show covenant faithfulness to thousands of those who love me

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully" or "faithful." AT: "I faithfully love thousands of those who love me" or "I am faithful to the covenant with thousands of those who love me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

to thousands of those who love me

The word "thousands" is a metonym for a number too many to count. AT: "forever to those who love me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 20:7

take the name of Yahweh your God

"use the name of Yahweh your God"

in vain

"carelessly" or "without proper respect"

I will not hold guiltless

This double-negative can be stated as a positive. AT: "I will certainly consider guilty" or "I will certainly punish" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 20:8-11

do all your work

"do all your usual duties"

within your gates

Cities often had walls around them to keep out enemies, and gates for people to go in and out. AT: "within your community" or "inside your city" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

on the seventh day

"on day seven." Here "seventh" is the ordinal number for "7." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Exodus 21:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/elect.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]])

Exodus 21:1

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

you must set before them

"you must give them" or "you must tell them"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/decree.md]]

Exodus 21:2-4

General Information:

Yahweh tells Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

If he came by himself, he must go free by himself

What "by himself" means can be stated clearly. Some languages require that the additional condition, that he marries while a slave, be stated clearly. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

by himself

"alone" or "without a wife"

if he is married

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

translationWords

Exodus 21:5-6

plainly says

"clearly says"

I will not go out free

"I do not want my master to set me free"

bore his ear through

"put a hole in his ear"

awl

a pointed tool used to make a hole

for life

"until the end of his life" or "until he dies"

translationWords

Exodus 21:7-8

has designated

"has chosen"

he must let her be bought back

This can be stated in active form. AT: "he must allow her father to buy her back" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

has no right to sell

"has no authority to sell"

he has treated her deceitfully

"he has deceived her"

translationWords

Exodus 21:9-11

designates

"chooses"

he must not diminish her food, clothing, or her marital rights

This can be stated in a positive form. AT: "he must give the first wife the same food, clothing, and marital rights she had before" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

diminish

"take away" or "reduce"

or her marital rights

This includes things that a husband must do for his wife, including sleeping with her. AT: "and he must continue to sleep with her as before" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-euphemism/01.md]])

Exodus 21:12-14

strikes

"hits" or "attacks"

that person must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must certainly execute that person" or "you must certainly kill that person" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

did not do it with premeditation

"did not plan to do it" or "did not do it on purpose"

I will fix a place to where he can flee

The purpose of choosing a place can be stately clearly here. AT: "I will choose a place that he can run away to be safe" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

according to a cunning plan

"after thinking carefully about it"

must take him

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

so that he may die

This can be stated in active form. AT: "so that you can kill him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 21:15-17

Whoever hits his father or mother must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

must surely

"must certainly"

in his possession

"with him"

that kidnapper must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must certainly kill that kidnapper" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Whoever curses his father or his mother must surely be put to death

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must surely kill anyone who curses his father or his mother" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/curse.md]]

Exodus 21:18-19

is confined to his bed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "cannot get out of bed" or "has to stay in bed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

recovers

"gets better"

staff

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

the loss of his time

This refers to a situation when someone cannot work to earn money. You can express this clearly in the translation. AT: "the time he could not work" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

pay for his complete recovery

"pay his medical costs" or "pay for his costs for healing"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/guilt.md]]

Exodus 21:20-21

as a result of the blow

"because of the injury" or "because his master hit him"

that man must surely be punished

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must certainly punish that man" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

for he will have suffered the loss of the servant

You can express clearly in the translation that the servant was valuable to his master. AT: "because he has already lost his servant who was valuable to him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/punish.md]]

Exodus 21:22-25

she miscarries

"her baby dies in her womb" or "her baby is born too soon and dies"

the guilty man must surely be fined

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must certainly fine the guilty man" or "the guilty man must pay a fine" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

as the judges determine

"what the judges decide"

you must give a life for a life, an eye for an eye

This means that if she is hurt, the person who hurt her must be hurt in the same way. AT: "he must give his life for her life, his eye for her eye" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 21:26-27

If a man

Here "man" refers to the owner of a slave.

in compensation

"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 21:28-30

gores

"injures with its horns"

the ox must surely be stoned

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must stone the ox to death" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

its flesh must not be eaten

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must not eat its flesh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the ox's owner must be acquitted

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must acquit the ox's owner" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

its owner also must be put to death

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must also kill its owner" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

If a payment is required for his life

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. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 21:31-32

has gored

"has injured with its horns"

thirty shekels of silver

"330 grams of silver." A shekel weighed eleven grams. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bmoney/01.md]])

the ox must be stoned

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must kill the ox by stoning it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 21:33-34

opens a pit

"uncovers a hole in the ground" or "takes a cover off a hole in the ground"

repay the loss

The owner must be paid for the loss of his animal. AT: "pay the owner for the dead animal" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

will become his

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. AT: "will belong to the owner of the pit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 21:35-36

divide its price

"divide the money" or "divide the money they receive"

if it was known

This can be stated in active form. AT: "if people knew" or "if the owner knew" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

a habit of goring in time past

"had gored other animals before"

its owner has not kept it in

This means that the owner did not keep his ox securely inside a fence. This can be clearly stated in the translation. AT: "its owner did not keep it inside a fence" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

he must surely pay ox for ox

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. AT: "the owner of the ox that killed must surely give a living ox to the owner of the ox that died" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Exodus 22

Exodus 22:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/elect.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/avenge.md]])

Exodus 22:1-4

General Information:

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

If a thief is found

This can be stated in active form. AT: "If anyone finds a thief" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

breaking in

"using force to come into a house"

if he is struck so that he dies

This can be stated in active form. AT: "if anyone strikes the thief so that he dies" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

no guilt for murder will attach to anyone on his account

"no one will be guilty of murdering him"

if the sun has risen before he breaks in

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

guilt for murder will attach to the person who kills him

"the person who kills him will be guilty of murder"

make restitution

"pay for what he stole"

he must be sold for his theft

This can be stated in an active form. AT: "you must sell him as a slave in order to pay for what he stole" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

If the stolen animal is found alive in his possession

This can be stated in active form. AT: "If they find that he still has the live animal that he stole" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

pay back double

pay two animals for every animal that he took

translationWords

Exodus 22:5

If a man grazes his livestock

"If a man lets his animals eat plants"

it grazes

"it eats plants"

he must make restitution

"he must pay back the owner of that field"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/vineyard.md]]

Exodus 22:6

If a fire breaks out and spreads in thorns

"If someone starts a fire and it spreads in thorns"

spreads in thorns

"moves along the ground through dry plants"

stacked grain

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

standing grain

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

a field is consumed

"fire consumes a field" or "fire destroys a field"

must surely make restitution

"must certainly pay for the grain that the fire destroyed"

translationWords

Exodus 22:7-9

for safe keeping

"to watch over it" or "to keep it safe"

if it is stolen

This can be stated in active form. AT: "if someone steals it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

thief

someone who steals something

if the thief is found

This can be stated in active form. AT: "if you find the thief" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

come before the judges to see whether

"come before the judges so that they can find out if"

has put his own hand on his neighbor's property

This is an idiom. If you have a way of saying this in your language, you can use it here. AT: "has stolen his neighbor's property" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the claim of both parties must come before the judges

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

translationWords

Exodus 22:10-13

an oath to Yahweh must be taken by them both

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. AT: "the man who was caring for the animal must swear an oath before Yahweh and the owner must accept that oath" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

But if it was stolen from him

This can be stated in active form. AT: "But if someone stole the animal from him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

If an animal was torn in pieces

This can be stated in active form. AT: "But if a wild beast tore the animal in pieces" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

He will not have to pay for what was torn

This can be stated in active form. AT: "He will not have to pay for the animal that the wild beast destroyed" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 22:14-15

must surely make restitution

"must certainly repay with another animal" or "must certainly pay the owner for the animal"

if the animal was hired

This can be stated in active form. AT: "if someone rented the animal" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

it will be paid for by its hiring fee

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. AT: "the money that someone paid to rent the animal will cover the loss of the animal" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

hiring fee

"rental fee" or "money paid to rent the animal"

Exodus 22:16-17

seduces

"persuades"

give them to me

"dedicate them to me"

translationWords

Exodus 23

Exodus 23:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/elect.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/justice.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]])

# 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 23:1-3

General Information:

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

dishonest witness

This is the same as a lying or false witness.

nor may you bear witness

"and you also must not speak"

siding with the crowd

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. AT: "doing what the crowd wants" or "agreeing with the majority" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

pervert justice

do illegal or immoral actions that result in a unjust ruling

translationWords

Exodus 23:4-5

unplowed

"uncultivated" or "untilled"

fallow

"in its natural state" or "unused for production"

so that the poor among your people may eat

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. AT: "so the poor among your people may harvest and eat any food that grows on its own in that field" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 23:12-13

General Information:

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

Pay attention to

"Do" or "Obey"

your ox and your donkey

"your work animals"

any foreigner may rest and be refreshed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "any foreigner may rest and regain his strength" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

mention the names of other gods

This represents praying to other gods. AT: "pray to other gods" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Exodus 24:3-4

with one voice

This is an idiom that means the people were in complete agreement. AT: "together" or "in agreement" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

foot of the mountain

"base of the mountain" or "bottom of the mountain"

translationWords

Exodus 24:5-6

Moses took half of the blood and put it into basins

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.

he sprinkled the other half onto the altar

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

translationWords

Exodus 24:7-8

We will be obedient

This can be stated in active form. AT: "We will obey everything" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Then Moses took the blood

This refers to the blood that Moses had put into the bowls. This can be stated clearly. AT: "Then Moses took the blood that was in the bowls" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 24:9-11

Nadab ... Abihu

These are men's names. See how you translated these names in Exodus 6:23. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Under his feet

This speaks of God as if he had human feet. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/tabernacle.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]])

Exodus 25:1-2

who is motivated by a willing heart

This is an idiom that indicates a person's desire to give an offering. AT: "who wants to give an offering" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

You must receive

The word "you" refers to Moses and the leaders. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 25:3-7

The rings must be attached

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You must attach the rings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

in order to carry

"so you can carry"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/gold.md]]

Exodus 25:28-30

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

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

made as one piece with it

This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must make them as one piece with the lampstand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 25:37-40

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

for them to give light from it

"so they shine light from it"

The tongs and their trays must be made of pure gold

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Make the tongs and their trays of pure gold" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

one talent

A talent weighs about thirty-three kilograms. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]])

its accessories

the tongs and the trays

you are being shown on the mountain

This can be stated in active form. AT: "I am showing you on the mountain" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 26

Exodus 26:intro-0

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 26:1-3

General Information:

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

You must make

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

curtains

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

scarlet wool

wool dyed a deep red color

craftsman

a person who is skilled in making beautiful objects by hand

twenty-eight cubits ... four cubits

"28 cubits ... 4 cubits." A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Five curtains must be joined to each other ... must also be joined to each other

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Sew five curtains together to make one set, and sew the other five curtains together to make another set" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 26:4-6

loops ... clasps

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together.

one set

"one set of five curtains"

the second set

"the second set of five curtains"

translationWords

Exodus 26:7-9

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

eleven ... thirty ... four

"11 ... 30 ... 4" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 26:10-11

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

loops ... clasps

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:4-6.

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/bronze.md]]

Exodus 26:12-14

fine twined linen

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

an embroiderer

"a person who sews designs into cloth" or "a person who embroiders"

translationWords

Exodus 27

Exodus 27:intro-0

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 27:1-2

Exodus 27:9-10

There must be hangings ... courtyard

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You must place hangings ... courtyard" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

hangings of fine twined linen

A "hanging" was a large curtain made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36

fine twined linen

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

one hundred cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. AT: "44 meters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

There must also be hooks ... posts

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You must also attach hooks ... posts" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

posts

a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support

translationWords

Exodus 27:11-13

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Likewise ... silver rods

For 27:11 see how you translated many similar words in Exodus 27:9-10.

there must be hangings

This could be stated as a command. AT: "you must make hangings"

there must be a curtain

This could be stated as a command. AT: "you must make a curtain"

There must be ten posts

This could be stated as a command. AT: "You must make ten posts"

The courtyard must also be fifty cubits long

This could be stated as a command. AT: "Make the courtyard fifty cubits long"

translationWords

Exodus 27:14-16

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

The hangings

These were large curtains made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

posts

These were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in Exodus 27:10.

bases

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.

fifteen cubits

about seven meters (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

The courtyard gate must be a curtain twenty cubits long

This could be stated as a command. AT: "You must make a curtain twenty cubits long to be the courtyard gate"

The curtain must be made ... fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer

This can be stated in active form. AT: "They must make the curtain ... fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer" or "Embroiderers must make the curtain ... fine twined linen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

blue, purple, and scarlet material and fine twined linen

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.

an embroiderer

a person who sews designs into cloth

translationWords

Exodus 27:17-19

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

one hundred cubits

"100 cubits." A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

fine twined linen hangings

"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.

all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard must be made of bronze

This can be stated in active form. AT: "make all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

tent pegs

sharp pieces of wood or metal used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground

translationWords

Exodus 27:20-21

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle.

ark of testimony

This is the chest that contains the sacred slabs of stone on which Yahweh had written his commandments.

This requirement will be a lasting ordinance

"I require that the people do this as a lasting ordinance"

translationWords

Exodus 28

Exodus 28:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/priest.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]])

Exodus 28:1-3

onyx

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

They must be mounted in gold settings

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You must mount them in gold settings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/gold.md]]

Exodus 28:21-24

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

The stones must be arranged

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You must arrange the stones" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

signet ring

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.

chains like cords, braided work of pure gold

"chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords." See how you translated similar phrases in Exodus 28:14.

translationWords

Exodus 28:25-26

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

braided chains

"chains braided like cords." See how you translated this in Exodus 28:14.

to the two settings

These are two settings that enclose the stones. This can be clearly stated in the translation. AT: "to the two settings that enclose the stones" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 28:27-28

This is so that he does not die

It is implied that he would die because he did not obey Yahweh. This can be stated. AT: "As a result, he will not die because of disobeying my instructions" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 28:36-38

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

engrave on it, like the engraving on a signet

"write on it in the same way a person engraves on a seal." See how you translated similar words in Exodus 28:11

turban

This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

It must be on Aaron's forehead

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Aaron must wear it on his forehead" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

The turban must be always on his forehead

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Aaron must always wear the turban on his forehead" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 28:39

General Information:

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

turban

This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

sash

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.

the work of an embroiderer

An embroiderer is a person who sews designs into cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/works.md]]

Exodus 28:40-41

General Information:

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

sashes

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.

headbands

A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes.

You must clothe Aaron your brother

Aaron was the older brother of Moses. You can state this clearly in the translation. AT: "Put these clothes on your older brother Aaron" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 28:42-43

General Information:

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

undergarments

These are underwear, clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin.

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

a permanent law

"a law the will not end"

translationWords

Exodus 29

Exodus 29:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/consecrate.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/priest.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]])

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 29:1-2

Now

The word "now" marks a change in topic from garments for priests to consecrating priests.

you must do

Here "you" refers to Moses.

to set them apart

"to set apart Aaron and his sons"

serve me

Here "me" refers to Yahweh.

one young bull

a male cow

Also take wafers without yeast rubbed with oil

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Also take wafers without yeast and rub them with oil" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

bread ... cakes ... wafers

These are different kinds of food made from flour.

translationWords

Exodus 29:3-4

General Information:

Yahweh continues to speak to Moses

You must put them

"You must put the bread, cake, and wafer"

present them with the bull and the two rams

Here "present" means to offer as a sacrifice. The full meaning of this can be translated clearly. AT: "offer them to me when you sacrifice the bull and the two rams" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

translationWords

Exodus 29:5-7

Aaron will then be set apart for me

This can be stated in active form. AT: "By doing this, you will dedicate Aaron to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 29:22-23

translationWords

Exodus 29:43-44

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 30:3-4

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

the incense altar

"an altar to burn incense"

to be attached to it

This can be stated in active form. AT: "which you will attach to the altar" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 30:5-6

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

ark of the testimony

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. AT: "the chest containing the commandments" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

atonement lid

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.

where I will meet with you

Here "you" refers to Moses. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 30:7-9

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

throughout your generations

"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

But you must offer

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.

translationWords

Exodus 30:10

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

horns

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.

throughout your generations

"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

translationWords

Exodus 30:11-14

When you take

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

a census of the Israelites

The leaders only counted the Israelite men.

Everyone who is counted

This can be stated in active form. They counted only the men. AT: "Everyone you count" or "Every man you count" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

half a shekel of silver

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bmoney/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

according to the weight of the shekel of the sanctuary

There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used.

twenty gerahs

"20 gerahs." A gerah is a unit that people used for measuring how much something very small weighed. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

from twenty years old and up

Larger numbers are spoken of as being up or above smaller numbers. AT: "from twenty years old and more" or "who is twenty years old or older" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 30:15-16

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

the people

Only the men made this offering.

the half shekel

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bmoney/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

It must be a reminder to the Israelites before me, to make atonement for your lives

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."

translationWords

Exodus 30:17-18

You must also make

Here "you" refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

basin

"bowl" or "tub"

a bronze stand

This is what the basin would be put on.

a basin for washing

This phrase explains what the priests were to use the large bronze basin for.

the altar

the altar of sacrifice

translationWords

Exodus 30:19-21

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

water in it

"water in the basin"

for Aaron and his descendants throughout their people's generations

"for Aaron and all the generations of his descendants." See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:14.

translationWords

Exodus 30:22-25

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

spices

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

five hundred shekels ... 250 shekels

"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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

cinnamon ... cane ... cassia

These are sweet spices. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md]])

the weight of the shekel of the sanctuary

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]])

one hin

Translators may use units that people know and round numbers: "3.7 liters" or "four liters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bvolume/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

with these ingredients

"with these items"

the work of a perfumer

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 perfumer

a person who is skilled in mixing spices and oils

translationWords

Exodus 30:26-28

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

You must anoint

Here "you" refers to Moses. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

ark of the testimony

the altar for burnt offerings

"the altar on which offering were burnt"

translationWords

Exodus 30:29-31

translationWords

Exodus 30:37-38

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

you must not make any

The word "you" here refers to the people of Israel.

with the same formula

"with the same ingredients" or "with the same items." See how you translated this in Exodus 30:32.

It must be most holy to you

"You must consider it to be most holy"

perfume

This is a pleasant smelling liquid a person puts on his or her body.

must be cut off from his people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 31

Exodus 31:intro-0

Exodus 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the end of Exodus' recording of the law of Moses. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sabbath.md]])

Exodus 31:1-2

I have called by name

God speaks of choosing specific people as calling them by name. AT: "I have chosen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Bezalel ... Uri ... Hur

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 31:3-5

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

I have filled Bezalel with my Spirit

Yahweh speaks of giving Bezalel his Spirit as if Bezalel were a container and God's Spirit were a liquid. AT: "I have given my Spirit to Bezalel" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for all kinds of craftsmanship

The abstract noun "craftsmanship" can be translated as "making crafts" or "making things." AT: "for making all kinds of crafts" or "so that he can make all kinds of things" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 31:6-9

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Oholiab ... Ahisamak

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

I have put skill into the hearts of all who are wise

God speaks of making people able to make things as if he were putting the ability into their hearts. AT: "I have given skill to all who are wise" or "I have made all who are wise able to make things well"

tent of meeting

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.

ark of the testimony

atonement lid

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.

incense altar

"altar to burn incense." See how you translated this in Exodus 30:03.

altar for burnt offerings

"altar on which offering were burnt." See how you translated this in Exodus 30:28.

translationWords

Exodus 31:10-11

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

finely-woven garments

These were clothing made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 28:8.

These craftsmen

"These people who are skilled in making beautiful things"

translationWords

Exodus 31:12-15

You must certainly keep Yahweh's Sabbath days

God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. AT: "You must certainly obey Yahweh's instructions about the Sabbath" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

throughout your people's generations

"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.

who sets you apart for himself

God speaks of choosing people to be his as setting them apart for himself. AT: "who has chosen you to be his people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

for it must be treated by you as holy

This can be stated in active form. AT: "for you must treat it as holy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Everyone who defiles it

God speaks of treating the Sabbath with disrespect as defiling it. AT: "Everyone who treats the Sabbath with disrespect" or "Everyone who does not obey the laws about the Sabbath" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

must surely be put to death

"must surely be killed." This can be stated in active form. AT: "you must surely kill" or "you must surely execute" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

must surely be cut off from his people

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

but the seventh day

"but day 7" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 31:16-17

General Information:

Yahweh continues telling Moses what he must tell the people of Israel.

must keep the Sabbath

God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. AT: "must obey Yahweh's instructions about the Sabbath" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

They must observe it throughout their people's generations

"They and all the generations of their descendants must observe it." See how you translated "throughout their people's generations" in Exodus 12:42.

permanent law

"a law the will not end." See how you translated this in Exodus 28:43.

translationWords

Exodus 31:18

written on by his own hand

This can be translated with an active verb. AT: "which Yahweh wrote on with his own hand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 32

Exodus 32:intro-0

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 indent each line of poetry to make it easier to read. The ULB 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Exodus 32:1-2

the people saw

Here understanding something is spoken of as if it were being seen. AT: "the people realized" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Come, make us an idol

The word "come" strengthens the force of the command following it. The people were demanding that Aaron make an idol for them.

go before us

"lead us" or "be our leader"

bring them to me

The word "them" refers to the golden rings.

translationWords

Exodus 32:3-4

General Information:

Moses continues to reason with God not to destroy Israel.

Why should the Egyptians say, 'He led them out ... to destroy them from the face of the earth?'

Moses used this question to try to persuade God not to destroy his people. This rhetorical question can be translated with a statement. AT: If you destroy your people, the Egyptians might say, 'He led them out ... to destroy them from the face of the earth.' (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

face of the earth

"from the surface of the earth" or "from the earth"

Turn from your burning anger

"Stop your burning anger" or "Stop being so angry"

your burning anger

Moses speaks of God's anger as if it were a fire that was burning. AT: "your terrible anger" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Call to mind Abraham

"Remember Abraham" or "Think about Abraham"

swore

"made an oath" or "solemnly promised"

They will inherit it forever

God speaks about them possessing the land as if they would inherit it. AT: "They will possess it forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 32:15-16

tablets of the covenant decrees

These are the two stone slabs on which God had engraved his commandments.

The tablets were God's own work, and the writing was God's own writing

These two phrases share similar meanings. The second explains how the tablets were "God's own work." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/written.md]]

Exodus 32:17-18

he said to Moses

It is assumed that Joshua met Moses while Moses was going back to the camp. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 32:19-20

the tablets

"the two stone slabs that Yahweh had written on"

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/cow.md]]

Exodus 32:21-24

Then Moses said to Aaron, "What did this people ... a great sin on them?"

This can be stated as an indirect quote. AT: "Then Moses asked Aaron what the people do to him, that he have brought such a great sin on them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

you have brought such a great sin on them

Moses spoke of causing people to sin as if sin were an object and Aaron put it on them. AT: "you have caused them to sin so terribly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Do not let your anger burn hot

Aaron spoke of Moses' anger as if it were a fire that could burn. "Do not be so angry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

they are set on doing evil

Being determined to do evil is spoken of as being set on evil. AT: "they are determined to do what is evil" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

this Moses

People showed disrespect by putting the word "this" before his name, as if Moses were someone they did not know and could not trust.

So I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let him take it off.'

This can be stated as an indirect quote. AT: "So I told them that whoever had any gold should take it off" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf

Instead of taking ownership for making the calf, Aaron claims the calf came out of the fire supernaturally.

translationWords

Exodus 32:25-27

were running wild

"were behaving wildly" or "were not controlling themselves"

Then Moses stood at the entrance ... "Whoever is on Yahweh's side, come to me."

This can be stated as an indirect quote. AT: "Then Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said that whoever was on Yahweh's side should come to him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

Whoever is on Yahweh's side

Moses speaks of being loyal to Yahweh as being on Yahweh's side. AT: "Whoever is loyal to Yahweh" or "Whoever serves Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

go back and forth from entrance to entrance

"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"

translationWords

Exodus 32:28-29

three thousand of the people

"3000 of the people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

You have been placed into Yahweh's service

This probably means "You have been chosen to serve Yahweh" or "You have become Yahweh's servants."

for each of you has taken action against his son and his brother

The fact that they did this in obedience to God can be stated clearly. AT: "for you have obeyed Yahweh and killed your sons and your brothers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 32:30-32

You have committed a very great sin

They worshiped an idol.

Perhaps I can make atonement for your sin

Moses spoke of persuading God to forgive the people as if he could make atonement for their sin. AT: "Perhaps I can persuade Yahweh to forgive you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

blot me out of the book

The word "me" here refers to the name of Moses. AT: "erase my name from the book" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

the book that you have written

What God had written in the book can be stated clearly. AT: "the book in which you have written the names of your people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 32:33-35

that person I will blot out of my book

The phrase "that person" represents "that person's name." AT: "I will erase that person's name from my book" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

my book

This refers to the book of Yahweh that Moses spoke of in Exodus 32:32.

But on the day that I punish them, I will punish them

On the day that God decides to punish them, it will be clear that it is God who is judging them.

Yahweh sent a plague on the people

This plague may have been a serious illness. AT: "Yahweh made the people very sick"

they had made the calf, the one that Aaron made

Even though Aaron made the calf, the people were also guilty because they told Aaron to do it. AT: "they told Aaron to make the calf"

translationWords

Exodus 33

Exodus 33:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/covenant.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promisedland.md]])

Exodus 33:1-3

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses of his anger.

that land, which is flowing with milk and honey

The land was good for raising livestock and growing crops. See how you translated this in Exodus 3:8. AT: "a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

flowing with

"full of" or "with an abundance of"

milk

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. AT: "food from livestock" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

My own presence will go

God's presence represents himself. AT: "I will go" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

go with you ... give you

The word "you" here refers to Moses. It is singular. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

I will give you rest

"I will let you rest"

For otherwise

"For if your presence does not go with us"

how will it be known

This can be expressed with an active form. AT: how will people know" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

how will it be known ... people?

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. AT: "no one will know ... people." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Will it not only be if

"Will it not only be known if"

translationWords

Exodus 33:17-18

General Information:

When Yahweh uses the word "you" in this verse, it is singular and refers to Moses. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

you have found favor in my eyes

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. AT: "I am pleased with you" or "I approve of you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I know you by name

To know someone by name is to know them well. See how you translated this in Exodus 33:12. AT: "I know you well" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 33:19-20

I will make all my goodness pass before you

God speaks of walking past Moses so that Moses can see his goodness as if only his goodness would go past Moses. AT: "I will move past you so that you may see my goodness" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 33:21-23

See

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."

you will see my back

This is because Yahweh will be walking away from Moses.

but my face will not be seen

This can be expressed in active form. AT: "but you will not see my face" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 34

Exodus 34:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

Exodus 34:1-2

tablets

"flat slabs of stone." See how you translated this in Exodus 31:18

translationWords

Exodus 34:3-4

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Do not let anyone else be seen anywhere on the mountain

Being seen doing something represents doing that. AT: "Do not let anyone else be anywhere on the mountain" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

No flocks or herds are even to graze in front of the mountain

"Even flocks or herds are not allowed to come near the mountain to eat."

translationWords

Exodus 34:5-7

stood with Moses there

"stood with Moses on the mountain"

he pronounced the name "Yahweh."

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Yahweh, Yahweh, God is merciful and gracious

God is speaking about himself. AT: "I, Yahweh, am God, and I am merciful and gracious" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

abounding in covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness

"always showing covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness"

abounding in covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness

The abstract nouns "faithfulness" and "trustworthiness" can be stated as "faithful" and "trustworthy." AT: "always being faithful to my covenant and always being trustworthy" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

keeping covenant faithfulness for thousands of generations

The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully" or "faithful." See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 20:6. AT: "faithfully loving thousands of generations" or "faithful to his covenant with thousands of generation" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

But he will

Yahweh is speaking about himself. AT: "But I will" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

he will by no means clear the guilty

Yahweh is speaking about himself. AT: "I will by no means clear the guilty" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

will by no means clear the guilty

"will certainly not clear the guilty" or "will certainly not say that the guilty are innocent" or "will certainly not free guilty people"

He will bring the punishment for the fathers' sin on their children

Punishing people is spoken of as if punishment were an object that someone could bring on people. AT: "He will punish the children for their fathers' sin" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

their children

The word "children" represents descendants. AT: "their descendants" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 34:8-9

If now I have found favor in your eyes

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. AT: "Now If you are pleased with me" or "Now if you approve of me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

our iniquity and our sin

The words "iniquity" and "sin" mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. AT: "all our sins" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

take us as your inheritance

Something that someone possesses forever is spoken of as if it were something that they had inherited. AT: "take us as the people that you possess forever" or "accept us as the people who belong to you forever" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 34:10-11

your people

Here "your" refers to Moses. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

it is a fearful thing that I am doing with 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. AT: "what I do for you will cause people to fear me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

I am doing with you

Here "you" refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 34:12-14

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. Here he tells him what Moses and the people must do.

they will become a trap among you

People who tempt others to sin are spoken of as if they were a trap. AT: "they will tempt you to sin" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 34:25-26

all the commands that Yahweh had given him

Telling commands is spoken of as if the commands were objects that could be given. AT: "all the commands that Yahweh had told him" or "everything that Yahweh had commanded them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 34:34-35

he would remove

"Moses would remove"

what he was commanded

This can be stated in active form. AT: "what Yahweh had commanded him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 35

Exodus 35:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/worship.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]])

Exodus 35:1-3

the seventh day

"day number seven" or "Saturday" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death

This can be stated in active form. AT: "You must kill anyone who does work on that day" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 35:4-9

General Information:

Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Take an offering for Yahweh

"Take up a collection for Yahweh"

all of you who have a willing heart

Here "heart" refers to the person bringing the offering. AT: "everyone who is willing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 35:10-12

General Information:

Moses continues telling the people what God commanded them to do.

Every skilled man

"Every man with a skill"

clasps

The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:4-6.

bases

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.

For 35:27-29 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:1-2 and Exodus 25:3-7.

whose heart was willing

Here "heart" refers to the people. AT: "who was willing" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 35:30-33

He has filled Bezalel with his Spirit

God's Spirit who gave Bezalel the ability to work is spoken of here as if he was something that filled up Bezalel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

design and craftsmanship

For 35:30-33 see how you translated these words in Exodus 31:1-2 and Exodus 31:3-5.

translationWords

Exodus 35:34-35

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people.

He has put it in his heart to teach

Here "heart" refers to Bezalel. The ability to teach is spoken of as if it something that could be placed in a heart. AT: "He gave Bezalel the ability to teach" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

filled them with skill

Skill to create beautiful objects is spoken of as if it was something that could fill up a person. AT: "made them very skillful" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Oholiab son of Ahisamak, from the tribe of Dan

"Oholiab" and "Ahisamak" are names of men. See how you translated these names in Exodus 31:6. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

engravers

a person who cuts designs into a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal

embroiderers

people who sew designs into cloth

craftsmen

people who are skilled in making beautiful objects by hand

weavers

a person who creates cloth using thread

artistic designers

a person who creates beauty with materials

translationWords

Exodus 36

Exodus 36:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/tabernacle.md]])

Exodus 36:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people.

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:1-2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Oholiab

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:6. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

to whom Yahweh has given skill and ability

Here skill and ability are spoken of as if they are something that Yahweh can place inside a person. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

according to all that Yahweh has commanded

"just as Yahweh has commanded"

translationWords

Exodus 36:2-4

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:1-2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Oholiab

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:6. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

in whose mind Yahweh had given skill

Here "mind" refers to the person who was made skillful by Yahweh. AT: "to whom Yahweh had given skill" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Here "he" refers to Bezalel, but it includes all the men working on the sanctuary.

fifty gold clasps

"50 gold clasps" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 36:14-17

Bezalel made curtains ... the second set

For 36:14-17 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:7-9 and Exodus 26:10.

made eleven

"made 11" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

thirty cubits

"30 cubits" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

fifty loops

"50 loops" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 36:18-19

Bezalel made ... to go above that

For 36:18-19 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:11 and Exodus 26:14.

fifty bronze clasps

"50 bronze clasps" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 36:20-23

Bezalel made ... for the south side

For 36:20-23 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:15-18.

ten cubits ... one and a half cubits

"10 cubits ... 1.5 cubits" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

two wooden pegs for joining

A wooden peg is a small piece of wood sticking out beyond the end of the board so it can be secured.

translationWords

Exodus 36:24-26

Bezalel made ... and so on

For 36:24-26 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:19-21.

forty silver bases

"40 silver bases" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

twenty frames

"20 frames" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

and so on

There will be two bases under each and every frame.

Exodus 36:35-36

Bezalel made ... silver bases

For 36:35-36 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:31-32.

translationWords

Exodus 36:37-38

He made ... made of bronze

For 36:37-38 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:36-37.

He made

Here "he" refers to Bezalel and those working for him. "Bezalel and his men made"

a hanging

a curtain

translationWords

Exodus 37

Exodus 37:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/tabernacle.md]])

Exodus 37:1-3

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:1-2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

two and a half cubits ... one cubit and a half

its four feet

These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 37:4-6

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

He made ... and a half cubits

For 37:4-6 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:13-14 and Exodus 25:17.

He made

Though "he" refers to Bezalel, "he" may include all of the workers who assisted him.

two and a half cubits ... one and a half cubits

translationWords

Exodus 37:7-9

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

Bezalel made ... the center of the atonement lid

For 37:7-9 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:18 and Exodus 25:19-20.

They were made as one piece

This can be stated in active form. AT: "He made them as one piece" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

The cherubim spread out their wings upward and overshadowed

Bezalel placed the statues of the cherubim as if they were real cherubim which were spreading their wings and overshadowing the atonement lid. AT: "They placed the winged creatures so that their wings touched each other and spread out over" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-personification/01.md]])

The cherubim faced one another and looked toward

"The faces of the cherubim were towards each other, and they looked toward"

translationWords

Exodus 37:10-13

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

Bezalel made ... four feet were

For 37:10-13 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:23-24 and Exodus 25:25-26.

two cubits ... one cubit ... one and a half cubits

handbreadth

This was the width of a man's hand with fingers spread out. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

the four feet

These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 37:14-16

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture

The rings ... out of pure gold

For 37:14-16 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:27 and Exodus 25:28-29.

The rings were attached

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Bezalel attached the rings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

dishes, spoons, the bowls, and pitchers to be used to pour out the offerings

It is only the bowls and pitchers that are used to pour out the offerings. AT: "plates and cups, and also the jars and bowls which the priests will use for pouring out the offerings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 37:17-19

translationWords

Exodus 38

Exodus 38:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/tabernacle.md]])

# 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Exodus 38:1-3

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

Bezalel made ... equipment with bronze

For 38:1-3 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:1-2 and Exodus 27:3.

cubits

One cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

The horns were made of one piece

This can be stated in active form. AT: "He made the horns as one piece" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 38:11-12

Likewise along the north side ... posts were silver

For 38:11-12 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:11-12.

one hundred ... twenty ... fifty ... ten

"100 ... 20 ... 50 ... 10" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 38:13-16

the courtyard

For 38:13-16 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:13 and Exodus 27:14-16.

fifty ... fifteen ... three

"50 ... 15 ... 3" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

All the hangings around the courtyard were made of fine linen

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Bezalel and the workers made all the hangings around the courtyard with fine linen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/courtyard.md]]

Exodus 38:17-20

The bases ... courtyard were made of bronze

For 38:17-20, see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:16 and Exodus 27:17-19.

The bases for the posts were made of bronze

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Bezalel and the workers made the bases for the posts out of bronze" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

The hooks and rods for the posts were made of silver, and the covering for the tops of the posts was also made of silver

This can be stated in active form. AT: "They made the hooks, the rods for the posts, and the covering for the tops of the posts out of silver" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

All the courtyard posts were covered with silver

This can be stated in active form. AT: "They covered the courtyard posts with silver" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

twenty ... five ... four

"20 ... 5 ... 4" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

cubits

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]])

The curtain was made of

This can be stated in active form. "They made the curtain out of" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

The covering for their tops and its rods were made of silver

This can be stated in active form. AT: "They made the covering for the tops of the posts and their rods out of silver" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

All the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard were made of bronze

This can be stated in active form. AT: "They made all of the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 38:21-23

Connecting Statement:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

General Information:

(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

as it was taken

This can be stated in active form. AT: "which Moses instructed the Levites to write down" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Ithamar

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Exodus 6:23. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur

"Bezalel" and "uri" are the name of men. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:1-2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Yahweh had commanded Moses

"everything that Yahweh told Moses to do"

Oholiab son of Ahisamak

"Oholiab" and "Ahisamak" are names of men. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:6. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

an engraver, as a skillful workman, and as an embroiderer

"as a skilled engraver and embroiderer"

translationWords

Exodus 38:24-26

All the gold that was used for the project

This can be stated in active form. AT: "All the gold that the people used for the project" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

twenty-nine talents ... one hundred talents

"29 talents ... 100 talents." A talent is about 33 kilograms. AT: "29 talents ... 100 talents" or "about 960 kilograms ... about 330 kilograms" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]])

730 shekels ... 1,775 shekels

"Seven hundred and thirty shekels ... one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels." A shekel is 11 grams. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]])

measured by the standard of the sanctuary shekel

The silver given by the community

This can be stated in active form. AT: "The silver which the community gave" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

one beka

A beka is 1/2 a shekel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]])

half a shekel

A shekel is 11 grams. AT: "1/2 a shekel" or "five and a half grams" or "5 1/2 grams" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

This figure was reached on the basis of every person who was counted in the census

Every man who was 20 years old or older was included in the census and was required to give half a shekel.

twenty years old

"20 years old" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 38:27-29

One hundred talents of silver were cast

A talent is about 33 kilograms. AT: "The workers cast 100 talents of silver" or "The workers cast 3,300 kilograms of silver" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

One hundred talents

"100 talents" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

1,775 shekels

"one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

shekels

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bmoney/01.md]])

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:1-2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

seventy talents and 2,400 shekels

"70 talents and two thousand four hundred shekels." This would be about 2,300 kilograms. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bweight/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 38:30-31

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.

grate

This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:04.

tent pegs

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.

translationWords

Exodus 39

Exodus 39:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]])

Exodus 39:1

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew shifts to making the priestly garments.

they made

The word "they" refers to Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workmen.

as Yahweh had commanded Moses

"just as Yahweh told Moses to do"

translationWords

Exodus 39:2-3

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:1-2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 39:4-5

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

it was made of one piece with the ephod, made of fine twined linen

This can be stated in active form. AT: "they made it as one piece with the ephod with fine twisted linen" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

as Yahweh had commanded Moses

"just as Yahweh told Moses to do." See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 39:01.

translationWords

Exodus 39:6-7

The stones were mounted in gold settings

This can be stated in active form. AT: "They mounted the stones in gold settings" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/gold.md]]

The double negative can be translated as a positive. AT: "the breastpiece would stay attached to the ephod" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 39:22-24

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments as commanded in Exodus 28:31-32 and Exodus 28:33.

Bezalel

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:1-2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 39:25-26

General Information:

Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments as commanded in Exodus 28:34-35.

bells of pure gold

These were tiny bells.

a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate

This is how the pattern is supposed to repeat all along the bottom edge of the robe.

translationWords

Exodus 39:27-29

behold

The word "behold" here draws attention to the information that follows.

As Yahweh had commanded, in that way they did it

"They did it in the way that Yahweh had commanded them"

translationWords

Exodus 40

Exodus 40:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/glory.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/tabernacle.md]])

Exodus 40:1-2

the first day of the first month of the new year

The new year marks the time when God rescued his people from Egypt. This happens around the middle of March on Western calendars. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 40:3-4

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

place the ark of the testimony in it

"place the ark of the covenant decrees in the sacred chest"

shield the ark with the curtain

"put the ark behind the curtain"

translationWords

Exodus 40:5-7

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

ark of the testimony

This refers to the "sacred chest."

translationWords

Exodus 40:8-11

General Information:

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

all its furnishings

"all the things that are a part of it"

posts

a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support

translationWords

Exodus 40:21-23

He brought

Moses was the leader. He had workers helping him.

for it to shield

"in front of"

translationWords

Exodus 40:24-25

He put the lampstand into the tent of meeting

Moses instructed his workers to move the lampstand. This can be stated clearly in the translation. AT: "Moses' workmen set the lampstand inside the sacred tent" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 40:26-27

in front of the curtain

This curtain separated the holy place from the very holy place. This can be stated clearly in the translation. AT: "in front of the curtain that separated the holy place from the very holy place" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Exodus 40:28-30

translationWords

Exodus 40:31-33

washed their hands and their feet from the basin

They washed with water from the basin. This can be stated clearly in the translation. AT: "washed their hands and their feet with water from the basin" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

In this way

"And so"

translationWords

Exodus 40:34-35

Yahweh's glory filled

"Yahweh's awesome presence filled"

translationWords

Exodus 40:36-38

was taken up from over

This can be stated in active form. AT: "rose up from" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

that it was lifted up

This can be stated in active form. AT: "when it rose up" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

open-licensed biblical content

Exodus

Exodus front

Exodus front:intro

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 ULB)?

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 1:intro-0

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"

Links:

Exodus 1:1-5

household

seventy

Joseph was already in Egypt

translationWords

Exodus 1:6-7

all his brothers

were fruitful

the land was filled with them

with them

translationWords

Exodus 1:8-10

arose over Egypt

He said to his people

his people

let us

war breaks out

leave the land

translationWords

Exodus 1:11-12

taskmasters

to oppress them with hard labor

store cities

translationWords

Exodus 1:13-14

made ... work rigorously

made their lives bitter

mortar

All their required work was hard

translationWords

Exodus 1:15-17

king of Egypt

midwives

Shiphrah ... Puah

on the birthstool

translationWords

Exodus 1:18-19

midwives

Why have you done this, and let the baby boys live?

The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women

translationWords

Exodus 1:20-22

God protected these midwives

midwives

The people increased in numbers

feared God

he gave them families

You must throw every son ... into the river

translationWords

Exodus 2