Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy front

Introduction to Deuteronomy

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Deuteronomy

• Moses’ first speech
  • Moses reminds Israel of how Yahweh guided them through the wilderness (1:1–3:29)
  • Moses appeals to Israel to obey the law of Yahweh (4:1–49)
• Moses’ second speech
  • The Ten Commandments (5:1–10:22)
  • Rules and warnings from the Law (11:1–26:19)
• Moses’ third speech
  • Instructions for entering Canaan (27:1–26)
  • Blessings for obeying and curses for disobeying (28:1–68)
  • The covenant renewed (29:1–30:20)
  • Last words of Moses, the Song of Moses, and his death (31:1–34:12)

What is the book of Deuteronomy about?

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses repeats the laws of the covenant that God made with the people of Israel. The people of Israel are about to go into the Promised Land. Before they enter the land, Moses reminds them of what Yahweh did for them and what he expects from them. Moses warns the people about worshiping idols and no longer trusting Yahweh once they settle in the Promised Land. Yahweh promises to judge those who disobey him and to bless those who obey his law. (See: covenant)

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

Who wrote the book of Deuteronomy?

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

What are the important features of the book of Deuteronomy?

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

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Why does Yahweh command the Israelites to completely destroy the Canaanite people who live in the Promised Land?

As God prepares the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, he commands them to completely destroy the Canaanite people who live there. The Israelites will then not be tempted to join them in worship of their false gods.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

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

God’s name is mentioned over 30 times in the book of Deuteronomy. The use of God’s name in this book usually represents God’s honor or fame. At other times in Deuteronomy, God’s name represents his presence. God said he would choose a place and make his name dwell there. This means God’s presence would be there. The people were to go to that place to worship him.

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

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

Quotes in quotes

Since this book consists of Moses’ speeches, many parts of this book are direct quotations. Within his speeches, Moses directly quotes what others said. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate or format these passages so that there are not quotations within a quotation. (See Quotes within Quotes)

“Yahweh your God”

Throughout this book, Moses refers to Yahweh as “your God” when he speaks to the Israelites. Moses is referring to the same God that he also worships. He is not distinguishing between the God of the Israelites and his own God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that this is the same God whom Moses worships. (See Possession)

Moses’ audience

In his speeches, Moses speaks to the Israelites who will enter into the land that Yahweh promised to give to them. Moses reminds them about events that happened to their ancestors and to them. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state explicitly that Moses is talking about their ancestors even when he directly addresses the living Israelites as “you.” (See Pronouns — When to Use Them)

“You” singular and plural

Although Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, he sometimes addresses them as “you” singular. Moses wants each of the individual Israelites to think about what he is saying. If it would not be natural in your language to address a group with a singular pronoun, you can use the plural “you” when Moses is speaking to all the Israelites. (See Pronouns — When to Use Them and Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

“You shall”

In this book, the form you shall appears often when someone gives a command. While the form itself is not a command, it can be interpreted and translated as a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words using a command or instruction form. (See Statements — Other Uses)

“Seed”

This book refers to a person’s descendants as their “seed.” Seed refers to semen that leads to a child’s conception. All instances of “seed” mean “descendants” unless otherwise specified. (See Idiom)

“Listen” and “Keep”

Moses tells the Israelites to “listen” and “keep” the commandments of Yahweh. He means that they need to carefully obey them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. (See Metaphor)

“the land that Yahweh your God is giving you”

Moses refers to the Promised Land as “the land that Yahweh your God is giving you” and “the land that Yahweh your God has given you.” At the time of Moses’ speeches, the Israelites have not yet occupied the land. So, when Moses says that Yahweh has given the land to the Israelites, he is reminding the Israelites that Yahweh will keep his promises. The land belongs to the Israelites, they only have to trust Yahweh and take the land. (See: Promised Land)

Deuteronomy 1

Deuteronomy 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter forms a continuation with the last chapter of the book of Numbers. In this chapter is Moses’ first speech to the Israelites.

• vv. 1-4: Introduction
• vv. 5-49: Moses reminds the Israelites of what happened to their ancestors in the wilderness
  • vv. 9-18: Moses chooses judges and military leaders
  • vv. 19-46: The Israelites send out spies to survey the land

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Possessing the land

Yahweh promised the Israelites that he would give them the land of Canaan if they obeyed him. Other people lived in the land, but Yahweh promised to give the Israelites victory over them. The land belongs to Israel, but they have not yet entered it to possess the land. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and Promised Land)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Quotes in quotes

In this chapter, Moses gives a speech in which he quotes what others have said. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate or format this passage so that there are no quotations within quotations. (See Quotes within Quotes)

Time Background

In his speech, Moses reminds the Israelites about what happened to their ancestors when they were camping at Mt. Sinai. Throughout his speech, Moses repeats the phrase “at that time” to refer to new topics that occurred during that time period. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state this information explicitly. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevents)

Deuteronomy 1:1

Suph

Quote: ס֜וּף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Suph is the name of a place. It is uncertain where Suph is, but Suph could refer to the Red Sea. Alternate translation: “the Red Sea”

Tophel and Laban and Hazeroth and Di Zahab

Quote: תֹּ֛פֶל וְ⁠לָבָ֥ן וַ⁠חֲצֵרֹ֖ת וְ⁠דִ֥י זָהָֽב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are the names of places.

between … and between

Quote: בֵּֽין & וּ⁠בֵֽין (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

Here, the text repeats between to describe the relative positions of cities. If it is unnatural in your language to repeat a preposition, you could use a form that identifies an area between cities. Alternate translation: “between … and”

Deuteronomy 1:2

It is} 11 days

Quote: אַחַ֨ד עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the journey takes 11 days. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “It is a journey of 11 days”

Deuteronomy 1:3

And it happened

Quote: וַ⁠יְהִי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent

Moses is using the word translated And it happened to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “And it came to pass”

in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month

Quote: בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה בְּ⁠עַשְׁתֵּֽי־עָשָׂ֥ר חֹ֖דֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use cardinal numbers here or equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “after 40 years, in month 11”

in the eleventh month

Quote: בְּ⁠עַשְׁתֵּֽי־עָשָׂ֥ר חֹ֖דֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths

The eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar includes January on Western calendars. You could convert the Hebrew day and month into an approximate date on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the date will be different every year and the translation will not be entirely accurate. So you may wish instead to give just the number of the day and the name of the Hebrew month in the text of your translation and indicate in a footnote approximately what time of year that is on your calendar.

the sons of

Quote: בְּנֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term sons is masculine, the author is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “the children of”

the sons of Israel

Quote: בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” Moses is identifying the Israelites as descendants of their ancestor Jacob, who was also known as Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Israel” or “the people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 1:4

he defeated

Quote: הַכֹּת֗⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh caused the Israelites to defeat Sihon and Og under Moses' command. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused the Israelites to defeat”

he defeated

Quote: הַכֹּת֗⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronoun he refers back to Moses in verse 3. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Moses defeated”

in Ashtaroth in Edrei

Quote: בְּ⁠עַשְׁתָּרֹ֖ת בְּ⁠אֶדְרֶֽעִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Ashtaroth and Edrei are the names of cities.

in Ashtaroth in Edrei

Quote: בְּ⁠עַשְׁתָּרֹ֖ת בְּ⁠אֶדְרֶֽעִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that King Og ruled over both Ashtaroth and Edrei. Ashtaroth and Edrei were cities that were close to each other. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in Ashtaroth and in Edrei”

Deuteronomy 1:5

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

Deuteronomy 1:5-6

Moses began explaining this law, saying … Yahweh our God spoke to us at Horeb, saying

Quote: הוֹאִ֣יל מֹשֶׁ֔ה בֵּאֵ֛ר אֶת־הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את לֵ⁠אמֹֽר׃ & יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵ֛י⁠נוּ דִּבֶּ֥ר אֵלֵ֖י⁠נוּ בְּ⁠חֹרֵ֣ב לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Moses began explaining the law that Yahweh God had spoken to his people at Horeb. He said,”

Deuteronomy 1:6

to us

Quote: אֵלֵ֖י⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Moses is using the pronoun us to refer to himself and every Israelite who was an adult when they were at Horeb, so use the exclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction. Alternate translation: “to me and to your family members”

Deuteronomy 1:7

Turn and journey yourselves

Quote: פְּנ֣וּ ׀ וּ⁠סְע֣וּ לָ⁠כֶ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the word Turn describes the beginning of action. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Start your journey”

and journey yourselves

Quote: וּ⁠סְע֣וּ לָ⁠כֶ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression and journey yourselves contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “and journey”

their neighbors

Quote: שְׁכֵנָי⁠ו֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, neighbors refers to any people groups in the nearby areas. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people groups near them”

Deuteronomy 1:8

Look

Quote: רְאֵ֛ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is using the term Look to focus the Israelites' attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Listen” or "See now"

before your faces

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represent the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Yahweh swore

Quote: נִשְׁבַּ֣ע יְ֠הוָה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: “I swore”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹ֨תֵי⁠כֶ֜ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your predecessors”

Deuteronomy 1:9

And I said

Quote: וָ⁠אֹמַ֣ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, I refers back to Moses in verse 5. If it would be helpful in your language, you could repeat the name “Moses” here. Alternate translation: “I, Moses, said”

to carry

Quote: שְׂאֵ֥ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here to carry means “to lead” or “to govern.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to lead”

Deuteronomy 1:10

as the stars of the heavens in number

Quote: כְּ⁠כוֹכְבֵ֥י הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יִם לָ⁠רֹֽב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Moses says as the stars of the heavens in number here as a generalization for emphasis. He means that God has greatly increased the number of Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “almost as numerous as the stars of the heavens”

Yahweh your God

Quote: יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

When Moses says your God, he is referring to the same God whom he also worships. He is not distinguishing between the God of the Israelites and his own God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that this is the same God that Moses worships. See the chapter introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, who is our God,”

Deuteronomy 1:11

Yahweh, the God of your fathers, may he add to you, as you {are}, a thousand times, and may he bless you, just as he spoke to you

Quote: יְהוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֽוֹתֵ⁠כֶ֗ם יֹסֵ֧ף עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֛ם כָּ⁠כֶ֖ם אֶ֣לֶף פְּעָמִ֑ים וִ⁠יבָרֵ֣ךְ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר לָ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

Moses is asking God to bless the Israelites. You could express this as either a blessing or a prayer, in whichever way is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I hope that Yahweh, the God of your fathers, will add to you, as you are, 1000 times, and I hope that he will bless you, just as he spoke to you”

your fathers

Quote: אֲבֽוֹתֵ⁠כֶ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your predecessors”

may he add to you

Quote: יֹסֵ֧ף עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֛ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that God will add to the number of Israelites by births. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “add to your population”

a thousand times

Quote: אֶ֣לֶף פְּעָמִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, a thousand means “very many.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different number or another phrase that indicates that something happens many times. Alternate translation: “very many times”

Deuteronomy 1:12

How will I carry by myself your loads and your burdens and your disputes

Quote: אֵיכָ֥ה אֶשָּׂ֖א לְ⁠בַדִּ֑⁠י טָרְחֲ⁠כֶ֥ם וּ⁠מַֽשַּׂאֲ⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠רִֽיבְ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to emphasize that he cannot solve all of the Israelites' problems by himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement and use the appropriate punctuation at the end of the sentence. Alternate translation: “By myself, I cannot carry your loads and your burdens and your disputes.” or "I cannot carry your loads and your burdens and your disputes while working alone."

will I carry by myself your loads and your burdens

Quote: אֶשָּׂ֖א לְ⁠בַדִּ֑⁠י טָרְחֲ⁠כֶ֥ם וּ⁠מַֽשַּׂאֲ⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses speaks of the people’s problems and complaints that he needed to solve as if they were heavy physical loads and burdens that he needed to carry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will I make a decision by myself for your issues and your concerns”

your loads and your burdens

Quote: טָרְחֲ⁠כֶ֥ם וּ⁠מַֽשַּׂאֲ⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms loads and burdens mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “your heavy loads”

Deuteronomy 1:13

wise and understanding

Quote: חֲכָמִ֧ים וּ⁠נְבֹנִ֛ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms wise and understanding mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very wise”

and well-known

Quote: וִ⁠ידֻעִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, well-known could mean: (1) “of good reputation.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and reputable” (2) “ knowing.” Alternate translation: “and understanding”

as your heads

Quote: בְּ⁠רָאשֵׁי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here heads means “leaders.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as leaders”

Deuteronomy 1:15

the heads of … as} heads

Quote: רָאשֵׁ֣י & רָאשִׁ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, heads means “leaders.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the leaders of … as leaders”

and well-known

Quote: וִֽ⁠ידֻעִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, well-known could mean: (1) “of good reputation.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and reputable” (2) “ knowing.” Alternate translation: “and understanding”

thousands … hundreds … fifties … tens

Quote: אֲלָפִ֜ים & מֵא֗וֹת & חֲמִשִּׁים֙ & עֲשָׂרֹ֔ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “groups of 1,000 … groups of 100 … groups of 50 … groups of 10”

leaders of thousands and leaders of hundreds and leaders of fifties and leaders of tens

Quote: שָׂרֵ֨י אֲלָפִ֜ים וְ⁠שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֗וֹת וְ⁠שָׂרֵ֤י חֲמִשִּׁים֙ וְ⁠שָׂרֵ֣י עֲשָׂרֹ֔ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the leaders are in charge of groups of fighting men. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “leaders of thousands of fighting men and leaders of hundreds of fighting men and leaders of fifties of fighting men and leaders of tens of fighting men”

for your tribes

Quote: לְ⁠שִׁבְטֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Moses appointed leaders for each of the tribes of Israel. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from each of your tribes”

Deuteronomy 1:16

your brothers, … his brother

Quote: אֲחֵי⁠כֶם֙ & אָחִ֖י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here brothers and brother refer to a fellow Israelite. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow Israelites … a fellow Israelite”

Listen in between your brothers

Quote: שָׁמֹ֤עַ בֵּין אֲחֵי⁠כֶם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, Listen means “listen to the evidence in a legal case.” The judge is in between each party involved in the case and will listen to each party. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to the evidence from both sides of the legal case”

and you should judge

Quote: וּ⁠שְׁפַטְתֶּ֣ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See book introduction for more information about translating should.

between a man and between his brother, and between his foreigner

Quote: בֵּֽין־אִ֥ישׁ וּ⁠בֵין־אָחִ֖י⁠ו וּ⁠בֵ֥ין גֵּרֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

Here, Moses repeats between to describe different types of relationships that could require judgment among the Israelites. The first relationship involves two Israelites. The second relationship involves an Israelite and a non-Israelite. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that describes relationships between individuals. Alternate translation: “between a man and his brother, and also between a man and the foreigner with him”

a man

Quote: אִ֥ישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word man represents any Israelite in general, not one particular Israelite. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “an Israelite”

his foreigner

Quote: גֵּרֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word foreigner represents foreigners living among the Israelites in general, not one particular foreigner. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “foreigners”

Deuteronomy 1:17

Do not recognize a face

Quote: לֹֽא־תַכִּ֨ירוּ פָנִ֜ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, recognize a face is an idiom that means “show partiality.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You shall not play favorites” or “You shall not show partiality”

in the judgment; … the judgment

Quote: בַּ⁠מִּשְׁפָּ֗ט & הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּ֖ט (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in the legal case … the result of the legal case”

you shall hear

Quote: תִּשְׁמָע֔וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the judges will hear legal cases. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you should hear legal cases”

as the small and the great alike

Quote: כַּ⁠קָּטֹ֤ן כַּ⁠גָּדֹל֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here, small and great refer to all of the Israelites by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of Israelite society. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all Israelites alike”

as the small and the great alike

Quote: כַּ⁠קָּטֹ֤ן כַּ⁠גָּדֹל֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjectives small and great as nouns to mean small people and great people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “small people and great people”

Do not be afraid from the face of a man, for the judgment, it {belongs} to God

Quote: לֹ֤א תָג֨וּרוּ֙ מִ⁠פְּנֵי־אִ֔ישׁ כִּ֥י הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּ֖ט לֵ⁠אלֹהִ֣ים ה֑וּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “The judgment, it is before God, so do not be afraid from the face of man”

from the face of

Quote: מִ⁠פְּנֵי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of”

a man

Quote: אִ֔ישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word man represents people in general, not one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “anyone”

the judgment, it {belongs} to God

Quote: הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּ֖ט לֵ⁠אלֹהִ֣ים ה֑וּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking of the Israelites' legal cases as if they were objects that belong to God. Moses means that God decides what is right and wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God knows which decision is right or wrong”

you shall bring

Quote: תַּקְרִב֥וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking of legal cases as if they were objects that the Israelites could physically bring to him. Moses means that the Israelites should let him decide the case. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you shall refer”

and I shall hear it

Quote: וּ⁠שְׁמַעְתִּֽי⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Moses will not only hear the legal case, but also decide on a solution. You could include this information if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and I shall hear it and choose a solution”

Deuteronomy 1:19

and terrible

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָ֨א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the wilderness causes terror because it is dangerous. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and unsafe”

Deuteronomy 1:21

Look

Quote: רְ֠אֵה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is using the term Look to focus the Israelites' attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Now”

Look, … your God … before your face; go up, take possession, … your fathers, … to you. You shall not be afraid, and you shall not be discouraged

Quote: רְ֠אֵה & אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ לְ⁠פָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ & עֲלֵ֣ה רֵ֗שׁ & אֲבֹתֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ לָ֔⁠ךְ & אַל־תִּירָ֖א וְ⁠אַל־תֵּחָֽת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you, your, and the command forms are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

before your face

Quote: לְ⁠פָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

go up

Quote: עֲלֵ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, go up means “go fight.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “attack”

your fathers

Quote: אֲבֹתֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your predecessors”

You shall not be afraid, and you shall not be discouraged

Quote: אַל־תִּירָ֖א וְ⁠אַל־תֵּחָֽת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “you shall not be afraid, nor shall you be discouraged”

Deuteronomy 1:22

before our faces

Quote: לְ⁠פָנֵ֔י⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before us”

and return to us a word {about

Quote: וְ⁠יָשִׁ֤בוּ אֹתָ֨⁠נוּ֙ דָּבָ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking of news about the land as if it were a physical object that someone could return to someone else. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and report back to us about”

a word {about

Quote: דָּבָ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, word represents a report. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a report”

which we will go up into

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֣ר נַעֲלֶה־בָּ֔⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites are camping in a valley, so they must travel up the hilly area when they go into the land that Yahweh promised to give to them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “by which we will go up from the valley and into the land”

we will come

Quote: נָבֹ֖א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “we will go”

Deuteronomy 1:23

the word

Quote: הַ⁠דָּבָ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, word represents what someone said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what they said”

in my eyes

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵינַ֖⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, in my eyes represents Moses’ assessment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in my assessment” or "in my opinion"

and I took

Quote: וָ⁠אֶקַּ֤ח (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, took means “chose.” Moses speaks of choosing men as if he were physically taking them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I selected”

Deuteronomy 1:24

And they turned

Quote: וַ⁠יִּפְנוּ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, they refers back to the “12 men” whom Moses chose in verse 23. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could clarify this information. Alternate translation: “And the 12 men turned”

And they turned and went up

Quote: וַ⁠יִּפְנוּ֙ וַ⁠יַּעֲל֣וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the word turn describes the beginning of action. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “And they started to go”

and they came

Quote: וַ⁠יָּבֹ֖אוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “And they went”

the Valley of Eshkol

Quote: נַ֣חַל אֶשְׁכֹּ֑ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Here, the Valley of Eshkol is the name of a place. This is a valley in the Hebron region, which is south of Jerusalem.

Deuteronomy 1:25

And they took with their hands

Quote: וַ⁠יִּקְח֤וּ בְ⁠יָדָ⁠ם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression they took with their hands contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “And they took”

And they took

Quote: וַ⁠יִּקְח֤וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word took means “plucked” or “harvested.” You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And they plucked”

from the fruit of

Quote: מִ⁠פְּרִ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the word fruit is singular in form, but it refers to all the fruit of the land as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “a bit of fruit from”

And they returned to us a word

Quote: וַ⁠יָּשִׁ֨בוּ אֹתָ֤⁠נוּ דָבָר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking of news about the land as if it were a physical object that someone could return to someone else. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and report back to us about”

a word

Quote: דָבָר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, word represents a report. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a report”

and said, ‘Good {is} the land that Yahweh our God is giving to us

Quote: וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ טוֹבָ֣ה הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖י⁠נוּ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽ⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If your language would not use a direct quotation inside of a direct quotation, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “and said that the land that Yahweh our God is giving to us is good”

Deuteronomy 1:26

to go up

Quote: לַ⁠עֲלֹ֑ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, go up means “go fight.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to fight”

the mouth of

Quote: פִּ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, mouth refers to Yahweh’s commands and what he says to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the commands of”

Deuteronomy 1:27

And you grumbled in your tents and said

Quote: וַ⁠תֵּרָגְנ֤וּ בְ⁠אָהֳלֵי⁠כֶם֙ וַ⁠תֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

Here, the text uses two verbs of speaking, grumbled and said, to introduce direct speech. If it is unnatural in your language to use two verbs of speech, you could use only one. Alternate translation: “And you grumbled in your tents, saying”

Deuteronomy 1:27-28

And you grumbled in your tents and said, ‘In the hatred of Yahweh against us he brought us from the land of Egypt to give us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us … Where {can} we go up? Our brothers have caused our heart to melt

Quote: וַ⁠תֵּרָגְנ֤וּ בְ⁠אָהֳלֵי⁠כֶם֙ וַ⁠תֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ בְּ⁠שִׂנְאַ֤ת יְהוָה֙ אֹתָ֔⁠נוּ הוֹצִיאָ֖⁠נוּ מֵ⁠אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם לָ⁠תֵ֥ת אֹתָ֛⁠נוּ בְּ⁠יַ֥ד הָ⁠אֱמֹרִ֖י לְ⁠הַשְׁמִידֵֽ⁠נוּ & אָנָ֣ה ׀ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ עֹלִ֗ים אַחֵי⁠נוּ֩ הֵמַ֨סּוּ אֶת־לְבָבֵ֜⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And you grumbled in your tents. You claimed that Yahweh hates you and brought you from the land of Egypt to give you into the hand of the Amorites. You asked me how you could go up, and you told me that your brothers had caused your heart to melt”

Deuteronomy 1:27

In the hatred of Yahweh against us

Quote: בְּ⁠שִׂנְאַ֤ת יְהוָה֙ אֹתָ֔⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, the Israelites are using the possessive form to describe the hatred that they believe Yahweh is showing towards them. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a verb to show how hatred and Yahweh are related. Alternate translation: “Since Yahweh hates us,”

In the hatred of Yahweh against us

Quote: בְּ⁠שִׂנְאַ֤ת יְהוָה֙ אֹתָ֔⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hatred, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Since Yahweh hates us”

into the hand of the Amorites

Quote: בְּ⁠יַ֥ד הָ⁠אֱמֹרִ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word hand refers to the power of the owner of the hand, the Amorites. Alternate translation: “into the power of the Amorites”

Deuteronomy 1:28

Where {can} we go up

Quote: אָנָ֣ה ׀ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ עֹלִ֗ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The Israelites use a question to emphasize that they are afraid of the Amorites and do not want to go near them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have nowhere safe to go.”

Where {can} we go up

Quote: אָנָ֣ה ׀ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ עֹלִ֗ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The implication is that the Israelites are camping in a valley, so they must travel up the hilly area when they go into the land that Yahweh promised to give to them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Where can we go up from this valley”

Our brothers

Quote: אַחֵי⁠נוּ֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the term ** Our brothers** refers back to the “12 men” in verse 23 who scouted the land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Our 12 brothers who scouted the land”

Our brothers

Quote: אַחֵי⁠נוּ֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here brothers refers to other Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Our fellow Israelites”

have caused our heart to melt

Quote: הֵמַ֨סּוּ אֶת־לְבָבֵ֜⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase have caused our heart to melt means that the brothers made the rest of the Israelites feel weak and afraid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have made my heart skip a beat” or “have made us very fearful”

our heart

Quote: לְבָבֵ֜⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the word heart is singular in form, but it refers to all the hearts of the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “our hearts”

saying, “The people {are} greater and taller than us, {with} cities great and fortified to the heavens; and also, we have seen the sons of the Anakites there

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֗ר עַ֣ם גָּד֤וֹל וָ⁠רָם֙ מִמֶּ֔⁠נּוּ עָרִ֛ים גְּדֹלֹ֥ת וּ⁠בְצוּרֹ֖ת בַּ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם וְ⁠גַם־בְּנֵ֥י עֲנָקִ֖ים רָאִ֥ינוּ שָֽׁם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation, without the preceding comma: “by saying that the people are greater and taller than us, with cities great and fortified to the heavens, and also, that they have seen the sons of the Anakim there”

are} greater and taller

Quote: גָּד֤וֹל וָ⁠רָם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, the term greater could mean: (1) “more powerful.” Alternate translation: “are stronger and taller” (2) “greater in size.” In this case, the terms greater and taller mean similar things. The Israelites are using the two terms together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “are much bigger”

and fortified to the heavens

Quote: וּ⁠בְצוּרֹ֖ת בַּ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

The Israelites say fortified to the heavens here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “and extremely well-fortified”

the sons of

Quote: בְּנֵ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the offspring of”

Deuteronomy 1:29

Do not be terrified, and do not be afraid of them

Quote: לֹא־תַֽעַרְצ֥וּ⁠ן וְֽ⁠לֹא־תִֽירְא֖וּ⁠ן מֵ⁠הֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “Do not be terrified, nor be afraid of them”

Do not be terrified

Quote: לֹא־תַֽעַרְצ֥וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not fear”

Deuteronomy 1:30

who walks before your faces

Quote: הַ⁠הֹלֵ֣ךְ לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

When Moses says that Yahweh walks before the Israelites, he is describing how Yahweh guides them and protects them. See the chapter introduction for more information about Yahweh's presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who guides you”

before your faces

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

before your eyes

Quote: לְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, eyes represents the act of seeing. The Israelites could see physical proof that Yahweh fought for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternative translation: “in your sight”

Deuteronomy 1:31

you have seen

Quote: רָאִ֔יתָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Moses speaks of experiencing something as if it were being seen. If this word does not have that meaning in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have experienced”

you have seen … your God carried you

Quote: רָאִ֔יתָ & נְשָׂאֲ⁠ךָ֙ & אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

carried you

Quote: נְשָׂאֲ⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, carried means “led” and “protected.” If this word does not have that meaning in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “protected you” or "took care of you"

as a man carries his son

Quote: כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשָּׂא־אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־בְּנ֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Moses is saying that Yahweh guiding and protecting the Israelites is like how a man carries his son, because a father will help his son when the son is unable to do something by himself. A father will hold his son, protect his son, and help his son go where he needs to go. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as a father carries his child who is too weak to walk”

this place

Quote: הַ⁠מָּק֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, this place refers to the base of Mt. Sinai where the Israelites camped. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “this mountain where you are camping.”

Deuteronomy 1:32

But in this word

Quote: וּ⁠בַ⁠דָּבָ֖ר הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, this word represents what Yahweh said. Yahweh said in a promise that he will fight for the Israelites and cause them to possess the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But in this promise from Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 1:33

before your faces

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֜ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, before your faces represents being in the presence of these people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

in fire {by} night to show you the way that you should go in it, and in a cloud {by} day

Quote: בָּ⁠אֵ֣שׁ ׀ לַ֗יְלָה לַ⁠רְאֹֽתְ⁠כֶם֙ בַּ⁠דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽלְכוּ־בָ֔⁠הּ וּ⁠בֶ⁠עָנָ֖ן יוֹמָֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

These phrases refer to Exodus 13:21–22, which explains how Yahweh led the Israelites with a pillar of fire and pillar of cloud. After the Israelites left Egypt, they did not know which direction to go. They needed Yahweh to guide them, and Yahweh chose to guide them through the physical signs of fire and cloud.

that you should go in it

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽלְכוּ־בָ֔⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression that you should go in it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “that you should go”

Deuteronomy 1:34

the sound of your words

Quote: ק֣וֹל דִּבְרֵי⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the phrase the sound of your words means “what you were saying.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what you were saying” or "what you said"

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language.

Deuteronomy 1:34-36

And he swore, saying … Not {one} man of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers … except Caleb son of Jephunneh; he himself shall see it. And to him I will give the land that he has stepped on, and to his sons, because {he is} wholly after Yahweh

Quote: וַ⁠יִּשָּׁבַ֥ע לֵ⁠אמֹֽר & אִם־יִרְאֶ֥ה אִישׁ֙ בָּ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה הַ⁠דּ֥וֹר הָ⁠רָ֖ע הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה אֵ֚ת הָ⁠אָ֣רֶץ הַ⁠טּוֹבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר נִשְׁבַּ֔עְתִּי לָ⁠תֵ֖ת לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵי⁠כֶֽם & זֽוּלָתִ֞י כָּלֵ֤ב בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּה֙ ה֣וּא יִרְאֶ֔⁠נָּה וְ⁠לֽ⁠וֹ־אֶתֵּ֧ן אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֛רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר דָּֽרַךְ־בָּ֖⁠הּ וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנָ֑י⁠ו יַ֕עַן אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִלֵּ֖א אַחֲרֵ֥י יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And he swore that no one from your parents’ generation would see the good land that he swore to give to your fathers except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He swore to give him the land that he steps on, and to his sons, becauses Caleb is wholly after him”

Deuteronomy 1:35

one} man of these men of

Quote: אִישׁ֙ בָּ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the words man and men are masculine, Yahweh is using these words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “one person of these people of”

shall see

Quote: יִרְאֶ֥ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Yahweh says that the rebellious generation would not even see the land here as a generalization for emphasis. He means that the rebellious Israelites will not be able to enter and live in the land that Yahweh promised them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “shall live in”

Deuteronomy 1:36

Jephunneh

Quote: יְפֻנֶּה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Jephunneh is the name of Caleb's father.

he himself shall see it

Quote: ה֣וּא יִרְאֶ֔⁠נָּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Yahweh is stating the pronoun he, whose meaning is already included in the verb translated as see. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun himself. Alternate translation: “he indeed shall see it”

he himself shall see it

Quote: ה֣וּא יִרְאֶ֔⁠נָּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here see means “enter and experience.” If this word does not have that meaning in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he himself shall go into it”

And to him I will give the land that he has stepped on, and to his sons, because {he is} wholly after Yahweh

Quote: וְ⁠לֽ⁠וֹ־אֶתֵּ֧ן אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֛רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר דָּֽרַךְ־בָּ֖⁠הּ וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנָ֑י⁠ו יַ֕עַן אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִלֵּ֖א אַחֲרֵ֥י יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could move the last phrase to the beginning, since the last phrase gives the reason for the result that the beginning of the sentence describes. Alternate translation: “He is wholly after Yahweh, so to him I will give the land that he has stepped on, and to his sons”

and to his sons

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנָ֑י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and to his offspring”

he is} wholly after Yahweh

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִלֵּ֖א אַחֲרֵ֥י יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking of obedience as if it were a path that one could follow after. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he wholly fulfills Yahweh’s commands”

after Yahweh

Quote: אַחֲרֵ֥י יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: “after me, Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 1:37

Also Yahweh was angry with me because of you

Quote: גַּם־בִּ⁠י֙ הִתְאַנַּ֣ף יְהוָ֔ה בִּ⁠גְלַלְ⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to Numbers 20, when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel. The Israelite people complained that they did not have water in the wilderness. Yahweh told Moses to speak to the rock so water would come out, but Moses disobeyed Yahweh and struck the rock with his staff. As a result, Yahweh promised that Moses would not enter the land.

Deuteronomy 1:38

Nun

Quote: נוּן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Nun is the name of Joshua’s father.

who stands

Quote: הָ⁠עֹמֵ֣ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Joshua stands before the Israelites as a servant before their master. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who stands as your servant”

before your face

Quote: לְ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Deuteronomy 1:39

And your children that you said would be plunder

Quote: וְ⁠טַפְּ⁠כֶם֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֜ם לָ⁠בַ֣ז יִהְיֶ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites thought that they would lose the battles against the Amorites, and so their children would be captured as plunder. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “And your children, whom you said would be plunder when you lost the battle”

and your sons

Quote: וּ֠⁠בְנֵי⁠כֶם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term sons is masculine, Yahweh is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “and your children”

today do not know good or evil

Quote: לֹא־יָדְע֤וּ הַ⁠יּוֹם֙ ט֣וֹב וָ⁠רָ֔ע (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the children are not responsible for rebelling against Yahweh, because they do not know good or evil. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “do not yet know good or evil and will not be punished for your rebellion”

Deuteronomy 1:40

turn yourselves

Quote: פְּנ֣וּ לָ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh wants the Israelites to turn around and go back the way they came. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “turn around”

Deuteronomy 1:41

And you answered and said to me

Quote: וַֽ⁠תַּעֲנ֣וּ ׀ וַ⁠תֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלַ֗⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

The two words answered and said express a single idea. The word answered indicates that the Israelites said the following quote in response to Yahweh's anger. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “And you answered me”

We ourselves shall go up and fight

Quote: אֲנַ֤חְנוּ נַעֲלֶה֙ וְ⁠נִלְחַ֔מְנוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, the Israelites are stating the pronoun ourselves, whose meaning is already included in the verbs translated as go up and fight. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun ourselves. Alternate translation: “We will even go up and fight”

to go up to the hill {country

Quote: לַ⁠עֲלֹ֥ת הָ⁠הָֽרָ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, go up means “fight.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to attack the hill {country}.”

to the hill {country

Quote: הָ⁠הָֽרָ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, hill {country} refers to the people that live in that area. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the people who live in the hill {country}”

Deuteronomy 1:42

Do not go up and do not fight, and you will not be defeated before the face of your enemies, because I will not be among you

Quote: לֹ֤א תַֽעֲלוּ֙ וְ⁠לֹא־תִלָּ֣חֲמ֔וּ כִּ֥י אֵינֶ֖⁠נִּי בְּ⁠קִרְבְּ⁠כֶ֑ם וְ⁠לֹא֙ תִּנָּֽגְפ֔וּ לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י אֹיְבֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could move the last phrase to the beginning, since the last phrase gives the reason for the result that the beginning of the sentence describes. Alternate translation: “I will not be among you, so do not go up and do not fight, and you will not be defeated before the face of your enemies.”

Do not go up

Quote: לֹ֤א תַֽעֲלוּ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, go up means “approach in battle.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not go to war”

and you will not be defeated before the face of your enemies

Quote: וְ⁠לֹא֙ תִּנָּֽגְפ֔וּ לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י אֹיְבֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “or your enemies will defeat you”

and you will not be defeated before the face of your enemies

Quote: וְ⁠לֹא֙ תִּנָּֽגְפ֔וּ לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י אֹיְבֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Yahweh is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that the Israelites will be defeated if they “fight”. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “or you will be defeated before the face of your enemies”

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by”

I will not be among you

Quote: אֵינֶ֖⁠נִּי בְּ⁠קִרְבְּ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

As God, Yahweh is always everywhere. The implication is that Yahweh will not be among the Israelites in a special way to help them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. See chapter introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “I will not help you”

Deuteronomy 1:43

the mouth of

Quote: פִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, mouth refers to Yahweh’s commands and what he says to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the command of”

and went up to the hill {country

Quote: וַ⁠תַּעֲל֥וּ הָ⁠הָֽרָ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelite soldiers went up to the hill {country} to attack the people there. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and attacked the people who live in the hill country”

Deuteronomy 1:44

and chased you like the bees do

Quote: וַ⁠יִּרְדְּפ֣וּ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ינָה הַ⁠דְּבֹרִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Moses compares the Amorites to *bees because large swarms of bees attack and sting people. So many Amorites attacked the Israelite soldiers that they had to flee from the battle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and chased you like a dog chases a cat” or “and chased you persistently”

the bees

Quote: הַ⁠דְּבֹרִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A bee is a small, flying insect that may fly in a swarm; it stings people who threaten it. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of insect, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the stinging insects”

and caused you to scatter

Quote: וַֽ⁠יַּכְּת֥וּ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֛ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, caused to scatter means “defeated in battle” or “caused to retreat.” You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and defeated you and caused you to retreat”

Hormah

Quote: חָרְמָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Hormah is the name of a city.

Deuteronomy 1:45

And you returned

Quote: וַ⁠תָּשֻׁ֥בוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the fighting men returned from the battle to where the rest of the Israelites were camping at Kadesh Barnea. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And you returned to Kadesh Barnea”

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the presence of”

to your voice

Quote: בְּ⁠קֹ֣לְ⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents the words the Israelites spoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to what you said”

and he did not give ear

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֥א הֶאֱזִ֖ין (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, give ear is a figure of speech that means “listen.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he did not lend his ear” or “and he did not pay attention”

but Yahweh did not listen to your voice, and he did not give ear to you

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־שָׁמַ֤ע יְהוָה֙ בְּ⁠קֹ֣לְ⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠לֹ֥א הֶאֱזִ֖ין אֲלֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “but Yahweh did not listen to your voice, nor did he give ear to you”

Deuteronomy 1:46

many days, according to the days that you stayed {there

Quote: יָמִ֣ים רַבִּ֑ים כַּ⁠יָּמִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשַׁבְתֶּֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression according to the days that you stayed {there} contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “many days.”

many days, according to the days that you stayed {there

Quote: יָמִ֣ים רַבִּ֑ים כַּ⁠יָּמִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשַׁבְתֶּֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, days is an idiom that refers to a length of time. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for quite some time”

Deuteronomy 2

Deuteronomy 2 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues Moses’ first speech from the previous chapter.

• vv. 1-11: Moses recounts the Israelites’ journey from the wilderness to the land of the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites
• vv. 24-37: Moses recounts how Yahweh allowed the Israelites to defeat King Sihon

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Possessing the land

Yahweh promised the Israelites that he would give them the land of Canaan if they obeyed him. Other peoples lived in the land, but Yahweh promised to give the Israelites victory over them. The land belongs to Israel, but they have not yet entered it to possess the land. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and Promised Land)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Quotes in quotes

In this chapter, Moses gives a speech and quotes what others said. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate or format this passage so that there are no quotations within a quotation. (See Quotes within Quotes)

Moses represents the Israelites

The singular pronoun “you” occurs when Yahweh speaks directly to Moses. The Israelites request that Moses speak to Yahweh on their behalf because the Israelites fear Yahweh and do not want to speak directly to him. Moses acts as a representative on behalf of all the Israelites. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could clarify that Yahweh wants Moses to tell the Israelites everything that Yahweh says.

Raphaites

Verses 11 and 20 refer to a group of people called the Raphaites. The term “Raphaites” is a variation of the term “Rephaites” or “Rephaim.” These terms all refer to the Rapha people group. Use a form in your language that is a natural way to refer to a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

Background information

The writer of Deuteronomy adds background information to help readers understand the historical context of Moses’ speech. In the ULT, this information is enclosed in parentheses. Use a method that is natural in your language for indicating that a section of text is background information. (See: Background Information)

Deuteronomy 2:1

And we turned

Quote: וַ⁠נֵּ֜פֶן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites turned around and went back the way they came. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And we turned around” or "And we turned back"

many days

Quote: יָמִ֥ים רַבִּֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase many days is an idiom that means “a long time.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a very long time”

Deuteronomy 2:2

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language.

Deuteronomy 2:3

Turn yourselves

Quote: פְּנ֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression Turn yourselves contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “Turn”

Deuteronomy 2:4

And command the people, saying, “You will be crossing the border of your brothers

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־הָ⁠עָם֮ צַ֣ו לֵ⁠אמֹר֒ אַתֶּ֣ם עֹֽבְרִ֗ים בִּ⁠גְבוּל֙ אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֣ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “And command the people to cross the border of their brothers”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹר֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language.

the border of your brothers

Quote: בִּ⁠גְבוּל֙ אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֣ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Yahweh is using the possessive form to describe the border around the land that is occupied by the brothers of the Israelites. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “into the land occupied by your brothers”

your brothers, the sons of Esau

Quote: אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֣ם בְּנֵי־עֵשָׂ֔ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The Israelites are descendants of Jacob, who was Esau's brother. The Israelites and the sons of Esau are all descendants of Isaac. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “your relatives, the sons of Esau”

your brothers, the sons of

Quote: אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֣ם בְּנֵי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brothers means “relatives” and sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your relatives, the offspring of”

And you shall be exceedingly on guard

Quote: וְ⁠נִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם מְאֹֽד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more infromation about translating shall. Alternate translation: “Be exceedingly on guard!”

Deuteronomy 2:5

You shall not fight them, for I will not give to you from their land, {even} as {little} as a step of the sole of a foot, for I have given Mount Seir to Esau {as} a possession

Quote: אַל־תִּתְגָּר֣וּ בָ֔⁠ם כִּ֠י לֹֽא־אֶתֵּ֤ן לָ⁠כֶם֙ מֵֽ⁠אַרְצָ֔⁠ם עַ֖ד מִדְרַ֣ךְ כַּף־רָ֑גֶל כִּֽי־יְרֻשָּׁ֣ה לְ⁠עֵשָׂ֔ו נָתַ֖תִּי אֶת־הַ֥ר שֵׂעִֽיר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases, since the last phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “I have given Mount Seir to Esau, so I will not give you any of their land, even as little as a step of the sole of a foot, so you shall not fight them”

for

Quote: כִּ֠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word for introduces the reason why the Israelites shall not fight the descendants of Esau. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “since”

even} as {little} as a step of the sole of a foot

Quote: עַ֖ד מִדְרַ֣ךְ כַּף־רָ֑גֶל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Alternate translation: “even as little as the length of a footstep”

to Esau

Quote: לְ⁠עֵשָׂ֔ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is using Esau to represent Esau and all of his descendants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to Esau and his offspring”

Deuteronomy 2:6

You will buy food from them with money, and you will eat. And also, you will purchase water from them with money, and you will drink

Quote: אֹ֣כֶל תִּשְׁבְּר֧וּ מֵֽ⁠אִתָּ֛⁠ם בַּ⁠כֶּ֖סֶף וַ⁠אֲכַלְתֶּ֑ם וְ⁠גַם־מַ֜יִם תִּכְר֧וּ מֵ⁠אִתָּ֛⁠ם בַּ⁠כֶּ֖סֶף וּ⁠שְׁתִיתֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

This verse contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the verse. Alternate translation: “You will buy food from them, and also, you will purchase water from them”

Deuteronomy 2:7

For

Quote: כִּי֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason that the Israelites should obey the commands that came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “Obey these commands because”

your God has blessed you … your hand. … your walking through … your God {has been} with you. You have not lacked

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֜י⁠ךָ בֵּֽרַכְ⁠ךָ֗ & יָדֶ֔⁠ךָ & לֶכְתְּ⁠ךָ֔ & אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ עִמָּ֔⁠ךְ לֹ֥א חָסַ֖רְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

the work of your hand

Quote: מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה יָדֶ֔⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using hand to represent all of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your work”

He has known your walking through this great wilderness

Quote: יָדַ֣ע לֶכְתְּ⁠ךָ֔ אֶת־הַ⁠מִּדְבָּ֥ר הַ⁠גָּדֹ֖ל הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh has known everything that happened to the Israelites when they were walking through the great wilderness. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He has known all that happened to you during your walking through this great wilderness”

Yahweh your God {has been} with you

Quote: יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ עִמָּ֔⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

As God, Yahweh is always everywhere. The implication is that Yahweh was with the Israelites in a special way. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God has been with you in a special way”

You have not lacked a thing

Quote: לֹ֥א חָסַ֖רְתָּ דָּבָֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Moses is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “You have received all things that you required”

Deuteronomy 2:8

our brothers, the sons of Esau

Quote: אַחֵ֣י⁠נוּ בְנֵי־עֵשָׂ֗ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The Israelites are descendants of Jacob, who was Esau's brother. The Israelites and the sons of Esau are all descendants of Isaac. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. See how you translated this in 2:4. Alternate translation: “our relatives, the sons of Esau”

our brothers, the sons of

Quote: אַחֵ֣י⁠נוּ בְנֵי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brothers means “relatives” and sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this in 2:4. Alternate translation: “our relatives, the descendants of”

from Elath and from Ezion Geber

Quote: מֵ⁠אֵילַ֖ת וּ⁠מֵ⁠עֶצְיֹ֣ן גָּ֑בֶר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Elath and Ezion Geber are the names of cities.

And we turned

Quote: וַ⁠נֵּ֨פֶן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites turned away from the area where the descendants of Esau lived. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And we turned away from their land”

Deuteronomy 2:9

And Yahweh said to me, ‘You shall not trouble Moab, and you shall not fight against them {in} battle, for I will not give to you from its land a possession, because I have given Ar to the sons of Lot, {as} a possession

Quote: וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗⁠י אֶל־תָּ֨צַר֙ אֶת־מוֹאָ֔ב וְ⁠אַל־תִּתְגָּ֥ר בָּ֖⁠ם מִלְחָמָ֑ה כִּ֠י לֹֽא־אֶתֵּ֨ן לְ⁠ךָ֤ מֵֽ⁠אַרְצ⁠וֹ֙ יְרֻשָּׁ֔ה כִּ֣י לִ⁠בְנֵי־ל֔וֹט נָתַ֥תִּי אֶת־עָ֖ר יְרֻשָּֽׁה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh commanded me not to allow you to trouble Moab or to fight agains them in battle. He said that he would not give to us from its land a possession, because he has given Ar to the sons of Lot, as a possession”

You shall not trouble Moab, and you shall not fight against them {in} battle

Quote: אֶל־תָּ֨צַר֙ אֶת־מוֹאָ֔ב וְ⁠אַל־תִּתְגָּ֥ר בָּ֖⁠ם מִלְחָמָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “You shall not trouble Moab or fight against them in battle”

Moab

Quote: מוֹאָ֔ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word Moab represents the people of Moab. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Moab”

for

Quote: כִּ֠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word for introduces the reason why the Israelites shall not fight the people of Moab. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “since”

for I will not give to you from its land a possession, because I have given Ar to the sons of Lot, {as} a possession

Quote: כִּ֠י לֹֽא־אֶתֵּ֨ן לְ⁠ךָ֤ מֵֽ⁠אַרְצ⁠וֹ֙ יְרֻשָּׁ֔ה כִּ֣י לִ⁠בְנֵי־ל֔וֹט נָתַ֥תִּי אֶת־עָ֖ר יְרֻשָּֽׁה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression to give someone's land as a possession contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “For I will not give to you from his land, because I have given Ar to the sons of Lot”

I will not give to you from its land a possession, because I have given Ar to the sons of Lot, {as} a possession

Quote: לֹֽא־אֶתֵּ֨ן לְ⁠ךָ֤ מֵֽ⁠אַרְצ⁠וֹ֙ יְרֻשָּׁ֔ה כִּ֣י לִ⁠בְנֵי־ל֔וֹט נָתַ֥תִּי אֶת־עָ֖ר יְרֻשָּֽׁה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “I have given Ar to the sons of Lot as a possession, so I will not give to you from his land a possession”

from its land

Quote: מֵֽ⁠אַרְצ⁠וֹ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun its refers to Moab. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name of the land here. Alternate translation: “from the land of Moab”

Ar

Quote: עָ֖ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Ar is the name of a city in Moab.

to the sons of

Quote: לִ⁠בְנֵי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the offspring of”

Deuteronomy 2:10

The Emites

Quote: הָ⁠אֵמִ֥ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Emite is the name of a people group.

Deuteronomy 2:10-12

The Emites lived there previously, a people great and numerous and tall as the Anakites … They {are} also considered Raphaites, like the Anakites; but the Moabites call them Emites … And the Horites lived in Seir previously, and the sons of Esau dispossessed them. And they destroyed them from their faces and lived in their place, like Israel did to the land of his possession that Yahweh gave to them

Quote: הָ⁠אֵמִ֥ים לְ⁠פָנִ֖ים יָ֣שְׁבוּ בָ֑⁠הּ עַ֣ם גָּד֥וֹל וְ⁠רַ֛ב וָ⁠רָ֖ם כָּ⁠עֲנָקִֽים & רְפָאִ֛ים יֵחָשְׁב֥וּ אַף־הֵ֖ם כָּ⁠עֲנָקִ֑ים וְ⁠הַ⁠מֹּ֣אָבִ֔ים יִקְרְא֥וּ לָ⁠הֶ֖ם אֵמִֽים & וּ⁠בְ⁠שֵׂעִ֞יר יָשְׁב֣וּ הַ⁠חֹרִים֮ לְ⁠פָנִים֒ וּ⁠בְנֵ֧י עֵשָׂ֣ו יִֽירָשׁ֗וּ⁠ם וַ⁠יַּשְׁמִידוּ⁠ם֙ מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֖וּ תַּחְתָּ֑⁠ם כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֧ר עָשָׂ֣ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל לְ⁠אֶ֨רֶץ֙ יְרֻשָּׁת֔⁠וֹ אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֥ן יְהוָ֖ה לָ⁠הֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

These verses provide background information about people groups who lived in the area that the Edomites and Moabites occupy. This information helps readers understand what happens next in the story. These verses are not part of Moses’ speech to the Israelites. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.

Deuteronomy 2:11

They {are} also considered Raphaites

Quote: רְפָאִ֛ים יֵחָשְׁב֥וּ אַף־הֵ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People refer to them as Raphaites”

Raphaites, … Emites

Quote: רְפָאִ֛ים & אֵמִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Raphaites and Emites refer to the same people group.

Deuteronomy 2:12

the Horites

Quote: הַ⁠חֹרִים֮ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Horite is the name of a people group.

and the sons of

Quote: וּ⁠בְנֵ֧י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the offspring of”

And they destroyed them from their faces

Quote: וַ⁠יַּשְׁמִידוּ⁠ם֙ מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns they and their refer to the sons of Esau. The pronoun them refers to the Horites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the names of the people groups here. Alternate translation: “And the sons of Esau destroyed the Horites from their faces”

from their faces

Quote: מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from their presence”

Israel did to the land of his possession

Quote: עָשָׂ֣ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל לְ⁠אֶ֨רֶץ֙ יְרֻשָּׁת֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Israel represents the people of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Israelites did to the land of their possession”

did

Quote: עָשָׂ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense

Here, the writer uses the past tense, did, to refer to events that happen after Moses said all these things. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “would do”

to the land of his possession that Yahweh gave to them

Quote: לְ⁠אֶ֨רֶץ֙ יְרֻשָּׁת֔⁠וֹ אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֥ן יְהוָ֖ה לָ⁠הֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

The writer is using the possessive form to describe the land that Yahweh gave the Israelites to live in as a possession. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “to the land that Yahweh gave them to live in as a possession”

Deuteronomy 2:13

Now, for yourselves, rise up and cross the brook Zered

Quote: עַתָּ֗ה קֻ֛מוּ וְ⁠עִבְר֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם אֶת־נַ֣חַל זָ֑רֶד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

The implication is that Yahweh is speaking these commands. If it would be more natural in your language, you could: (1) use a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh said, ‘‘Now, for yourselves, rise up and cross the brook Zered” (2) translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh told us to rise up for ourselves and cross the brook Zered”

rise up

Quote: קֻ֛מוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, rise up describes the beginning of action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “start your journey”

the brook Zered.’ … the brook Zered

Quote: נַ֣חַל זָ֑רֶד & נַ֥חַל זָֽרֶד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term the brook Zered is the name of a stream that flows into the Dead Sea. The brook goes from the southeast and creates the border between Edom and Moab.

Deuteronomy 2:14

And the days which we came from Kadesh Barnea until we crossed the brook Zered {were} 38 years

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּמִ֞ים אֲשֶׁר־הָלַ֣כְנוּ ׀ מִ⁠קָּדֵ֣שׁ בַּרְנֵ֗עַ עַ֤ד אֲשֶׁר־עָבַ֨רְנוּ֙ אֶת־נַ֣חַל זֶ֔רֶד שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים וּ⁠שְׁמֹנֶ֖ה שָׁנָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, days an idiom that refers to a duration of time. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the time that had passed from when we came from Kadesh Barnea until we crossed the brook Zered was 38 years”

until all the generation of the men of war were finished from among the camp, as Yahweh had sworn to them

Quote: עַד־תֹּ֨ם כָּל־הַ⁠דּ֜וֹר אַנְשֵׁ֤י הַ⁠מִּלְחָמָה֙ מִ⁠קֶּ֣רֶב הַֽ⁠מַּחֲנֶ֔ה כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר נִשְׁבַּ֥ע יְהוָ֖ה לָ⁠הֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The Israelites who were old enough to fight disobeyed Yahweh. As a result, Yahweh punished them so they would die before they could enter the land that Yahweh said he would give to them. See 1:19-45. Alternate translation: “until all the generation of men of war were finished from among the camp, according to the punishment of Yahweh for their disobedience”

were finished

Quote: תֹּ֨ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

Moses is referring to death in a polite way by using the phrase were finished. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to death in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “had died”

from among the camp

Quote: מִ⁠קֶּ֣רֶב הַֽ⁠מַּחֲנֶ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, camp represents all of the Israelites and anyone traveling with them in the wilderness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from among the Israelites”

Deuteronomy 2:15

the hand of Yahweh was against them

Quote: יַד־יְהוָה֙ הָ֣יְתָה בָּ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, hand represents Yahweh’s power and actions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh used his power against them”

from among the camp

Quote: מִ⁠קֶּ֣רֶב הַֽ⁠מַּחֲנֶ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, camp represents all of the Israelites and everyone traveling with them in the wilderness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from among the Israelites”

they came to an end

Quote: תֻּמָּֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

Moses is referring to death in a polite way by using the phrase came to an end. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “they died”

Deuteronomy 2:16

And it happened

Quote: וַ⁠יְהִ֨י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent

Moses is using the word translated And it happened to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Then”

all the men of war came to an end, dying from among the people

Quote: תַּ֜מּוּ כָּל־אַנְשֵׁ֧י הַ⁠מִּלְחָמָ֛ה לָ⁠מ֖וּת מִ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב הָ⁠עָֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The first clause uses a euphemism, while the second clause states the meaning plainly. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “all the men of war came to an end, indeed, they died from among the people”

Deuteronomy 2:17

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language.

Deuteronomy 2:18

You

Quote: אַתָּ֨ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the singular pronoun you refers to Moses. Yahweh is speaking to Moses, but he is giving commands for all of the Israelites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could (1) use plural forms of the pronoun. (2) state the audience plainly. Alternate translation: “These are instructions for you and all the Israelites. You”

Ar

Quote: עָֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Ar is the name of a city in Moab. See how you translated it in 2:9.

Deuteronomy 2:19

And you will approach … You shall not trouble them and you shall not fight … to you

Quote: וְ⁠קָרַבְתָּ֗ & אַל־תְּצֻרֵ֖⁠ם וְ⁠אַל־תִּתְגָּ֣ר & לְ⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Here, the singular pronoun you refers to Moses. Yahweh is speaking to Moses, but he is giving commands for all of the Israelites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could (1) use plural forms of the pronoun. (2) state the audience plainly. See how you translated this in the previous verse.

the sons of Ammon. … the sons of Ammon {… to the sons of Lot

Quote: בְּנֵ֣י עַמּ֔וֹן & בְּנֵי־עַמּ֤וֹן & לִ⁠בְנֵי־ל֖וֹט (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Like the Moabites, the people of Ammon are also descendants of Lot. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the sons of Ammon, who are descendants of Lot … the sons of Ammon … to the sons of Lot

the sons of … the sons of … to the sons of

Quote: בְּנֵ֣י & בְּנֵי & לִ⁠בְנֵי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” Although the term sons is masculine, Moses is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of”

for

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word for introduces the reason why the Israelites shall not fight the descendants of Esau. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “since”

You shall not trouble them and you shall not fight them

Quote: אַל־תְּצֻרֵ֖⁠ם וְ⁠אַל־תִּתְגָּ֣ר בָּ֑⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “You shall not trouble them, indeed, you shall not fight them”

I will not give to you from the land of the sons of Ammon {as} a possession, because I have given it to the sons of Lot {as} a possession

Quote: לֹֽא־אֶ֠תֵּן מֵ⁠אֶ֨רֶץ בְּנֵי־עַמּ֤וֹן לְ⁠ךָ֙ יְרֻשָּׁ֔ה כִּ֥י לִ⁠בְנֵי־ל֖וֹט נְתַתִּ֥י⁠הָ יְרֻשָּֽׁה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “I have given the land to the sons of Lot as a possession, so I will not give to you from it as a possession”

I will not give to you from the land of the sons of Ammon {as} a possession, because I have given it to the sons of Lot {as} a possession

Quote: לֹֽא־אֶ֠תֵּן מֵ⁠אֶ֨רֶץ בְּנֵי־עַמּ֤וֹן לְ⁠ךָ֙ יְרֻשָּׁ֔ה כִּ֥י לִ⁠בְנֵי־ל֖וֹט נְתַתִּ֥י⁠הָ יְרֻשָּֽׁה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression to give someone's land as a possession contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “I will not give to you from the land of the sons of Ammon, because I have given it to the sons of Lot”

Deuteronomy 2:20

Also, {it} is regarded as a land of the Raphaites

Quote: אֶֽרֶץ־רְפָאִ֥ים תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב אַף־הִ֑וא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Also, people refer to it as a land of the Raphaites”

the Raphaites. The Raphaites … Zamzummites

Quote: רְפָאִ֥ים & רְפָאִ֤ים & זַמְזֻמִּֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Raphaites and Zamzummites are names for the same people group. See how you translated Raphaites in 2:11.

Deuteronomy 2:20-23

Also, {it} is regarded as a land of the Raphaites. The Raphaites lived there previously—but the Ammonites call them Zamzummites … a people great and numerous and tall as the Anakites. But Yahweh destroyed them before their faces, and they dispossessed them and lived in their place … just as he did for the sons of Esau, who live in Seir, when he destroyed the Horites from before their faces, and they dispossessed them and have lived in their place until this day … And the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza—the Caphtorites, who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and lived in their place

Quote: אֶֽרֶץ־רְפָאִ֥ים תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב אַף־הִ֑וא רְפָאִ֤ים יָֽשְׁבוּ־בָ⁠הּ֙ לְ⁠פָנִ֔ים וְ⁠הָֽ⁠עַמֹּנִ֔ים יִקְרְא֥וּ לָ⁠הֶ֖ם זַמְזֻמִּֽים & עַ֣ם גָּד֥וֹל וְ⁠רַ֛ב וָ⁠רָ֖ם כָּ⁠עֲנָקִ֑ים וַ⁠יַּשְׁמִידֵ֤⁠ם יְהוָה֙ מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם וַ⁠יִּירָשֻׁ֖⁠ם וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֥וּ תַחְתָּֽ⁠ם & כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשָׂה֙ לִ⁠בְנֵ֣י עֵשָׂ֔ו הַ⁠יֹּשְׁבִ֖ים בְּ⁠שֵׂעִ֑יר אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִשְׁמִ֤יד אֶת־הַ⁠חֹרִי֙ מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם וַ⁠יִּֽירָשֻׁ⁠ם֙ וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֣וּ תַחְתָּ֔⁠ם עַ֖ד הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה & וְ⁠הָֽ⁠עַוִּ֛ים הַ⁠יֹּשְׁבִ֥ים בַּ⁠חֲצֵרִ֖ים עַד־עַזָּ֑ה כַּפְתֹּרִים֙ הַ⁠יֹּצְאִ֣ים מִ⁠כַּפְתּ֔וֹר הִשְׁמִידֻ֖⁠ם וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֥וּ תַחְתָּֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

These verses provide background information about people groups who lived in the area that the Ammonites, Edomites, and Caphtorim occupied. This information helps readers understand what happens next in the story. These verses are not part of Moses’ speech to the Israelites. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.

Deuteronomy 2:21

But Yahweh destroyed them before their faces, and they dispossessed them and lived in their place

Quote: וַ⁠יַּשְׁמִידֵ֤⁠ם יְהוָה֙ מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם וַ⁠יִּירָשֻׁ֖⁠ם וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֥וּ תַחְתָּֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronoun them refers to the Raphaites. The pronoun their in the first clause refers to the Ammonites. The pronoun their in the second clause refers to the Raphaites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could repeat the names of the people groups. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh destroyed the Raphaites before the Ammonites’ faces, and the Ammonites dispossessed the Raphaites and lived in their place”

before their faces

Quote: מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in their presence”

Deuteronomy 2:22

for the sons of

Quote: לִ⁠בְנֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for the offspring of”

the Horites

Quote: הַ⁠חֹרִי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Horites is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:12.

from before their faces, and they dispossessed them and have lived in their place

Quote: מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם וַ⁠יִּֽירָשֻׁ⁠ם֙ וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֣וּ תַחְתָּ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

In the first clause, the pronoun their refers to the sons of Esau. In the second clause, they refers to the sons of Esau, while the pronouns them and their refer to the Horites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could repeat the names of the people groups. Alternate translation: “from before the sons of Esau's faces, and the sons of Esau dispossessed the Horites and have lived in their place”

from before their faces

Quote: מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before them”

Deuteronomy 2:23

And the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza—the Caphtorites, who came from Caphtor

Quote: וְ⁠הָֽ⁠עַוִּ֛ים הַ⁠יֹּשְׁבִ֥ים בַּ⁠חֲצֵרִ֖ים עַד־עַזָּ֑ה כַּפְתֹּרִים֙ הַ⁠יֹּצְאִ֣ים מִ⁠כַּפְתּ֔וֹר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants

Here, the author introduces the Avvites and then describes what happened to them. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you could use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “As for the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorites, who came from Caphtor”

And the Avvites … the Caphtorites

Quote: וְ⁠הָֽ⁠עַוִּ֛ים & כַּפְתֹּרִים֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Avvites and Caphtorites are the names of people groups.

from Caphtor

Quote: מִ⁠כַּפְתּ֔וֹר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Caphtor is the name of a place. It may be another name for the island of Crete, located in the Mediterranean Sea.

destroyed them and lived in their place

Quote: הִשְׁמִידֻ֖⁠ם וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֥וּ תַחְתָּֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronouns them and their refer to the Avvites. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “destroyed the Avvites and lived in their place”

Deuteronomy 2:24

Rise up, journey, and pass through

Quote: ק֣וּמוּ סְּע֗וּ וְ⁠עִבְרוּ֮ & (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Even though Yahweh is speaking to Moses, the forms of these commands are plural. Yahweh wants Moses to tell these commands to all of the Israelites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use singular pronouns.

Rise up

Quote: ק֣וּמוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Rise up describes the beginning of action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this term in verse 13. Alternate translation: “Begin traveling”

the Valley of Arnon

Quote: נַ֣חַל אַרְנֹן֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Valley of Arnon is the name of a place.

Look

Quote: רְאֵ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is using the term Look to focus the Israelites' attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “See”

into your hand … Begin to possess {it}, and fight

Quote: בְ֠⁠יָדְ⁠ךָ & הָחֵ֣ל רָ֑שׁ וְ⁠הִתְגָּ֥ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here, the singular pronoun your refers to Moses. The forms of the commands are also singular. Yahweh is speaking to Moses because Moses is the leader of the Israelites, but these phrases apply to all of the Israelites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could (1) use plural forms of the pronoun. (2) state the audience plainly. See how you translated this in verse 18.

into your hand

Quote: בְ֠⁠יָדְ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word hand means “power” or “control.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you power over”

his land

Quote: אַרְצ֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, the possessive form describes the land that King Sihon rules over. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “the land he rules over”

against him

Quote: בּ֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, the pronoun him refers to Sihon and his army. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “against him and his army”

Deuteronomy 2:25

the fear of you and the terror of you … a report of you

Quote: פַּחְדְּ⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠יִרְאָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔ & שִׁמְעֲ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Although Yahweh is speaking about all of the Israelites, Yahweh uses the singular pronouns you and your. This is because Yahweh is speaking directly to Moses who acts as a representative for the Israelites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use plural forms of the pronoun. Alternate translation: “the fear of the Israelites and the terror of the Israelites … a report of the Israelites”

to put the fear of you and the terror of you on the faces of the peoples

Quote: תֵּ֤ת פַּחְדְּ⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠יִרְאָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔ עַל־פְּנֵי֙ הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Yahweh speaks of emotions as if they were something you could physically put on the faces of the peoples. He means that he will cause the peoples to feel fear and terror. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to cause the peoples to feel the fear of you and the terror of you”

I will begin to put the fear of you and the terror of you on the faces of

Quote: אָחֵל֙ תֵּ֤ת פַּחְדְּ⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠יִרְאָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔ עַל־פְּנֵי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of fear and terror, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “I will begin to cause you to frighten and terrify the hearts of”

the fear of you and the terror of you … a report of you

Quote: פַּחְדְּ⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠יִרְאָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔ & שִׁמְעֲ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Yahweh is using the possessive form to describe how the Israelites will cause fear, terror, and a report about them. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression that describes cause and effect. Alternate translation: “the fear caused by you and the terror caused by you … a report about you”

the fear of you and the terror of you

Quote: פַּחְדְּ⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠יִרְאָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms fear and terror mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the extremely great fear of you”

under all the heavens

Quote: תַּ֖חַת כָּל־הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, under all the heavens is an idiom that means “everywhere.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all over the place”

that

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֤ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, the word that identifies what comes after it as the purpose of the clause that comes before it. Yahweh will cause the peoples to fear the Israelites in order that the peoples might tremble. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that”

and might quake and tremble

Quote: וְ⁠רָגְז֥וּ וְ⁠חָל֖וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms quake and tremble mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and will surely tremble”

from your face

Quote: מִ⁠פָּנֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, face means because of you. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of you”

Deuteronomy 2:26

And I sent

Quote: וָ⁠אֶשְׁלַ֤ח (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronoun I refers to Moses. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “And I, Moses, sent”

from the wilderness of Kedemoth

Quote: מִ⁠מִּדְבַּ֣ר קְדֵמ֔וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term wilderness of Kedemoth is the name of a place near the valley of Arnon.

with} words of peace

Quote: דִּבְרֵ֥י שָׁל֖וֹם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe how his message to Sihon contains words that are characterized by peace. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “with a peaceful message”

with} words of peace

Quote: דִּבְרֵ֥י שָׁל֖וֹם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “communicating peaceably”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language.

Deuteronomy 2:27

I will pass through … I will go. I will not turn

Quote: אֶעְבְּרָ֣ה & אֵלֵ֑ךְ לֹ֥א אָס֖וּר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Moses is speaking on behalf of all the Israelites, so he uses the singular pronouns me and I here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use plural pronouns.

your land

Quote: בְ⁠אַרְצֶ֔⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Moses is using the possessive form to describe the land that King Sihon rules over. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “the land that you rule over”

On the road I will go. I will not turn right or left

Quote: בַּ⁠דֶּ֖רֶךְ אֵלֵ֑ךְ לֹ֥א אָס֖וּר יָמִ֥ין וּ⁠שְׂמֹֽאול (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two sentences mean basically the same thing. The second sentence emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the sentences with a word that shows that, in the new sentence, the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “On the road I will go; indeed, I will not turn right or left”

On the road I will go

Quote: בַּ⁠דֶּ֖רֶךְ אֵלֵ֑ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

By beginning the sentence with On the road, Moses is emphasizing that he will only go by traveling upon the road and not off of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word order or phrase that clarifies this information. Alternate translation: “I will go on the road only”

Deuteronomy 2:28

You will sell me food for money, and I will eat. And give to me water for money, and I will drink

Quote: אֹ֣כֶל בַּ⁠כֶּ֤סֶף תַּשְׁבִּרֵ֨⁠נִי֙ וְ⁠אָכַ֔לְתִּי וּ⁠מַ֛יִם בַּ⁠כֶּ֥סֶף תִּתֶּן־לִ֖⁠י וְ⁠שָׁתִ֑יתִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative

Moses is assuring Sihon that the Israelites will not trouble Sihon and his people by stealing from them. Instead, they will pay for everything they need. Moses is communicating a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please sell me food for money, and I will eat. And please give to me water for money, and I will drink.”

You will sell me food for money, and I will eat. And give to me water for money, and I will drink

Quote: אֹ֣כֶל בַּ⁠כֶּ֤סֶף תַּשְׁבִּרֵ֨⁠נִי֙ וְ⁠אָכַ֔לְתִּי וּ⁠מַ֛יִם בַּ⁠כֶּ֥סֶף תִּתֶּן־לִ֖⁠י וְ⁠שָׁתִ֑יתִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

This verse contains expressions with extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “You will sell me food and water”

You will sell me … and I will eat. … to me … and I will drink. … let me pass through on my feet

Quote: תַּשְׁבִּרֵ֨⁠נִי֙ וְ⁠אָכַ֔לְתִּי & לִ֖⁠י וְ⁠שָׁתִ֑יתִי & אֶעְבְּרָ֥ה בְ⁠רַגְלָֽ⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is speaking on behalf of all the Israelites, so he uses the singular pronouns me, I, and my here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use plural pronouns or clarify to whom the pronouns refer. Alternate translation: “You will sell me and the Israelites … and we will eat … to us … and we will drink … let us pass through on our feet”

let me pass through on my feet

Quote: אֶעְבְּרָ֥ה בְ⁠רַגְלָֽ⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites will pass through the land peacefully by walking across it. They will not harass or attack the people living in the land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “please allow me to travel through your land and we will not disturb you”

on my feet

Quote: בְ⁠רַגְלָֽ⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, on my feet is an idiom that means “traveling by walking.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by walking”

Deuteronomy 2:29

for me, … I cross

Quote: לִ֜⁠י & אֶֽעֱבֹר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, the singular pronouns me and I refer to Moses. Moses is speaking to Yahweh because Moses is the leader of the Israelites, but these phrases apply to all of the Israelites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use plural forms of the pronoun. Alternate translation: “for us … we pass over”

the sons of

Quote: בְּנֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the offspring of”

in Ar

Quote: בְּ⁠עָ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Ar is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:9.

Deuteronomy 2:30

your God … into your hand

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֜י⁠ךָ & בְ⁠יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, your is singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

had hardened his spirit and strengthened his heart

Quote: הִקְשָׁה֩ & אֶת־רוּח֗⁠וֹ & וְ⁠אִמֵּץ֙ אֶת־לְבָב֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “had hardened his spirit; indeed, he strengthened his heart”

had hardened his spirit and strengthened his heart

Quote: הִקְשָׁה֩ & אֶת־רוּח֗⁠וֹ & וְ⁠אִמֵּץ֙ אֶת־לְבָב֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, hardened his spirit and strengthened his heart are idioms that mean “caused him to be stubborn.” If these phrases do not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “had caused him to be stiff-necked and caused him to be as stubborn as a mule” or “had caused him to be resistant and caused him to be obstinate”

into your hand

Quote: בְ⁠יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, hand represents someone’s power and control. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into your control”

as this day

Quote: כַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites control Sihon’s land at the time when Moses is giving this speech to the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as you control his land this day”

Deuteronomy 2:31

And Yahweh said to me, ‘Look, I have begun giving before your face Sihon and his land. Begin, possess, to possess his land

Quote: וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֵלַ֔⁠י רְאֵ֗ה הַֽחִלֹּ֨תִי֙ תֵּ֣ת לְ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ אֶת־סִיחֹ֖ן וְ⁠אֶת־אַרְצ֑⁠וֹ הָחֵ֣ל רָ֔שׁ לָ⁠רֶ֖שֶׁת אֶת־אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh told me that he had begun giving before my face Sihon and his land. He commanded me to begin, possoess, to possess his land”

Look

Quote: רְאֵ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is using the term Look to focus the Moses’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “See now”

giving before your face Sihon and his land

Quote: תֵּ֣ת לְ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ אֶת־סִיחֹ֖ן וְ⁠אֶת־אַרְצ֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Yahweh speaks as if he is physically giving Sihon to Moses. Yahweh means that he is enabling Moses to defeat Sihon and take over the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “giving victory before your face over Sihon and his land”

before your face

Quote: לְ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

his land. … his land

Quote: אַרְצ֑⁠וֹ & אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, the pronoun his refers to King Sihon. Yahweh is using the possessive form to describe the land that King Sihon rules over. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “the land that he rules over … the land that he rules over”

Begin, possess, to possess

Quote: הָחֵ֣ל רָ֔שׁ לָ⁠רֶ֖שֶׁת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

The words possess, to possess translate a verb that is repeated for emphasis. Yahweh wants the Israelites to fully possess the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: “Begin to fully possess”

Deuteronomy 2:32

And Sihon came out against us

Quote: וַ⁠יֵּצֵא֩ סִיחֹ֨ן לִ⁠קְרָאתֵ֜⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Sihon came out of his main city, Heshbon and went to Jahaz to fight against the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And Sihon came out from Heshbon to attack us”

against us

Quote: לִ⁠קְרָאתֵ֜⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

By us, Moses means himself and the Israelite men old enough to fight, but not the rest of the Israelites, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

his people

Quote: עַמּ֛⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, his people refers to the fighting men whom Sihon led. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “his fighting men”

at Jahaz

Quote: יָֽהְצָ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Jahaz is the name of a city in Moab.

Deuteronomy 2:33

And Yahweh our God gave him

Quote: וַֽ⁠יִּתְּנֵ֛⁠הוּ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖י⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses speaks as if Yahweh physically gave Sihon to the Israelites. Moses means that Yahweh enabled the Israelites to defeat Sihon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh our God gave us victory over him”

before our faces

Quote: לְ⁠פָנֵ֑י⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before us”

and we struck him down

Quote: וַ⁠נַּ֥ךְ אֹת֛⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, struck down means killed in battle.

his son

Quote: בנ⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read “son.” The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read the plural, “sons.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

his son

Quote: בנ⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites killed Sihon’s heir, his son, so that Sihon would not have descendants that would try to take the land back from the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “his heir”

his people

Quote: עַמּֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, people refers to the fighting men whom Sihon led. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable phrase to describe the relationship between Sihon and the people. Alternate translation: “the fighting men under his control”

Deuteronomy 2:36

From Aroer

Quote: מֵֽ⁠עֲרֹעֵ֡ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Aroer is the name of a city to the north of the Arnon River.

the lip of

Quote: שְׂפַת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the lip is means “the edge.” In this case, lip specifically refers to the bank of a dry riverbed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, as modelled by the UST.

the Valley of Arnon

Quote: נַ֨חַל אַרְנֹ֜ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Valley of Arnon is the name of a place. The word Arnon is the name of a river. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:24.

there was not a city that {was} too high for us

Quote: לֹ֤א הָֽיְתָה֙ קִרְיָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׂגְבָ֖ה מִמֶּ֑⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Moses is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression, too high, that has the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “we were able to defeat the people of every city even if the city had high walls around it”

the whole

Quote: הַ⁠כֹּ֕ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh gave the Israelites the whole of the land described in this verse. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “all of the land”

before our faces

Quote: לְ⁠פָנֵֽי⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before us”

Deuteronomy 2:37

It was} only to the land of the sons of Ammon that you did not approach, all the hand of the Jabbok River, and the cities of the hill {country}—and all Yahweh our God had commanded

Quote: רַ֛ק אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ בְּנֵי־עַמּ֖וֹן לֹ֣א קָרָ֑בְתָּ כָּל־יַ֞ד נַ֤חַל יַבֹּק֙ וְ⁠עָרֵ֣י הָ⁠הָ֔ר וְ⁠כֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֖ה יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Moses means that the Israelites only traveled where Yahweh commanded them to travel, and not anywhere else. If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the phrasing of this verse. Alternate translation: “You only approached the land that Yahweh our God had commanded. You did not approach the land of the sons of Ammon, all the side of the Jabbok River, and the cities of the hill country”

you did not approach

Quote: לֹ֣א קָרָ֑בְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though you is singular in this verse, Moses is referring to himself and all the Israelites. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a different pronoun. Alternate translation: “we did not approach”

the hand of

Quote: יַ֞ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, hand means “side” or, as relating to a river, “the riverside.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the riverside of”

the Jabbok River

Quote: נַ֤חַל יַבֹּק֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Jabbok River is the name of a river. That river created the border between Sihon’s land and the land of the Ammonites.

Deuteronomy 3

Deuteronomy 3 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues Moses’ speech that began in Chapter 1.

• vv. 1-11: Moses recounts how the Israelites defeated King Og
• vv. 12-22: Moses allots land east of the Jordan to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh
• vv. 23-29: Yahweh forbids Moses from entering the land

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Possessing the land

Yahweh promised the Israelites that he will give them the land of Canaan if they obey him. Other people groups live in the land, but Yahweh promises to give the Israelites victory over them. The land belongs to Israel, but they have not yet entered it to possess the land. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and Promised Land

Other Possible Translation Difficulties

“You”

When Moses is referring to the Israelites, he uses the plural forms of “you.” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them and Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Quotes in quotes

In this chapter, Moses gives a speech and quotes what others said. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate or format this passage so that there are no quotations within a quotation. (See Quotes within Quotes)

Time Background

In his speech, Moses reminds the Israelites about what happened to their ancestors before they entered the land that Yahweh promised to give to them. Throughout his speech, Moses repeats the phrase “at that time” to refer to events that occurred during that time period. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state this information explicitly. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevents)

Deuteronomy 3:1

and went up

Quote: וַ⁠נַּ֔עַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the term went up means "traveled on." You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and traveled on”

the road of the Bashan

Quote: דֶּ֖רֶךְ הַ⁠בָּשָׁ֑ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe a road that goes through the region of Bashan. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a different way to explain the relationship between road and Bashan. Alternate translation: “the road in the land of Bashan”

Og

Quote: עוֹג֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Og is the name of a king. See how you translated it in 1:4.

And Og, the king of the Bashan, came out against us

Quote: וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֣א עוֹג֩ מֶֽלֶךְ־הַ⁠בָּשָׁ֨ן לִ⁠קְרָאתֵ֜⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Og came out of the city where he lived in order to fight against the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And Og, the king of the Bashan, came out from his city to attack us”

against us

Quote: לִ⁠קְרָאתֵ֜⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

By us, Moses means himself and the Israelite men old enough to fight but not the rest of the Israelites, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Alternate translation: “against our fighting men”

his people

Quote: עַמּ֛⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, people refers to fighting men. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “his fighting men”

his people

Quote: עַמּ֛⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Moses is using the possessive form to describe people whom King Og leads. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable phrase to describe the relationship between Og and the people. Alternate translation: “the people whom King Og led”

at} Edrei

Quote: אֶדְרֶֽעִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Edrei is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1:4.

Deuteronomy 3:2

And Yahweh said to me, ‘You shall not fear him; for I have given him and all his people and his land into your hand. And you will do to him as you did to Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon

Quote: וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֤ה אֵלַ⁠י֙ אַל־תִּירָ֣א אֹת֔⁠וֹ כִּ֣י בְ⁠יָדְ⁠ךָ֞ נָתַ֧תִּי אֹת֛⁠וֹ וְ⁠אֶת־כָּל־עַמּ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠אֶת־אַרְצ֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠עָשִׂ֣יתָ לּ֔⁠וֹ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשִׂ֗יתָ לְ⁠סִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הָֽ⁠אֱמֹרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּ⁠חֶשְׁבּֽוֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh commanded me not to fear him, for he has given him and all his people and his land into my hand. He told me to do to him as I did to Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon”

You shall not fear

Quote: אַל־תִּירָ֣א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more infromation about translating shall. Alternate translation: “Do not fear”

him; … him … his people … his land … to him

Quote: אֹת֔⁠וֹ & אֹת֛⁠וֹ & עַמּ֖⁠וֹ & אַרְצ֑⁠וֹ & לּ֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the words him and his refer back to Og in the previous verse. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Og … Og … his people … his land … to him”

for

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “this is because”

into your hand

Quote: בְ⁠יָדְ⁠ךָ֞ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word hand means “power” or “control.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “under your control”

Deuteronomy 3:3

into our hands

Quote: בְּ⁠יָדֵ֗⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word hand means “power” or “control.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into our control”

And we struck him down

Quote: וַ⁠נַּכֵּ֕⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, struck down means “defeated in battle.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And we smote him” or "And we slew them"

Deuteronomy 3:4

There was not a city of 60 cities that we did not take from them

Quote: לֹ֤א הָֽיְתָה֙ קִרְיָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־לָקַ֖חְנוּ מֵֽ⁠אִתָּ֑⁠ם שִׁשִּׁ֥ים עִיר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the repeated negative particle not. Alternate translation: “We took from them every city of 60 cities”

the region of Argob

Quote: חֶ֣בֶל אַרְגֹּ֔ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Argob is the name of a region within the country Bashan.

Deuteronomy 3:5

were} inaccessible cities

Quote: עָרִ֧ים בְּצֻר֛וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that these cities were fortified, so they were hard to access. The walls, gates, and bars protected the city from attack. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “were cities fortified”

and} gates and bars

Quote: דְּלָתַ֣יִם וּ⁠בְרִ֑יחַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word bars tells what the gates were like. The city walls had gates with metal bars across them to keep enemies from coming in the cities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: “that had barred gates”

Deuteronomy 3:6

them

Quote: אוֹתָ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun them refers to the cities and towns over which King Og ruled. If this is not clear for your readers, you could include this information. Alternate translation: “the cities”

every city

Quote: כָּל־עִ֣יר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, city represents the people living inside the cities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the people in every city”

Deuteronomy 3:8

from the hand of

Quote: מִ⁠יַּ֗ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word hand means “power” or “control.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “away from the control of” or "out of the control of"

the two

Quote: שְׁנֵי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: "both of the"

were} across the Jordan

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵ֣בֶר הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֑ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Amorites were across the Jordan from the rest of the land that Yahweh promised to give to the Israelites. The Amorites were east of the Jordan. Alternate translation: “were over on the east side of the Jordan”

from the Valley of Arnon

Quote: מִ⁠נַּ֥חַל אַרְנֹ֖ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Valley of Arnon is the name of a place. See how you translated it in 2:24.

Mount Hermon

Quote: הַ֥ר חֶרְמֽוֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Mount Hermon is the name of a mountain at the northern border of Bashan.

Deuteronomy 3:9

The Sidonians call Hermon Sirion, and the Amorites call it Senir

Quote: צִידֹנִ֛ים יִקְרְא֥וּ לְ⁠חֶרְמ֖וֹן שִׂרְיֹ֑ן וְ⁠הָ֣⁠אֱמֹרִ֔י יִקְרְאוּ־ל֖⁠וֹ שְׂנִֽיר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

This verse provides background information about the land that the Israelites conquered. This information helps readers understand what happened in the story. These verses are not part of Moses’ speech to the Israelites. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.

The Sidonians

Quote: צִידֹנִ֛ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Sidonians is the name of a people group.

Hermon Sirion, … Senir

Quote: לְ⁠חֶרְמ֖וֹן שִׂרְיֹ֑ן & שְׂנִֽיר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Hermon, Sirion, and Senir are all names for the same mountain, which is at the northern border of Bashan.

Deuteronomy 3:10

the plain

Quote: הַ⁠מִּישֹׁ֗ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The plain is an area of high, flat land between the Arnon River and Mount Gilead. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the highland”

the cities of the plain

Quote: עָרֵ֣י הַ⁠מִּישֹׁ֗ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe cities that are located on the plain. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could describe the location in a comparable way. Alternate translation: “the cities located on the plain”

Salekah and Edrei

Quote: סַלְכָ֖ה וְ⁠אֶדְרֶ֑עִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Salekah and Edrei are names of cities. See how you translated Edrei in 1:4.

Deuteronomy 3:11

For only Og king of Bashan had remained from the remnant of the Raphaites. Behold, his couch {was} a couch of iron. {Is} it not in Rabbah, of the sons of Ammon? {It was} nine cubits long and four cubits wide, by the cubit of man

Quote: כִּ֣י רַק־ע֞וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַ⁠בָּשָׁ֗ן נִשְׁאַר֮ מִ⁠יֶּ֣תֶר הָ⁠רְפָאִים֒ הִנֵּ֤ה עַרְשׂ⁠וֹ֙ עֶ֣רֶשׂ בַּרְזֶ֔ל הֲ⁠לֹ֣ה הִ֔וא בְּ⁠רַבַּ֖ת בְּנֵ֣י עַמּ֑וֹן תֵּ֧שַׁע אַמּ֣וֹת אָרְכָּ֗⁠הּ וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע אַמּ֛וֹת רָחְבָּ֖⁠הּ בְּ⁠אַמַּת־אִֽישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

This verse provides background information about King Og. This information helps readers understand what happened in the story. These verses are not part of Moses’ speech to the Israelites. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.

the Raphaites

Quote: הָ⁠רְפָאִים֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Raphaites is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in 2:11.

Behold

Quote: הִנֵּ֤ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is using the term Behold to focus attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Consider now”

his couch {was} a couch of

Quote: עַרְשׂ⁠וֹ֙ עֶ֣רֶשׂ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word couch refers to furniture that one can lie down on. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “his bedstead was a bedstead of”

Is} it not in Rabbah, of the sons of Ammon

Quote: הֲ⁠לֹ֣ה הִ֔וא בְּ⁠רַבַּ֖ת בְּנֵ֣י עַמּ֑וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The writer uses a question to remind the Israelites that they could go to Rabbah and see how large Og must have been. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “It is in Rabbah, of the sons of Ammon.”

cubits … cubits … by the cubit of

Quote: אַמּ֣וֹת & אַמּ֛וֹת & בְּ⁠אַמַּת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance

A cubit is a measurement of distance equivalent to 46 centimeters. Nine cubits is approximately four meters, and four cubits is approximately 1.8 meters. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote.

by the cubit of man

Quote: בְּ⁠אַמַּת־אִֽישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe the measurement of the cubit that a man would normally use. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression to describe a standard measurement. Alternate translation: “according to the cubit that most people use”

Deuteronomy 3:12

from Aroer

Quote: מֵ⁠עֲרֹעֵ֞ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Aroer is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 2:36.

the Valley of Arnon

Quote: נַ֣חַל אַרְנֹ֗ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Valley of Arnon is the name of a place. See how you translated it in 2:24.

and its cities

Quote: וְ⁠עָרָ֔י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe cities that are located in the hill country of Gilead. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression for describing location. Alternate translation: “and the cities in that region”

Deuteronomy 3:13

And the rest of Gilead and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og

Quote: וְ⁠יֶ֨תֶר הַ⁠גִּלְעָ֤ד וְ⁠כָל־הַ⁠בָּשָׁן֙ מַמְלֶ֣כֶת ע֔וֹג (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe a kingdom that Og rules over. The kingdom includes parts of Gilead and all Bashan. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression for describing a kingdom. Alternate translation: “And the rest of Gilead and all Bashan, which Og ruled, ”

to half of the tribe of Manasseh

Quote: לַ⁠חֲצִ֖י שֵׁ֣בֶט הַֽ⁠מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Yahweh explains which areas belong to the part of the tribe of Manasseh that lives east of the Jordan in Joshua 13:29-31. Moses allotted part of the land west of the Jordan to part of the tribe of Manasseh in Deuteronomy 17:1-13. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers, either in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “to the half of the tribe of Manasseh that lived east of the Jordan”

Argob

Quote: הָֽ⁠אַרְגֹּב֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Argob is the name of a region in Bashan. See how you translated this in verse 4.

the Raphaites

Quote: רְפָאִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Raphaites is the name of a people group. See how you translated it in 2:11.

Deuteronomy 3:13-14

All the region of Argob, to all Bashan. The same is called the land of the Raphaites … Jair, son of Manasseh, took all the region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites. And he called it, Bashan, by his name, Havvoth Jair, to this day

Quote: כֹּ֣ל חֶ֤בֶל הָֽ⁠אַרְגֹּב֙ לְ⁠כָל־הַ⁠בָּשָׁ֔ן הַ⁠ה֥וּא יִקָּרֵ֖א אֶ֥רֶץ רְפָאִֽים׃ & יָאִ֣יר בֶּן־מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה לָקַח֙ אֶת־כָּל־חֶ֣בֶל אַרְגֹּ֔ב עַד־גְּב֥וּל הַ⁠גְּשׁוּרִ֖י וְ⁠הַ⁠מַּֽעֲכָתִ֑י וַ⁠יִּקְרָא֩ אֹתָ֨⁠ם עַל־שְׁמ֤⁠וֹ אֶת־הַ⁠בָּשָׁן֙ חַוֺּ֣ת יָאִ֔יר עַ֖ד הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה׃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

These verses provide background information about the land that the people of Israel captured. This information helps readers understand what happened in the story. These verses are not part of Moses’ speech to the Israelites. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.

Deuteronomy 3:14

Jair

Quote: יָאִ֣יר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Jair is the name of a man.

son of

Quote: בֶּן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, son means “descendant.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a descendant of”

as far as the border of

Quote: עַד־גְּב֥וּל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites is north of the region of Argob. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “northward to the border of”

Havvoth Jair

Quote: חַוֺּ֣ת יָאִ֔יר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Havvoth Jair is the name of a region. The name means ‘tent villages of Jair’ or ‘realm of Jair.’

to this day

Quote: עַ֖ד הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites still refer to the region as Havvoth Jair on this day. Here, this day refers to the time frame introduced in 1:1-4, when Moses is giving this speech to the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as you call that region to this day”

Deuteronomy 3:15

And to Machir

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠מָכִ֖יר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Machir is the name of a man. Machir was the son of Manasseh.

And to Machir

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠מָכִ֖יר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Machir had died before Moses gave this land. His name refers to his descendants. Alternate translation: “to the descendants of Machir”

I gave

Quote: נָתַ֥תִּי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here the pronoun I refers to Moses. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “I, Moses, gave”

Deuteronomy 3:16

the Valley of Arnon

Quote: נַ֣חַל אַרְנֹ֔ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Valley of Arnon is the name of a place. See how you translated it in 2:24.

from Gilead and as far as the Valley of Arnon

Quote: מִן־הַ⁠גִּלְעָד֙ וְ⁠עַד־נַ֣חַל אַרְנֹ֔ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Valley of Arnon is the southern border of Gilead. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers.

the Jabbok River

Quote: יַבֹּ֣ק הַ⁠נַּ֔חַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Jabbok River is the name of a river. See how you translated this in 2:37.

the border of the sons of Ammon

Quote: גְּב֖וּל בְּנֵ֥י עַמּֽוֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe the border around the land that is occupied by the sons of Ammon of the Israelites. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression. Alternate translation: “the border of the land occupied by the sons of Ammon”

the sons of

Quote: בְּנֵ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the descendants of”

Deuteronomy 3:17

from Kinnereth

Quote: מִ⁠כִּנֶּ֗רֶת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Kinnereth is the name of a large fresh-water lake that is also called “the Sea of Galilee.”

under the slopes of

Quote: תַּ֛חַת אַשְׁדֹּ֥ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Alternate translation: “at the foot of” or “at the base of”

the Pisgah

Quote: הַ⁠פִּסְגָּ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Pisgah is the name of a mountain.

Deuteronomy 3:18

And I commanded you at that time, saying

Quote: וָ⁠אֲצַ֣ו אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם בָּ⁠עֵ֥ת הַ⁠הִ֖וא לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language. Alternate translation: “And I commanded you at that time” or "And at that time I commanded you"

you … your God … to you … your brothers

Quote: אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם & אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֗ם & לָ⁠כֶ֜ם & אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֥ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns you and your refer to the people of the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the names of the tribes here. Alternate translation: “you three tribes … your God … to you tribesmen … the other tribesmen”

has given to you this land to possess it

Quote: נָתַ֨ן לָ⁠כֶ֜ם אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֤רֶץ הַ⁠זֹּאת֙ לְ⁠רִשְׁתָּ֔⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression has given to you this land to possess it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “has given you this land”

The girded ones

Quote: חֲלוּצִ֣ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, girded ones represents fighting men. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The fighting men”

sons of bravery

Quote: בְּנֵי־חָֽיִל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression sons of describes a person who shares the qualities of bravery. The fighting men were sons of bravery because they fought in battle. If it would be helpful, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “brave men” or "men who are brave"

will cross over

Quote: תַּֽעַבְר֗וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the fighting men of the three tribes will cross over the Jordan River. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “will cross the Jordan River”

before the faces of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֛י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represent the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

your brothers

Quote: אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֥ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brothers means “male relatives.” The Israelites are all descendants of Jacob. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “your fellow Israelites”

the sons of

Quote: בְּנֵֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “male descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the men of”

Israel

Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here, Moses is speaking to the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. Here, Israel refers to the other tribes of Israel. You could use an exclusive form if your language marks that distinction.

Deuteronomy 3:19

your women and your children, and your cattle (… you have … in your cities … to you

Quote: נְשֵׁי⁠כֶ֣ם וְ⁠טַפְּ⁠כֶם֮ וּ⁠מִקְנֵ⁠כֶם֒ & לָ⁠כֶ֑ם & בְּ⁠עָ֣רֵי⁠כֶ֔ם & לָ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns you and your refer to the people of the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the names of the tribes here.

Deuteronomy 3:20

your brothers, as you, … And you will return, {… to you

Quote: לַֽ⁠אֲחֵי⁠כֶם֮ כָּ⁠כֶם֒ & וְ⁠שַׁבְתֶּ֗ם & לָ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns you and your refer to the people of the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the names of the tribes here.

your brothers

Quote: לַֽ⁠אֲחֵי⁠כֶם֮ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brothers means “male relatives.” The Israelites are all descendants of Jacob. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “your fellow Israelites”

causes your brothers, as you, to have rest

Quote: יָנִ֨יחַ & ׀ לַֽ⁠אֲחֵי⁠כֶם֮ כָּ⁠כֶם֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that to have rest is the absence of war. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “causes your brothers, as you, to have rest from fighting”

every} man

Quote: אִ֚ישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word man represents every fighting man from the three tribes in general, not one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “every fighting man”

across the Jordan

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵ֣בֶר הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֑ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the land across the Jordan is on the west. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. Alternate translation: “west of the Jordan River”

to his inheritance

Quote: לִֽ⁠ירֻשָּׁת֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the inheritance is the land that Moses allotted to each family. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to his land”

And you will return

Quote: וְ⁠שַׁבְתֶּ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is emphasizing that the other tribes must possess their land before Yahweh will permit these three tribes to possess their land. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “Only then are you to return.”

Deuteronomy 3:21

Your eyes

Quote: עֵינֶ֣י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, eyes represent the whole person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You yourself”

to these two kings

Quote: לִ⁠שְׁנֵי֙ הַ⁠מְּלָכִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the term these two kings refers to King Sihon and King Og, whom the Israelites defeated. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to these two kings, Sihon and Og”

there

Quote: שָֽׁמָּ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word there refers to all of the land that Yahweh promised to give to the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in the land that he will give you”

Deuteronomy 3:22

Do not fear them

Quote: לֹ֖א תְִּירָא֑וּ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun them refers to the people who live in the land that the Israelites are about to occupy. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the names of the people groups here. Alternate translation: “Do not fear the people who live in the land”

for

Quote: כִּ֚י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because”

he himself will fight

Quote: ה֖וּא הַ⁠נִּלְחָ֥ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Moses is stating the pronoun himself, whose meaning is already included in the verb fight. Moses uses the word himself to emphasize how significant it was that Yahweh will fight for the Israelites. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun himself. Alternate translation: “it is he who will fight”

Deuteronomy 3:23

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

Deuteronomy 3:24

your servant

Quote: עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Here, Moses is referring to himself as your servant, which is a polite way of speaking to someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: “me, your servant,”

your greatness and your strong hand

Quote: אֶ֨ת־גָּדְלְ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ הַ⁠חֲזָקָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms greatness and strong hand mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “your powerful greatness”

your strong hand

Quote: יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ הַ⁠חֲזָקָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, hand represents Yahweh’s power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your strong power”

What god {is} in heaven or on earth that does works as your works and as your mighty deeds

Quote: מִי־אֵל֙ בַּ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם וּ⁠בָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה כְ⁠מַעֲשֶׂ֖י⁠ךָ וְ⁠כִ⁠גְבוּרֹתֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to emphasize that Yahweh is the only God, and only he has the power to do the works he has done. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No god in heaven or in earth could do works as your works and as your mighty deeds.”

is} in heaven or on earth

Quote: בַּ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם וּ⁠בָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here, Moses is referring to all places by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is there anywhere”

as your works and as your mighty deeds

Quote: כְ⁠מַעֲשֶׂ֖י⁠ךָ וְ⁠כִ⁠גְבוּרֹתֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms works and mighty deeds mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “as your very mighty works”

Deuteronomy 3:25

please

Quote: נָּ֗א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness

The word translated as please here is a term used in polite requests. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could use an equivalent expression for making a polite request.

is} across the Jordan

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵ֣בֶר הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֑ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the land across the Jordan is on the west side. When Moses spoke these words to Yahweh, he was east of the Jordan River in Moab. Alternate translation: “is west of the Jordan River.”

Deuteronomy 3:26

But Yahweh was angry with me because of you

Quote: וַ⁠יִּתְעַבֵּ֨ר יְהוָ֥ה בִּ⁠י֙ לְמַ֣עַנְ⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to Numbers 20, when Moses, because he was angry with the people of Israel, disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do. The Israelite people complained that they did not have water in the wilderness. Yahweh told Moses to speak to the rock so water would come out, but Moses disobeyed Yahweh and struck the rock with his staff. As a result, Yahweh promised that Moses would not enter the land.

Deuteronomy 3:27

the head of

Quote: רֹ֣אשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, head represents the top of something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the peak of”

Pisgah

Quote: הַ⁠פִּסְגָּ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Pisgah is the name of a mountain. See how you translated this is in verse 17.

and lift up your eyes

Quote: וְ⁠שָׂ֥א עֵינֶ֛י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the term lift up your eyes means “look.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an expression from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and gaze”

And look with your eyes

Quote: וּ⁠רְאֵ֣ה בְ⁠עֵינֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Yahweh uses the phrase look with your eyes to emphasize that Moses will only see but not enter the land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And you may only look with your eyes”

Deuteronomy 3:28

and encourage him and strengthen him

Quote: וְ⁠חַזְּקֵ֣⁠הוּ וְ⁠אַמְּצֵ֑⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms encourage and strengthen mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and greatly strengthen him”

before the faces of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

Here, faces represent the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

and he himself will cause them to inherit

Quote: וְ⁠הוּא֙ יַנְחִ֣יל אוֹתָ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Yahweh is stating the pronoun himself, whose meaning is already included in the verb translated as cause to inherit. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun himself. Alternate translation: “and it is he who will cause them to inherit”

the land that you will see

Quote: אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּרְאֶֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that from the top of Mount Pisgah Moses will see the land that Joshua will lead the Israelites to conquer. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the land that you will see from the top of Mount Pisgah”

Deuteronomy 3:29

Beth Peor

Quote: בֵּ֥ית פְּעֽוֹר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Beth Peor is the name of a town in Moab near Mount Pisgah.

Deuteronomy 4

Deuteronomy 4 General Notes

Chapter Outline

• vv. 1-40: Moses encourages the Israelites to obey Yahweh
• vv. 41-43: Moses appoints cities of refuge
• vv. 44-49: Summary of Moses’ first speech

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Moses’ instructions

God will not allow Moses to enter into the Promised Land. Since the Israelites are getting ready to possess the Promised Land, Moses gives them some last instructions before his death. (See: Promised Land)

Cities of Refuge

Verses 41-43 discuss cities of refuge, which are towns to which a manslayer could flee. In this case, a manslayer is anyone who accidentally kills another person. In those times, a close family member of the deceased would be obligated to take revenge for the killing of his family member by finding and killing the manslayer. Yahweh provides protection for the manslayer so that they will not be punished too harshly. (See: refuge, refugee, shelter, sheltered and avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance)

Likeness

Verses 15-31 warn the Israelites against creating idols. The other people groups in the land worshiped entities in nature such as the sun, moon, stars, trees, and so on. They created idols that looked like (in the likeness of) these entities. Yahweh forbids the Israelites from making likenesses of anything for the purpose of worshiping it. (See: INVALID bible/other/likeness and god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Rhetorical questions

Moses uses several rhetorical questions in verses 7-8, and 33-34. The purpose of these questions is to convince his readers to obey his instructions. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Words for the law

• statutes
• ordinances
• judgments Moses uses several words to refer to the law that Yahweh commanded the Israelites to obey. It is unclear what the differences are between these terms. If your language has different terms for the law, you could use them here to differentiate between the different Hebrew words. (See: Translate Unknowns)

“You”

• vv. 1-22: “You” and “your” are both singular and plural; see notes for details.
• vv. 23-40: “you” and “your” are singular.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites who are alive, but he refers to events that happened to their ancestors. The pronouns “you” or “your” are plural here unless otherwise noted. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could explicitly state that these events happened to their ancestors. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them and Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Deuteronomy 4:1

Israel

Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Israel represents the people of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people of Israel”

to the statutes and to the ordinances

Quote: אֶל־הַֽ⁠חֻקִּים֙ וְ⁠אֶל־הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms statutes and ordinances mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to the important statutes”

so that

Quote: לְמַ֣עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what comes after as the goal or purpose of what comes before. Moses wants the Israelites to live in the land. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

Deuteronomy 4:2

the word

Quote: הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, word represents all of the words of the law that Yahweh spoke to Moses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the statutes” or "the words of the law"

the commandments of Yahweh

Quote: מִצְוֺת֙ יְהוָ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe commandments that come from Yahweh. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the commandments given by Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 4:3

Your eyes

Quote: עֵֽינֵי⁠כֶם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using eyes to represent all of a person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You yourselves”

in Baal Peor

Quote: בְּ⁠בַ֣עַל פְּע֑וֹר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, Moses is referring to the events of Numbers 25:1-9, when Israelite men committed sexual immorality with Moabite women. The women tempted the Israelite men to worship their idol, the Baal of Peor. As a result, Yahweh punished the Israelites with a plague until Phinehas the priest killed a man who was still committing adultery.

walked after

Quote: הָלַךְ֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, walked after means “worshiped.” Moses is speaking of worshiping idols as if people were physically walking behind idols to follow them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “worshiped”

has destroyed them

Quote: הִשְׁמִיד֛⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh destroyed them by killing them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “has killed them”

from your midst

Quote: מִ⁠קִּרְבֶּֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all of the Israelites, the pronoun your is singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Deuteronomy 4:4

who clung to Yahweh

Quote: הַ⁠דְּבֵקִ֔ים בַּ⁠יהוָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks as if obeying Yahweh were like physically holding on to him as one would hold on to another person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who carefully obeyed Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 4:5

Look

Quote: רְאֵ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the word Look to focus the Israelites' attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Indeed”

are going into to possess it

Quote: בָּאִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּ⁠ה לְ⁠רִשְׁתָּֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression going into to possess it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “are going into to possess”

Deuteronomy 4:6

And you shall keep and do {them

Quote: וּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּם֮ וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶם֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms keep and do mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “And you shall carefully do them”

And you shall keep and do {them

Quote: וּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּם֮ וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶם֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more infromation about translating shall. Alternate translation: “And keep and do them”

for

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because”

is} your wisdom and your understanding

Quote: חָכְמַתְ⁠כֶם֙ וּ⁠בִ֣ינַתְ⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of wisdom and understanding, you can express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “is how you can act wisely and with understanding”

is} your wisdom and your understanding … wise and understanding

Quote: חָכְמַתְ⁠כֶם֙ וּ⁠בִ֣ינַתְ⁠כֶ֔ם & חָכָ֣ם וְ⁠נָב֔וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms wisdom and understanding mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “is your great wisdom … very wise”

in the eyes of

Quote: לְ⁠עֵינֵ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in the eyes of is an idiom for a person's opinion or evaluation. Moses speaks as if evaluating something were physically seeing it with one's eyes. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the evaluation of”

will hear

Quote: יִשְׁמְע֗וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the word hear means “learn about.” Moses speaks as if hearing reports about Yahweh’s law were the same as physically hearing the law itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will hear about”

and may say

Quote: וְ⁠אָמְר֗וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word say introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language.

this great nation {is} a wise and understanding people

Quote: עַם־חָכָ֣ם וְ⁠נָב֔וֹן הַ⁠גּ֥וֹי הַ⁠גָּד֖וֹל הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, nation represents the people of that nation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of this great nation are wise and understanding”

Deuteronomy 4:7

For

Quote: כִּ֚י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before.

near to it

Quote: קְרֹבִ֣ים אֵלָ֑י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of Yahweh’s protection and guidance as if Yahweh could physically come near to the Israelites. See the book introduction for more information about Yahweh’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who is protecting it”

Deuteronomy 4:7-8

For which great nation {is there} that has a god near to it, as Yahweh our God {is} whenever we call on him … And, which great nation {is there} that has statutes and ordinances {as} righteous as all this law that I am giving before your faces today

Quote: כִּ֚י מִי־ג֣וֹי גָּד֔וֹל אֲשֶׁר־ל֥⁠וֹ אֱלֹהִ֖ים קְרֹבִ֣ים אֵלָ֑י⁠ו כַּ⁠יהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ בְּ⁠כָּל־קָרְאֵ֖⁠נוּ אֵלָֽי⁠ו׃ & וּ⁠מִי֙ גּ֣וֹי גָּד֔וֹל אֲשֶׁר־ל֛⁠וֹ חֻקִּ֥ים וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּטִ֖ים צַדִּיקִ֑ם כְּ⁠כֹל֙ הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֣ה הַ⁠זֹּ֔את אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י נֹתֵ֥ן לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם הַ⁠יּֽוֹם׃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses is using the question form to emphasize how great Yahweh is compared to the lifeless idols that other nations follow. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “For there is no other great nation that has a god near to it as Yahweh our God is whenever we call on him. And, there is no other great nation that has statutes and ordinances as righteous as all this law that I am giving before your faces today.”

Deuteronomy 4:8

statutes and ordinances

Quote: חֻקִּ֥ים וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּטִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms statutes and ordinances mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “important rules”

am giving

Quote: נֹתֵ֥ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of reading the law as if he were physically giving it to the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “am repeating”

before your faces

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Deuteronomy 4:9

Only

Quote: רַ֡ק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here Moses is using Only to emphasize his commands. Use a connector to introduce something important that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: "Be sure that you"

guard yourself and guard your spirit … you forget … your eyes … from your heart … your life. But make them known to your sons … your sons

Quote: הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְ⁠ךָ֩ וּ⁠שְׁמֹ֨ר נַפְשְׁ⁠ךָ֜ & תִּשְׁכַּ֨ח & עֵינֶ֗י⁠ךָ & מִ⁠לְּבָ֣בְ⁠ךָ֔ & חַיֶּ֑י⁠ךָ וְ⁠הוֹדַעְתָּ֥⁠ם לְ⁠בָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ & בָנֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you, your, and the command forms are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

guard yourself and guard your spirit strongly

Quote: הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְ⁠ךָ֩ וּ⁠שְׁמֹ֨ר נַפְשְׁ⁠ךָ֜ מְאֹ֗ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms guard yourself and guard your spirit strongly mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “carefully guard all of yourself”

lest … and lest

Quote: פֶּן & וּ⁠פֶן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses uses the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case … and in case”

the things

Quote: הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֜ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites should not forget the things that Yahweh did for them, such as the miracles that Yahweh did to help the Israelites in the wilderness. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the miraculous things Yahweh did”

your eyes

Quote: עֵינֶ֗י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, eyes represents all of a person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you yourself”

they retreat from your heart

Quote: יָס֨וּרוּ֙ מִ⁠לְּבָ֣בְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking as if memories physically retreat from one's heart when one forgets something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you forget them”

all the days of your life

Quote: כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י חַיֶּ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the word days refers to a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the entire duration of your life”

to your sons and to the sons of your sons

Quote: לְ⁠בָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ וְ⁠לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י בָנֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “children.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your children and to the children of your children”

to your sons and to the sons of your sons

Quote: לְ⁠בָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ וְ⁠לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י בָנֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Here, Moses repeats sons to emphasize how important it is for the Israelites to teach their children about Yahweh and his commands. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation.

Deuteronomy 4:10

The} day that you stood before the face of Yahweh your God at Horeb

Quote: י֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָמַ֜דְתָּ לִ⁠פְנֵ֨י יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶי⁠ךָ֮ בְּ⁠חֹרֵב֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to the events of Exodus 19 when Yahweh spoke from Mount Sinai from a fire. The Israelite people were afraid of Yahweh and stood far away.

you stood … your God

Quote: עָמַ֜דְתָּ & אֱלֹהֶי⁠ךָ֮ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking about the Israelites and their ancestors, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֨י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents someone’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

Assemble for me the people

Quote: הַקְהֶל־לִ⁠י֙ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh wants Moses to bring all the Israelite people to Assemble at Mount Sinai, where Yahweh will speak through a thunderstorm. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Tell the Israelite people to gather here”

that

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֨ר (2)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as that indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “so that”

Deuteronomy 4:11

under

Quote: תַּ֣חַת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here under means “at the foot of.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the foot of”

the heart of

Quote: לֵ֣ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word heart means “middle.” Moses is speaking of the sky as if it had a heart in its middle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the middle of”

Deuteronomy 4:12

and you saw no form

Quote: וּ⁠תְמוּנָ֛ה אֵינְ⁠כֶ֥ם רֹאִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here form means the visible form of a living being. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you saw no visible form”

Deuteronomy 4:14

statutes and judgments

Quote: חֻקִּ֖ים וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּטִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms statutes and judgments mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “important rules”

for your doing of

Quote: לַ⁠עֲשֹׂתְ⁠כֶ֣ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, for marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what comes before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

in the land which you are going over to possess it

Quote: בָּ⁠אָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּ⁠ה לְ⁠רִשְׁתָּֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression the land which you are going over to possess it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “in the land you will possess”

Deuteronomy 4:15

for

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “this is because”

on {the} day Yahweh spoke to you at Horeb from the midst of the fire

Quote: בְּ⁠י֗וֹם דִּבֶּ֨ר יְהוָ֧ה אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֛ם בְּ⁠חֹרֵ֖ב מִ⁠תּ֥וֹךְ הָ⁠אֵֽשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to the events of Exodus 19 when Yahweh spoke from Mount Sinai from a fire. The Israelite people were afraid of Yahweh and stood far away.

Deuteronomy 4:16

lest

Quote: פֶּ֨ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case”

you act corruptly

Quote: תַּשְׁחִת֔וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the term act corruptly means to sin or do wrong. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you sin”

a likeness of

Quote: תַּבְנִ֥ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of likeness, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “anything looking like a”

male or female

Quote: זָכָ֖ר א֥וֹ נְקֵבָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here, male or female refers to human beings, not to animals. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “a male person or a female person”

Deuteronomy 4:5

my God

Quote: אֱלֹהָ֑⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here, Moses refers to Yahweh as my God in order to emphasize that he himself worships and obeys Yahweh. He does not mean that he is the only one who worships Yahweh. If this would not be clear for your readers, you could use an equivalent expression to describe Moses’ relationship with Yahweh. Alternate translation, adding a comma after Yahweh: “, the God whom I worship,”

Deuteronomy 4:17

a likeness of … a likeness of

Quote: תַּבְנִ֕ית & תַּבְנִית֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of likeness, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “anything looking like … anything looking like”

Deuteronomy 4:18

a likeness of … a likeness of

Quote: תַּבְנִ֕ית & תַּבְנִ֛ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of likeness, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “anything looking like … anything looking like”

creeping thing

Quote: רֹמֵ֖שׂ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

A creeping thing means any creature that crawls on the ground. This could include reptiles and insects. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “reptile”

Deuteronomy 4:19

And lest

Quote: וּ⁠פֶן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses uses the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “And in case”

you lift up your eyes … and see … and be seduced and bow down … and serve them, … your God

Quote: תִּשָּׂ֨א עֵינֶ֜י⁠ךָ & וְֽ֠⁠רָאִיתָ & וְ⁠נִדַּחְתָּ֛ וְ⁠הִשְׁתַּחֲוִ֥יתָ & וַ⁠עֲבַדְתָּ֑⁠ם & אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

you lift up your eyes

Quote: תִּשָּׂ֨א עֵינֶ֜י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, you lift up your eyes is an idiom that means “you look.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you turn your eyes” or “you look”

all the multitude of the heavens

Quote: כֹּ֚ל צְבָ֣א הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֔יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, all the multitude of the heavens is an idiom that means “all the heavenly bodies in the sky.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the heavenly bodies in the sky”

and be seduced

Quote: וְ⁠נִדַּחְתָּ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and let them seduce you”

and be seduced

Quote: וְ⁠נִדַּחְתָּ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites might be seduced to worship the sun, moon, or stars and commit the sin of idolatry. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “and be seduced to idolatry”

those which Yahweh your God has allotted for all the peoples under all the heavens

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֨ר חָלַ֜ק יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ אֹתָ֔⁠ם לְ⁠כֹל֙ הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֔ים תַּ֖חַת כָּל־הַ⁠שָּׁמָֽיִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of the heavenly bodies as if they were small objects that Yahweh allotted and gave out to the people groups. Moses means that all people groups are able to see the sun, moon, and the stars. Alternate translation: “those which Yahweh your God has allowed all the peoples under all the heavens to see”

Deuteronomy 4:20

out of the iron furnace

Quote: מִ⁠כּ֥וּר הַ⁠בַּרְזֶ֖ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

An iron furnace is very hot; people use it to melt iron. Moses speaks as if the sufferings of the Israelites in Egypt were so severe that it was like being in an iron furnace; the Israelites were the iron inside the furnace. Alternate translation: “brought you out of the land where the Egyptians severely oppressed you”

a people of his inheritance

Quote: ל֛⁠וֹ לְ⁠עַ֥ם נַחֲלָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks as if all the people of Israel were one object that Yahweh owns. Moses means that Yahweh chose to have a special relationship with Israel. See the chapter introduction for more information. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his chosen people”

as this day

Quote: כַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites still have a special relationship with Yahweh at the time when Moses is giving this speech to them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as you are this day as I speak to you”

Deuteronomy 4:21

And Yahweh was angry with me on account of your words. And he swore I would not cross the Jordan, and I would not go in to the good land

Quote: וַֽ⁠יהוָ֥ה הִתְאַנֶּף־בִּ֖⁠י עַל־דִּבְרֵי⁠כֶ֑ם וַ⁠יִּשָּׁבַ֗ע לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֤י עָבְרִ⁠י֙ אֶת־הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֔ן וּ⁠לְ⁠בִלְתִּי־בֹא֙ אֶל־הָ⁠אָ֣רֶץ הַ⁠טּוֹבָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to Numbers 20, when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel. The Israelite people complained that they did not have water in the wilderness. Yahweh told Moses to speak to the rock so water would come out, but Moses disobeyed Yahweh and struck the rock with his staff. As a result, Yahweh swore that Moses would not go in to the good land.

your God … to you

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ & לְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Deuteronomy 4:22

But

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Moses uses the word But here to indicate a strong contrast between the fact that he will not enter the land, while the Israelites will enter the land. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “As for me,”

in this land. I will not cross the Jordan

Quote: בָּ⁠אָ֣רֶץ הַ⁠זֹּ֔את אֵינֶ֥⁠נִּי עֹבֵ֖ר אֶת־הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֑ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that this land is the land of Moab, which is east of the Jordan River. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “here in Moab. I will not cross to the west side of the Jordan”

Deuteronomy 4:23

lest

Quote: פֶּֽן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case”

the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he cut

Quote: אֶת־בְּרִ֤ית יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵי⁠כֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר כָּרַ֖ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

To cut a covenant means to make a covenant. The phrase refers to ancient rituals around making covenants, illustrated in Genesis 15. See the imagery and how you translated there. Alternate translation: “the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he made”

has commanded you

Quote: צִוְּ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Yahweh commanded the Israelites not to make idols. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “has commanded you not to do”

your God has commanded you

Quote: צִוְּ⁠ךָ֖ & אֱלֹהֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Deuteronomy 4:24

For

Quote: כִּ֚י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “This is because”

is} a devouring fire

Quote: אֵ֥שׁ אֹכְלָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of Yahweh’s response, when he is jealous, as if it were a devouring fire. Yahweh will destroy anyone who disobeys him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is a destroyer of people who disobey him just as a fire burns its fuel to ashes”

Deuteronomy 4:25

you beget … your God

Quote: תוֹלִ֤יד & אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

sons, and sons of sons

Quote: בָּנִים֙ וּ⁠בְנֵ֣י בָנִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “children.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “children, and children of children”

and sons of sons

Quote: וּ⁠בְנֵ֣י בָנִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the living Israelites will bear children, and then those children will bear children. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and they beget sons”

and you act corruptly

Quote: וְ⁠הִשְׁחַתֶּ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that Yahweh will only become angry and punish the Israelites if the Israelites sin by making an idol. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “and if you act corruptly”

and you act corruptly

Quote: וְ⁠הִשְׁחַתֶּ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the term act corruptly means "to sin or do wrong." You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you sin” See how you translated these words in verse 16.

in the eyes of

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in the eyes of is an idiom for a person's opinion or evaluation. Moses speaks as if evaluating something meant physically seeing it with one's eyes. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the evaluation of”

Deuteronomy 4:26

I will make the heavens and the earth witness against you today

Quote: הַעִידֹתִי֩ בָ⁠כֶ֨ם הַ⁠יּ֜וֹם אֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם וְ⁠אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֗רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the heavens and the earth will witness whether or not the Israelites will disobey Yahweh. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I will make the heavens and the earth witness whether you obey or disobey”

the heavens and the earth

Quote: אֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם וְ⁠אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֗רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here, Moses is referring to everything that exists in the universe by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. Moses is referring to everything, living and non-living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the whole universe”

you will surely perish … you will be completely destroyed

Quote: אָבֹ֣ד תֹּאבֵדוּ⁠ן֮ & הִשָּׁמֵ֖ד תִּשָּׁמֵדֽוּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

The words surely perish and completely destroyed translate verbs that are repeated for emphasis. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation.

the land to which you are going over the Jordan to possess it

Quote: הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתֶּ֜ם עֹבְרִ֧ים אֶת־הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֛ן שָׁ֖מָּ⁠ה לְ⁠רִשְׁתָּ֑⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression the land to which you are going over the Jordan to possess it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “the land to which you are going over the Jordan to possess”

You will not prolong {your} days on it

Quote: לֹֽא־תַאֲרִיכֻ֤⁠ן יָמִים֙ עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The implication is that if the Israelites sin by making idols, then they will leave the land and live somewhere else. Yahweh will not prolong the days when the Israelites can live on the land. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “You will not be able to live on the land for long”

you will be completely destroyed

Quote: הִשָּׁמֵ֖ד תִּשָּׁמֵדֽוּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

As indicated in verse 27, not every Israelite will be killed. Here “completely destroyed” is an overgeneralization used to emphasize that many of the Israelites will die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “surely many of you will be destroyed”

you will be completely destroyed

Quote: הִשָּׁמֵ֖ד תִּשָּׁמֵדֽוּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause your complete destruction”

Deuteronomy 4:27

And Yahweh will scatter you among the peoples, … Yahweh will drive you there

Quote: וְ⁠הֵפִ֧יץ יְהוָ֛ה אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם בָּ⁠עַמִּ֑ים & יְנַהֵ֧ג יְהוָ֛ה אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם שָֽׁמָּ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh will scatter you among the peoples … , indeed, Yahweh will drive you there”

And Yahweh will scatter you

Quote: וְ⁠הֵפִ֧יץ יְהוָ֛ה אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks as if the Israelite people were seeds that Yahweh could scatter around a field. Moses means that Yahweh will cause the Israelites to go live in many different places among many different peoples. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause you to leave the land and live”

and you will be left men of {small} number

Quote: וְ⁠נִשְׁאַרְתֶּם֙ מְתֵ֣י מִסְפָּ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

The implication is that the population of Israelites in each nation would be very small. If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the phrasing. Alternate translation: “and there will be few of you”

Yahweh will drive you

Quote: יְנַהֵ֧ג יְהוָ֛ה אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of the Israelites as if they were livestock that Yahweh could drive from one place to another. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make you go”

Deuteronomy 4:28

the work of the hands of man

Quote: מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה יְדֵ֣י אָדָ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe a work, as in an object, that is made by the hands of man. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression to describe a man-made object. Alternate translation: “objects made by the hands of man”

the hands of man

Quote: יְדֵ֣י אָדָ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using hands to represent all of a person in the act of making an idol. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “mere men”

Deuteronomy 4:29

from there

Quote: מִ⁠שָּׁ֛ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The word there refers to all the other nations where Yahweh will force the Israelites to live if they disobey him. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from those other nations”

And from there you will search for Yahweh your God, and you will find {him} when you seek him

Quote: וּ⁠בִקַּשְׁתֶּ֥ם מִ⁠שָּׁ֛ם אֶת־יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ וּ⁠מָצָ֑אתָ כִּ֣י תִדְרְשֶׁ֔⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of praying to and knowing Yahweh as if one could physically search for and seek him and find him in a specific place. As God, Yahweh is everywhere and cannot be limited to a single space. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And from there you will pray to Yahweh your God, and he will answer when you appeal to him”

your God, and you will find {him} … you seek him … your heart … your spirit

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ וּ⁠מָצָ֑אתָ & תִדְרְשֶׁ֔⁠נּוּ & לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֖ & נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

with all your heart and with all your spirit

Quote: בְּ⁠כָל־לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the words heart and spirit refer to a person’s will and desire to do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with all your will and with all your desire”

with all your heart and with all your spirit

Quote: בְּ⁠כָל־לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms heart and spirit mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “with all of your will”

Deuteronomy 4:30

for you, and you find … then you will return … your God and listen to

Quote: לְ⁠ךָ֔ וּ⁠מְצָא֕וּ⁠ךָ & וְ⁠שַׁבְתָּ֙ & אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ וְ⁠שָׁמַעְתָּ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

and you find

Quote: וּ⁠מְצָא֕וּ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of experiencing trouble as if it were an object that one could find. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you experience”

all these things

Quote: כֹּ֖ל הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֑לֶּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase all these things refers to the hardship that the Israelites will experience when they live in the other nations. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “all these hardships”

then you will return to Yahweh

Quote: וְ⁠שַׁבְתָּ֙ עַד־יְהוָ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of the Israelites choosing to worship Yahweh again as if Yahweh were a physical location to which they could return. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then you will again worship Yahweh”

and listen to

Quote: וְ⁠שָׁמַעְתָּ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word listen means to intentionally hear and obey. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and be obedient to” or "and act according to"

his voice

Quote: בְּ⁠קֹלֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents the words that Yahweh spoke, which include his commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “what he says”

Deuteronomy 4:31

For

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “This is because”

your God {… he will … fail you, … he will … destroy you, … your fathers

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ & יַרְפְּ⁠ךָ֖ & יַשְׁחִיתֶ֑⁠ךָ & אֲבֹתֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

and he will not destroy you

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַשְׁחִיתֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will not destroy the Israelites, because he will make sure that some Israelites survive. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he will not eliminate you completely”

and he will not forget

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֤א יִשְׁכַּח֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb forget. Alternate translation: “and he will remember”

the covenant of your fathers

Quote: בְּרִ֣ית אֲבֹתֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe the covenant that Yahweh made with the fathers of the Israelites. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression to describe the covenant. Alternate translation: “the covenant between Yahweh and your fathers”

your fathers

Quote: אֲבֹתֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your predecessors”

Deuteronomy 4:32

ask, … before your face

Quote: שְׁאַל & לְ⁠פָנֶ֗י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, the word your and the command ask are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

ask

Quote: שְׁאַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word ask means “think.” Moses is speaking as if asking questions about something were the same as thinking about it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “consider”

please

Quote: נָא֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness

The word translated as please here is a term used in polite requests. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could use an equivalent expression for making a polite request.

before your face

Quote: לְ⁠פָנֶ֗י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person and before here means "prior to." If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before your existence”

the day that God created man on the earth

Quote: הַ⁠יּוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁר֩ בָּרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים ׀ אָדָם֙ עַל־הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to the events of Genesis 1:27 when Yahweh created human beings, male and female, in his image. This was on the sixth day of creation.

man

Quote: אָדָם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the word man is singular in form, but it refers to all human beings as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “human beings”

and from one end of the heavens and to the other end of the heavens

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠מִ⁠קְצֵ֥ה הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יִם וְ⁠עַד־קְצֵ֣ה הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here, Moses is referring to all of the world by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and on all the earth”

a great thing as this

Quote: כַּ⁠דָּבָ֤ר הַ⁠גָּדוֹל֙ הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The term a great thing refers to the works that Yahweh did, which Moses mentions in the following verses. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as great a thing as what Yahweh did”

Deuteronomy 4:33

Did a people hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of the fire, as you yourself have heard, and live

Quote: הֲ⁠שָׁ֣מַֽע עָם֩ ק֨וֹל אֱלֹהִ֜ים מְדַבֵּ֧ר מִ⁠תּוֹךְ־הָ⁠אֵ֛שׁ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁר־שָׁמַ֥עְתָּ אַתָּ֖ה וַ⁠יֶּֽחִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Here Moses is using the question form to emphasize how amazing it is that the Israelites heard Yahweh speak from the fire in Exodus 19-20. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No other people has heard the voice of God speaking from the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and lived.”

the voice of God

Quote: ק֨וֹל אֱלֹהִ֜ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents Yahweh in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “God himself”

you yourself have heard

Quote: שָׁמַ֥עְתָּ אַתָּ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

you yourself have heard

Quote: שָׁמַ֥עְתָּ אַתָּ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Moses is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already included in the verb heard. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourself. Alternate translation: “you indeed have heard”

Deuteronomy 4:34

Or has God attempted to go and take for himself a nation from the midst of {another} nation

Quote: א֣וֹ ׀ הֲ⁠נִסָּ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֗ים לָ֠⁠בוֹא לָ⁠קַ֨חַת ל֣⁠וֹ גוֹי֮ מִ⁠קֶּ֣רֶב גּוֹי֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses is using the question form to emphasize how amazing it was that Yahweh chose Israel and saved them from Egypt. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Make sure to end the sentence with the appropriate punctuation. Alternate translation: “God has not attempted to go and take for himself any other nation from the midst of another nation.”

by trials

Quote: בְּ⁠מַסֹּת֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the word trials refers to the plagues in Exodus 7-11 that Yahweh sent so that the Egyptians would suffer. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “by plagues”

by signs and by wonders

Quote: בְּ⁠אֹתֹ֨ת וּ⁠בְ⁠מוֹפְתִ֜ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words signs and wonders mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “by great signs”

and by war

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠מִלְחָמָ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The word war refers to Exodus 14, when the Egyptian army chased the Israelites as they left Egypt. Yahweh enabled the Israelites to defeat the Egyptian army. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and by enabling you to defeat the Egyptians in war”

and by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠יָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ וּ⁠בִ⁠זְר֣וֹעַ נְטוּיָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms mighty hand and outstretched arm mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and by very great power”

and by a mighty hand

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠יָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word hand represents God’s power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and by mighty power”

and by an outstretched arm

Quote: וּ⁠בִ⁠זְר֣וֹעַ נְטוּיָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, arm refers to Yahweh’s power. Moses speaks of stretching out an arm as if it were a demonstration of supernatural power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and by great deeds”

before your eyes

Quote: לְ⁠עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word eyes represents the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your sight”

before your eyes

Quote: לְ⁠עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, your is singular here. If the singular form would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural form in your translation.

Deuteronomy 4:35

You yourself have been shown

Quote: אַתָּה֙ הָרְאֵ֣תָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and yourself are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

You yourself have been shown

Quote: אַתָּה֙ הָרְאֵ֣תָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Moses is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already included in the verb have been shown. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourself. Alternate translation: “you indeed have been shown”

You yourself have been shown

Quote: אַתָּה֙ הָרְאֵ֣תָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He showed these to you yourself”

You yourself have been shown, to know

Quote: אַתָּה֙ הָרְאֵ֣תָ לָ⁠דַ֔עַת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, the word to marks know as the goal or purpose of you have been shown. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose. Alternate translation: “You yourself have been shown so that you might know”

Deuteronomy 4:36

From the heavens he caused you to hear his voice

Quote: מִן־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֛יִם הִשְׁמִֽיעֲ⁠ךָ֥ אֶת־קֹל֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the voice of Yahweh came from the heavens and not from earth. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He caused you to hear his voice that came from the heavens”

he caused you to hear … to instruct you. … he caused you to see … you heard

Quote: הִשְׁמִֽיעֲ⁠ךָ֥ & לְ⁠יַסְּרֶ֑⁠ךָּ & הֶרְאֲ⁠ךָ֙ & שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you is singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

he caused you to hear his voice, to instruct you

Quote: הִשְׁמִֽיעֲ⁠ךָ֥ אֶת־קֹל֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠יַסְּרֶ֑⁠ךָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, the word to marks instruct you as the goal or purpose of he caused you to hear his voice. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose. Alternate translation: “he caused you to hear his voice so that he might instruct you”

and you heard his words from the midst of the fire

Quote: וּ⁠דְבָרָ֥י⁠ו שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ מִ⁠תּ֥וֹךְ הָ⁠אֵֽשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to the events of Exodus 19 when Yahweh spoke from Mount Sinai from a fire. The Israelite people were afraid of Yahweh and stood far away.

and you heard his words

Quote: וּ⁠דְבָרָ֥י⁠ו שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe words that Yahweh spoke. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression to describe Yahweh’s speech. Alternate translation: “and you heard the words that Yahweh spoke”

Deuteronomy 4:37

your fathers, … and brought you out

Quote: אֲבֹתֶ֔י⁠ךָ & וַ⁠יּוֹצִֽאֲ⁠ךָ֧ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

your fathers

Quote: אֲבֹתֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your ancestors”

with his face

Quote: בְּ⁠פָנָ֛י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Moses is using face, meaning Yahweh’s presence, to represent Yahweh’s ability to save the Israelites. Moses is emphasizing that Yahweh brought the Israelites out of Egypt by himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by himself”

his seed after him

Quote: בְּ⁠זַרְע֖⁠וֹ אַחֲרָ֑י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the pronouns his and him are singular in form, but they refer to all of the Israelites’ ancestors as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “their seed after them”

Deuteronomy 4:38

to drive out from before your faces nations greater and mightier than you

Quote: לְ⁠הוֹרִ֗ישׁ גּוֹיִ֛ם גְּדֹלִ֧ים וַ⁠עֲצֻמִ֛ים מִמְּ⁠ךָ֖ מִ⁠פָּנֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense

This could refer to: (1) nations which the Israelites have already defeated and expelled from the land, as in Deuteronomy 2-3. Alternate translation: “when he drove out from before your faces nations greater and mightier than you” (2) nations which the Israelites will expel from the land in the future. Alternate translation: “so that he might drive out from before your faces nations greater and mightier than you”

from before your faces … than you, to bring you in, … to you

Quote: מִמְּ⁠ךָ֖ מִ⁠פָּנֶ֑י⁠ךָ לַ⁠הֲבִֽיאֲ⁠ךָ֗ & לְ⁠ךָ֧ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

from before your faces

Quote: מִ⁠פָּנֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of a people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from before you” or "from before your presence"

to bring you in

Quote: לַ⁠הֲבִֽיאֲ⁠ךָ֗ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will use his power to bring the Israelites into the land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to bring you into the land”

as this day

Quote: כַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the land is the inheritance of the Israelites, even as Moses is speaking to them before they enter it. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as it belongs to you now, even as I speak to you”

Deuteronomy 4:39

And you shall know … and you shall return {it} … your heart

Quote: וְ⁠יָדַעְתָּ֣ & וַ⁠הֲשֵׁבֹתָ֮ & לְבָבֶ⁠ךָ֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

And you shall know today, and you shall return {it} to your heart

Quote: וְ⁠יָדַעְתָּ֣ הַ⁠יּ֗וֹם וַ⁠הֲשֵׁבֹתָ֮ אֶל־לְבָבֶ⁠ךָ֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “And you shall know today, indeed, you shall return it to your heart”

And you shall know

Quote: וְ⁠יָדַעְתָּ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here know means “think about.” Moses is speaking of thinking about something as if that were knowing it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you shall consider”

and you shall return {it} to your heart

Quote: וַ⁠הֲשֵׁבֹתָ֮ אֶל־לְבָבֶ⁠ךָ֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, return to your heart is an idiom that means “think about.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you shall call it to mind” or “and think about it”

in the heavens above and on the earth beneath

Quote: בַּ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם מִ⁠מַּ֔עַל וְ⁠עַל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ מִ⁠תָּ֑חַת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here, Moses is referring to the whole universe by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everywhere”

Deuteronomy 4:40

And you shall keep … command you … for you and for your sons after you, … you may prolong {… your God … to you

Quote: וְ⁠שָׁמַרְתָּ֞ & מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֙ & לְ⁠ךָ֔ וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ אַחֲרֶ֑י⁠ךָ & תַּאֲרִ֤יךְ & אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ & לְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

And you shall keep

Quote: וְ⁠שָׁמַרְתָּ֞ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word keep means “obey.” Moses is speaking of commandments as if they were physical objects that one could keep in one's possession. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you shall obey”

his statutes and his commandments

Quote: חֻקָּ֣י⁠ו וְ⁠אֶת־מִצְוֺתָ֗י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms statutes and commandments mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “his important statutes”

and for your sons

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and for your offspring”

you may prolong {your} days in the land

Quote: תַּאֲרִ֤יךְ יָמִים֙ עַל־הַ֣⁠אֲדָמָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The implication is that if the Israelites obey Yahweh, they will prolong the days in which they live in the land. Moses is speaking of time as if it were something over which man could exercise control, to prolong it. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. See how you translated this concept in verse 26. Alternate translation: “you may live in the land for many generations”

all the days

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, all the days is an idiom that means “forever.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “until the end of time” or “always”

Deuteronomy 4:41

Then

Quote: אָ֣ז (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent

The author is using the word translated Then to introduce a new event in the story. Moses’s speech, which began in 1:6, has finished, and the writer continues the narrative that ended in 1:5. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “After he finished his speech,”

toward the rising of {the} sun

Quote: מִזְרְחָ֖⁠ה שָֽׁמֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the rising of the sun is an idiom that means “east.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “toward the east”

Deuteronomy 4:42

his neighbor

Quote: רֵעֵ֨⁠הוּ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, neighbor means “fellow Israelite.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his fellow Israelite”

without knowing

Quote: בִּ⁠בְלִי־דַ֔עַת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here without knowing means “unintentionally.” Moses is speaking of knowledge as if it were the same thing as intention. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “unintentionally”

and he did not hate him previously before

Quote: וְ⁠ה֛וּא לֹא־שֹׂנֵ֥א ל֖⁠וֹ מִ⁠תְּמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשׁ֑וֹם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the manslayer did not premeditate murder. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he did not hate him previously before and did not plan to kill him”

previously before

Quote: מִ⁠תְּמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשׁ֑וֹם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression previously before contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “before”

and he shall live

Quote: וָ⁠חָֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the family members of the dead person would try to kill the manslayer, so the people of those cities would protect the manslayer. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and the avenger would not be able to kill him there”

Deuteronomy 4:43

Bezer … Golan

Quote: בֶּ֧צֶר & גּוֹלָ֥ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Bezer and Golan are names of cities.

Deuteronomy 4:44

placed

Quote: שָׂ֣ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word placed means “delivered.” Moses is speaking here as if the words of the law were physical objects that he placed before the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “told”

before the faces of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

the sons of Israel

Quote: בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” Moses is identifying the Israelites as descendants of their ancestor Jacob, who was also known as Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 4:45

These {are} the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments that Moses spoke to the sons of Israel when they came out from Egypt

Quote: אֵ֚לֶּה הָֽ⁠עֵדֹ֔ת וְ⁠הַֽ⁠חֻקִּ֖ים וְ⁠הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּ⁠צֵאתָ֖⁠ם מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

Moses is giving background information to help readers understand where the law comes from. Moses first told the Israelites the law in Exodus 20-24 on Mount Sinai, after the Israelites left Egypt. Moses is repeating that same law in his speech here. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.

the sons of Israel

Quote: בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” Moses is identifying the Israelites as descendants of their ancestor Jacob, who was also known as Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 4:46

across the Jordan

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵ֨בֶר הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֜ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

As Moses is repeating the law to the Israelites, they are camping on the east side of the Jordan River. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when the Israelites are camping east of the Jordan”

Beth Peor

Quote: בֵּ֣ית פְּע֔וֹר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term Beth Peor is the name of a town in Moab near Mount Pisgah. See how you translated this in 3:29.

at Heshbon

Quote: בְּ⁠חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Heshbon is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1:4.

and the sons of Israel

Quote: וּ⁠בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” Moses is identifying the Israelites as descendants of their ancestor Jacob, who was also known as Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

when they came out from Egypt

Quote: בְּ⁠צֵאתָ֖⁠ם מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The events discussed in this verse occur after the Israelites came out from Egypt and after Moses told the Israelites the law the first time. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “after they came out from Egypt”

Deuteronomy 4:46-49

across the Jordan, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon, whom Moses and the sons of Israel had struck down when they came out from Egypt … They took his land as a possession, and the land of Og king of Bashan—two kings of the Amorites who {were} on the side of the Jordan {toward} the rising of {the} sun … from Aroer, that {is} on the lip of the Valley of Arnon, and as far as Mount Sion (that {is} Hermon … and all the Arabah eastward across the Jordan, to the Sea of the Arabah, under the slopes of the Pisgah

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵ֨בֶר הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֜ן בַּ⁠גַּ֗יְא מ֚וּל בֵּ֣ית פְּע֔וֹר בְּ⁠אֶ֗רֶץ סִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הָֽ⁠אֱמֹרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּ⁠חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִכָּ֤ה מֹשֶׁה֙ וּ⁠בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּ⁠צֵאתָ֖⁠ם מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם׃ & וַ⁠יִּֽירְשׁ֨וּ אֶת־אַרְצ֜⁠וֹ וְ⁠אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ ׀ ע֣וֹג מֶֽלֶךְ־הַ⁠בָּשָׁ֗ן שְׁנֵי֙ מַלְכֵ֣י הָֽ⁠אֱמֹרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּ⁠עֵ֣בֶר הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֑ן מִזְרַ֖ח שָֽׁמֶשׁ׃ & מֵ⁠עֲרֹעֵ֞ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר עַל־שְׂפַת־נַ֧חַל אַרְנֹ֛ן וְ⁠עַד־הַ֥ר שִׂיאֹ֖ן ה֥וּא חֶרְמֽוֹן׃ &\nוְ⁠כָל־הָ֨⁠עֲרָבָ֜ה עֵ֤בֶר הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּן֙ מִזְרָ֔חָ⁠ה וְ⁠עַ֖ד יָ֣ם הָ⁠עֲרָבָ֑ה תַּ֖חַת אַשְׁדֹּ֥ת הַ⁠פִּסְגָּֽה׃פ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

The writer is repeating the events that Moses summarized in his first speech from 2:26-3:10. These events occurred in Numbers 21:21-35. This information helps the readers understand where the Israelites were camping when Moses is telling them the law. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.

Deuteronomy 4:47

his land

Quote: אַרְצ֜⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun his refers to King Sihon. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “King Sihon’s land”

toward} the rising of {the} sun

Quote: מִזְרַ֖ח שָֽׁמֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the rising of the sun is an idiom that means “east.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “toward the east”

Deuteronomy 4:48

from Aroer

Quote: מֵ⁠עֲרֹעֵ֞ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Aroer is the name of a city. See how you translated this in 2:36.

the lip of

Quote: שְׂפַת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the lip means “the edge.” In this case, lip specifically refers to the bank of a dry riverbed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the edge of”

the Valley of Arnon

Quote: נַ֧חַל אַרְנֹ֛ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term the Valley of Arnon is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 2:24.

Sion (… is} Hermon

Quote: שִׂיאֹ֖ן & חֶרְמֽוֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Sion and Hermon are different names for the same mountain. The word Sion is another spelling of “Sirion” (3:9). You could keep the same spelling for both occurrences if it would be clearer for your readers. For Hermon, see how you translated that name in 3:8.

Deuteronomy 4:49

under the slopes of

Quote: תַּ֖חַת אַשְׁדֹּ֥ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase under the slopes of means “at the base of” when referring to a mountain. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this in 3:17.

the Pisgah

Quote: הַ⁠פִּסְגָּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Pisgah is the name of a mountain. See how you translated it in 3:17.

Deuteronomy 5

Deuteronomy 5 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

• vv.1-4: Moses reminds the Israelites that Yahweh made a covenant with them on Mount Sinai
• vv. 5-21: Moses repeats the Ten Commandments
• vv. 22-33: Moses reminds the Israelites that he spoke to Yahweh on their behalf because they feared Yahweh

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

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Ten Commandments

This chapter repeats the words from Exodus 20, which are known as the Ten Commandments. It is important for the Israelites to obey these words as part of their covenant with Yahweh. Yahweh gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai after the Israelites left Egypt. The Ten Commandments are written on two stone tablets that are placed in the ark of the covenant. (See: Ten Commandments and ark of the covenant, ark of Yahweh, box, Box of the Testimony, Box of the Covenant of Yahweh)

The Sabbath

Yahweh commands the Israelites to rest on the seventh day, known as the Sabbath. The rest reminds the Israelites that Yahweh rested on the seventh day of creation. The Sabbath also reminds the Israelites that they have rest because Yahweh rescued them from being slaves in Egypt, where they had no rest. (See: Sabbath)

Other Translation Issues

“You”

When Moses is addressing the Israelites, he uses both the singular and plural forms of “You.”

• vv. 1-5: “You” and “your” are plural.
• vv. 8-21: “You” and “your” are singular.
• vv. 22-24: “You” and “your” are plural.
• vv. 28: “You” and “your” are plural.
• vv. 32-33: “You” and “your” are plural.

(See: Pronouns — When to Use Them and Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Deuteronomy 5:1

Then Moses called to all Israel

Quote: וַ⁠יִּקְרָ֣א מֹשֶׁה֮ אֶל־כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word called means “summoned.” The writer is speaking as if calling someone is the same as summoning them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Then Moses commanded all Israel to come”

Israel … Israel

Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ & יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Israel refers to all the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “the Israelites … Israelites”

and said

Quote: וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the phrase and said introduces direct speech. Moses is beginning his second speech to the Israelites. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

the statutes and the ordinances

Quote: הַ⁠חֻקִּ֣ים וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms statutes and ordinances mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the important statutes”

in your ears

Quote: בְּ⁠אָזְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using ears to represent all of a person in the act of hearing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to you yourselves”

Deuteronomy 5:2

Yahweh our God cut a covenant with us at Horeb

Quote: יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֗י⁠נוּ כָּרַ֥ת עִמָּ֛⁠נוּ בְּרִ֖ית בְּ⁠חֹרֵֽב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to the events of Exodus 19-24, when Moses told the Israelites what Yahweh had commanded them and the Israelites agreed to obey. In return, Yahweh would have a special relationship with the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers.

cut a covenant with us

Quote: כָּרַ֥ת עִמָּ֛⁠נוּ בְּרִ֖ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

To cut a covenant means to make a covenant. The phrase refers to ancient rituals around making covenants, illustrated in Genesis 15. See the imagery and how you translated the term there. Alternate translation: “made a covenant with us”

Deuteronomy 5:3

Yahweh did not cut this covenant with our fathers

Quote: לֹ֣א אֶת־אֲבֹתֵ֔י⁠נוּ כָּרַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־הַ⁠בְּרִ֣ית הַ⁠זֹּ֑את (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Moses means that the covenant was not only for the ancestors of the Israelites, but for the current generation also. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “Yahweh cut this covenant not only with our fathers”

with our fathers

Quote: אֲבֹתֵ֔י⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here fathers could mean: (1) the parents of the living Israelites, who made a covenant with Yahweh at Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: “with our parents” (2) the ancestors of the Israelites such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who made a covenant with Yahweh. Alternate translation: “with our predecessors”

but

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

The word translated as but marks a strong contrast with the previous clause. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a strong contrast. Alternate translation: “but, in fact,”

those of us here today, all who are living

Quote: אֲנַ֨חְנוּ אֵ֥לֶּה פֹ֛ה הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם כֻּלָּ֥⁠נוּ חַיִּֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “those of us here today, indeed, all who are living”

Deuteronomy 5:4

Yahweh spoke with you face to face on the mountain, from the midst of the fire

Quote: פָּנִ֣ים ׀ בְּ⁠פָנִ֗ים דִּבֶּ֨ר יְהוָ֧ה עִמָּ⁠כֶ֛ם בָּ⁠הָ֖ר מִ⁠תּ֥וֹךְ הָ⁠אֵֽשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to the events of Exodus 19, when Yahweh spoke from Mount Sinai from a fire. The Israelite people were afraid of Yahweh and stood far away.

face to face

Quote: פָּנִ֣ים ׀ בְּ⁠פָנִ֗ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents someone’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your presence”

face to face

Quote: פָּנִ֣ים ׀ בְּ⁠פָנִ֗ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

4:15 states that the Israelites only heard Yahweh’s voice but did not see him. Moses means that the Israelites physically and personally heard the voice of Yahweh’s voice. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “personally”

Deuteronomy 5:5

between … and between you

Quote: בֵּין & וּ⁠בֵֽינֵי⁠כֶם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

Here, the text repeats the word “between” to describe how Moses spoke to Yahweh on behalf of the Israelites while they stood far away. If it is unnatural in your language to repeat a preposition, you could use a form that identifies physical distance between people. Alternate translation: “between … and you”

to reveal

Quote: לְ⁠הַגִּ֥יד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, the word to marks “reveal to you the word of Yahweh” as the goal or purpose of Moses standing between Yahweh and the Israelites. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

the word of Yahweh

Quote: אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, word represents everything that Yahweh said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh told me to tell you”

For

Quote: כִּ֤י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “This is because”

of the face of

Quote: מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the presence of”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

Deuteronomy 5:6

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In this verse, Yahweh is referring to the events of Exodus 1-14, when Yahweh did amazing things so that the Israelites could leave Egypt.

your God, … brought you

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ & הוֹצֵאתִ֛י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Yahweh is speaking directly to Moses, so the pronouns you and your are singular in this verse and in the rest of Yahweh’s speech. See chapter introduction for more information.

from the house of slaves

Quote: מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in Exodus 13:3. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the place where you were slaves”

Deuteronomy 5:7

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

There shall not be for you

Quote: לֹא־יִהְיֶ֥ה לְ⁠ךָ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more infromation about translating shall. Alternate translation: “Do not have”

above my face

Quote: עַל־פָּנָֽ⁠יַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “besides me”

Deuteronomy 5:8

Do not make for yourself

Quote: לֹֽ֣א־תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה לְ⁠ךָ֥ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all of the Israelites, yourself and other forms of you are singular from this verse to verse 21. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

any likeness

Quote: כָּל־תְּמוּנָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of likeness, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “anything looking like something”

is} in heaven above or that {is} in the earth beneath or that {is} in the water under the earth

Quote: בַּ⁠שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ מִ⁠מַּ֔עַל וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר בָּ⁠אָ֖רֶץ מִ⁠תָּ֑חַת וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּ⁠מַּ֖יִם מִ⁠תַּ֥חַת לָ⁠אָֽרֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This list refers to anything in the universe. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “is in the universe”

Deuteronomy 5:9

to them

Quote: לָ⁠הֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronoun them refers to carved figures or idols.

I visit the iniquity of

Quote: פֹּ֠קֵד עֲוֺ֨ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will visit or extend the punishment for the iniquity of one generation onto future generations. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I put the punishment for the iniquity of”

the fathers on the sons

Quote: אָב֧וֹת עַל־בָּנִ֛ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the terms fathers and sons are masculine, Yahweh is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “parents on the children”

on the sons, and on the third and on the fourth {generation} of

Quote: עַל־בָּנִ֛ים וְ⁠עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְ⁠עַל־רִבֵּעִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. Here, generation is implied by sons, therefore third and fourth refers to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “on the sons down to the third and fourth generations of”

and on the third and on the fourth {generation} of

Quote: וְ⁠עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְ⁠עַל־רִבֵּעִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “and on generations 3 and 4 of”

Deuteronomy 5:10

But I show covenant faithfulness to thousands, to lovers of me and keepers of my commandments

Quote: וְ⁠עֹ֥שֶׂה חֶ֖סֶד לַֽ⁠אֲלָפִ֑ים לְ⁠אֹהֲבַ֖⁠י וּ⁠לְ⁠שֹׁמְרֵ֥י מִצְוֹתָֽי׃ס (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faithfulness, you can express the same idea with the words “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “But I faithfully love the thousands who are lovers of me and keepers of my commandments.”

to thousands

Quote: לַֽ⁠אֲלָפִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. “Generations” is implied by the previous verse. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “to a thousand generations”

to thousands

Quote: לַֽ⁠אֲלָפִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, thousands could mean: (1) “forever,” that is, “to all descendants forever.” Alternate translation: “to every generation” (2) a number too many to count. Alternate translation: “to innumerable people”

Deuteronomy 5:11

Do not lift up … he who lifts up

Quote: לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֛א & אֲשֶׁר־יִשָּׂ֥א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here lift up means “use” or “say.” This includes invoking Yahweh’s name, making a claim to him, attempting to manipulate him, or misrepresenting him. A broad word should be used in translation of this term. Alternate translation: “Do not use … he who uses”

with emptiness, … with emptiness

Quote: לַ⁠שָּׁ֑וְא & לַ⁠שָּֽׁוְא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, with emptiness means “carelessly” or “without proper respect.” Yahweh is speaking of his name as if it were a physical object that could be emptied of substance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “carelessly”

for Yahweh will not leave unpunished

Quote: כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יְנַקֶּה֙ יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative leave unpunished. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh will certainly treat as guilty”

Deuteronomy 5:13

your work

Quote: מְלַאכְתֶּֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites do work for six days, including any responsibilities, jobs, or duties that are required in daily life. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “your labor” or “your tasks”

Deuteronomy 5:14

but the seventh day

Quote: וְ⁠י֨וֹם֙ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “but day seven” or “but day 7”

is} within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “is within your community”

Deuteronomy 5:15

by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm

Quote: בְּ⁠יָ֥ד חֲזָקָ֖ה וּ⁠בִ⁠זְרֹ֣עַ נְטוּיָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms mighty hand and outstretched arm mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and by very great power”

by a mighty hand

Quote: בְּ⁠יָ֥ד חֲזָקָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word hand represents God’s power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by a mighty power”

and by an outstretched arm

Quote: וּ⁠בִ⁠זְרֹ֣עַ נְטוּיָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, arm refers to Yahweh’s power. Moses speaks of stretching out an arm as if it were a demonstration of supernatural power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and by great deeds”

Therefore

Quote: עַל־כֵּ֗ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The words translated as Therefore indicate that what follows is a result of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a result of what came before. Alternate translation: “As a result,”

Deuteronomy 5:16

Honor your father and your mother, as Yahweh your God has commanded you, so that you may prolong your days and so that it may go well with you

Quote: כַּבֵּ֤ד אֶת־אָבִ֨י⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠אֶת־אִמֶּ֔⁠ךָ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוְּ⁠ךָ֖ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠ךָ לְמַ֣עַן ׀ יַאֲרִיכֻ֣⁠ן יָמֶ֗י⁠ךָ וּ⁠לְמַ֨עַן֙ יִ֣יטַב לָ֔⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks you may prolong your days and it may go well with you as the goal or purpose of Honor your father and your mother. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

you may prolong your days

Quote: יַאֲרִיכֻ֣⁠ן יָמֶ֗י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

If the Israelites obey Yahweh, they will prolong the days that they live on the land. Moses is speaking of time as if it were something over which man could exercise control, to prolong it. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “you may live for many generations”

Deuteronomy 5:17

Do not murder

Quote: לֹ֖א תִּרְצָֽח (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, murder does not mean all kinds of killing, which would imply that killing in war, accidental killing, and execution were also sinful acts. Alternate translation: "Do not commit an unlawful, premeditated killing"

Deuteronomy 5:18

And do not commit adultery

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֖א תִּנְאָֽף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Alternate translation: “And do not have sexual relations with anyone other than your spouse”

Deuteronomy 5:20

And do not testify against your neighbor false testimony

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־תַעֲנֶ֥ה בְ⁠רֵֽעֲ⁠ךָ֖ עֵ֥ד שָֽׁוְא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the testimony would be given in court or before a judge. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And do not lie as you testify”

against your neighbor

Quote: בְ⁠רֵֽעֲ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, neighbor means “fellow Israelite.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “against your fellow Israelite”

Deuteronomy 5:21

your neighbor, … your neighbor, … is} of your neighbor

Quote: רֵעֶ֑⁠ךָ & רֵעֶ֗⁠ךָ & לְ⁠רֵעֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, neighbor means “fellow Israelite.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow Israelite … your fellow Israelite … is of your fellow Israelite”

and anything that {is} of your neighbor

Quote: וְ⁠כֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠רֵעֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Yahweh is using the possessive form to describe anything that is a material possession that belongs to your neighbor. If it would be helpful for your readers, use an expression for the possessions that someone else owns. Alternate translation: “and any possession that belongs to your neighbor”

Deuteronomy 5:22

in} a great voice

Quote: ק֥וֹל גָּד֖וֹל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the voice of Yahweh was very loud. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “loudly”

your assembly

Quote: קְהַלְ⁠כֶ֜ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun your refers to all the Israelites who were present at Mount Sinai when Yahweh gave the law to Moses. If this is not clear for your readers, you could clarify who your refers to. Alternate translation: “the assembly of Israelites”

Deuteronomy 5:23

And it happened

Quote: וַ⁠יְהִ֗י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent

Moses is using the word translated And it happened to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “And then” or "At that time"

the voice

Quote: הַ⁠קּוֹל֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents the sound of someone speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sound of Yahweh speaking”

then you approached

Quote: וַ⁠תִּקְרְב֣וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

By you, Moses means the leaders of the Israelites but not all of the Israelites, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

the heads of

Quote: רָאשֵׁ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, heads means “leaders.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the leaders of”

the heads of your tribes and your elders

Quote: רָאשֵׁ֥י שִׁבְטֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠זִקְנֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms the heads of your tribes and your elders mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “your leaders”

Deuteronomy 5:24

And you said

Quote: וַ⁠תֹּאמְר֗וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word said introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

Behold

Quote: הֵ֣ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The Israelite leaders are using the term behold to focus Moses’ attention on what they are about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what we have to say:”

his voice

Quote: קֹל֥⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents the sound of someone speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sound of Yahweh speaking”

man

Quote: הָֽ⁠אָדָ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term man is masculine, the Israelite leaders are using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “humankind”

Deuteronomy 5:25

And now, why should we die

Quote: וְ⁠עַתָּה֙ לָ֣⁠מָּה נָמ֔וּת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The Israelite leaders are using the question form to express their fears that they would die if Yahweh spoke to them. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “And we do not want to die.”

For this great fire will consume us if we continue anymore to hear the voice of Yahweh our God, and we will die

Quote: כִּ֣י תֹֽאכְלֵ֔⁠נוּ הָ⁠אֵ֥שׁ הַ⁠גְּדֹלָ֖ה הַ⁠זֹּ֑את אִם־יֹסְפִ֣ים ׀ אֲנַ֗חְנוּ לִ֠⁠שְׁמֹעַ אֶת־ק֨וֹל יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵ֛י⁠נוּ ע֖וֹד וָ⁠מָֽתְנוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

The Israelite leaders are suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that they will only die if they continue to hear the voice of Yahweh. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “If we continue anymore to hear the voice of Yahweh our God, then this great fire will consume us, then we will die”

Deuteronomy 5:26

For who {is there of} all flesh that has heard the voice of the living God speak from the midst of the fire like us and has lived

Quote: כִּ֣י מִ֣י כָל־בָּשָׂ֡ר אֲשֶׁ֣ר שָׁמַ֣ע קוֹל֩ אֱלֹהִ֨ים חַיִּ֜ים מְדַבֵּ֧ר מִ⁠תּוֹךְ־הָ⁠אֵ֛שׁ כָּמֹ֖⁠נוּ וַ⁠יֶּֽחִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The Israelite leaders are using the question form to explain why they are very afraid. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No flesh has heard the voice of the living God speak from the midst of the fire like us and has lived.”

For who {is there of} all flesh that has heard the voice of the living God speak from the midst of the fire like us and has lived

Quote: כִּ֣י מִ֣י כָל־בָּשָׂ֡ר אֲשֶׁ֣ר שָׁמַ֣ע קוֹל֩ אֱלֹהִ֨ים חַיִּ֜ים מְדַבֵּ֧ר מִ⁠תּוֹךְ־הָ⁠אֵ֛שׁ כָּמֹ֖⁠נוּ וַ⁠יֶּֽחִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The Israelite leaders mean that, while they have heard God speak and have lived, it is a rare occurrence, one which they do not believe will happen again. This verse does not contradict verse 24. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers, as modeled by the UST.

flesh

Quote: בָּשָׂ֡ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The Israelite leaders are using flesh to represent humans. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “humankind”

the voice of

Quote: קוֹל֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents the sound of someone speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sound of the words of”

the living God

Quote: אֱלֹהִ֨ים חַיִּ֜ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that only Yahweh is a living God and can cause people to die, in contrast with idols who are not living and cannot cause real harm to people. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the only living God”

Deuteronomy 5:27

speak to us

Quote: תְּדַבֵּ֣ר אֵלֵ֗י⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelite leaders want Moses to go up Mount Sinai to speak with Yahweh on their behalf, then come back down to their camp to tell the Israelites what Yahweh said. This way, the Israelites do not have to listen to Yahweh speak. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “come back down the mountain to tell us”

Deuteronomy 5:28

the sound of your words when you spoke to me. … the sound of the words of this people that they spoke to you

Quote: ק֣וֹל דִּבְרֵי⁠כֶ֔ם בְּ⁠דַבֶּרְ⁠כֶ֖ם אֵלָ֑⁠י & ק֨וֹל דִּבְרֵ֜י הָ⁠עָ֤ם הַ⁠זֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבְּר֣וּ אֵלֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression the sound of your words when you spoke to me contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “what you said to me … what this people spoke to you”

Deuteronomy 5:29

Who will give and have

Quote: מִֽי־יִתֵּ֡ן וְ⁠הָיָה֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh is using the question form of Who will give to express a strong desire for something. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation, ending the sentence with a period: “Oh that they would have”

heart

Quote: לְבָבָ֨⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, heart refers to a person’s will or their desire to do something. In this case, the desire is to fear Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “desire”

all the days

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, all the days is an idiom that means “always.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forever”

and for their sons

Quote: וְ⁠לִ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and for their offspring”

Deuteronomy 5:30

Go say to them, “Return yourselves to your tents

Quote: לֵ֖ךְ אֱמֹ֣ר לָ⁠הֶ֑ם שׁ֥וּבוּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם לְ⁠אָהֳלֵי⁠כֶֽם׃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, as in the UST.

Return yourselves

Quote: שׁ֥וּבוּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression Return yourselves contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “Return”

Deuteronomy 5:31

But you

Quote: וְ⁠אַתָּ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Yahweh uses the words But you here to indicate a strong contrast between what Moses and the rest of the Israelites will do. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “As for you”

by me

Quote: עִמָּדִ⁠י֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This does not mean that Yahweh had a physical body, which was present at Mount Sinai. Yahweh means that Moses should stand near the fire and clouds where Yahweh’s voice came from. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “by the fire where my voice comes from”

the commandment and the statutes

Quote: הַ⁠מִּצְוָ֛ה וְ⁠הַ⁠חֻקִּ֥ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms commandments and statutes mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the very important commandments”

the commandment

Quote: הַ⁠מִּצְוָ֛ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the word commandment is singular in form, but it refers to all Yahweh’s commandments as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “the commandments”

that you will teach them

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֣ר תְּלַמְּדֵ֑⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

Yahweh is using a future statement to give an instruction or command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words using a command or instruction form. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “that you must teach them”

and they will do

Quote: וְ⁠עָשׂ֣וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh wants Moses to teach the Israelites his commandments so that the Israelites will follow them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “so that they will do them”

in the land that I am giving to them to possess it

Quote: בָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י נֹתֵ֥ן לָ⁠הֶ֖ם לְ⁠רִשְׁתָּֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression the land that I am giving to them to possess it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “in the land that I am giving to them”

Deuteronomy 5:32

And you shall keep {them}, doing as Yahweh your God has commanded you. Do not turn aside, right nor left

Quote: וּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם לַ⁠עֲשׂ֔וֹת כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם אֶתְ⁠כֶ֑ם לֹ֥א תָסֻ֖רוּ יָמִ֥ין וּ⁠שְׂמֹֽאל׃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Moses has finished quoting what Yahweh said. This verse continues Moses’ speech to the Israelites. Consider natural ways of reintroducing a speaker of direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Then Moses said to the Israelites,”

Do not turn aside, right nor left

Quote: לֹ֥א תָסֻ֖רוּ יָמִ֥ין וּ⁠שְׂמֹֽאל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, turn aside, right nor left is an idiom that means “disobey.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not get off track” or “Do not disobey”

Deuteronomy 5:33

and you might prolong {your} days

Quote: וְ⁠הַאֲרַכְתֶּ֣ם יָמִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The expression "long days" is a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:40. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time”

In all the ways that Yahweh your God has commanded you, you shall walk

Quote: בְּ⁠כָל־הַ⁠דֶּ֗רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֜ה יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֛ם אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם תֵּלֵ֑כוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of commandments as if they were a road, and he is saying that obeying commandments is like walking on that road. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “All the commandments that Yahweh your God has commanded you, you shall obey”

so that

Quote: לְמַ֤עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks the benefits of living a good, long life as the goal or purpose of obeying Yahweh. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose. Alternate translation: “in such a way that”

and you might prolong {your} days in the land

Quote: וְ⁠הַאֲרַכְתֶּ֣ם יָמִ֔ים בָּ⁠אָ֖רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The implication is that if the Israelites obey Yahweh, they will prolong the days when they live in the land. Moses is speaking of time as if it were an experience that one could prolong. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. See how you translated this concept in 4:26. Alternate translation: “and for many generations you might live in the land"

Deuteronomy 6

Deuteronomy 6 General Notes

Outline

• vv. 1-9: The great commandment
• vv. 6-25: Warnings against disobedience

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Yahweh’s blessings

Yahweh’s continued blessing of the people of Israel is dependent upon the people’s obedience to the law of Moses. When the Israelites agreed to the covenant with Yahweh, they acknowledged that worshiping and obeying Yahweh would lead to blessings, while disobeying him and worshiping other gods would lead to curses. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

The Shema

Verses 6-9 are known as the Shema in Judaism. They are an important foundation of Judaism. In Mark 12:28-29, Jesus identifies the Shema as the greatest commandment.

Writing Yahweh’s Words on One’s Arms, Forehead, and Doorposts

Verses 8-9 command the Israelites always to remember Yahweh’s words. There are different understandings of these commands. Some Jewish traditions interpret these verses as meaning the Israelites should physically write copies of the law. Others believe that the command is to memorize and cherish the law. Translators should be careful to translate the passage as it is, without favoring one interpretation or the other in their translation.

Other Translation Issues in this Chapter

Words for "the law"

• statutes
• ordinances
• judgments Moses uses three different words to refer to the law that Yahweh commanded the Israelites to obey. It is unclear what distinguishes each of these terms from the others. If your language has several terms for the law, you could use them here to differentiate between the various Hebrew words. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 6:1

are} the commandments, the statutes, and the ordinances

Quote: הַ⁠מִּצְוָ֗ה הַֽ⁠חֻקִּים֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

See how you translated these terms for the law in 5:31.

has commanded

Quote: צִוָּ֛ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. The fact that Yahweh commanded Moses is implied by the events which Moses described in the previous chapter. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “has commanded me”

in the land which you are going over to possess it

Quote: בָּ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּ⁠ה לְ⁠רִשְׁתָּֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression the land which you are going over to possess it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “in the land you are going over to possess”

are going over

Quote: עֹבְרִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites must cross the Jordan River in order to go to the land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “are crossing over the Jordan River”

Deuteronomy 6:2

so that … and so that

Quote: לְמַ֨עַן & וּ⁠לְמַ֖עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

you will fear … your God, … am commanding you and your son and the son of your son, … your life, … your days

Quote: תִּירָ֜א & אֱלֹהֶ֗י⁠ךָ & מְצַוֶּ⁠ךָ֒ אַתָּה֙ וּ⁠בִנְ⁠ךָ֣ וּ⁠בֶן־בִּנְ⁠ךָ֔ & חַיֶּ֑י⁠ךָ & יָמֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular from this verse to verse 13. See chapter introduction for more information on translating you.

you and your son and the son of your son, all the days of your life

Quote: אַתָּה֙ וּ⁠בִנְ⁠ךָ֣ וּ⁠בֶן־בִּנְ⁠ךָ֔ כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י חַיֶּ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the words son and life are singular in form, but refer to all Israelites and their descendants as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “all of you and your offspring, all the days of your lives”

your days will be prolonged

Quote: יַאֲרִכֻ֥⁠ן יָמֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The implication is that if the Israelites obey Yahweh, they will live long lives. Yahweh will prolong the days of their lives. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. See how you translated this concept in 4:26. Alternate translation: “you might have long lives”

your days will be prolonged

Quote: יַאֲרִכֻ֥⁠ן יָמֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will prolong your days”

Deuteronomy 6:3

Israel

Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Israel represents the people of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Israelites”

And you shall listen, … and carefully do

Quote: וְ⁠שָׁמַעְתָּ֤ & וְ⁠שָׁמַרְתָּ֣ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֔וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more information about translating shall. Alternate translation: “And listen … and carefully do”

And you shall listen, … and carefully do

Quote: וְ⁠שָׁמַעְתָּ֤ & וְ⁠שָׁמַרְתָּ֣ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֔וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “And you shall listen to them … and carefully do them”

that … and that

Quote: אֲשֶׁר֙ & וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, that marks what comes after as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

you will greatly multiply

Quote: תִּרְבּ֖וּ⁠ן מְאֹ֑ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the number of Israelites will multiply by births. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “your population will greatly increase”

your fathers

Quote: אֲבֹתֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your predecessors”

spoke

Quote: דִּבֶּ֨ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will ensure that what he *spoke will happen. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “told you he would do”

in} a land flowing with milk and honey

Quote: אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, a land flowing with milk and honey is an idiom that means “a very fertile land.” The word milk* means that much cattle can survive there and produce milk. The word honey means that crops grow well there, so bees can produce honey**. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in a rich and fertile land” or “in a land good for cattle and crops”

Deuteronomy 6:4

Israel

Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Israel represents the people of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Israelites”

Yahweh {is} one

Quote: יְהוָ֥ה ׀ אֶחָֽד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could mean: (1) Yahweh is the only God that Israel worships. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is our only God” (2) Yahweh is the only God that exists. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the one and only God”

Deuteronomy 6:5

your heart … your soul

Quote: לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֥ & נַפְשְׁ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here heart and soul represent a person’s inner being, will, and desires. These terms are used together to mean “completely” or “wholeheartedly.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your inner being … your will”

Deuteronomy 6:6

And these words that I am commanding you today will be on your heart

Quote: וְ⁠הָי֞וּ הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֧י מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֛ הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם עַל־לְבָבֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, on your heart is an idiom that means “you will remember.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And bear in mind these words that I am commanding you today” or “And never forget these words that I am commanding you today”

I am commanding you

Quote: אָנֹכִ֧י מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This does not mean that the commandments are from Moses. Moses means that he is repeating commandments from Yahweh. You could include this information if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh commanded us and I am repeating to you”

Deuteronomy 6:7

to your sons

Quote: לְ⁠בָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your descendants”

when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road

Quote: בְּ⁠שִׁבְתְּ⁠ךָ֤ בְּ⁠בֵיתֶ֨⁠ךָ֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠לֶכְתְּ⁠ךָ֣ בַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Moses is referring to every place an Israelite would go in daily life by referring to two major categories of locations. The term in your house refers to the indoors, and on the road refers to the outdoors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “wherever you are”

and when you lie down and when you get up

Quote: וּֽ⁠בְ⁠שָׁכְבְּ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠בְ⁠קוּמֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Moses is referring to all activities of daily life by referring to two major categories of activities. The phrase lie down refers to resting, and the phrase get up refers to any other activity. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and whatever you are doing”

Deuteronomy 6:8-9

And you shall tie them as a sign on your hand. And they will be as frontlets between your eyes … And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates

Quote: וּ⁠קְשַׁרְתָּ֥⁠ם לְ⁠א֖וֹת עַל־יָדֶ֑⁠ךָ וְ⁠הָי֥וּ לְ⁠טֹטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֥ין עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ & וּ⁠כְתַבְתָּ֛⁠ם עַל־מְזוּזֹ֥ת בֵּיתֶ֖⁠ךָ וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁעָרֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The law was so important to remember that Moses wanted the Israelites to remember the law as though the law were written on their hand, between their eyes, on their doorposts, and on their gates. Alternate translation: “And you shall know the law so well that it was as if you tied them as a sign on your hand. And it will be as if they are frontlets between your eyes, and as if they were written on the doorposts of your house and on your gates”

Deuteronomy 6:8

as frontlets

Quote: לְ⁠טֹטָפֹ֖ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A frontlet is a type of decorative accessory, often used as a symbol of commitment, worn around the head. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of headwear, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “as a symbolic marker”

Deuteronomy 6:9

and on your gates

Quote: וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁעָרֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the word gates refers to city gates. In those days, homes did not have gates, so we know that Moses is referring to city gates. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and on the entryways to towns”

Deuteronomy 6:10

And it will happen that Yahweh your God will bring you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to you, {with} large and good cities that you did not build

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֞ה כִּ֥י יְבִיאֲ⁠ךָ֣ ׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗י⁠ךָ אֶל־הָ⁠אָ֜רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֧ע לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֛י⁠ךָ לְ⁠אַבְרָהָ֛ם לְ⁠יִצְחָ֥ק וּֽ⁠לְ⁠יַעֲקֹ֖ב לָ֣⁠תֶת לָ֑⁠ךְ עָרִ֛ים גְּדֹלֹ֥ת וְ⁠טֹבֹ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־בָנִֽיתָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of the clauses in this verse. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, that he would give to you the land. And it will happen that he will bring you into the land: This land has large and good cities that you did not build”

And it will happen

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֞ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent

Moses is using the word translated And it will happen to introduce a new topic in his speech. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new topic. Alternate translation: “Now, note”

will bring you

Quote: יְבִיאֲ⁠ךָ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “take” instead of bring. Alternate translation: “will take you”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֛י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors”

Deuteronomy 6:10-11

with} large and good cities that you did not build … and houses full of every good thing that you did not gather, and hewn cisterns that you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant

Quote: עָרִ֛ים גְּדֹלֹ֥ת וְ⁠טֹבֹ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־בָנִֽיתָ & וּ⁠בָ֨תִּ֜ים מְלֵאִ֣ים כָּל־טוּב֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא־מִלֵּאתָ֒ וּ⁠בֹרֹ֤ת חֲצוּבִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא־חָצַ֔בְתָּ כְּרָמִ֥ים וְ⁠זֵיתִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא־נָטָ֑עְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people groups who live on the land built cities and cultivated the land. When the Israelites conquer that land, they will take over all those good things. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “with large and good cities that you did not build, and houses full of every good thing that you did not gather, and hewn cisterns that you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant. You will take all of these from the people groups that you will drive out from the land.”

Deuteronomy 6:12

lest

Quote: פֶּן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning for a negative consequence. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case”

from the house of slaves

Quote: מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in Exodus 13:3. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the place where you were slaves”

Deuteronomy 6:13

Yahweh your God you shall fear and him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear

Quote: אֶת־יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ תִּירָ֖א וְ⁠אֹת֣⁠וֹ תַעֲבֹ֑ד וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the phrasing to emphasize that the Israelites should worship only Yahweh. Alternate translation: “It is Yahweh your God and no one else whom you shall fear; it is he alone whom you shall worship, and it is by his name and only his name that you shall swear”

and by his name you shall swear

Quote: וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that when the Israelites swear by Yahweh, that means they are asking Yahweh to take note of their promise and punish them if they do not fulfill their promise. Moses wants the Israelites to only invoke Yahweh’s name when making promises. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you shall make strong promises using his name”

and by his name you shall swear

Quote: וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents all of Yahweh: his power, presence, knowledge, and so on. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and swear by Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 6:14

Do not go after

Quote: לֹ֣א תֵֽלְכ֔וּ⁠ן אַחֲרֵ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of idols as if they were moving beings that one could physically go after and follow. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not serve”

Do not go … surround you

Quote: לֹ֣א תֵֽלְכ֔וּ⁠ן & סְבִיבוֹתֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

In this verse, you and the command form are plural. Use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

other gods, the gods of

Quote: אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֑ים מֵ⁠אֱלֹהֵי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression other gods, the gods of contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “other gods that are worshiped by”

the gods of the peoples who surround you

Quote: מֵ⁠אֱלֹהֵי֙ הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר סְבִיבוֹתֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe gods that the other peoples of the land worship. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an expression that describes the same relationship. Alternate translation: “the gods which the peoples who surround you worship”

the peoples who surround you

Quote: הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר סְבִיבוֹתֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the phrase the peoples who surround you refers to the people groups that live near the land that Yahweh is about to give to the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the neighboring peoples”

Deuteronomy 6:15

your God in your midst {… your God … against you, and he destroys you

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ בְּ⁠קִרְבֶּ֑⁠ךָ & אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ בָּ֔⁠ךְ וְ⁠הִשְׁמִ֣ידְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

for

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “and this is because”

in your midst

Quote: בְּ⁠קִרְבֶּ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This does not mean that Yahweh has a physical body that lives with the Israelites. Moses means that Yahweh has a special relationship with the Israelites. See the chapter introduction for more information. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “who is present with you”

lest

Quote: פֶּן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case”

the nose of Yahweh your God burns against you, and he destroys you

Quote: יֶ֠חֱרֶה אַף־יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ בָּ֔⁠ךְ וְ⁠הִשְׁמִ֣ידְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking as if Yahweh’s anger was a fire that burns and destroys things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God rages against you to the point of exterminating you”

the nose of

Quote: אַף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, nose represents anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a body part from your language that is associated with anger or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the anger of”

and he destroys you from the face of the earth

Quote: וְ⁠הִשְׁמִ֣ידְ⁠ךָ֔ מֵ⁠עַ֖ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

If the Israelites worship other gods, then Yahweh will destroy the Israelites so that none of them will be left on the face of the earth. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he exterminates you so that you no longer exist on the earth”

the face of

Quote: פְּנֵ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the surface of the earth and everything that exists on it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “existing on”

Deuteronomy 6:16

as you tested {him} at Massah

Quote: כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִסִּיתֶ֖ם בַּ⁠מַּסָּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to the events of Exodus 17:1-7, when the Israelites complained that there was no water. They wanted Yahweh to prove that he was powerful by giving them water when they asked for it. In the end, Yahweh gave the Israelites water from a rock, and the Israelite elders saw Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “as you tested him at Massah when you complained of thirst”

at Massah

Quote: בַּ⁠מַּסָּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Massah is the name of a place. It means means “testing.” See how you translated it in Exodus 17:7.

Deuteronomy 6:17

Keeping, you shall keep

Quote: שָׁמ֣וֹר תִּשְׁמְר֔וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

The words Keeping, you shall keep translate verbs that are repeated for emphasis. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation.

the commandments of Yahweh your God and his testimonies and his statutes that he has commanded you

Quote: אֶת־מִצְוֺ֖ת יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֑ם וְ⁠עֵדֹתָ֥י⁠ו וְ⁠חֻקָּ֖י⁠ו אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression the commandments of Yahweh your God that he has commanded you contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “the commandments of Yahweh your God and his testimonies and his statutes”

Deuteronomy 6:18

And you shall do … for you, and you may go in and possess … to your fathers

Quote: וְ⁠עָשִׂ֛יתָ & לָ֔⁠ךְ וּ⁠בָ֗אתָ וְ⁠יָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙ & לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular from this verse to verse 21. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

the right and the good

Quote: הַ⁠יָּשָׁ֥ר וְ⁠הַ⁠טּ֖וֹב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of right and good, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “rightly and well”

in the eyes of Yahweh

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in the eyes of is an idiom for one's opinion or evaluation. Moses speaks as if evaluating something were physically seeing it with one's eyes. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “according to the judgment of Yahweh”

so that

Quote: לְמַ֨עַן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what comes after the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

that Yahweh swore to your fathers

Quote: אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֥ע יְהוָ֖ה לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. The fact that Yahweh will give the land to the living Israelites is implied by what Moses said earlier in this speech. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh swore to your fathers that he would enable you to possess”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors”

Deuteronomy 6:18-19

that Yahweh swore to your fathers … as Yahweh has spoken

Quote: אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֥ע יְהוָ֖ה לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ & כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

The two phrases that Yahweh swore and as Yahweh has spoken mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases in a way that shows that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh swore to your fathers … indeed, just as Yahweh has spoken”

Deuteronomy 6:19

to thrust away

Quote: לַ⁠הֲדֹ֥ף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. It is implied that Yahweh is the subject from the previous clause. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “that he would thrust away”

from before your faces

Quote: מִ⁠פָּנֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from before you”

Deuteronomy 6:20

When your son asks you tomorrow, saying, ‘What {are} the testimonies and the statutes and the ordinances that Yahweh our God commanded you

Quote: כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָלְ⁠ךָ֥ בִנְ⁠ךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר מָ֣ה הָ⁠עֵדֹ֗ת וְ⁠הַֽ⁠חֻקִּים֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖י⁠נוּ אֶתְ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “When your son asks you tomorrow about the testimonies and the statues and the ordinances that Yahweh our God commanded you”

When your son asks you

Quote: כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָלְ⁠ךָ֥ בִנְ⁠ךָ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell the Israelites what they should do if it takes place. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “This is what you will say if your son asks you”

your son

Quote: בִנְ⁠ךָ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term son is masculine, Moses is using the word in a generic sense that includes both sons and daughters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “your child”

tomorrow

Quote: מָחָ֖ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here tomorrow means “in the future.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someday”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

What {are} the testimonies and the statutes and the ordinances that Yahweh our God commanded you

Quote: מָ֣ה הָ⁠עֵדֹ֗ת וְ⁠הַֽ⁠חֻקִּים֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖י⁠נוּ אֶתְ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here, the question word translated as What means “Why.” If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the phrasing. Alternate translation: “Why did Yahweh our God command you the testimonies and the statutes and the ordinances”

you

Quote: אֶתְ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word you here is plural. The Israelite children are speaking about all the Israelites who heard the law, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

Deuteronomy 6:21

And you shall say to your son, ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt. And Yahweh brought us out from Egypt with a mighty hand

Quote: וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ לְ⁠בִנְ⁠ךָ֔ עֲבָדִ֛ים הָיִ֥ינוּ לְ⁠פַרְעֹ֖ה בְּ⁠מִצְרָ֑יִם וַ⁠יּוֹצִיאֵ֧⁠נוּ יְהוָ֛ה מִ⁠מִּצְרַ֖יִם בְּ⁠יָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And you shall say to your son that you were slaves of Pharoah in Egypt, and that Yahweh brought you out from Egypt with a mighty hand”

to your son

Quote: לְ⁠בִנְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Although the term son is masculine, Moses is using the word in a generic sense that includes both sons and daughters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “to your child”

And Yahweh brought us out

Quote: וַ⁠יּוֹצִיאֵ֧⁠נוּ יְהוָ֛ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “took” instead of brought. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh took us out”

with a mighty hand

Quote: בְּ⁠יָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word hand represents God’s power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this in 4:34. Alternate translation: “with mighty strength”

Deuteronomy 6:22

And Yahweh gave

Quote: וַ⁠יִּתֵּ֣ן יְהוָ֡ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here gave means “did” or “performed”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh performed”

signs and wonders

Quote: אוֹתֹ֣ת וּ֠⁠מֹפְתִים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words signs and wonders mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “amazing signs”

great and terrible

Quote: גְּדֹלִ֨ים וְ⁠רָעִ֧ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh did great and terrible things to the people of Egypt through the 10 plagues in Exodus 7-11. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “great and terrible plagues”

on Egypt

Quote: בְּ⁠מִצְרַ֛יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Egypt represents the people of Egypt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on the Egyptians”

his house

Quote: בֵּית֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, house represents Pharaoh’s family and the officials in his court. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his royal court”

before our eyes

Quote: לְ⁠עֵינֵֽי⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, eyes represents the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and we witnessed it”

Deuteronomy 6:23

And he brought us out … bring us in

Quote: וְ⁠אוֹתָ֖⁠נוּ הוֹצִ֣יא & הָבִ֣יא אֹתָ֔⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “took” instead of brought. Alternate translation: “And he took us out … take us in”

in order to

Quote: לְמַ֨עַן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, in order to marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

bring us in

Quote: הָבִ֣יא אֹתָ֔⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. The fact that Yahweh is bringing the Israelites into the land is implied by the next phrase. You could supply these words from later in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “bring us into the land”

he swore to our fathers

Quote: נִשְׁבַּ֖ע לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵֽי⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. The fact that Yahweh will give the land to the living Israelites is implied by what Moses said earlier in this speech. You could supply these words from earlier in the passage if it would be clearer in your language. See how you translated this in verse 18.Alternate translation: “he swore to your fathers that he would give to you”

to our fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵֽי⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to our predecessors”

Deuteronomy 6:24

all of the days

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, all of the days is an idiom that means “always.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forever”

for good to us

Quote: לְ⁠ט֥וֹב לָ֨⁠נוּ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of good, you can express the same idea in another way, as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “so that we might prosper”

Deuteronomy 6:24-25

And Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our God for good to us all of the days, to keep us alive as this day … And it will be righteousness to us, if we keep doing all these commandments before the face of Yahweh our God, as he has commanded us

Quote: וַ⁠יְצַוֵּ֣⁠נוּ יְהוָ֗ה לַ⁠עֲשׂוֹת֙ אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠חֻקִּ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה לְ⁠יִרְאָ֖ה אֶת־יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֑י⁠נוּ לְ⁠ט֥וֹב לָ֨⁠נוּ֙ כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִ֔ים לְ⁠חַיֹּתֵ֖⁠נוּ כְּ⁠הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה & וּ⁠צְדָקָ֖ה תִּֽהְיֶה־לָּ֑⁠נוּ כִּֽי־נִשְׁמֹ֨ר לַ⁠עֲשׂ֜וֹת אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠מִּצְוָ֣ה הַ⁠זֹּ֗את לִ⁠פְנֵ֛י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖י⁠נוּ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּֽ⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that the Israelites will only receive these benefits if they obey Yahweh’s commandments. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. It may be helpful to reword these verses so that the conditional statement is clear. Alternate translation: “If we keep doing all these commandments before the face of Yahweh our God as he has commanded us, to fear Yahweh our God, then it will be for good to us all of the days, to keep us alive as this day, and it will be righteousness to us”

Deuteronomy 6:25

And it will be righteousness to us

Quote: וּ⁠צְדָקָ֖ה תִּֽהְיֶה־לָּ֑⁠נוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh will consider us as righteous”

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֛י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

Deuteronomy 7

Deuteronomy 7 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

• vv. 1-11: Moses reminds the Israelites that they belong to Yahweh because of their covenant with him.
• vv. 12-26: Blessings for obedience

Special Concepts in this Chapter

“You must completely destroy them”

The people of Canaan worshiped idols and did other things that were abominations to Yahweh. Since the Israelites had a special relationship with Yahweh, Yahweh used Israel to punish these nations for their idolatry by destroying them completely. Yahweh wanted the Israelites to live differently than those nations. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and mercy, merciful)

Abrahamic Covenant

This chapter references parts of the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham. Yahweh promised Abraham that he would have very many descendants. The Israelites are the descendants of Abraham, so Yahweh repeats his promise to them in Deuteronomy, telling them that they will prosper and increase their population if they obey him. (See: covenant and faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Other Potential Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Deuteronomy 7:1

your God brings you … you … from before your face—… than you

Quote: יְבִֽיאֲ⁠ךָ֙ & אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ & אַתָּ֥ה & מִ⁠פָּנֶ֡י⁠ךָ & מִמֶּֽ⁠ךָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular from this verse to verse 3. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

brings you

Quote: יְבִֽיאֲ⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “takes” instead of brings. Alternate translation: “takes you”

the land which you are going into to possess it

Quote: הָ⁠אָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה בָא־שָׁ֖מָּ⁠ה לְ⁠רִשְׁתָּ֑⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression the land which you are going into to possess it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “the land which you are going to possess”

from before your face

Quote: מִ⁠פָּנֶ֡י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word face represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Deuteronomy 7:2

and Yahweh your God will give them

Quote: וּ⁠נְתָנָ֞⁠ם יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here give them means “enable victory over them.” Moses speaks of victory in battle as if it were a physical object one person could give to another. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh your God will give victory over them”

before your face

Quote: לְ⁠פָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, face represents all of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to you”

and you shall strike them down, destroying, you shall destroy

Quote: וְ⁠הִכִּיתָ֑⁠ם הַחֲרֵ֤ם תַּחֲרִים֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more information about translating shall. Alternate translation: “and you should strike them down; destroying, you shall destroy”

destroying, you shall destroy

Quote: הַחֲרֵ֤ם תַּחֲרִים֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb destroy in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “utterly destroying”

Do not cut with them a covenant

Quote: לֹא־תִכְרֹ֥ת לָ⁠הֶ֛ם בְּרִ֖ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

To cut a covenant means to make a covenant. The phrase refers to ancient rituals around making covenants, which are illustrated in Genesis 15. See the imagery and how you translated there. Alternate translation: “Do not make a covenant with them”

a covenant

Quote: בְּרִ֖ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites should not make a peace treaty with the nations named in the previous verse. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a peace treaty”

Deuteronomy 7:3

And do not arrange marriages with them. Do not give your daughter to his son, and you shall not take his daughter for your son

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֥א תִתְחַתֵּ֖ן בָּ֑⁠ם בִּתְּ⁠ךָ֙ לֹא־תִתֵּ֣ן לִ⁠בְנ֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠בִתּ֖⁠וֹ לֹא־תִקַּ֥ח לִ⁠בְנֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In the time of this speech, parents would arrange marriages for their children. Their understanding of marriage was that a father would give his daughter in marriage, and the other family would take the daughter for their son. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could describe marriage in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not arrange marriages for your children with their children. Prevent your sons and daughters from becoming their spouses”

your daughter to his son, and … his daughter for your son

Quote: בִּתְּ⁠ךָ֙ & לִ⁠בְנ֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠בִתּ֖⁠וֹ & לִ⁠בְנֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the words son and daughter are singular in form, but they refer to all children of marrying age from the Israelites and the other people groups. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “any of your daughters to any of their sons, and … any of their daughters for any of your sons”

Deuteronomy 7:4

your son … and he will destroy you

Quote: בִּנְ⁠ךָ֙ & & וְ⁠הִשְׁמִידְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

For

Quote: כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “This is because”

they will turn away your son from after me

Quote: יָסִ֤יר אֶת־בִּנְ⁠ךָ֙ מֵֽ⁠אַחֲרַ֔⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking of disobeying Yahweh as if one could turn away from walking after Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will cause your son to disobey me”

your son

Quote: בִּנְ⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the word son is singular in form, but it refers to all descendants of the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “your offspring”

the nose of

Quote: אַף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, nose represents anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a body part from your language that is associated with anger or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the anger of”

And the nose of Yahweh will burn against you, and he will destroy you quickly

Quote: וְ⁠חָרָ֤ה אַף־יְהוָה֙ בָּ⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠הִשְׁמִידְ⁠ךָ֖ מַהֵֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking as if Yahweh’s anger were a fire that could burn and destroy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh will rage against you and rapidly exterminate you”

Deuteronomy 7:5

and smash their pillars

Quote: וּ⁠מַצֵּבֹתָ֖⁠ם תְּשַׁבֵּ֑רוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people groups in the land built stone pillars as symbols of their god Baal. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and smash their sacred stone pillars”

and cut their Asherah poles to pieces

Quote: וַ⁠אֲשֵֽׁירֵ⁠הֶם֙ תְּגַדֵּע֔וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people groups in the land made wooden poles to worship their goddess, Asherah. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and cut their wooden poles symbolizing the goddess Asherah to pieces”

Deuteronomy 7:6

you {… your God. … your God … you

Quote: אַתָּ֔ה & אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠ךָ בְּ⁠ךָ֞ & אֱלֹהֶ֗י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

For

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “This is because”

are} on the face of the earth

Quote: עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the surface of the earth and everything that exists on it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are anywhere on the earth”

Deuteronomy 7:7

not {… for

Quote: לֹ֣א & כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the words not and for here to indicate a strong contrast. Yahweh could have chosen a numerous people group, but he did not do that. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “not for the reason … but rather,”

you {were} the fewest of all the peoples

Quote: אַתֶּ֥ם הַ⁠מְעַ֖ט מִ⁠כָּל־הָ⁠עַמִּֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Moses says fewest of all the peoples here as an extreme statement for emphasis. The Israelites were most likely not the smallest people group. Moses means that they were insignificant compared to other people groups. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you were insignificant compared to the other peoples”

Deuteronomy 7:8

but

Quote: כִּי֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as but indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “since”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors”

with a mighty hand … from the hand of

Quote: בְּ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֑ה & מִ⁠יַּ֖ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word hand represents power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with mighty strength … from the control of”

from the house of slaves

Quote: מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית עֲבָדִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of the nation of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in Exodus 13:3. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the place where you were slaves”

Deuteronomy 7:9

And you shall know … your God

Quote: וְ⁠יָ֣דַעְתָּ֔ & אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

And you shall know

Quote: וְ⁠יָ֣דַעְתָּ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here know means “think about.” Moses is speaking of thinking about something as if it were knowing it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you shall consider”

and faithfulness

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠חֶ֗סֶד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faithfulness, you can express the same idea with “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “and is steadfast”

for a thousand generations

Quote: לְ⁠אֶ֥לֶף דּֽוֹר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, a thousand generations represents the concept of “forever.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this concept in 5:10. Alternate translation: “for all of his people always”

Deuteronomy 7:10

and he repays those who hate him to his face, to destroy him. He will not delay with him who hates him; he will repay him to his face

Quote: וּ⁠מְשַׁלֵּ֧ם לְ⁠שֹׂנְאָ֛י⁠ו אֶל־פָּנָ֖י⁠ו לְ⁠הַאֲבִיד֑⁠וֹ לֹ֤א יְאַחֵר֙ לְ⁠שֹׂ֣נְא֔⁠וֹ אֶל־פָּנָ֖י⁠ו יְשַׁלֶּם־לֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two sentences mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the sentences with a word that shows that the second sentence is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “and he repays those who hate him to his face, to destroy him. Indeed, he will not delay with him who hates him; he will repay him to his face”

to his face, … to his face

Quote: אֶל־פָּנָ֖י⁠ו & אֶל־פָּנָ֖י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using face to represent all of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “personally” … “personally”

He will not delay

Quote: לֹ֤א יְאַחֵר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Moses is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “He will act swiftly”

Deuteronomy 7:11

And you shall keep … command you

Quote: וְ⁠שָׁמַרְתָּ֨ & מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Deuteronomy 7:12

And it will be

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Here, And it will be indicates that what follows is a hypothetical condition. Yahweh will only bless the Israelites if they obey his commandments. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “And should it happen” or "And should it come to pass"

your God … for you … to your fathers

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֜י⁠ךָ לְ⁠ךָ֗ & לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

and keeping and doing

Quote: וּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

The two words keeping and doing express a single idea. The word keeping describes how the act of doing takes place. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “and faithfully doing”

and the faithfulness

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠חֶ֔סֶד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faithfulness, you can express the same idea with “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “with loyalty”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors”

Deuteronomy 7:13

And he will love you and bless you and multiply you. … your womb … your ground—your grain and your new wine and your oil, … your cattle … your flocks, … to your fathers … to you

Quote: וַ⁠אֲהֵ֣בְ⁠ךָ֔ וּ⁠בֵרַכְ⁠ךָ֖ וְ⁠הִרְבֶּ֑⁠ךָ & בִטְנְ⁠ךָ֣ & אַ֠דְמָתֶ⁠ךָ דְּגָ֨נְ⁠ךָ֜ וְ⁠תִֽירֹשְׁ⁠ךָ֣ וְ⁠יִצְהָרֶ֗⁠ךָ & אֲלָפֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ & צֹאנֶ֔⁠ךָ & לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֖י⁠ךָ & לָֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular from this verse to verse 24. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

and multiply you

Quote: וְ⁠הִרְבֶּ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the number of Israelites will multiply by births. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and increase your population”

the fruit of your womb

Quote: פְּרִֽי־בִטְנְ⁠ךָ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, fruit of your womb is an idiom that means “your ability to have many children.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fertility in childbirth”

and the fruit of your ground

Quote: וּ⁠פְרִֽי־אַ֠דְמָתֶ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the fruit of your ground is an idiom that means “your crops.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and your crops”

your grain and your new wine and your oil

Quote: דְּגָ֨נְ⁠ךָ֜ וְ⁠תִֽירֹשְׁ⁠ךָ֣ וְ⁠יִצְהָרֶ֗⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

In this verse, the words grain, wine, and oil are singular in form, but they refer to all crops and produce as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “all your crops of grain and all of your new wine and all of your oil”

and your new wine and your oil

Quote: וְ⁠תִֽירֹשְׁ⁠ךָ֣ וְ⁠יִצְהָרֶ֗⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will bless the crops of grapes and olives. Wine is made from grapes and oil is made from olives. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and your grapes for wine and your olive trees for oil”

your cattle

Quote: אֲלָפֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the word cattle refers to livestock such as bulls and cows. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “your bulls and cows”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors”

Deuteronomy 7:14

You will be blessed

Quote: בָּר֥וּךְ תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless you”

There will not be a barren male or a barren female among you or among your cattle

Quote: לֹא־יִהְיֶ֥ה בְ⁠ךָ֛ עָקָ֥ר וַֽ⁠עֲקָרָ֖ה וּ⁠בִ⁠בְהֶמְתֶּֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Moses is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “All your males and females will be fertile among you and among your cattle”

Deuteronomy 7:15

And Yahweh will take away from you all sickness

Quote: וְ⁠הֵסִ֧יר יְהוָ֛ה מִמְּ⁠ךָ֖ כָּל־חֹ֑לִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will take away sickness by keeping the Israelites free from sickness. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh will keep you free from all sickness”

the evil diseases of Egypt

Quote: מַדְוֵי֩ מִצְרַ֨יִם הָ⁠רָעִ֜ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here evil diseases of Egypt could refer to: (1) the plagues that Yahweh inflicted on Egypt. Alternate translation: “the evil plagues which the Egyptians experienced” (2) diseases which were common in Egypt. Alternate translation: “the evil diseases experienced by the Egyptians”

you have known

Quote: יָדַ֗עְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

Here you have known means “you have known about” or “you have heard of.” This does not mean “experienced,” which would imply that the Israelites also experienced all of the diseases that the Egyptians experienced. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “you have heard of”

he will not put them on you, and he will set them on all those who hate you

Quote: לֹ֤א יְשִׂימָ⁠ם֙ בָּ֔⁠ךְ וּ⁠נְתָנָ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠כָל־שֹׂנְאֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks as if disease were a heavy object that Yahweh would put on people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will prevent you from becoming ill, and he afflict those who hate you with those illnesses”

Deuteronomy 7:16

And you shall consume

Quote: וְ⁠אָכַלְתָּ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here consume means “completely destroy.” Moses is speaking of conquering a people group as if a person were eating food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you shall exterminate”

will give to you

Quote: נֹתֵ֣ן לָ֔⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here give means “allow to conquer.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will cause you to defeat”

your eye shall not pity them

Quote: לֹא־תָחֹ֥ס עֵֽינְ⁠ךָ֖ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here eye represents the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do not allow what you see to cause you to pity them”

for

Quote: כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because”

it will be a snare for you

Quote: מוֹקֵ֥שׁ ה֖וּא לָֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking of someone worshiping idols as if they were an animal caught in a hunter’s snare. Moses is saying that idolatry leads to certain destruction, just like a trapped animal faces destruction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it will be like a snare for you because you will keep on serving their gods”

Deuteronomy 7:17

If you say

Quote: כִּ֤י תֹאמַר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word If to introduce a hypothetical situation to encourage the Israelites. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “You might say”

you say in your heart

Quote: תֹאמַר֙ בִּ⁠לְבָ֣בְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, say in your heart is an idiom that means “think” or “say to yourself.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you say to yourself”

how can I dispossess them

Quote: אֵיכָ֥ה אוּכַ֖ל לְ⁠הוֹרִישָֽׁ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses is using the question form to illustrate how the Israelites might be afraid of the other nations. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I will not be able to dispossess them.”

Deuteronomy 7:18

Remembering, you shall remember

Quote: זָכֹ֣ר תִּזְכֹּ֗ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

The words Remembering, you shall remember translate verbs that are repeated for emphasis. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation.

Egypt

Quote: מִצְרָֽיִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Egypt represents the people of Egypt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians”

Deuteronomy 7:19

the great trials

Quote: הַ⁠מַּסֹּ֨ת הַ⁠גְּדֹלֹ֜ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the word trials refers to the plagues in Exodus 7-11 that Yahweh sent so that the Egyptians would see his power. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. See how you translated this in 4:34. Alternate translation: “the great plagues that Yahweh sent and”

your eyes

Quote: עֵינֶ֗י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using eyes to represent the whole person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you yourself”

and the signs and the wonders

Quote: וְ⁠הָ⁠אֹתֹ֤ת וְ⁠הַ⁠מֹּֽפְתִים֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words signs and wonders mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and the amazing signs”

and the mighty hand and the outstretched arm

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּ֤ד הַ⁠חֲזָקָה֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠זְּרֹ֣עַ הַ⁠נְּטוּיָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms mighty hand and outstretched arm mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and the very great power”

and the mighty hand

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּ֤ד הַ⁠חֲזָקָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word hand represents Yahweh’s power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the mighty power”

and the outstretched arm

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠זְּרֹ֣עַ הַ⁠נְּטוּיָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, arm refers to Yahweh’s power. Moses speaks of stretching out an arm as if it were a demonstration of supernatural power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the active strength”

brought you out

Quote: הוֹצִֽאֲ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “took” instead of brought. Alternate translation: “took you out”

you are afraid of their faces

Quote: אַתָּ֥ה יָרֵ֖א מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using faces to represent people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are afraid”

Deuteronomy 7:20

the hornet

Quote: הַ⁠צִּרְעָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A hornet is a stinging insect. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of insect, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “stinging insects”

will send the hornet against them

Quote: אֶת־הַ⁠צִּרְעָ֔ה יְשַׁלַּ֛ח & בָּ֑⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) God will cause the people to become terrified and want to run away. Alternate translation: “will cause them to feel terror” (2) God will send flying insects that sting people and cause pain.

from your face

Quote: מִ⁠פָּנֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Deuteronomy 7:21

from their faces

Quote: מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using faces to represent people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by them”

Deuteronomy 7:22

from your face

Quote: מִ⁠פָּנֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

lest

Quote: פֶּן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses uses the word lest to introduce an imaginary situation to help explain why Yahweh is driving out the nations slowly rather than quickly. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “in case”

the animals of the field multiply against you

Quote: תִּרְבֶּ֥ה עָלֶ֖י⁠ךָ חַיַּ֥ת הַ⁠שָּׂדֶֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the wild animals will increase in population and take over the land before the Israelites are able to cultivate all of the land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the animals of the field multiply before you can control their population”

the animals of the field

Quote: חַיַּ֥ת הַ⁠שָּׂדֶֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, animals of the field is an idiom that means “wild animals” or “nondomestic animals.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the beasts”

Deuteronomy 7:23

And Yahweh your God will give them

Quote: וּ⁠נְתָנָ֛⁠ם יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun them refers to the other nations mentioned in the previous verse. If this is not clear to your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh your God will give those other nations”

And Yahweh your God will give them

Quote: וּ⁠נְתָנָ֛⁠ם יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here give means “enable victory over.” Moses speaks of victory in battle as if it were a physical object one person could give to another. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh your God will give victory over them”

before your faces

Quote: לְ⁠פָנֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, before your faces means "before the Israelites." If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to you”

And he will confuse them {with} great confusion

Quote: וְ⁠הָמָ⁠ם֙ מְהוּמָ֣ה גְדֹלָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

For emphasis, Moses is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. You could also express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “And he will confuse them very greatly”

they are destroyed

Quote: הִשָּׁמְדָֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until you have destroyed them”

Deuteronomy 7:24

And he will give

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַ֤ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here give means “enable victory over.” Moses speaks of victory in battle as if it were a physical object one person could give to another. Alternate translation: “And he will give victory over”

into your hand

Quote: בְּ⁠יָדֶ֔⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word hand represents power or control. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into your control”

their name

Quote: שְׁמָ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents a person, their bloodline, and knowledge of them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “knowledge of them”

from under the heavens

Quote: מִ⁠תַּ֖חַת הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, under the heavens is an idiom that means “on earth.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the earth”

No man will stand

Quote: לֹֽא־יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב אִישׁ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here stand means “resist” or “stop.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “No man will survive the battle”

man

Quote: אִישׁ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

By man, Moses means anyone from the enemy people groups. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “fighting man from these peoples”

before your face

Quote: בְּ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Deuteronomy 7:25

do not covet … and take {it} for yourself, … you become trapped … your God

Quote: לֹֽא־תַחְמֹד֩ & וְ⁠לָקַחְתָּ֣ לָ֔⁠ךְ & תִּוָּקֵ֣שׁ & אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you, your, and the command covet are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

You shall burn … in fire

Quote: תִּשְׂרְפ֣וּ⁠ן בָּ⁠אֵ֑שׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression burn in fire contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression, as modeled by the UST.

silver and gold

Quote: כֶּ֨סֶף וְ⁠זָהָ֤ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Idols were often decorated with silver and gold and other precious materials. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the silver and gold overlays”

lest

Quote: פֶּ֚ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning for a negative consequence. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case”

you become trapped by it

Quote: תִּוָּקֵ֣שׁ בּ֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The gold or silver on the idols could cause the people to start worshiping them because the precious metals are attractive. Moses compares idol worship to a trap because it is very difficult to stop once you start worshiping idols. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this concept in verse 16. Alternate translation: “you start worshiping the idols and cannot stop”

you become trapped by it

Quote: תִּוָּקֵ֣שׁ בּ֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it entraps you”

for

Quote: כִּ֧י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because”

Deuteronomy 7:26

And do not bring … your house and become … you shall detest it, … you shall abhor it

Quote: וְ⁠לֹא־תָבִ֤יא & בֵּיתֶ֔⁠ךָ וְ⁠הָיִ֥יתָ & תְּשַׁקְּצֶ֛⁠נּוּ & תְּֽתַעֲבֶ֖⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you, your, and the command bring are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

an abomination

Quote: תֽוֹעֵבָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the specific type of abomination that Moses is referring to is an idol. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “any abomination of an idol”

and become banned

Quote: וְ⁠הָיִ֥יתָ חֵ֖רֶם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and God curses you”

Detesting, you shall detest it, and abhorring, you shall abhor it

Quote: שַׁקֵּ֧ץ ׀ תְּשַׁקְּצֶ֛⁠נּוּ וְ⁠תַעֵ֥ב ׀ תְּֽתַעֲבֶ֖⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms detest and abhor mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “You shall completely and utterly detest it”

Detesting, you shall detest it, and abhorring, you shall abhor it

Quote: שַׁקֵּ֧ץ ׀ תְּשַׁקְּצֶ֛⁠נּוּ וְ⁠תַעֵ֥ב ׀ תְּֽתַעֲבֶ֖⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

The phrases Detesting, you shall detest it and abhorring, you shall abhor it translate verbs that are repeated for emphasis. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation.

for

Quote: כִּי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “since”

Deuteronomy 8

Deuteronomy 8 General Notes

Outline

• vv. 1-10: Moses reminds the Israelites of Yahweh’s provision for them in the desert
• vv. 11-20: Moses warns the Israelites to remember Yahweh

Structure

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Forgetting

Moses reminds the living Israelites about all the miracles that Yahweh did for them to bring them out of Egypt and survive in the wilderness. In the wilderness, the Israelites complained and grumbled. It was easy for them to forget what Yahweh did for them and disobey Yahweh. As a result, Yahweh punished that generation by causing them to die in the wilderness without entering the land. The living Israelites are the children of that generation. Moses is warning them not to make the same mistakes as their parents did. (See: INVALID bible/kt/Israel)

Other Possible Translation Issues in this Chapter

“You”

When Moses is addressing the Israelites, he uses both the singular and plural forms of “You.”

• vv. 1: See notes.
• vv. 2-19: “You” and “your” are singular.
• vv. 20: “you” and “your” are plural.

(See: Pronouns — When to Use Them and Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Deuteronomy 8:1

am commanding you

Quote: מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you is singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

You shall keep

Quote: תִּשְׁמְר֣וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more infromation about translating shall. Alternate translation: “Keep”

so that

Quote: לְמַ֨עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what comes before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

you may live and multiply

Quote: תִּֽחְי֜וּ⁠ן וּ⁠רְבִיתֶ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites will continue to live in the land and multiply their population with many births if they obey Yahweh. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you may dwell in the land for a long time and multiply your population”

Yahweh swore to your fathers

Quote: נִשְׁבַּ֥ע יְהוָ֖ה לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. The fact that Yahweh will give the land to the living Israelites is implied by what Moses said earlier in this speech. You could supply these words from earlier in the passage if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh swore to your fathers that he would give to you”

Deuteronomy 8:2

And you shall remember … your God has led you … he might humble you, to test you … was} in your heart

Quote: וְ⁠זָכַרְתָּ֣ & הֹלִֽיכֲ⁠ךָ֜ & אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ & עַנֹּֽתְ⁠ךָ֜ לְ⁠נַסֹּֽתְ⁠ךָ֗ & בִּֽ⁠לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular from this verse to verse 19. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

all the way

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠דֶּ֗רֶךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, all the way represents everything that the Israelites saw, heard, and experienced during the time they were in the wilderness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everything that happened on the journey”

so that … to test you to know

Quote: לְמַ֨עַן & לְ⁠נַסֹּֽתְ⁠ךָ֗ לָ⁠דַ֜עַת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the words so that and to mark what follows as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

what {was} in your heart

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֧ר בִּֽ⁠לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, heart refers to a person’s inner being and will. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what you truly wanted”

Deuteronomy 8:3

and fed you manna

Quote: וַ⁠יַּֽאֲכִֽלְ⁠ךָ֤ אֶת הַ⁠מָּן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This does not mean that Yahweh personally fed the Israelites like a mother would feed her infant. What Moses means is that Yahweh provided manna from heaven for the Israelites to eat, as Exodus 16 describes. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “and gave you manna to eat”

you had not known and your fathers had not known

Quote: לֹא־יָדַ֔עְתָּ וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָדְע֖וּ⁠ן אֲבֹתֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression you had not known and your fathers had not known contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “you and your fathers had not known”

man … the man

Quote: הָֽ⁠אָדָ֔ם & הָ⁠אָדָֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the word man is singular in form, but it refers to all human beings as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “humankind … humankind”

bread

Quote: הַ⁠לֶּ֤חֶם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, bread represents all food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “eating meals”

everything coming out of the mouth of Yahweh

Quote: כָּל־מוֹצָ֥א פִֽי־יְהוָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, mouth represents the act of speaking, and everything coming out represents the words or commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh declares”

Deuteronomy 8:4

Your clothing did not wear out from upon you, and your feet did not swell up these 40 years

Quote: שִׂמְלָ֨תְ⁠ךָ֜ לֹ֤א בָֽלְתָה֙ מֵֽ⁠עָלֶ֔י⁠ךָ וְ⁠רַגְלְ⁠ךָ֖ לֹ֣א בָצֵ֑קָה זֶ֖ה אַרְבָּעִ֥ים שָׁנָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh protected and provided for the Israelites. As a result, their clothing did not wear out and their feet did not swell up even though they walked for 40 years in the wilderness. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh protected you so that your provisions did not run out and you remained healthy for those 40 years in the wilderness”

Your clothing did not wear out from upon you

Quote: שִׂמְלָ֨תְ⁠ךָ֜ לֹ֤א בָֽלְתָה֙ מֵֽ⁠עָלֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression Your clothing did not wear out from upon you contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “Your clothing did not wear out”

Deuteronomy 8:5

And you shall know with your heart

Quote: וְ⁠יָדַעְתָּ֖ עִם־לְבָבֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the expression know with your heart means “think about” or “reflect on.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you shall consider”

a man instructs his son

Quote: יְיַסֵּ֥ר אִישׁ֙ אֶת־בְּנ֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-genericnoun

In this verse, the words man and son are singular in form, but refer to all parents and children as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “a parent instructs a child”

Deuteronomy 8:6

to walk in his ways

Quote: לָ⁠לֶ֥כֶת בִּ⁠דְרָכָ֖י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, walk in his ways means “obey him.” Moses is speaking of obedience as if it were physically walking on a path. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to obey him”

Deuteronomy 8:7

is bringing you

Quote: מְבִֽיאֲ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “taking” instead of bringing. Alternate translation: “is taking you”

a land of

Quote: אֶ֚רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe a land that has the features that follow. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable way of expressing landmarks. Alternate translation: “a land that features”

brooks of water, fountains and springs coming out in valleys and in hills

Quote: נַ֣חֲלֵי מָ֔יִם עֲיָנֹת֙ וּ⁠תְהֹמֹ֔ת יֹצְאִ֥ים בַּ⁠בִּקְעָ֖ה וּ⁠בָ⁠הָֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that water comes up from under the ground even in the mountains. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: "plentiful water in both the valleys and the hills" or "flowing out in both the valleys and the hills"

brooks of water, fountains and springs

Quote: נַ֣חֲלֵי מָ֔יִם עֲיָנֹת֙ וּ⁠תְהֹמֹ֔ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Here, brooks of water, fountains, and springs are all types of flowing bodies of water. If your language does not have this distinction between bodies of water, you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “rivers”

Deuteronomy 8:8

a land of … a land of

Quote: אֶ֤רֶץ & אֶֽרֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe a land that produces certain types of crops. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable way of describing the land. Alternate translation: “a land that can produce … a land that can produce”

Deuteronomy 8:9

where you will eat bread in it not with poverty

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹ֤א בְ⁠מִסְכֵּנֻת֙ תֹּֽאכַל־בָּ֣⁠הּ לֶ֔חֶם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the phrasing of this clause. Alternate translation: “where you will eat bread without scarcity”

bread

Quote: לֶ֔חֶם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, bread represents all food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “meals”

not with poverty

Quote: לֹ֤א בְ⁠מִסְכֵּנֻת֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Moses is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, no, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “in abundance”

with poverty

Quote: בְ⁠מִסְכֵּנֻת֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of poverty, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: "being poor" or “feeling hungry”

you will not lack anything in it

Quote: לֹֽא־תֶחְסַ֥ר כֹּ֖ל בָּ֑⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Moses is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “where everything in it will be sufficient for you”

its stones {are} iron, and from the hills you may dig copper

Quote: אֲבָנֶ֣י⁠הָ בַרְזֶ֔ל וּ⁠מֵ⁠הֲרָרֶ֖י⁠הָ תַּחְצֹ֥ב נְחֹֽשֶׁת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that one can dig (as in, mine) for iron and copper ore in the land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “there is iron ore and there is copper ore that you can mine”

copper

Quote: נְחֹֽשֶׁת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Here, the word copper refers to a soft metal used for making tools and other utensils. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of metal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “soft metal”

Deuteronomy 8:11

lest

Quote: פֶּן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses uses the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case”

Deuteronomy 8:12

lest

Quote: פֶּן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses uses the word lest to continue the hypothetical condition from the previous verse. If the connection between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a connecting word to show how this statement relates to what came before it. Use a natural form in your language to connect this statement to the previous one. Alternate translation: “especially if” or "and in case"

Deuteronomy 8:14

and your heart is lifted up

Quote: וְ⁠רָ֖ם לְבָבֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

In this verse, Moses gives the negative consequences that could happen as a result of the previous verses. If the connection between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a connecting word to show how this statement relates to what came before it. Use a natural form in your language for connecting this statement to the previous one. Alternate translation: “so that your heart is lifted up”

and your heart is lifted up

Quote: וְ⁠רָ֖ם לְבָבֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, your heart is lifted up is an idiom that means “you become proud.” The heart represents a person’s inner being. Height represents pride, so a lifted up heart is a proud heart. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you become prideful” or “and you become conceited”

from the house of slaves

Quote: מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in Exodus 13:3. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the place where you were slaves”

Deuteronomy 8:15

and terrible

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָ֗א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the wilderness causes terror because it is dangerous. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. See how you translated this in 1:19. Alternate translation: “and unsafe”

fiery serpent and scorpion

Quote: נָחָ֤שׁ ׀ שָׂרָף֙ וְ⁠עַקְרָ֔ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the words serpent and scorpion are singular in form, but they refer to all serpents and scorpions in the wilderness as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “fiery serpents and scorpions”

fiery serpent

Quote: נָחָ֤שׁ ׀ שָׂרָף֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

This phrase begins a list of the “great and terrible” things that the Israelites encountered in the wilderness. If the connection between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a connecting word to show how this statement relates to what came before it. Use a natural form in your language for connecting this statement to the previous one. Alternate translation: “which had the fiery serpent”

fiery serpent

Quote: נָחָ֤שׁ ׀ שָׂרָף֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here fiery serpent could mean that: (1) the venom from the bite of the serpent causes burning, fiery pain. Alternate translation: “poisonous serpent” (2) the serpent is some unknown creature that physically emits fire. Alternate translation: “burning serpent”

and scorpion

Quote: וְ⁠עַקְרָ֔ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A scorpion is a poisonous creature that crawls on the ground, similar to a spider. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of poisonous creature, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “and poisonous creature”

and thirsty ground

Quote: וְ⁠צִמָּא֖וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the ground was thirsty because the region was dry, with very little rain there. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and waterless land”

he brought out water for you from the rock of flint

Quote: הַ⁠מּוֹצִ֤יא לְ⁠ךָ֙ מַ֔יִם מִ⁠צּ֖וּר הַֽ⁠חַלָּמִֽישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the events of Numbers 20:2-13, when Yahweh broke open a rock and caused water to pour out of the rock. The Israelites complained that they had no water, so Yahweh performed this miracle for them. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “he brought out water from the rock of flint when you complained of thirst”

from the rock of flint

Quote: מִ⁠צּ֖וּר הַֽ⁠חַלָּמִֽישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe a rock that has the qualities of flint. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression to describe hard rock. Alternate translation: “from the flinty rock”

from the rock of flint

Quote: מִ⁠צּ֖וּר הַֽ⁠חַלָּמִֽישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Here the word flint refers to a hard, solid type of rock that can be used to ignite fires. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of rock, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “from the rock that was very hard”

Deuteronomy 8:16

He fed you manna in the wilderness

Quote: הַ⁠מַּֽאֲכִ֨לְ⁠ךָ֥ מָן֙ בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This does not mean that Yahweh personally fed the Israelites like a mother would feed her infant. What Moses means is that Yahweh sent manna from heaven for the Israelites to eat. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “and provided you with manna to eat”

so that … and so that

Quote: לְמַ֣עַן & וּ⁠לְמַ֨עַן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

in your end

Quote: בְּ⁠אַחֲרִיתֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh would “do good” to the Israelites at the end of all the testing and trials they experienced. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “at the end of all the testing”

Deuteronomy 8:17

And you will say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand made for me this wealth

Quote: וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֖ בִּ⁠לְבָבֶ֑⁠ךָ כֹּחִ⁠י֙ וְ⁠עֹ֣צֶם יָדִ֔⁠י עָ֥שָׂה לִ֖⁠י אֶת־הַ⁠חַ֥יִל הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

As modeled by the UST, if it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And you will say in your heart that your power and the might of your hand made for you this wealth”

And you will say in your heart

Quote: וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֖ בִּ⁠לְבָבֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated this in 7:17. Alternate translation: “And you will say to yourselves”

and the might of my hand

Quote: וְ⁠עֹ֣צֶם יָדִ֔⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, hand represents the whole person in the act of using their might. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my own might”

this wealth

Quote: הַ⁠חַ֥יִל הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, this wealth refers to all the good things that Moses listed in verses 7-10 and 12-13. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “this prosperity and all these possessions”

Deuteronomy 8:18

so that

Quote: לְמַ֨עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

he may establish his covenant

Quote: הָקִ֧ים אֶת־בְּרִית֛⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will only establish, or fulfill, his promises to bless the Israelites if the Israelites fulfill their promises made in the covenant. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he may fulfill his covenant”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors”

as this day

Quote: כַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that at the same time that Moses is speaking to the Israelites, Yahweh is fulfilling the covenant. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as he is doing now”

Deuteronomy 8:19

forgetting, you forget … perishing, you will perish

Quote: שָׁכֹ֤חַ תִּשְׁכַּח֙ & אָבֹ֖ד תֹּאבֵדֽוּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verbs forget and perish in order to intensify the idea that they express. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you indeed forget … you will indeed perish”

and walk after

Quote: וְ⁠הָֽלַכְתָּ֗ אַחֲרֵי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, walk after means “worship.” Moses is speaking of worshiping idols as if they were walking behind them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and serve”

I testify against you

Quote: הַעִדֹ֤תִי בָ⁠כֶם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformulas

The phrase I testify against you is an oath formula used as a strong warning. Use a natural way in your language to express a strong warning. Alternate translation: “I promise you”

Deuteronomy 8:20

from before your faces

Quote: מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

you would not listen to the voice of

Quote: לֹ֣א תִשְׁמְע֔וּ⁠ן בְּ⁠ק֖וֹל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word listen means to listen and obey. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you would not obey the voice of”

to the voice of

Quote: בְּ⁠ק֖וֹל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents the words that Yahweh spoke, which include his commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to the words of”

Deuteronomy 9

Deuteronomy 9 General Notes

General Outline

• vv. 1-6: Moses reminds the Israelites that Yahweh did not choose them because they were righteous
• vv. 7-29: Moses recounts the Israelites’ sin when they worshiped the golden calf

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Yahweh’s victory

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

Israel’s sin

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

Other Possible Translation Issues in This Chapter

“You”

When Moses is addressing the Israelites, he uses both the singular and plural forms of “you.”

• vv. 1-6: “You” and “your” are singular.
• vv. 7: See note.
• vv. 8-9: “You” and “your” are plural.
• vv. 16-25: “You” and “your” are plural.

(See: Pronouns — When to Use Them and Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Deuteronomy 9:1

Hear, … You … than you

Quote: שְׁמַ֣ע & אַתָּ֨ה & מִמֶּ֑⁠ךָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, commands and the words you and your are singular from this verse to verse 6. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Israel

Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Israel represents the people of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Israelites”

and fortified to the heavens

Quote: וּ⁠בְצֻרֹ֖ת בַּ⁠שָּׁמָֽיִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Moses says fortified to the heavens here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. See how you translated this phrase in 1:28. Alternate translation: “and extremely well-fortified”

Deuteronomy 9:2

the sons of

Quote: בְּנֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the offspring of”

you yourself know, and you yourself have heard

Quote: אַתָּ֤ה יָדַ֨עְתָּ֙ וְ⁠אַתָּ֣ה שָׁמַ֔עְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Moses is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already included in the verbs know and heard. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourself. Alternate translation: “you indeed know, and you indeed have heard”

and you yourself have heard

Quote: וְ⁠אַתָּ֣ה שָׁמַ֔עְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word heard means “heard rumors of.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and of whom you have heard it said”

Who can stand before the faces of the sons of Anak

Quote: מִ֣י יִתְיַצֵּ֔ב לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י עֲנָֽק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses is using the question form to emphasize that people were afraid of the Anakites. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “There is no one who can stand before the faces of the sons of Anak.”

can stand

Quote: יִתְיַצֵּ֔ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here stand means “resist” or “oppose in battle.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “can endure in battle”

before the faces of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

Deuteronomy 9:3

And you shall know

Quote: וְ⁠יָדַעְתָּ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more infromation about translating shall. Alternate translation: “And know”

And you shall know

Quote: וְ⁠יָדַעְתָּ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here know means “experience.” Moses is speaking of knowing as experiencing for oneself the things he is describing. He is telling them what lies ahead of them. Alternate translation: “And you shall experience”

a devouring fire

Quote: אֵ֣שׁ אֹֽכְלָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of Yahweh's response, when he is jealous, as if it were a devouring fire. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is a destroyer of people who disobey him, just as a fire burns its fuel to ashes”

he himself will destroy them, and he himself will subdue them before your face

Quote: ה֧וּא יַשְׁמִידֵ֛⁠ם וְ⁠ה֥וּא יַכְנִיעֵ֖⁠ם לְ⁠פָנֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “he will destroy them; indeed, he will subdue them before your faces”

he himself will destroy them, and he himself will subdue them

Quote: ה֧וּא יַשְׁמִידֵ֛⁠ם וְ⁠ה֥וּא יַכְנִיעֵ֖⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Moses is stating the pronoun he, whose meaning is already included in the verbs destroy and subdue. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun himself. Alternate translation: “it is he who will destroy them, and it is he who will subdue them”

before your face

Quote: לְ⁠פָנֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Deuteronomy 9:4

You shall not say in your heart

Quote: אַל־תֹּאמַ֣ר בִּ⁠לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֗ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, say in your heart is an idiom that means “think” or “say to yourself.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this in 7:17. Alternate translation: “You shall not think”

when Yahweh your God has thrust them out

Quote: בַּ⁠הֲדֹ֣ף יְהוָה֩ אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ אֹתָ֥⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, when means “after.” You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “after Yahweh your God has thrust them out”

when Yahweh your God has thrust them out

Quote: בַּ⁠הֲדֹ֣ף יְהוָה֩ אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ אֹתָ֥⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh will thrust out the people of the other nations by driving them off of the land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when Yahweh your God has driven them out”

from before your face, … from before your face

Quote: מִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנֶי⁠ךָ֮ & מִ⁠פָּנֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you … before you”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹר֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

In my righteousness … but in the wickedness of

Quote: בְּ⁠צִדְקָתִ⁠י֙ & וּ⁠בְ⁠רִשְׁעַת֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of righteousness and wickedness, you could express these ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “Since I am righteous … for the wicked deeds of”

In my righteousness … but in the wickedness of

Quote: בְּ⁠צִדְקָתִ⁠י֙ & וּ⁠בְ⁠רִשְׁעַת֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here In means “because of.” You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Due to my righteousness … but due to the wickedness of”

has brought me in

Quote: הֱבִיאַ֣⁠נִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “taken” instead of brought. Alternate translation: “has taken me in”

but in the wickedness of

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠רִשְׁעַת֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word but here to indicate a strong contrast between what the Israelites might think and the real reason why Yahweh is giving them the land. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nevertheless, in the wickedness of”

Deuteronomy 9:5

Not in your righteousness or in the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but in the wickedness of these nations, Yahweh your God is driving them out from your face

Quote: לֹ֣א בְ⁠צִדְקָתְ⁠ךָ֗ וּ⁠בְ⁠יֹ֨שֶׁר֙ לְבָ֣בְ⁠ךָ֔ אַתָּ֥ה בָ֖א לָ⁠רֶ֣שֶׁת אֶת־אַרְצָ֑⁠ם כִּ֞י בְּ⁠רִשְׁעַ֣ת ׀ הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֣ם הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ מוֹרִישָׁ֣⁠ם מִ⁠פָּנֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This sentence means basically the same thing as the previous verse. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the sentences that would make this clear. Alternate translation: “I reiterate, not in your righteousness or in the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but in the wickedness of these nations, Yahweh your God is driving them out from before your face”

in your righteousness or in the uprightness of your heart

Quote: בְ⁠צִדְקָתְ⁠ךָ֗ & וּ⁠בְ⁠יֹ֨שֶׁר֙ לְבָ֣בְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of righteousness and uprightness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “in your righteous acts or your upright heart”

in your righteousness or in the uprightness

Quote: בְ⁠צִדְקָתְ⁠ךָ֗ וּ⁠בְ⁠יֹ֨שֶׁר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, in means “because of.” You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “because of your righteousness or because of the uprightness”

of your heart

Quote: לְבָ֣בְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, heart refers to a person’s will and inner being. In this case, the desire is to fear Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of your desires”

are you going in

Quote: אַתָּ֥ה בָ֖א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” instead of going. Alternate translation: “are you coming in”

but

Quote: כִּ֞י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word but here to indicate a strong contrast between what the Israelites might think and the real reason why Yahweh is giving them the land. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but, rather,”

from your face

Quote: מִ⁠פָּנֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

and so that

Quote: וּ⁠לְמַ֜עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks “Yahweh may establish the word” as the goal or purpose of “Yahweh your God is driving them out.” Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

may establish

Quote: הָקִ֣ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, establish means “fulfill”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this concept in 8:18. Alternate translation: “may fulfill”

the word

Quote: הַ⁠דָּבָ֗ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, word represents what someone said, which, in this case, is the promise that Yahweh spoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the promise”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors”

Deuteronomy 9:6

in your righteousness

Quote: בְ⁠צִדְקָֽתְ⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here in means “because of.” You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “because of your righteousness”

in your righteousness

Quote: בְ⁠צִדְקָֽתְ⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in your good deeds”

are} a people stiff of neck

Quote: עַם־קְשֵׁה־עֹ֖רֶף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, stiff of neck is an idiom that means “stubborn” and “rebellious.” The image comes from an animal that does not want to go the way his master is trying to direct him. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are a hard-hearted people” or “are a rebellious people”

Deuteronomy 9:7

Remember, you shall not forget … you provoked … your God to anger … you went out

Quote: זְכֹר֙ אַל־תִּשְׁכַּ֔ח & הִקְצַ֛פְתָּ & אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ & יָצָ֣אתָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, the command Remember, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Remember, you shall not forget

Quote: זְכֹר֙ אַל־תִּשְׁכַּ֔ח (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words remember and you shall not forget mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Remember, indeed, you shall not forget”

you came … you have been

Quote: בֹּֽאֲ⁠כֶם֙ & הֱיִיתֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

The pronoun you here is plural. Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

this place

Quote: הַ⁠מָּק֣וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, this place refers to the Jordan River valley, where the Israelites are camping. This is where Moses is speaking to the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “this valley”

Deuteronomy 9:8

And at Horeb

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠חֹרֵ֥ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the events of Exodus 32, when the Israelites disobeyed Yahweh by making and worshiping a golden calf. Yahweh wanted to destroy the Israelites for their rebellion, but Moses prayed to Yahweh to have mercy on the Israelites. As a result, Yahweh allowed the Israelites to survive. Alternate translation: “And you worshiped the golden calf at Horeb, and”

you provoked … to anger, … with you … you

Quote: הִקְצַפְתֶּ֖ם & בָּ⁠כֶ֖ם & אֶתְ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

The pronoun you here is plural. Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

Deuteronomy 9:9

the tablets of the covenant

Quote: לוּחֹ֣ת הַ⁠בְּרִ֔ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe the tablets on which Yahweh wrote the covenant, specifically, the words of the Ten Commandments. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression to describe a tablet with writing on it. Alternate translation: “the tablets that had the words of the covenant on them”

the covenant that Yahweh cut

Quote: הַ⁠בְּרִ֔ית אֲשֶׁר־כָּרַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

To cut a covenant means to make a covenant. The phrase refers to ancient rituals around making covenants, which is illustrated in Genesis 15. See the imagery and how you translated there. Alternate translation: “the covenant that Yahweh made”

bread I did not eat and water I did not drink

Quote: לֶ֚חֶם לֹ֣א אָכַ֔לְתִּי וּ⁠מַ֖יִם לֹ֥א שָׁתִֽיתִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Moses chose to go without food or water while he was on the mountain. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “bread I chose not to eat and water I chose not to drink”

bread

Quote: לֶ֚חֶם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, bread represents all food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “food”

Deuteronomy 9:10

written with the finger of God

Quote: כְּתֻבִ֖ים בְּ⁠אֶצְבַּ֣ע אֱלֹהִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form written, you could state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “on which the finger of God wrote”

written with the finger of God

Quote: כְּתֻבִ֖ים בְּ⁠אֶצְבַּ֣ע אֱלֹהִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that it was God who wrote on the stone, not Moses. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “written by the finger of God himself”

was} according to all the words that Yahweh spoke with you on the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly

Quote: כְּֽ⁠כָל־הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֡ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבֶּר֩ יְהוָ֨ה עִמָּ⁠כֶ֥ם בָּ⁠הָ֛ר מִ⁠תּ֥וֹךְ הָ⁠אֵ֖שׁ בְּ⁠י֥וֹם הַ⁠קָּהָֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the events of Exodus 19, when the Israelites gathered at the base of Mount Sinai while Moses went to the top. There, Yahweh told Moses all the commandments from a fire at the top of Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: “was according to all the words that Yahweh spoke to you from the fire on the top of the mountain while you were gathered at the base of the mountain”

Deuteronomy 9:11

And it happened

Quote: וַ⁠יְהִ֗י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent

Moses is using the word translated as And it happened to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Then”

the tablets of the covenant

Quote: לֻח֥וֹת הַ⁠בְּרִֽית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe the tablets on which Yahweh wrote the covenant, specifically, the words of the Ten Commandments. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression to describe a tablet with writing on it. Alternate translation: “the tablets that had the words of the covenant on them”

Deuteronomy 9:12

And Yahweh said to me, ‘Get up, go down quickly from here, for your people, whom you brought out from Egypt, have become corrupted. They have quickly turned aside from the path that I commanded them. They have made for themselves a cast figure

Quote: וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗⁠י ק֣וּם רֵ֤ד מַהֵר֙ מִ⁠זֶּ֔ה כִּ֚י שִׁחֵ֣ת עַמְּ⁠ךָ֔ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹצֵ֖אתָ מִ⁠מִּצְרָ֑יִם סָ֣רוּ מַהֵ֗ר מִן־הַ⁠דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוִּיתִ֔⁠ם עָשׂ֥וּ לָ⁠הֶ֖ם מַסֵּכָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh commanded me to leave the mountain because you had turned aside from his path and made a cast figure for yourselves”

from here

Quote: מִ⁠זֶּ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the top of Mount Sinai, where Yahweh told Moses the commandments. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from the top of this mountain”

for

Quote: כִּ֚י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “since”

your people

Quote: עַמְּ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here Yahweh is using the possessive form to describe the people that Moses leads. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression to describe leadership. Alternate translation: “the people whom you oversee”

have become corrupted

Quote: שִׁחֵ֣ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the term acted corruptly means "sinned" or "did wrong." You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “have transgressed”

They have quickly turned aside from the path that I commanded them

Quote: סָ֣רוּ מַהֵ֗ר מִן־הַ⁠דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוִּיתִ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Yahweh is speaking of commandments as if they were a path and saying that disobeying commandments is like turning aside from that path. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They have quickly disobeyed my commands”

Deuteronomy 9:13

And Yahweh said to me, saying, ‘I have seen this people, and behold: it {is} a people stiff of neck

Quote: וַ⁠יֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֵלַ֣⁠י לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר רָאִ֨יתִי֙ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֣ם הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה עַם־קְשֵׁה־עֹ֖רֶף הֽוּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh told me that he saw you, and that you are a people stiff of neck”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

I have seen this people

Quote: רָאִ֨יתִי֙ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֣ם הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh has seen and knows everything that the Israelites do. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I know the actions of this people”

and behold

Quote: וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is using the term behold to focus Moses’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and indeed”

it {is} a people

Quote: עַם & הֽוּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to the people of Israel. If it would be more natural in your language, you could use a plural pronoun here. Alternate translation: “this people is”

is} a people stiff of neck

Quote: עַם־ קְשֵׁה־ עֹ֖רֶף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, stiff of neck is an idiom that means “stubborn” and “rebellious.” The image comes from an animal that does not want to go the way his master is trying to direct him. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is a hard-hearted people” or “is a rebellious people”

Deuteronomy 9:14

Leave me be

Quote: הֶ֤רֶף מִמֶּ֨⁠נִּי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

When he says Leave me be, Yahweh means that Moses should not try to stop him. As God, Yahweh is everywhere, so Moses would not be able to leave the presence of Yahweh. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “Do not interfere”

and I will destroy them and blot out their name from under the heavens

Quote: וְ⁠אַשְׁמִידֵ֔⁠ם וְ⁠אֶמְחֶ֣ה אֶת־שְׁמָ֔⁠ם מִ⁠תַּ֖חַת הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy them; indeed, I will blot out their name from under the heavens”

and blot out their name from under the heavens

Quote: וְ⁠אֶמְחֶ֣ה אֶת־שְׁמָ֔⁠ם מִ⁠תַּ֖חַת הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of destroying the Israelites as if he were blotting out a word written on paper. Yahweh means that he will blot out the memory of their name, and by extension, everything about them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and no one will know they ever existed”

and I will make you a nation

Quote: וְ⁠אֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙ אֽוֹתְ⁠ךָ֔ לְ⁠גוֹי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will cause Moses to have so many descendants that those descendants will become a nation to replace the Israelites. This nation would be “mightier and greater” than the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and I will make a nation from you and your descendants, one that is”

Deuteronomy 9:15

And I turned

Quote: וָ⁠אֵ֗פֶן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the word turned describes the beginning of Moses' action. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “And I got up”

and came down

Quote: וָֽ⁠אֵרֵד֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “and went down”

and the mountain was burning with the fire

Quote: וְ⁠הָ⁠הָ֖ר בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּ⁠אֵ֑שׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression burning in the fire contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “and there was fire on the mountain”

tablets of the covenant

Quote: לֻחֹ֣ת הַ⁠בְּרִ֔ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe the tablets on which Yahweh wrote the covenant, specifically, the words of the Ten Commandments. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression to describe a tablet with writing on it. Alternate translation: “the tablets that had the words of the covenant on them”

my two hands

Quote: שְׁתֵּ֥י יָדָֽ⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression two hands contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “my hands”

Deuteronomy 9:16

You had quickly turned aside from the path that Yahweh had commanded you

Quote: סַרְתֶּ֣ם מַהֵ֔ר מִן־הַ⁠דֶּ֕רֶךְ אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶתְ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated this metaphor in verse 12. Alternate translation: “You had rapidly disobeyed the commandments of Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 9:17

and threw them out of my two hands

Quote: וָֽ⁠אַשְׁלִכֵ֔⁠ם מֵ⁠עַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֣י יָדָ֑⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression threw them out of my two hands contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “and threw them”

before your eyes

Quote: לְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, eyes represent the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as you observed” or "in your sight"

Deuteronomy 9:18

And I prostrated myself before the face of Yahweh

Quote: וָֽ⁠אֶתְנַפַּל֩ לִ⁠פְנֵ֨י יְהוָ֜ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Here, prostrated refers to the act of bowing on the ground and lying prone. Here it is a symbolic action to worship and show submission. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “And I bowed before Yahweh in submission and lay prone on the ground”

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֨י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

as before

Quote: כָּ⁠רִאשֹׁנָ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to the first 40 day and 40 night fast that he completed on Mount Sinai from verse 9. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and I fasted again”

Bread I did not eat and water I did not drink

Quote: לֶ֚חֶם לֹ֣א אָכַ֔לְתִּי וּ⁠מַ֖יִם לֹ֣א שָׁתִ֑יתִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See how you translated this in verse 9.

Bread

Quote: לֶ֚חֶם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, bread represents all food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “food”

in the eyes of

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in the eyes of is an idiom for someone's opinion or evaluation. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the evaluation of”

to provoke him to anger

Quote: לְ⁠הַכְעִיסֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This does not mean that the Israelites provoked Yahweh to anger on purpose, but rather, that their actions provoked Yahweh to anger. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “which provoked him to anger”

Deuteronomy 9:19

For

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for Moses prostrating himself in the previous verse. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “But”

of the face of

Quote: מִ⁠פְּנֵ֤י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of”

the nose and the heat

Quote: הָ⁠אַף֙ וְ⁠הַ֣⁠חֵמָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms nose and heat mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the extreme anger”

the nose

Quote: הָ⁠אַף֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, nose represents anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a body part from your language that is associated with anger or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the rage”

and the heat

Quote: וְ⁠הַ֣⁠חֵמָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, heat refers to extreme anger, which causes the angry person’s body to become hot. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the rage”

Yahweh was angry against you to destroy you

Quote: קָצַ֧ף יְהוָ֛ה עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם לְ⁠הַשְׁמִ֣יד אֶתְ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh was so angry with the Israelites that he wanted to destroy them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh raged against you enough to eliminate you”

And Yahweh listened to me

Quote: וַ⁠יִּשְׁמַ֤ע יְהוָה֙ אֵלַ֔⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Moses asked Yahweh not to destroy the Israelites and that Yahweh listened to him. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh listened to me when I asked him to have mercy on you”

also that time

Quote: גַּ֖ם בַּ⁠פַּ֥עַם הַ⁠הִֽוא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers back to 5:23-28, when Moses asked Yahweh if the Israelites could remain at the base of the mountain because they were afraid that they would die in the presence of Yahweh. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as he also listened to me when you asked me to speak to Yahweh on your behalf”

Deuteronomy 9:20

And Yahweh was very angry against Aaron, to destroy him

Quote: וּֽ⁠בְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֗ן הִתְאַנַּ֧ף יְהוָ֛ה מְאֹ֖ד לְ⁠הַשְׁמִיד֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh was so angry with Aaron for making the cast image calf that he wanted to destroy him. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh raged against Aaron and wanted to eliminate him”

And I interceded also for the sake of Aaron at that time

Quote: וָֽ⁠אֶתְפַּלֵּ֛ל גַּם־בְּעַ֥ד אַהֲרֹ֖ן בָּ⁠עֵ֥ת הַ⁠הִֽוא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh also listened to Moses’ prayer on behalf of Aaron. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And I interceded on behalf of Aaron, and Yahweh did not eliminate him”

Deuteronomy 9:21

your sin

Quote: חַטַּאתְ⁠כֶ֞ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe a sin that the Israelites had committed by making the cast-image calf. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression to describe an idol. Alternate translation: “your wicked creation”

Deuteronomy 9:22

And at Taberah and at Massah and at Kibroth Hattaavah

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠תַבְעֵרָה֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠מַסָּ֔ה וּ⁠בְ⁠קִבְרֹ֖ת הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Taberah, Massah, and Kibroth Hattaavaare are names of places that the Israelites traveled through in the wilderness.

And at Taberah

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠תַבְעֵרָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to Numbers 11:1-3, when the Israelites complained about their travels in the wilderness. Yahweh caused fire to burn on some parts of the camp because the Israelites were ungrateful. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And at Taberah, when you complained against Yahweh,”

and at Massah

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠מַסָּ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the events of Exodus 17:1-7, when the Israelites complained that Yahweh wanted to kill them because they had no water. In the end, Yahweh provided water for the Israelites to drink. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and at Massah, where you complained of thirst,”

and at Kibroth Hattaavah

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠קִבְרֹ֖ת הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the events of Numbers 11:1-34, when the Israelites complained that they were tired of eating manna. They said that they preferred the food in Egypt. As a result, Yahweh sent quail to feed the Israelites. Yahweh also punished the ungrateful Israelites by sending a plague that killed some of the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and at Kibroth Hattaavah, where you complained about the manna”

Deuteronomy 9:23

and when Yahweh sent you from Kadesh Barnea, saying, ‘Go up and take possession of the land that I have given to you

Quote: וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁלֹ֨חַ יְהוָ֜ה אֶתְ⁠כֶ֗ם מִ⁠קָּדֵ֤שׁ בַּרְנֵ֨עַ֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר עֲלוּ֙ וּ⁠רְשׁ֣וּ אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָתַ֖תִּי לָ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh sent you from Kadesh Barnea and commanded you to go up and take possession of the land that he has given to you”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

Go up

Quote: עֲלוּ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The Israelites were camping in a valley and had to Go up in order to enter the land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Go up from the valley”

the mouth of

Quote: פִּ֤י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, mouth refers to Yahweh’s commands and what he says to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the command of”

and you did not believe him

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֤א הֶֽאֱמַנְתֶּם֙ ל֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The Israelites disobeyed Yahweh because they did not believe that Yahweh would fulfill his promise to give them the land. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because you did not believe him”

and you did not listen

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֥א שְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the word listen means to listen and obey. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you did not obey”

to his voice

Quote: בְּ⁠קֹלֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents the words Yahweh spoke, including his commandments. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to his commandments”

Deuteronomy 9:25

And I prostrated myself before the face of Yahweh 40 days and 40 nights, and I prostrated myself because Yahweh had said to destroy you

Quote: וָֽ⁠אֶתְנַפַּ֞ל לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֗ה אֵ֣ת אַרְבָּעִ֥ים הַ⁠יּ֛וֹם וְ⁠אֶת־אַרְבָּעִ֥ים הַ⁠לַּ֖יְלָה אֲשֶׁ֣ר הִתְנַפָּ֑לְתִּי כִּֽי־אָמַ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה לְ⁠הַשְׁמִ֥יד אֶתְ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

In this verse, Moses repeats what he said in verse 18 and continues his speech. If the connection between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a connecting word to show how this statement relates to what came before it. Use a natural form in your language for connecting this statement to the previous one. Alternate translation: “And, again I tell you that I fell on my knees before the face of Yahweh 40 days and 40 nights, and I prostrated myself because Yahweh had said to destroy you”

And I prostrated myself … I prostrated myself

Quote: וָֽ⁠אֶתְנַפַּ֞ל & הִתְנַפָּ֑לְתִּי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Here, prostrated refers to the act of bowing to the ground and lying prone before an honored person. This is a symbolic action to worship and show submission. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “And I bowed down … I bowed down”

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

because Yahweh had said to destroy you

Quote: כִּֽי־אָמַ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה לְ⁠הַשְׁמִ֥יד אֶתְ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh said that he intended to eliminate all of the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh intended to eliminate all of you”

Deuteronomy 9:26

your people and your inheritance

Quote: עַמְּ⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠נַחֲלָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms your people and your inheritance mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “your own people”

through your greatness

Quote: בְּ⁠גָדְלֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of greatness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “through your great miracles”

with a mighty hand

Quote: בְּ⁠יָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here hand represents Yahweh’s power and actions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with might”

Deuteronomy 9:27

Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Quote: זְכֹר֙ לַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֔י⁠ךָ לְ⁠אַבְרָהָ֥ם לְ⁠יִצְחָ֖ק וּֽ⁠לְ⁠יַעֲקֹ֑ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Moses wants Yahweh to remember the promises he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and how those men obeyed Yahweh. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Remember the obedience of your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”

Do not turn to

Quote: אַל־תֵּ֗פֶן אֶל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here turn means “think about” or “regard.” Moses is speaking of turning to something as if it was the same as focusing on it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not dwell on”

the stiffness of

Quote: קְשִׁי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here hardness means “stubbornness.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the stubborn acts of”

their wickedness

Quote: רִשְׁע֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wickedness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “their evil acts”

Deuteronomy 9:28

lest

Quote: פֶּן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses uses lest to introduce an imaginary situation to convince Yahweh not to destroy the Israelites. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “otherwise” or "or else"

the land where you brought us out from should say, “From Yahweh not being able to bring them into the land that he spoke to them, or from his hatred of them he has brought them out to kill them in the wilderness

Quote: יֹאמְר֗וּ הָ⁠אָרֶץ֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הוֹצֵאתָ֣⁠נוּ מִ⁠שָּׁם֒ מִ⁠בְּלִי֙ יְכֹ֣לֶת יְהוָ֔ה לַ⁠הֲבִיאָ֕⁠ם אֶל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֣ר לָ⁠הֶ֑ם וּ⁠מִ⁠שִּׂנְאָת֣⁠וֹ אוֹתָ֔⁠ם הוֹצִיאָ֖⁠ם לַ⁠הֲמִתָ֥⁠ם בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation as modeled by the UST.

the land where you brought us out from

Quote: הָ⁠אָרֶץ֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הוֹצֵאתָ֣⁠נוּ מִ⁠שָּׁם֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the land where you brought us out from represents the people of Egypt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians”

you brought us out … to bring them … he has brought them out

Quote: הוֹצֵאתָ֣⁠נוּ & לַ⁠הֲבִיאָ֕⁠ם & הוֹצִיאָ֖⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “took” instead of brought. Alternate translation: “you took us out … to take them … he has taken them out”

he spoke

Quote: דִּבֶּ֣ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, spoke means “promised.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he promised”

Deuteronomy 9:29

are} your people and your inheritance

Quote: עַמְּ⁠ךָ֖ וְ⁠נַחֲלָתֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms your people and your inheritance mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “your own people”

you brought out

Quote: הוֹצֵ֨אתָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “took” instead of brought. Alternate translation: “you took out”

by your great power and by your outstretched arm

Quote: בְּ⁠כֹחֲ⁠ךָ֣ הַ⁠גָּדֹ֔ל וּ⁠בִֽ⁠זְרֹעֲ⁠ךָ֖ הַ⁠נְּטוּיָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms great power and outstretched arm mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “by your amazing acts”

and by your outstretched arm

Quote: וּ⁠בִֽ⁠זְרֹעֲ⁠ךָ֖ הַ⁠נְּטוּיָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, arm refers to Yahweh’s power. Moses speaks of God stretching out his arm as if it were a demonstration of supernatural power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and by your awesome deeds”

Deuteronomy 10

Deuteronomy 10 General Notes

Outline

• vv. 1-5: Yahweh writes the commandments on stone tablets again
• vv. 6-7: Aaron dies and the priesthood continues
• vv. 8-9: the special role of the Levites
• vv. 10-11: Yahweh listens to Moses and does not destroy the Israelites
• vv. 12-22: Moses encourages the Israelites to obey Yahweh

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

“You”

When Moses is addressing the Israelites, he uses both the singular and plural forms of “you.”

• v. 10: “You” is singular.
• vv. 12-14: “You” and “your” are singular.
• vv. 15: See note.
• vv. 17-19: “You” and “your” are plural.
• vv. 20-22: “You” and “your” are singular.

(See: Pronouns — When to Use Them and Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Deuteronomy 10:1

At that time

Quote: בָּ⁠עֵ֨ת הַ⁠הִ֜וא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the end of the 40 days and 40 nights when Moses fasted on the mountain. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “After I finished praying and fasting”

like the first

Quote: כָּ⁠רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “like the first tablets of stone”

like the first

Quote: כָּ⁠רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “like the earlier”

on the mountain

Quote: הָ⁠הָ֑רָ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to Mount Sinai. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “on Mount Sinai”

Deuteronomy 10:2

the words that were on the first tablets

Quote: הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָי֛וּ עַל־הַ⁠לֻּחֹ֥ת הָ⁠רִאשֹׁנִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the words that were on the first tablets refers to the Ten Commandments. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “those same commandments that were on the tablets”

on the first tablets

Quote: עַל־הַ⁠לֻּחֹ֥ת הָ⁠רִאשֹׁנִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “on the previous ones”

Deuteronomy 10:3

like the first

Quote: כָּ⁠רִאשֹׁנִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “like the first tablets of stone”

like the first

Quote: כָּ⁠רִאשֹׁנִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “like the previous ones”

the mountain

Quote: הָ⁠הָ֔רָ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, mountain refers to Mount Sinai. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “Mount Sinai”

and the two tablets {were} in my hand

Quote: וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֥י הַ⁠לֻּחֹ֖ת בְּ⁠יָדִֽ⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could describe how Moses carried the tablets with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “and I was carrying the two tablets” or “and the two tablets were in my hands”

Deuteronomy 10:4

And he wrote on the tablets, like the first writing, the Ten Words which Yahweh had spoken to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly

Quote: וַ⁠יִּכְתֹּ֨ב עַֽל־הַ⁠לֻּחֹ֜ת כַּ⁠מִּכְתָּ֣ב הָ⁠רִאשׁ֗וֹן אֵ֚ת עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבֶּר֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֥ם בָּ⁠הָ֛ר מִ⁠תּ֥וֹךְ הָ⁠אֵ֖שׁ בְּ⁠י֣וֹם הַ⁠קָּהָ֑ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “And on the mountain, Yahweh wrote the Ten Words on the tablets, just as he had done before”

like the first writing

Quote: כַּ⁠מִּכְתָּ֣ב הָ⁠רִאשׁ֗וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “like the previous writing”

on the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly

Quote: בָּ⁠הָ֛ר מִ⁠תּ֥וֹךְ הָ⁠אֵ֖שׁ בְּ⁠י֣וֹם הַ⁠קָּהָ֑ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the events of Exodus 19, when the Israelites gather at the base of Mount Sinai while Moses goes to the top. There, Yahweh tells Moses all the commandments from a fire at the top of Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: “from fire on Mount Sinai while you were assembled”

And Yahweh gave them

Quote: וַ⁠יִּתְּנֵ֥⁠ם יְהוָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun them refers to the two stone tablets. If this is not clear for your readers, you could name the items here. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh gave the stone tablets”

Deuteronomy 10:5

And I turned

Quote: וָ⁠אֵ֗פֶן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the word turned describes the beginning of action. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “And I got up”

And there they are

Quote: וַ⁠יִּ֣הְיוּ שָׁ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the tablets are still in the box at the time when Moses is giving this speech to the Israelites. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “And they have been there ever since”

Deuteronomy 10:6-9

And the sons of Israel journeyed from Beeroth Bene Jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died, and there he was buried. And Eleazar, his son, was priest in his place … From there they journeyed to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of streams of water

Quote: וּ⁠בְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל נָֽסְע֛וּ מִ⁠בְּאֵרֹ֥ת בְּנֵי־יַעֲקָ֖ן מוֹסֵרָ֑ה שָׁ֣ם מֵ֤ת אַהֲרֹן֙ וַ⁠יִּקָּבֵ֣ר שָׁ֔ם וַ⁠יְכַהֵ֛ן אֶלְעָזָ֥ר בְּנ֖⁠וֹ תַּחְתָּֽי⁠ו׃ & מִ⁠שָּׁ֥ם נָסְע֖וּ הַ⁠גֻּדְגֹּ֑דָ⁠ה וּ⁠מִן־הַ⁠גֻּדְגֹּ֣דָ⁠ה יָטְבָ֔תָה אֶ֖רֶץ נַ֥חֲלֵי מָֽיִם׃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

In order to help readers understand what happens next in the story, these verses provide background information about the places where the Israelites traveled. In your translation, present this information in a way that makes it clear that this is background information.

Deuteronomy 10:6

from Beeroth Bene Jaakan to Moserah

Quote: מִ⁠בְּאֵרֹ֥ת בְּנֵי־יַעֲקָ֖ן מוֹסֵרָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The terms Beeroth Bene Jaakan and Moserah are names of places where the people of Israel traveled. Beeroth Bene Jaakan means “the wells that belonged to the sons of Jaakan.” You could include this information in a footnote if it would be helpful for your readers.

and there he was buried

Quote: וַ⁠יִּקָּבֵ֣ר שָׁ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the people of Israel made a grave for him at that place”

Deuteronomy 10:7

to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah

Quote: הַ⁠גֻּדְגֹּ֑דָ⁠ה וּ⁠מִן־הַ⁠גֻּדְגֹּ֣דָ⁠ה יָטְבָ֔תָה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Gudgodah and Jotbathah are names of places where the Israelites traveled.

a land of streams of water

Quote: אֶ֖רֶץ נַ֥חֲלֵי מָֽיִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, the writer is using the possessive form to describe a land that contains many streams of water. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “a well-watered land”

Deuteronomy 10:8

Yahweh separated

Quote: הִבְדִּ֤יל יְהוָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here separated means “chose for a special role”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh selected”

the box of the covenant of Yahweh

Quote: אֲר֣וֹן בְּרִית־יְהוָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe the box that contains the covenant of Yahweh. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the box that held the covenant of Yahweh”

the covenant of Yahweh

Quote: בְּרִית־יְהוָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the covenant of Yahweh represents the two stone tablets on which Yahweh wrote the Ten Commandments. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the tablets of the covenant”

to stand before the face of Yahweh to serve him

Quote: לַ⁠עֲמֹד֩ לִ⁠פְנֵ֨י יְהוָ֤ה לְ⁠שָֽׁרְת⁠וֹ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The phrase stand before the face of Yahweh to serve him means “to offer sacrifices to Yahweh.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to serve Yahweh”

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֨י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

and to bless

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠בָרֵ֣ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and to bless human beings”

in his name

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁמ֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents all of Yahweh: his power, presence, knowledge, and so on. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as his representative”

until this day

Quote: עַ֖ד הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Levites were still fulfilling the duties listed in this verse at the time that Deuteronomy was written. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “as they continue doing today”

Deuteronomy 10:9

Levi has no portion nor inheritance

Quote: לֹֽא־הָיָ֧ה לְ⁠לֵוִ֛י חֵ֥לֶק וְ⁠נַחֲלָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Levites will not receive any portion or inheritance of land. See Numbers 18:20 for more information. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “Levi will not own any land”

Levi has no

Quote: לֹֽא־הָיָ֧ה לְ⁠לֵוִ֛י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, Levi refers to the descendants of Levi. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Levi have no”

his brothers

Quote: אֶחָ֑י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here brothers refers to the people of the other Israelite tribes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the other Israelites”

Yahweh himself is his inheritance

Quote: יְהוָה֙ ה֣וּא נַחֲלָת֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the special priesthood that Aaron and his descendants have as if Yahweh were something that they inherit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “As his gift to them, Yahweh will allow them to serve him, and he will provide for them through that service”

Yahweh himself

Quote: יְהוָה֙ ה֣וּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, the author is stating the pronoun himself, whose meaning is already implied in the sentence. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh indeed”

your God

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though the author is referring to all of the Israelites, the pronoun your is singular here. If the singular form of this pronoun would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural form in your translation.

spoke

Quote: דִּבֶּ֛ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here spoke means “promised.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “promised”

to him

Quote: לֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, the pronoun him refers to Levi and his descendants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the tribe of Levi”

Deuteronomy 10:10

And I myself stood on the mountain as the first days, 40 days and 40 nights. And Yahweh listened to me that time also. Yahweh was not willing to destroy you

Quote: וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֞י עָמַ֣דְתִּי בָ⁠הָ֗ר כַּ⁠יָּמִים֙ הָ⁠רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם וְ⁠אַרְבָּעִ֖ים לָ֑יְלָה וַ⁠יִּשְׁמַ֨ע יְהוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗⁠י גַּ֚ם בַּ⁠פַּ֣עַם הַ⁠הִ֔וא לֹא־אָבָ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה הַשְׁחִיתֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

This verse continues Moses’ speech to the Israelites from verse 5. Consider natural ways of continuing direct quotations in your language, as modeled by the UST.

And I myself stood

Quote: וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֞י עָמַ֣דְתִּי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Moses is stating the pronoun myself, whose meaning is already included in the verb translated as stood. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun myself. Alternate translation: “And indeed I stood”

I … stood

Quote: עָמַ֣דְתִּי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here stood means “stayed” or “remained”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “remained”

as the first days

Quote: כַּ⁠יָּמִים֙ הָ⁠רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “as the previous time”

as the first days

Quote: כַּ⁠יָּמִים֙ הָ⁠רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the word days refers to a specific period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as the first period of time”

And Yahweh listened to me that time also

Quote: וַ⁠יִּשְׁמַ֨ע יְהוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗⁠י גַּ֚ם בַּ⁠פַּ֣עַם הַ⁠הִ֔וא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh listened to Moses’ request to not destroy the Israelites, just like Yahweh listened to Moses’ request to not destroy Aaron in 9:26. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “And I interceded on your behalf, and Yahweh listened to me at that time also”

to destroy you

Quote: הַשְׁחִיתֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you is singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Deuteronomy 10:11

before the faces of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here faces represents people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in front of”

to their fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתָ֖⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to their predecessors”

Deuteronomy 10:12

your God … from you … your God, … your God … your heart … your spirit

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ & מֵ⁠עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ & אֱלֹהֶ֜י⁠ךָ & אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ & לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֖ & נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular from this verse to verse 14. Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if they were all one person. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Israel

Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Israel represents the Israelite people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 10:12-13

what does Yahweh your God ask from you except to fear Yahweh your God, to walk in all his paths and to love him and to worship Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your spirit … to keep the commandments of Yahweh and his statutes, which I am commanding you today for your good

Quote: מָ֚ה יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ שֹׁאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ כִּ֣י אִם־לְ֠⁠יִרְאָה אֶת־יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜י⁠ךָ לָ⁠לֶ֤כֶת בְּ⁠כָל־דְּרָכָי⁠ו֙ וּ⁠לְ⁠אַהֲבָ֣ה אֹת֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠לַֽ⁠עֲבֹד֙ אֶת־יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ בְּ⁠כָל־לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ & לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֞ר אֶת־מִצְוֺ֤ת יְהוָה֙ וְ⁠אֶת־חֻקֹּתָ֔י⁠ו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֖ הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם לְ⁠ט֖וֹב לָֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses is using the question form to teach the people of Israel what Yahweh wants them to do. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation, as modeled by the UST.

Deuteronomy 10:12

to walk in all his paths

Quote: לָ⁠לֶ֤כֶת בְּ⁠כָל־דְּרָכָי⁠ו֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of commandments as if they were paths, and he is saying that obeying commandments is like walking on those paths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to obey all his commandments”

with all your heart and with all your spirit

Quote: בְּ⁠כָל־לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, heart and spirit could be: (1) terms that both refer to a person’s inner being that are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “your inner being” (2) terms that refer to different aspects of a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “your being and person”

Deuteronomy 10:14

Behold

Quote: הֵ֚ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term behold to focus the Israelites’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Be aware”

belong the heavens and the heaven of heavens

Quote: הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יִם וּ⁠שְׁמֵ֣י הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

The possessive form is being used here to include all parts of the heavens, even the highest part. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use another form to indicate this height. Alternate translation: “all of the heavens, even to the highest part of heaven”

Deuteronomy 10:15

Only

Quote: רַ֧ק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word Only here to indicate a strong contrast between Yahweh’s authority over the universe and his love for the Israelites. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless,”

as this day

Quote: כַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses means that, at the time of this speech to the Israelites, they are still Yahweh’s chosen people. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “as you are his chosen people this day”

Deuteronomy 10:16

And you shall circumcise the foreskin of your hearts

Quote: וּ⁠מַלְתֶּ֕ם אֵ֖ת עָרְלַ֣ת לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking of circumcision as if it were committing to covenant obedience. In Genesis 17:9-14 God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision and the Israelites then expressed their obedience to Yahweh's covenant by circumcising the foreskin of their son's genitals. If it would help your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "And you must commit your wills to fulfilling the obligations of my covenant with you"

And you shall circumcise

Quote: וּ⁠מַלְתֶּ֕ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more infromation about translating shall. Alternate translation: “And circumcise”

your hearts

Quote: לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, heart refers to a person’s will or their desire to do something. In this case, the desire is to fear Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your wills”

and do not stiffen your necks

Quote: וְ⁠עָ֨רְפְּ⁠כֶ֔ם לֹ֥א תַקְשׁ֖וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, stiffen your necks is an idiom that means “be stubborn” and “be rebellious.” The image comes from an animal that does not want to go the way his master is trying to direct him. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and do not be hard-hearted” or “and do not be rebellious”

Deuteronomy 10:17

For

Quote: כִּ֚י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “Do these things because”

the God of gods

Quote: אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This does not mean that other gods worship Yahweh. Moses means that Yahweh is the one true God. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “the one true God”

the great God, the mighty one

Quote: הָ⁠אֵ֨ל הַ⁠גָּדֹ֤ל הַ⁠גִּבֹּר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms great and mighty mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the very mighty God”

does not lift up a face

Quote: לֹא־יִשָּׂ֣א פָנִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, lift up a face is an idiom that means “be partial to someone.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does not play favorites” or “judges everyone fairly”

and does not take a bribe

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִקַּ֖ח שֹֽׁחַד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that one cannot pay Yahweh a bribe to convince him to make an unjust decision. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and does not take a bribe to make an unjust decision”

Deuteronomy 10:18

He makes a judgment {for} the fatherless and widow, and he loves a foreigner

Quote: עֹשֶׂ֛ה מִשְׁפַּ֥ט יָת֖וֹם וְ⁠אַלְמָנָ֑ה וְ⁠אֹהֵ֣ב גֵּ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This means that Yahweh makes sure that everyone is treated fairly. Yahweh does not show partiality towards the fatherless, widow, or foreigner. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “He makes a fair judgment for the fatherless and widow, and he cares for a foreigner”

for} the fatherless and widow, and he loves a foreigner, giving to him

Quote: יָת֖וֹם וְ⁠אַלְמָנָ֑ה וְ⁠אֹהֵ֣ב גֵּ֔ר לָ֥⁠תֶת ל֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

The words fatherless, widow, and foreigner represent everyone in those groups in general, not one particular fatherless person, widow, or foreigner. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “for anyone who is fatherless or a widow, and he loves all foreigners, giving to them”

bread

Quote: לֶ֥חֶם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, bread represents all food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “food”

Deuteronomy 10:19

the foreigner

Quote: הַ⁠גֵּ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word foreigner represents all foreigners in general, not one particular foreigner. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “any foreigner”

for

Quote: כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “since”

Deuteronomy 10:20

Yahweh your God you shall fear, him you shall serve, and to him you shall cling, and by his name you shall swear

Quote: אֶת־יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ תִּירָ֖א אֹת֣⁠וֹ תַעֲבֹ֑ד וּ⁠ב֣⁠וֹ תִדְבָּ֔ק וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the phrasing to emphasize that the Israelites should worship only Yahweh. See how you translated a similar verse in 6:13. Alternate translation: “It is Yahweh your God and no one else whom you shall fear; it is he alone whom you shall worship, and it is to him whom you shall cling, and it is by his name only that you shall swear”

your God you shall fear, … you shall serve, … you shall cling, … you shall swear

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ תִּירָ֖א & תַעֲבֹ֑ד & תִדְבָּ֔ק & תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular from this verse to verse 22. Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if they were all one person. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

and to him you shall cling

Quote: וּ⁠ב֣⁠וֹ תִדְבָּ֔ק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of having a good relationship with Yahweh as if that meant clinging to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and with him you shall maintain a good relationship”

and by his name you shall swear

Quote: וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that, when the Israelites swear by Yahweh, that means they are asking Yahweh to take note of their promise and punish them if they do not fulfill their promise. Moses wants the Israelites to only invoke Yahweh’s name when making promises. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you shall make strong promises using his name”

and by his name you shall swear

Quote: וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents all of Yahweh: his power, presence, knowledge, and so on. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and swear by Yahweh himself”

Deuteronomy 10:21

He {is} your praise

Quote: ה֥וּא תְהִלָּתְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

who has done for you these great and fearsome things

Quote: אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֣ה אִתְּ⁠ךָ֗ אֶת־הַ⁠גְּדֹלֹ֤ת וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נּֽוֹרָאֹת֙ הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to all the miracles that Yahweh performed for the Israelites when they were in the wilderness. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who has done for you these great and fearsome things while we were in the wilderness”

your eyes

Quote: עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using eyes to represent the whole person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you yourself”

Deuteronomy 10:22

Your fathers

Quote: אֲבֹתֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Your predecessors”

Your fathers went down into Egypt as 70 souls

Quote: בְּ⁠שִׁבְעִ֣ים נֶ֔פֶשׁ יָרְד֥וּ אֲבֹתֶ֖י⁠ךָ מִצְרָ֑יְמָ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the events of Genesis 46, when Jacob and his whole family moved from Canaan to Egypt. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Your fathers went down from Canaan into Egypt as 70 souls”

souls

Quote: נֶ֔פֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, souls represents human lives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people”

And now

Quote: וְ⁠עַתָּ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word now here to indicate a strong contrast between how many Israelites there were when the Israelites first went to Egypt and how many Israelites there are at the time of this speech. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yet”

like the stars of the heavens in number

Quote: כְּ⁠כוֹכְבֵ֥י הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יִם לָ⁠רֹֽב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Here Moses compares the number of Israelites to the number of the stars of the heavens. He uses this to emphasize that Yahweh has blessed the Israelites so they had many children and increased in population. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it clear that Moses is referring to many people and many stars. Alternate translation: “as many as the many stars of heaven”

Deuteronomy 11

Deuteronomy 11 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Deuteronomy 11 Outline

• vv. 1-7: Moses wants the Israelites to obey Yahweh because of his miracles
• vv. 8-15: Blessings for obedience
• vv. 16-17: Warnings for disobedience
• vv. 18-25: The importance of Yahweh’s words
• vv. 26-32: Instructions on the blessings and curses

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Placing Yahweh’s words on one’s arms, forehead, and doorposts

Verses 18-20 command the Israelites to always remember Yahweh’s words. There are different understandings of these commands. Some Jewish traditions interpret these verses as meaning that the Israelites should physically write copies of the law. Others believe that the command is to memorize and cherish the law. Translators should be careful to translate the passage as it is, without implying one interpretation or the other in their translation.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

“You”

When Moses is addressing the Israelites, he uses both the singular and plural forms of “you.”

• v. 1: “You” and “your” are singular.
• vv. 2-9: “You” and “your” are plural.
• v. 10: See note.
• vv. 11-13: “You” and “your” are plural.
• vv. 14-15: “You” and “your” are singular.
• vv. 16-18: “You” and “your” are plural.
• vv. 19-20: See notes.
• vv. 21-28: “You” and “your” are plural.
• v. 29: “You” and “your” are singular.
• vv. 31-32: “You” and “your” are plural.

(See: Pronouns — When to Use Them and Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Deuteronomy 11:1

And you shall love … your God and keep

Quote: וְ⁠אָ֣הַבְתָּ֔ & אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠ךָ וְ⁠שָׁמַרְתָּ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

And you shall love … and keep

Quote: וְ⁠אָ֣הַבְתָּ֔ & וְ⁠שָׁמַרְתָּ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more infromation about translating shall. Alternate translation: “And love … and keep”

his charge

Quote: מִשְׁמַרְתּ֗⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh wants the Israelites to carry out the obligations that Yahweh has commanded them to do. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the obligations that he gave you”

all of the days

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, all of the days is an idiom that means “always.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forever”

Deuteronomy 11:2

And know today that not to your sons, who have not known and who have not seen, {is} the discipline of Yahweh your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, or his outstretched arm

Quote: וִֽ⁠ידַעְתֶּם֮ הַ⁠יּוֹם֒ כִּ֣י ׀ לֹ֣א אֶת־בְּנֵי⁠כֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־יָדְעוּ֙ וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא־רָא֔וּ אֶת־מוּסַ֖ר יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֑ם אֶת־גָּדְל֕⁠וֹ אֶת־יָד⁠וֹ֙ הַ⁠חֲזָקָ֔ה וּ⁠זְרֹע֖⁠וֹ הַ⁠נְּטוּיָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses so that the relationship between know and discipline is clearer. Alternate translation: “And know today the discipline of Yahweh your God, which is not to your sons, who have not known and who have not seen it, his greatness, his mighty hand, or his outstretched arm,”

not

Quote: לֹ֣א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word not here to indicate a strong contrast between what the Israelites have experienced and what their descendants have experienced. Moses means that the Israelites, and not their descendants, have personally experienced Yahweh’s discipline. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “in fact it is not”

to your sons

Quote: אֶת־בְּנֵי⁠כֶ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your descendants”

have not seen

Quote: לֹא־רָא֔וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Moses speaks of experiencing something as if it were being seen*. If this word does not have that meaning in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have not experienced”

his mighty hand, or his outstretched arm

Quote: אֶת־יָד⁠וֹ֙ הַ⁠חֲזָקָ֔ה וּ⁠זְרֹע֖⁠וֹ הַ⁠נְּטוּיָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms mighty hand and outstretched arm mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and his very great power”

his mighty hand

Quote: אֶת־יָד⁠וֹ֙ הַ⁠חֲזָקָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word hand represents God’s power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his mighty power”

or his outstretched arm

Quote: וּ⁠זְרֹע֖⁠וֹ הַ⁠נְּטוּיָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, arm refers to Yahweh’s use of his power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or his strong deeds”

Deuteronomy 11:3

and his signs and his deeds

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־אֹֽתֹתָי⁠ו֙ וְ⁠אֶֽת־מַעֲשָׂ֔י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms signs and deeds mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and the great deeds”

and his signs and his deeds that he did in the midst of Egypt to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and to all his land

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־אֹֽתֹתָי⁠ו֙ וְ⁠אֶֽת־מַעֲשָׂ֔י⁠ו אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֖ה בְּ⁠ת֣וֹךְ מִצְרָ֑יִם לְ⁠פַרְעֹ֥ה מֶֽלֶךְ־מִצְרַ֖יִם וּ⁠לְ⁠כָל־אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the miracles and plagues that Yahweh did in Egypt while the Israelites were slaves there. Yahweh used these deeds to show his power over Pharaoh so that he would let the Israelites leave Egypt. See Exodus 6-14. Alternate translation: “and the plagues he sent to Pharoah, king of Egypt, and to all of Egypt”

and to all his land

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠כָל־אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here land refers to the land that Pharoah ruled over along with everything and everyone in it. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and to all that was in his land”

Deuteronomy 11:4

and what he did to the army of Egypt, to its horses and to its chariots, how he caused the water of the Sea of Reeds to flow over their faces in their pursuit after you

Quote: וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂה֩ לְ⁠חֵ֨יל מִצְרַ֜יִם לְ⁠סוּסָ֣י⁠ו וּ⁠לְ⁠רִכְבּ֗⁠וֹ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֵצִ֜יף אֶת־מֵ֤י יַם־סוּף֙ עַל־פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם בְּ⁠רָדְפָ֖⁠ם אַחֲרֵי⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the events of Exodus 14:23-29. After Yahweh sent the 10th plague that killed all the firstborn sons of Egypt, Pharaoh finally let the Israelites leave Egypt. The Israelites reached the Sea of Reeds, and Yahweh caused the sea to part so they could cross it. Pharoah did not want the Israelites to leave, so he and his soldiers chased the Israelites to capture them. After the Israelites safely crossed the Sea of Reeds, Yahweh caused the waters to drown the Egyptians. Alternate translation: “and how he caused the Sea of Reeds to flood over the Egyptians when they were chasing you after you left Egypt”

and what he did to the army of Egypt, to its horses and to its chariots, how he caused the water of the Sea of Reeds to flow over their faces in their pursuit after you

Quote: וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂה֩ לְ⁠חֵ֨יל מִצְרַ֜יִם לְ⁠סוּסָ֣י⁠ו וּ⁠לְ⁠רִכְבּ֗⁠וֹ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֵצִ֜יף אֶת־מֵ֤י יַם־סוּף֙ עַל־פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם בְּ⁠רָדְפָ֖⁠ם אַחֲרֵי⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the wording of this verse. Alternate translation: “and how he caused the water of the Sea of Reeds to flow over the faces of the army of Egypt, to its horses and to its chariots in their pursuit after you”

their faces

Quote: פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, faces represents people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “them”

and Yahweh has destroyed them until this day

Quote: וַ⁠יְאַבְּדֵ֣⁠ם יְהוָ֔ה עַ֖ד הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that after Yahweh destroyed the Egyptians, the Egyptians and their army remained weak until the time of this speech. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh caused their destruction to remain until this day”

Deuteronomy 11:5

and what he did for you in the wilderness

Quote: וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֛ה לָ⁠כֶ֖ם בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to all the miracles that Yahweh performed to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness. For example, Yahweh sent water from a rock so they would not be thirsty, and he sent manna from heaven so they would not be hungry. See Numbers 13-25 for more information. Alternate translation: “and how he gave you food and water in the wilderness”

to this place

Quote: עַד־הַ⁠מָּק֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The term this place refers to the plain of the Jordan River Valley where Moses is speaking to them before they cross over into Canaan. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “to this valley”

Deuteronomy 11:6

and what he had done to Dathan and to Abiram, the sons of Eliab son of Reuben, how the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up and their houses and their tents and every living thing that {was} in their steps, in the midst of all Israel

Quote: וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֜ה לְ⁠דָתָ֣ן וְ⁠לַ⁠אֲבִירָ֗ם בְּנֵ֣י אֱלִיאָב֮ בֶּן־רְאוּבֵן֒ אֲשֶׁ֨ר פָּצְתָ֤ה הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ אֶת־פִּ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תִּבְלָעֵ֥⁠ם וְ⁠אֶת־בָּתֵּי⁠הֶ֖ם וְ⁠אֶת־אָהֳלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם וְ⁠אֵ֤ת כָּל־הַ⁠יְקוּם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ⁠רַגְלֵי⁠הֶ֔ם בְּ⁠קֶ֖רֶב כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to the events of Numbers 16, when Dathan and Abiram joined Korah to rebel against Moses. Yahweh chose Moses to be their leader, so they were also rebelling against Yahweh. As a result, Yahweh caused the ground to open up and caused them and everything they owned to fall into the opening. Alternate translation: “and how he punished Dathan and Abiram for their rebellion by causing the earth to swallow up them, everyone with them, and everything they owned”

and what he had done to Dathan and to Abiram, the sons of Eliab son of Reuben, how the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up and their houses and their tents and every living thing that {was} in their steps, in the midst of all Israel

Quote: וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֜ה לְ⁠דָתָ֣ן וְ⁠לַ⁠אֲבִירָ֗ם בְּנֵ֣י אֱלִיאָב֮ בֶּן־רְאוּבֵן֒ אֲשֶׁ֨ר פָּצְתָ֤ה הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ אֶת־פִּ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תִּבְלָעֵ֥⁠ם וְ⁠אֶת־בָּתֵּי⁠הֶ֖ם וְ⁠אֶת־אָהֳלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם וְ⁠אֵ֤ת כָּל־הַ⁠יְקוּם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ⁠רַגְלֵי⁠הֶ֔ם בְּ⁠קֶ֖רֶב כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses. You could also start a new sentence here, as modeled by the UST.

to Dathan and to Abiram, … Eliab

Quote: לְ⁠דָתָ֣ן & וְ⁠לַ⁠אֲבִירָ֗ם & אֱלִיאָב֮ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Dathan, Abiram, and Eliab are names of men. See how you translated their names in Numbers 16.

son of

Quote: בֶּן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, son means “descendant.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “descendant of”

the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up

Quote: פָּצְתָ֤ה הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ אֶת־פִּ֔י⁠הָ וַ⁠תִּבְלָעֵ֥⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here, Moses is speaking of the earth as if it were a person who had a mouth that can open and swallow. Yahweh caused the earth to open and close. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh made a crack in the earth underneath them and caused the earth to cover them”

their houses

Quote: בָּתֵּי⁠הֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, houses represents the families of Dathan and Abiram. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their households”

every living thing

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠יְקוּם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The term living thing includes people and animals. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “every person and animal”

was} in their steps

Quote: בְּ⁠רַגְלֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in their steps is an idiom that means “belongs to them.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “belonged to them”

in the midst of all Israel

Quote: בְּ⁠קֶ֖רֶב כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, midst represents a person’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and all Israel witnessed it”

Israel

Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Israel represents all of the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Israelites”

Deuteronomy 11:7

but

Quote: כִּ֤י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word but here to indicate a strong contrast between what the Israelites have experienced and what their descendants have experienced. Moses means that the Israelites, and not their descendants, have personally experienced Yahweh’s discipline. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whereas”

your eyes

Quote: עֵֽינֵי⁠כֶם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, eyes represents the whole person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you yourselves”

all the great work of Yahweh that he did

Quote: אֶת־כָּל־מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה הַ⁠גָּדֹ֑ל אֲשֶׁ֖ר עָשָֽׂה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the phrasing so that the subject and verb are more clear. Alternate translation: “all the great work that Yahweh did”

the great work of Yahweh

Quote: מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה הַ⁠גָּדֹ֑ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The term great work refers to all the miracles and other deeds that Yahweh did using his great power. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the wonders of Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 11:8

so that

Quote: לְמַ֣עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what comes after it as the goal or purpose of what comes before it. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

you may be strong and go in

Quote: תֶּחֶזְק֗וּ וּ⁠בָאתֶם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

The two words be strong and go in express a single idea. The word be strong tells how they will be able to go in and conquer the land. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “you may be prepared to go in”

and go in

Quote: וּ⁠בָאתֶם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “come” instead of go. Alternate translation: “and come in”

are going over

Quote: עֹבְרִ֥ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is using the term going over because the Israelites must cross the Jordan River to enter into Canaan. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “are crossing the Jordan”

Deuteronomy 11:9

and so that

Quote: וּ⁠לְמַ֨עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what comes after it as the goal or purpose of obeying Yahweh. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

you may prolong days

Quote: תַּאֲרִ֤יכוּ יָמִים֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

If the Israelites obey Yahweh, they will prolong the days when they live on the land. Moses is speaking of time as if it were something over which man could exercise control, to prolong it. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “you may dwell continuosly”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֛ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors”

a land flowing {with} milk and honey

Quote: אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated this in 6:3.

Deuteronomy 11:10

you … you sowed your seed and watered with your foot

Quote: אַתָּ֤ה & תִּזְרַע֙ אֶֽת־זַרְעֲ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠הִשְׁקִ֥יתָ בְ⁠רַגְלְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

your seed

Quote: אֶֽת־זַרְעֲ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, seed refers literally to the seeds used in farming. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “your crops”

and watered with your foot

Quote: וְ⁠הִשְׁקִ֥יתָ בְ⁠רַגְלְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word foot refers to hard work. In Egypt, workers would use their feet to turn a water wheel that would water the fields. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and labored just to water the fields”

as {for} a garden of herbs

Quote: כְּ⁠גַ֥ן הַ⁠יָּרָֽק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, garden of herbs refers to a vegetable garden. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “vegetable garden”

Deuteronomy 11:11

drinks water of the rain of the heavens

Quote: לִ⁠מְטַ֥ר הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יִם תִּשְׁתֶּה־מָּֽיִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here, Moses speaks of the land as if it were a person who could drink water. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “watered by rainfall”

Deuteronomy 11:12

The eyes of Yahweh your God {are} always upon it

Quote: תָּמִ֗יד עֵינֵ֨י יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ בָּ֔⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here eyes represents attention and care. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God cares for it always”

Deuteronomy 11:13

And it will happen, if

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֗ה אִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that Yahweh will only bless the Israelites if they obey his commands. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “It will come to pass, if”

listening, you will listen

Quote: שָׁמֹ֤עַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb listen in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you will surely listen”

my commandments

Quote: מִצְוֺתַ֔⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is relaying Yahweh’s commandments to the Israelites. He does not mean that the commandments originate from him. You could include this information if that would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s commandments”

with all your heart and with all your soul

Quote: בְּ⁠כָל־לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֖ם וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־נַפְשְׁ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, heart and soul could be: (1) terms that both refer to a person’s inner being that are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “with all your inner being” (2) terms that refer to different aspects of a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “with all your being and with all your person”

Deuteronomy 11:14

then I will give

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֧י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

This verse continues the hypothetical situation proposed in the previous verse. Use a natural form in your language for introducing the consequence of a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “and if that happens, then I will give”

then I will give the rain of your land in its season, the former rain and the latter rain

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֧י מְטַֽר־אַרְצְ⁠כֶ֛ם בְּ⁠עִתּ֖⁠וֹ יוֹרֶ֣ה וּ⁠מַלְק֑וֹשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will cause the rain to fall on the land at the proper times for growing crops. The former rain is the spring rains and the latter rain is the autumn rains. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. “I will cause it to rain on your land in the proper season, spring and fall”

then I will give

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֧י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, I refers to Yahweh. Moses is telling the Israelites what Yahweh said. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could use the third-person pronoun. Alternate translation: “then Yahweh will give”

the rain of … your grain and your new wine and your oil

Quote: מְטַֽר & דְגָנֶ֔⁠ךָ וְ⁠תִֽירֹשְׁ⁠ךָ֖ וְ⁠יִצְהָרֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the words rain, grain, wine, and oil are singular in form, but they refer to all rainfall, crops and produce as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly, as modeled by the UST.

and you will gather your grain and your new wine and your oil

Quote: וְ⁠אָסַפְתָּ֣ דְגָנֶ֔⁠ךָ וְ⁠תִֽירֹשְׁ⁠ךָ֖ וְ⁠יִצְהָרֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

and your new wine and your oil

Quote: וְ⁠תִֽירֹשְׁ⁠ךָ֖ וְ⁠יִצְהָרֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will bless the crops of grapes and olives. Wine is made from grapes and oil is made from olives. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “grapes for your new wine and olive trees for your oil”

Deuteronomy 11:15

And I will give

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֛י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

This verse continues the hypothetical situation proposed in verse 13. Use a natural form in your language for introducing the consequence of a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Then, I will give”

And I will give

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֛י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, I refers to Yahweh. Moses is telling the Israelites what Yahweh said. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could use the third-person pronoun. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh will give”

in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied

Quote: בְּ⁠שָׂדְ⁠ךָ֖ לִ⁠בְהֶמְתֶּ֑⁠ךָ וְ⁠אָכַלְתָּ֖ וְ⁠שָׂבָֽעְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

and you will eat and be satisfied

Quote: וְ⁠אָכַלְתָּ֖ וְ⁠שָׂבָֽעְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses means that the Israelites will always have enough food to eat. This does not mean that, after eating, the Israelites will be satisfied and never have to eat again. You could include this information if that would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “and you will always have enough food to eat”

Deuteronomy 11:16

lest

Quote: פֶּ֥ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case”

your heart is deceived

Quote: יִפְתֶּ֖ה לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here heart represents a person’s desire and will. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are deceived by your desires”

your heart is deceived

Quote: יִפְתֶּ֖ה לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the word heart is singular in form, but it refers to all the hearts of the Israelites as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “your hearts are deceived”

your heart is deceived

Quote: יִפְתֶּ֖ה לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your heart causes you to disobey”

and you turn aside

Quote: וְ⁠סַרְתֶּ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, turn aside means to disobey or stop following. Moses is speaking of commandments as if they were a path and saying that disobeying commandments is like turning aside from that path. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and disobey”

Deuteronomy 11:17

And the nose of Yahweh will burn against you

Quote: וְ⁠חָרָ֨ה אַף־יְהוָ֜ה בָּ⁠כֶ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking as if Yahweh’s anger were a fire that burns and destroys things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh your God will rage against you”

the nose of

Quote: אַף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, nose represents anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a body part from your language that is associated with anger or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the anger of”

And he will restrain the heavens and there will be no rain, and the land will not give its fruit, and you will perish quickly from off the good land

Quote: וְ⁠עָצַ֤ר אֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֣ה מָטָ֔ר וְ⁠הָ֣⁠אֲדָמָ֔ה לֹ֥א תִתֵּ֖ן אֶת־יְבוּלָ֑⁠הּ וַ⁠אֲבַדְתֶּ֣ם מְהֵרָ֗ה מֵ⁠עַל֙ הָ⁠אָ֣רֶץ הַ⁠טֹּבָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Moses is describing a chain of events that will happen as the result of disobedience. If there is no rain, then the crops will not grow. If the crops do not grow, then the people will die from starvation. If the connection between these statements is unclear, you may want to use connecting words to show the cause-and-effect relationships. Alternate translation: “And he will restrain the heavens so there will be no rain, and then the land will not give its fruit, and then you will perish quickly from off the good land”

And he will restrain the heavens and there will be no rain

Quote: וְ⁠עָצַ֤ר אֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֣ה מָטָ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will keep the rain from falling from the sky. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And he will not let rain fall”

Deuteronomy 11:18

And you shall place these words of mine on your heart and on your soul

Quote: וְ⁠שַׂמְתֶּם֙ אֶת־דְּבָרַ֣⁠י אֵ֔לֶּה עַל־לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠עַֽל־נַפְשְׁ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking as if words were objects and a person’s heart and soul were a container into which one could place words. Moses means that he wants the Israelites to remember and cherish Yahweh’s commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you shall cherish my words”

these words of mine

Quote: אֶת־דְּבָרַ֣⁠י אֵ֔לֶּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, words represents Yahweh’s commands, which Moses is repeating to the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “these laws from Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 11:18-20

and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they will be as frontlets between your eyes … And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates

Quote: וּ⁠קְשַׁרְתֶּ֨ם אֹתָ֤⁠ם לְ⁠אוֹת֙ עַל־יֶדְ⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠הָי֥וּ לְ⁠טוֹטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֥ין עֵינֵי⁠כֶֽם & וּ⁠כְתַבְתָּ֛⁠ם עַל־מְזוּז֥וֹת בֵּיתֶ֖⁠ךָ וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁעָרֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is saying that the Israelites should remember the law so well that it would be as if the law were written on their hand, between their eyes, on their doorposts, and on their gates. See how you translated this in 6:8-9.

Deuteronomy 11:18

on your heart and on your soul

Quote: עַל־לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠עַֽל־נַפְשְׁ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, heart and soul could be: (1) terms that both refer to a person’s inner being that are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “on all your inner being” (2) terms that refer to different aspects of a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “on all your being and on all your person”

as frontlets

Quote: לְ⁠טוֹטָפֹ֖ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A frontlet is a type of decorative accessory, often used as a symbol of commitment, worn around the head. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of headwear, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “as a symbolic headband”

between your eyes

Quote: בֵּ֥ין עֵינֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the phrase between your eyes is an idiom that means “forehead.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “above your brow”

Deuteronomy 11:19

to your sons

Quote: אֶת־בְּנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “children.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your offspring”

when you sit in your house and when you walk … and when you lie down and when you get up

Quote: בְּ⁠שִׁבְתְּ⁠ךָ֤ בְּ⁠בֵיתֶ֨⁠ךָ֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠לֶכְתְּ⁠ךָ֣ & וּֽ⁠בְ⁠שָׁכְבְּ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠בְ⁠קוּמֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road

Quote: בְּ⁠שִׁבְתְּ⁠ךָ֤ בְּ⁠בֵיתֶ֨⁠ךָ֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠לֶכְתְּ⁠ךָ֣ בַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here Moses is referring to every place an Israelite would go in daily life by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “wherever you are”

and when you lie down and when you get up

Quote: וּֽ⁠בְ⁠שָׁכְבְּ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠בְ⁠קוּמֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here Moses is referring to all activities of daily life by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and whatever you are doing”

Deuteronomy 11:20

and on your gates

Quote: וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁעָרֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word gates refers to city gates. In those days, homes did not have gates, so we know that Moses is referring to city gates. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and on the entrance to your city”

your house and on your gates

Quote: בֵּיתֶ֖⁠ךָ וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁעָרֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Deuteronomy 11:21

so that

Quote: לְמַ֨עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of verses 18-20. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

your days and the days of your sons will be multiplied

Quote: יִרְבּ֤וּ יְמֵי⁠כֶם֙ וִ⁠ימֵ֣י בְנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you and your children may have longevity”

your sons

Quote: בְנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your offspring”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors”

as the days of the heavens over the earth

Quote: כִּ⁠ימֵ֥י הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יִם עַל־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Moses is saying that the Israelites and their descendants would live on the land for so long that that time would be equal to the length of time that the heavens exist over the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “forever”

Deuteronomy 11:22

For

Quote: כִּי֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, Moses is using For to introduce blessings for obedience. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase for introductions. Alternate translation: “Now”

Deuteronomy 11:22-23

if keeping, you will keep all these commandments that I am commanding you to do them, to love Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cling to him … then Yahweh will drive out all these nations from before your faces, and you will dispossess nations larger and mightier than yourselves

Quote: אִם־שָׁמֹ֨ר תִּשְׁמְר֜וּ⁠ן אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠מִּצְוָ֣ה הַ⁠זֹּ֗את אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם לַ⁠עֲשֹׂתָ֑⁠הּ לְ⁠אַהֲבָ֞ה אֶת־יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֛ם לָ⁠לֶ֥כֶת בְּ⁠כָל־דְּרָכָ֖י⁠ו וּ⁠לְ⁠דָבְקָה־בֽ⁠וֹ & וְ⁠הוֹרִ֧ישׁ יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם הָ⁠אֵ֖לֶּה מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֑ם וִֽ⁠ירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם גּוֹיִ֔ם גְּדֹלִ֥ים וַ⁠עֲצֻמִ֖ים מִ⁠כֶּֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that Yahweh will only give the Israelites victory if they obey him. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen, as modeled by the UST.

Deuteronomy 11:22

keeping, you will keep

Quote: שָׁמֹ֨ר תִּשְׁמְר֜וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

The phrase keeping, you will keep translates verbs that are repeated for emphasis. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation.

I am commanding you to do them

Quote: אָנֹכִ֛י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם לַ⁠עֲשֹׂתָ֑⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression I am commanding you to do them contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression, as modeled by the UST.

to walk in all his ways

Quote: לָ⁠לֶ֥כֶת בְּ⁠כָל־דְּרָכָ֖י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, walk in all his ways means “obey him.” Moses is speaking of commandment as if they were ways that one could walk in. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to obey him”

and to cling to him

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠דָבְקָה־בֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of having a good relationship with Yahweh as if a person were physically clinging to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and with him to maintain a good relationship”

Deuteronomy 11:23

all these nations … nations

Quote: אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם הָ⁠אֵ֖לֶּה & גּוֹיִ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here nations represents the people living in those nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all of the people of these nations … people from nations”

from before your faces

Quote: מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Deuteronomy 11:24

Every place where the sole of your foot will tread upon

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּדְרֹ֧ךְ כַּֽף־רַגְלְ⁠כֶ֛ם בּ֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This is an emphatic way of saying “everywhere.” Be sure that this is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “Every single place you go”

the river, the Euphrates River

Quote: הַ⁠נָּהָ֣ר נְהַר־פְּרָ֗ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression the river, the Euphrates River contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression, as modeled by the UST.

Deuteronomy 11:25

No man will be able to stand

Quote: לֹא־יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב אִ֖ישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, stand means “resist” or “stop.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “No man will survive the battle”

man

Quote: אִ֖ישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

By man, Moses means anyone from the enemy people groups. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could include this information in your translation. Alternate translation: “army of these peoples”

before your faces

Quote: בִּ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Yahweh your God will give the fear of you and the terror of you

Quote: פַּחְדְּ⁠כֶ֨ם וּ⁠מֽוֹרַאֲ⁠כֶ֜ם יִתֵּ֣ן ׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses speaks of emotions as if they were objects one could physically put on the land. He means that God will cause their enemies to feel fear and terror. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will cause your enemies to feel the fear of you and the terror of you”

Yahweh your God will give the fear of you and the terror of you upon the face of all the land

Quote: פַּחְדְּ⁠כֶ֨ם וּ⁠מֽוֹרַאֲ⁠כֶ֜ם יִתֵּ֣ן ׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶ֗ם עַל־פְּנֵ֤י כָל־הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of fear and terror, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will cause you to frighten and terrify all the land”

the fear of you and the terror of you

Quote: פַּחְדְּ⁠כֶ֨ם וּ⁠מֽוֹרַאֲ⁠כֶ֜ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms fear and terror mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the extremely great fear of you”

the fear of you and the terror of you

Quote: פַּחְדְּ⁠כֶ֨ם וּ⁠מֽוֹרַאֲ⁠כֶ֜ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Yahweh is using the possessive form to describe how the Israelites will cause fear and terror. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression that describes cause and effect. Alternate translation: “the fear caused by you and the terror caused by you”

the face of all the land

Quote: פְּנֵ֤י כָל־הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the face of all the land represents all the people who live on the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the people living in the place”

Deuteronomy 11:26

Look

Quote: רְאֵ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term Look to focus the Israelites' attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Now”

before your faces

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

a blessing and a curse

Quote: בְּרָכָ֖ה וּ⁠קְלָלָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites have a choice between obedience and disobedience. If the Israelites obey Yahweh, then they will receive a blessing, and if they disobey, they will receive the curse of Yahweh’s punishment. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the choice to receive a blessing or a curse from Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 11:28

and turn aside from the way

Quote: וְ⁠סַרְתֶּ֣ם מִן־הַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, turn aside means to disobey or stop following. Moses is speaking of Yahweh’s commandments as if they were way that one could walk on and disobedience as turning aside from that way. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and disobey the commands”

Deuteronomy 11:29

your God brings you … you … that you will set

Quote: יְבִֽיאֲ⁠ךָ֙ & אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ & אַתָּ֥ה & וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֤ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

that you will set the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֤ה אֶת־הַ⁠בְּרָכָה֙ עַל־הַ֣ר גְּרִזִ֔ים וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠קְּלָלָ֖ה עַל־הַ֥ר עֵיבָֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The blessing and the curse are spoken of as if they were objects that one could set on a mountain. Moses means that the Israelites will remind themselves of the consequences of obedience or disobedience while some of them are on each mountain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, as modeled by the UST.

Mount Gerizim … Mount Ebal

Quote: הַ֣ר גְּרִזִ֔ים & הַ֥ר עֵיבָֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of mountains on the west side of the Jordan River.

Deuteronomy 11:30

Are} they not across the Jordan, following the road of the sun setting, in the land of the Canaanites who live in the Arabah, opposite Gilgal, beside the oaks of Moreh

Quote: הֲ⁠לֹא־הֵ֜מָּה בְּ⁠עֵ֣בֶר הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֗ן אַֽחֲרֵי֙ דֶּ֚רֶךְ מְב֣וֹא הַ⁠שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ בְּ⁠אֶ֨רֶץ֙ הַֽ⁠כְּנַעֲנִ֔י הַ⁠יֹּשֵׁ֖ב בָּ⁠עֲרָבָ֑ה מ֚וּל הַ⁠גִּלְגָּ֔ל אֵ֖צֶל אֵלוֹנֵ֥י מֹרֶֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The Israelites are on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Moses uses a question to remind the people where these mountains are located. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement, as modeled by the UST.

the sun setting

Quote: מְב֣וֹא הַ⁠שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the sun setting is an idiom that means “the west.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the west side”

opposite

Quote: מ֚וּל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here opposite means “near”. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “close to”

the oaks of Moreh

Quote: אֵלוֹנֵ֥י מֹרֶֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The term the oaks of Moreh probably refers to a place near Gilgal where there were sacred trees.

Deuteronomy 11:31

For you are crossing over the Jordan to go in to possess the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you, and you will possess it and live in it

Quote: כִּ֤י אַתֶּם֙ עֹבְרִ֣ים אֶת־הַ⁠יַּרְדֵּ֔ן לָ⁠בֹא֙ לָ⁠רֶ֣שֶׁת אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם נֹתֵ֣ן לָ⁠כֶ֑ם וִֽ⁠ירִשְׁתֶּ֥ם אֹתָ֖⁠הּ וִֽ⁠ישַׁבְתֶּם־בָּֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If less repetition of phrases would be more natural in your language, you could simplify these phrases. Alternate translation: “For you are crossing over the Jordan to posses the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you, and you will live in it”

Deuteronomy 11:32

before your faces

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

I set before your faces

Quote: אָנֹכִ֛י נֹתֵ֥ן לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking of Yahweh’s statutes and ordinances as if they were objects that could be set on the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am telling you”

Deuteronomy 12

Deuteronomy 12 General Notes

Outline

• vv. 1-28: Yahweh will choose one place for worship in the land
• vv. 29-32: Warnings against idolatry

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Covenant with Moses

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

Israel and Yahweh

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

Other Possible Translation Issues in this Chapter

Words for the Law

• statutes
• ordinances
• judgments Moses uses several words to refer to the law that Yahweh commanded the Israelites to obey. It is unclear what the differences are between these terms. If your language has different terms for the law, you could use them here to differentiate between the different Hebrew words. (See: Translate Unknowns)

“You”

Verses 1-12: You is plural unless otherwise noted. Verses 13-32: You is singular Moses wants each individual to obey the law for themselves.

“The Place Yahweh your God will choose”

Moses refers to the future place where the temple will be built as “the place Yahweh your God will choose for his name to dwell there” or “the place Yahweh your God will choose it.” These phrases emphasize that Yahweh decides how and where the Israelites must worship him. The wording of these phrases might be unnatural in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “the place Yahweh your God will set his name” or “the place Yahweh your God will choose” (See: temple, house, house of God and Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

Deuteronomy 12:1

you shall keep

Quote: תִּשְׁמְר֣וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more information about translating shall. Alternate translation: “you must keep”

all the days that you live on the earth

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֥ם חַיִּ֖ים עַל־הָ⁠אֲדָמָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, all the days that you live on the earth is an idiom that means “for as long as you live.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as long as you live”

Deuteronomy 12:2

Destroying, you shall destroy

Quote: אַבֵּ֣ד תְּ֠אַבְּדוּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

The words Destroying, you shall destroy translate verbs that are repeated for emphasis. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation. If your language does not repeat words for emphasis, you could use a different word for intensifying a verb. Alternate translation: “You shall surely destroy”

that the nations that you shall dispossess them served their gods there

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֧ר עָֽבְדוּ־שָׁ֣ם הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם יֹרְשִׁ֥ים אֹתָ֖⁠ם אֶת־אֱלֹהֵי⁠הֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the phrasing so that it is clear what the “places” were used for. Alternate translation: “where the enemies who you will dispossess served their gods”

the nations

Quote: הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here nations represents the people groups that live in the land that the Israelites will conquer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your enemies”

Deuteronomy 12:3

their stone pillars

Quote: אֶת־מַצֵּ֣בֹתָ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people groups in the land built stone pillars as symbols of their god Baal. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “their sacred stone pillars”

their name

Quote: אֶת־שְׁמָ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents idols and knowledge about them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “any trace of those idols”

that place

Quote: הַ⁠מָּק֖וֹם הַ⁠הֽוּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here that place refers to all the places where the people living in the land worshiped idols, as described in the previous verse. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “those places of idol worship”

Deuteronomy 12:4

You shall not do like so to Yahweh your God

Quote: לֹֽא־תַעֲשׂ֣וּ⁠ן כֵּ֔ן לַ⁠יהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites should not worship Yahweh the way the other nations worship their idols. The other nations worship their gods wherever they want, but the Israelites must only worship Yahweh in the place that Yahweh decides. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “You shall not worship Yahweh your God as those nations worship their idols”

Deuteronomy 12:5

But

Quote: כִּ֠י אִֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word But here to indicate a strong contrast between how the Israelites will worship and how the other people groups worship. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Rather,”

out of all your tribes to put his name

Quote: מִ⁠כָּל־שִׁבְטֵי⁠כֶ֔ם לָ⁠שׂ֥וּם אֶת־שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will choose a place for the Israelites to worship him from the land belonging to one of the Israelite tribes. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from the land of one of the tribes to put his name”

his name

Quote: אֶת־שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents all of Yahweh: his power, presence, knowledge, and so on. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See chapter introduction for more information about Yahweh’s presence. Alternate translation: “his presence”

and there you shall go

Quote: וּ⁠בָ֥אתָ שָֽׁמָּ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, the pronoun you is singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Deuteronomy 12:6

the contribution of your hand

Quote: תְּרוּמַ֣ת יֶדְ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here hand represents the whole person in the act of giving an offering. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the contribution that you personally give”

and your offerings for vows

Quote: וְ⁠נִדְרֵי⁠כֶם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe offerings that were given to fulfill vows one made. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “and offerings to fulfill your vows”

and the firstborn of

Quote: וּ⁠בְכֹרֹ֥ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In Exodus 13:2, Yahweh commands the Israelites to dedicate all firstborn males to him. This command would remind the Israelites that Yahweh saved the firstborn sons from the plague in Egypt that killed all other firstborn sons. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and the firstborn males that you are commanded to sacrifice from”

your herds and flocks

Quote: בְּקַרְ⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠צֹאנְ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The words herds and flocks do not refer to specific groups of animals. They describe any groups of animals that an Israelite might own. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “any of your animals”

Deuteronomy 12:7

And there you shall eat before the face of Yahweh your God

Quote: וַ⁠אֲכַלְתֶּם־שָׁ֗ם לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Leviticus 1-16 describes the different types of offerings and which parts of the offering the Israelites could eat. Yahweh commanded the Israelites to eat their portion of the cooked sacrifice within the court of the tabernacle. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “And there you shall eat the portions of the offerings before the face of Yahweh your God according to his commandments”

there

Quote: שָׁ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word there refers to the place that Yahweh will choose for the Israelites to worship him that is mentioned in verse 5. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “at the chosen place of worship”

the sending out of your hand

Quote: מִשְׁלַ֣ח יֶדְ⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the sending out of your hand is an idiom that means “the results of your hard work.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the fruit of your labor” or “the results of your hard work”

your hand

Quote: יֶדְ⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using hand to represent all of a person in the act of working. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you yourself”

where Yahweh your God has blessed you

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר בֵּֽרַכְ⁠ךָ֖ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh is the one who enables the Israelites to be successful in all their work. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “which you have because of the favor of Yahweh your God”

Deuteronomy 12:8

You shall not do as everything that we are doing here today, {every} man {doing} whatever {is} right in his eyes

Quote: לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ⁠ן כְּ֠⁠כֹל אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנַ֧חְנוּ עֹשִׂ֛ים פֹּ֖ה הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם אִ֖ישׁ כָּל־הַ⁠יָּשָׁ֥ר בְּ⁠עֵינָֽי⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that at the time of this speech, the Israelites are worshiping Yahweh in whichever manner they want to. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Right now, every man does whatever worship is right in his eyes, but you shall not do any of that in the future”

we

Quote: אֲנַ֧חְנוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Moses is using the pronoun we to refer to himself and all the Israelites, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction. If the change in pronoun from “you” to we would be confusing for your readers, you could use the second-person pronoun here. Alternate translation: “you”

every} man {doing

Quote: אִ֖ישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word man represents all people in general, not one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression and change the following pronouns to fit. Alternate translation: “each person doing”

in his eyes

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵינָֽי⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in his eyes is an idiom for a person's opinion or evaluation. Moses speaks as if evaluating something were physically seeing it with one's eyes. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “according to his own evaluation”

Deuteronomy 12:9

for

Quote: כִּ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “since”

to the rest and to the inheritance

Quote: אֶל־הַ⁠מְּנוּחָה֙ וְ⁠אֶל־הַֽ⁠נַּחֲלָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

The two words rest and inheritance express a single idea. The word rest tells what it their lives will be like when the Israelites live in the land that is their inheritance. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “to the land of your inheritance where you will rest”

the rest

Quote: הַ⁠מְּנוּחָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word the rest, you can express the same idea with a comparable phrase. Alternate translation: “the land where you will live without having to fight”

your God … to you

Quote: אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ & לָֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Deuteronomy 12:10

and he will cause you to rest from all your surrounding enemies

Quote: וְ⁠הֵנִ֨יחַ לָ⁠כֶ֧ם מִ⁠כָּל־אֹיְבֵי⁠כֶ֛ם מִ⁠סָּבִ֖יב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites will not have to defend their land from the attacks of nearby people groups. Yahweh will protect them and cause the other nations to fear the Israelites. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he will prevent nearby foes from attacking you”

Deuteronomy 12:11

And it will be

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Moses is using And it will be to introduce commands for the future. If the connection between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a connecting word to show how this statement relates to what came before it. Use a natural form in your language for connecting this statement to the previous one. Alternate translation: “Then”

And it will be that the place in which Yahweh your God will choose for His name to dwell there, there you will bring all that I command you

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֣ה הַ⁠מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַר֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֥ם בּ⁠וֹ֙ לְ⁠שַׁכֵּ֤ן שְׁמ⁠וֹ֙ שָׁ֔ם שָׁ֣מָּ⁠ה תָבִ֔יאוּ אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י מְצַוֶּ֣ה אֶתְ⁠כֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could rearrange these phrases so that the subject and verb are clear. Alternate translation: “You will bring all that I command you to the place which Yahweh your God will choose for His name to dwell”

for His name

Quote: שְׁמ⁠וֹ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents all of Yahweh: his power, presence, knowledge, and so on. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See chapter introduction for more information about Yahweh’s presence. Alternate translation: “for his presence”

and the contribution of your hand

Quote: וּ⁠תְרֻמַ֣ת יֶדְ⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here hand represents the whole person in the act of giving an offering. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the contribution that you personally give”

your choice offerings for vows that

Quote: מִבְחַ֣ר נִדְרֵי⁠כֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe offerings that were given to fulfill vows one made. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “and the offerings you choose to give to fulfill your vows”

Deuteronomy 12:12

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי֮ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

are} within your gate

Quote: בְּ⁠שַֽׁעֲרֵי⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “is within your community”

because he has no portion or inheritance among you

Quote: כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין ל֛⁠וֹ חֵ֥לֶק וְ⁠נַחֲלָ֖ה אִתְּ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

As explained in Numbers 18:21-25, the Levites received and enjoyed the tithes from the rest of the Israelites. Since the tithe is their inheritance, Yahweh did not allot any land to them. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh gave the tithe to them and they have no allotment of land”

he

Quote: ל֛⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word he represents any Levite in general, not one particular Levite. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “a Levite”

Deuteronomy 12:13

Watch yourself … you offer your burnt offerings … you see

Quote: הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְ⁠ךָ֔ & תַּעֲלֶ֖ה עֹלֹתֶ֑י⁠ךָ & תִּרְאֶֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

From this verse to the end of the chapter, you, your, and the command forms are singular. Moses is still speaking to all of the Israelites. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation. See the chapter introduction for more information.

lest

Quote: פֶּֽן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning for a negative consequence. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case”

you see

Quote: תִּרְאֶֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here see means “desire.” Moses is speaking of seeing something as if it were desiring it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you desire”

Deuteronomy 12:14

except

Quote: כִּ֣י אִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word except here to indicate a strong contrast between where the Israelites might want to offer sacrifices and the one place that Yahweh commands them to offer sacrifices. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “rather”

in one of your tribes

Quote: בְּ⁠אַחַ֣ד שְׁבָטֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will choose a place for the Israelites to worship him from the land belonging to one of the tribes. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “within the borders of a tribe”

Deuteronomy 12:15

you may kill and eat animals

Quote: תִּזְבַּ֣ח ׀ וְ⁠אָכַלְתָּ֣ בָשָׂ֗ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelits could kill and eat animals for food anywhere they wanted, as much as they wanted. The command from the previous verse only applies to animals killed for sacrifices. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you may kill and eat animals for food”

your gates

Quote: שְׁעָרֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the word gates refers to the entire city or town. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your cities”

in all the desire of your spirit

Quote: בְּ⁠כָל־אַוַּ֨ת נַפְשְׁ⁠ךָ֜ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here soul represents a person’s inner being, will, and desires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “however you yourself desire”

according to the blessing of Yahweh your God that he has given to you

Quote: כְּ⁠בִרְכַּ֨ת יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן־לְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites have animals to eat because Yahweh blessed them with access to food. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “whatever animals Yahweh your God has enabled you to own”

the unclean and the clean

Quote: הַ⁠טָּמֵ֤א וְ⁠הַ⁠טָּהוֹר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A clean person is anyone who has is ceremonially clean according to Yahweh’s law. An unclean person is anyone who has touched something unclean according to the law. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “everyone, whether or not they have touched anything unclean”

the unclean and the clean

Quote: הַ⁠טָּמֵ֤א וְ⁠הַ⁠טָּהוֹר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjectives unclean and clean as nouns to refer to people and their ceremonial purity. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are unclean and people who are clean”

such as the gazelle

Quote: כַּ⁠צְּבִ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites could eat domesticated animals (which were designated for certain sacrifices) for food, just as they would eat wild animals (which were not used in sacrifices). You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as you are permitted to eat wild animals like the gazelle”

such as the gazelle

Quote: כַּ⁠צְּבִ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A *gazelle is a hoofed animal with long, thin legs that can run quickly. The males grow horns, called antlers, from their heads. If your readers would not be familiar with this animal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “such as the hoofed, wild animal”

Deuteronomy 12:16

Only

Quote: רַ֥ק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word Only here to indicate a strong contrast between which parts of the animals that the Israelites could and could not eat. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Except”

Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it like water on the earth

Quote: רַ֥ק הַ⁠דָּ֖ם לֹ֣א תֹאכֵ֑לוּ עַל־הָ⁠אָ֥רֶץ תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖⁠נּוּ כַּ⁠מָּֽיִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In Leviticus 17:10-14 Yahweh forbids the Israelites from eating blood. He explains that the life of animals is in their blood, and the blood is reserved for sacrifices. Yahweh commands the Israelites to drain the blood of the animal onto the ground and bury the blood before cooking and consuming the animal. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “Only do not eat the blood, because the blood is the life of the animal”

Deuteronomy 12:17

within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֗י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, gates represents the border of a town and everything within it. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in your communities”

and any of your vows

Quote: וְ⁠כָל־נְדָרֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, vows represent any offering that belongs to Yahweh because a person vowed to give it to Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and anything you promised to give in your vows”

and the contribution of your hand

Quote: וּ⁠תְרוּמַ֥ת יָדֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, hand represents the whole person in the act of giving an offering. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the contribution that you personally give”

Deuteronomy 12:18

But

Quote: כִּ֡י אִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word But here to indicate a strong contrast between where to eat animals for sacrifices and animals for food. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Rather”

before the face of … before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי֩ & לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before … before”

that which Yahweh your God will choose

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִבְחַ֜ר יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶי⁠ךָ֮ בּ⁠וֹ֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression which Yahweh your God will choose it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “which Yahweh your God will choose”

and the Levite

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠לֵּוִ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word Levite represents all Levites in general, not one particular Levite. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “and any Levite”

is} within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “is within your community”

the sending out of your hand

Quote: מִשְׁלַ֥ח יָדֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated this in verse 7.

your hand

Quote: יָדֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using hand to represent all of a person in the act of working. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you yourself”

Deuteronomy 12:19

lest

Quote: פֶּֽן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning for a negative consequence. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case”

you forsake the Levite

Quote: תַּעֲזֹ֖ב אֶת־הַ⁠לֵּוִ֑י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

As explained in the chapter introduction, the Levites relied on tithes to live. An Israelite could forsake the Levite if they withheld offerings from the priests. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “you forsake the Levite by withholding food from him”

the Levite

Quote: אֶת־הַ⁠לֵּוִ֑י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word Levite represents all Levites in general, not one particular Levite. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “any Levite”

all your days

Quote: כָּל־יָמֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, days is an idiom that refers to a period of time. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you use a comparable phrase from your language for describing a length of time. Alternate translation: “throughout your life”

Deuteronomy 12:20

When Yahweh your God broadens your borders

Quote: כִּֽי־יַרְחִיב֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֥י⁠ךָ אֶֽת־גְּבֽוּלְ⁠ךָ֮ (1)

The implication is that Yahweh will broaden the borders of the Israelites’ land by allowing them to conquer more land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh your God causes you to conquer more land”

he has spoken

Quote: דִּבֶּר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here spoken means “promised”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he has sworn”

and you say, ‘I will eat meat,’ due to the desire of your soul to eat meat

Quote: וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֙ אֹכְלָ֣ה בָשָׂ֔ר כִּֽי־תְאַוֶּ֥ה נַפְשְׁ⁠ךָ֖ לֶ⁠אֱכֹ֣ל בָּשָׂ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, as modeled by the UST.

the desire of your soul … in all the desire of your soul

Quote: תְאַוֶּ֥ה נַפְשְׁ⁠ךָ֖ & בְּ⁠כָל־אַוַּ֥ת נַפְשְׁ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, soul represents a person’s inner being, will, and desires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your own desire … however you yourself desire”

Deuteronomy 12:21

If the place that Yahweh your God chooses to put his name there is too far from you, then you may sacrifice

Quote: כִּֽי־יִרְחַ֨ק מִמְּ⁠ךָ֜ הַ⁠מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִבְחַ֜ר יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶי⁠ךָ֮ לָ⁠שׂ֣וּם שְׁמ֣⁠וֹ שָׁם֒ וְ⁠זָבַחְתָּ֞ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that the Israelites may only sacrifice where they live if they live far away from Yahweh’s chosen place. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “And should it happen that the place that Yahweh your God chooses to put his name there is too farm from you, then you may sacrifice”

that Yahweh your God chooses to put his name there

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִבְחַ֜ר יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶי⁠ךָ֮ לָ⁠שׂ֣וּם שְׁמ֣⁠וֹ שָׁם֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression that Yahweh your God chooses to put his name there contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “where Yahweh your God puts his name”

his name

Quote: שְׁמ֣⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents all of Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See chapter introduction for more information about Yahweh’s presence. Alternate translation: “his presence”

within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the border of a town and everything within it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in your communities”

in all the desire of your spirit

Quote: בְּ⁠כֹ֖ל אַוַּ֥ת נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

See how you translated this phrase in verse 15.

Deuteronomy 12:22

as the gazelle and the deer are eaten

Quote: כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר יֵאָכֵ֤ל אֶֽת־הַ⁠צְּבִי֙ וְ⁠אֶת־הָ֣⁠אַיָּ֔ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Just like one eats the gazelle and the deer”

as the gazelle and the deer are eaten

Quote: כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר יֵאָכֵ֤ל אֶֽת־הַ⁠צְּבִי֙ וְ⁠אֶת־הָ֣⁠אַיָּ֔ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites who lived far away from Yahweh’s chosen place could eat these sacrifices where they lived. This would be just as they would eat wild animals as the gazelle and the deer (which were not used in sacrifices). You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as you are permitted to eat wild animals like the gazelle and the deer”

the gazelle and the deer

Quote: אֶֽת־הַ⁠צְּבִי֙ וְ⁠אֶת־הָ֣⁠אַיָּ֔ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

See how you translated these terms in verse 15.

the unclean and the clean

Quote: הַ⁠טָּמֵא֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠טָּה֔וֹר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated these terms in verse 15.

the unclean and the clean

Quote: הַ⁠טָּמֵא֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠טָּה֔וֹר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjectives unclean and clean as nouns to refer to people and their ceremonial purity. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are unclean and people who are clean”

Deuteronomy 12:23

Only

Quote: רַ֣ק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word Only here to indicate a strong contrast between what is and is not permissible for the Israelites to eat. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yet”

the blood is the life

Quote: הַ⁠דָּ֖ם ה֣וּא הַ⁠נָּ֑פֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Blood sustains the life of living beings. Moses is speaking as if blood were life itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “blood sustains life in living beings”

the life

Quote: הַ⁠נֶּ֖פֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word life here represents the blood that sustains life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the blood that maintains life”

Deuteronomy 12:24

Do not eat it; you shall pour it out on the earth like water

Quote: לֹ֖א תֹּאכְלֶ֑⁠נּוּ עַל־הָ⁠אָ֥רֶץ תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖⁠נּוּ כַּ⁠מָּֽיִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In Leviticus 17:10-14 Yahweh forbids the Israelites from eating blood. He explains that the life of animals is in their blood, and the blood is reserved for sacrifices. Yahweh commands the Israelites to drain the blood of the animal onto the ground and bury the blood before cooking and consuming the animal. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “Only do not eat the blood, because the blood is the life of the animal”

Deuteronomy 12:25

so that

Quote: לְמַ֨עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as so that indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “and as a result”

and for your sons

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנֶ֣י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and for your offspring”

after you

Quote: אַחֲרֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here after means “later”. The implication is that the descendants of the Israelites will continue living on the land after the parents die. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who will live on the land following you”

right

Quote: הַ⁠יָּשָׁ֖ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of right, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “justly”

in the eyes of

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in the eyes of is an idiom for a person's opinion or evaluation. Moses speaks as if evaluating something were physically seeing it with one's eyes. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the evaluation of”

Deuteronomy 12:26

But

Quote: רַ֧ק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word But here to indicate a strong contrast between where it is permissible to offer sacrifices that one would personally eat and where it is permissible to offer other sacrifices. This command applies to those who live far away from the place that Yahweh will choose, as specified in verse 15. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “As for”

and your vow offerings

Quote: וּ⁠נְדָרֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

See how you translated this in verse 6.

you shall take

Quote: תִּשָּׂ֣א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “you shall take them”

Deuteronomy 12:27

And you shall make

Quote: וְ⁠עָשִׂ֤יתָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites would offer those sacrifices. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And you shall sacrifice”

your burnt offerings, … and the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out on the altar of Yahweh your God, and you shall eat the meat

Quote: עֹלֹתֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ & וְ⁠דַם־זְבָחֶ֗י⁠ךָ יִשָּׁפֵךְ֙ עַל־מִזְבַּח֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ וְ⁠הַ⁠בָּשָׂ֖ר תֹּאכֵֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the term burnt offerings and the term sacrifices refer to two different types of offerings. Leviticus 1 describes the commands for burnt offerings, which are wholly burned by the fire of the altar. By saying sacrifices, Moses is referring to Leviticus 3 and Leviticus 7:11-36, which describe the commands for fellowship offerings. Some parts of the animal for these offerings were burned on the altar, some parts were for the priest to eat, and the rest was for the person who offered the sacrifice to eat. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “your burnt offerings … as for the fellowship offering, the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out on the altar of Yahweh your God, and you shall eat some of the meat”

and the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out

Quote: וְ⁠דַם־זְבָחֶ֗י⁠ךָ יִשָּׁפֵךְ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the priest will pour out the blood of your sacrifices”

Deuteronomy 12:28

Keep and listen to

Quote: שְׁמֹ֣ר וְ⁠שָׁמַעְתָּ֗ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word ** Keep tells how Moses wants the Israelites to listen** to the commandments. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “Carefully attend to”

so that

Quote: לְמַעַן֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

and for your sons

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנֶ֤י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and for your offspring”

after you

Quote: אַחֲרֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here after means “later”. The implication is that the descendants of the Israelites will continue living on the land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who will live on the land following you”

the good and the right

Quote: הַ⁠טּ֣וֹב וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּשָׁ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms good and right mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “whatever is correct”

the good and the right

Quote: הַ⁠טּ֣וֹב וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּשָׁ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of good and right, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “rightly and justly”

in the eyes of

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in the eyes of is an idiom for a person's opinion or evaluation. Moses speaks as if evaluating something were physically seeing it with one's eyes. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the evaluation of”

Deuteronomy 12:29

cuts off

Quote: יַכְרִית֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, cuts off means “completely destroys” so that a people group will not have descendants. Moses is speaking of eliminating a people group as if it were like cutting off a branch from a tree so that the branch could no longer grow new leaves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “completely eliminates”

When Yahweh your God cuts off the nations from before your face, when you go in there to dispossess them, and you dispossess them and live in their land

Quote: כִּֽי־יַכְרִית֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜י⁠ךָ אֶת־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתָּ֥ה בָא־שָׁ֛מָּ⁠ה לָ⁠רֶ֥שֶׁת אוֹתָ֖⁠ם מִ⁠פָּנֶ֑י⁠ךָ וְ⁠יָרַשְׁתָּ֣ אֹתָ֔⁠ם וְ⁠יָשַׁבְתָּ֖ בְּ⁠אַרְצָֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could arrange these clauses in chronological order, as the Israelites must enter the land before Yahweh can enable their victory over the other nations. Alternate translation: “As you go in there to dispossess the nations, Yahweh your God will cut them off from before your faces. Then, you will take their place and live on their land”

the nations

Quote: אֶת־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word nations represents all the people groups who live in the land that Yahweh is giving to the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the peoples”

from before your face

Quote: מִ⁠פָּנֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Deuteronomy 12:30

lest … and lest

Quote: פֶּן & וּ⁠פֶן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning about a negative consequence. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case … and in case”

you are trapped after them

Quote: תִּנָּקֵשׁ֙ אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses compares idolatry to becoming trapped when one follows after the customs of others who worship idols. This is because it is very difficult to get away from idols once one becomes distracted from worshiping Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they distract you from Yahweh and you follow their religion”

you are trapped after them

Quote: תִּנָּקֵשׁ֙ אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their religion traps you”

after them

Quote: אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun them refers to the people of the nations from the previous verse and their religious customs. If this is not clear for your readers, you could include clarifying information. Alternate translation: “after the idolatry of the nations”

they are destroyed from before your face

Quote: הִשָּׁמְדָ֣⁠ם מִ⁠פָּנֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after Yahweh destroys them from before your face”

from before your face

Quote: מִ⁠פָּנֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֨ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods? And thus I also will do

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֨ר אֵיכָ֨ה יַעַבְד֜וּ הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֤ם הָ⁠אֵ֨לֶּה֙ אֶת־אֱלֹ֣הֵי⁠הֶ֔ם וְ⁠אֶעֱשֶׂה־כֵּ֖ן גַּם־אָֽנִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, as modeled by the UST.

Deuteronomy 12:31

thus

Quote: כֵ֔ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the word thus refers to the ways the other nations worship their gods. Moses is forbidding the Israelites from worshiping Yahweh in those ways. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as the other nations do”

for

Quote: כִּי֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because” or "since"

every abomination {to} Yahweh, which he hates—they have done for their gods

Quote: כָּל־תּוֹעֲבַ֨ת יְהוָ֜ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר שָׂנֵ֗א עָשׂוּ֙ לֵ⁠אלֹ֣הֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reword these phrases so that the subject and verb are clear. Alternate translation: “they have done for their gods every abomination which Yahweh hates”

Deuteronomy 13

Deuteronomy 13 General Notes

This chapter continues Moses’ second speech, which began in Chapter 5.

Chapter 13 Outline

• vv. 1-11: Execute idol worshipers
• vv. 12-18: Destroy cities where idol worshipers live

Special Concepts in this Chapter

False prophecy

Verses 1-11 discuss false prophets and people who practice divination. These are people who claim that their message comes from Yahweh, but they encourage people to worship idols instead of Yahweh. (See: INVALID bible/kt/false-prophet and INVALID bible/kt/divination)

Abominations

Anything that is sinful or ceremonially impure according to the law is called an abomination in this chapter. The sinful things include people who worship idols, items used for idol worship, and anything associated with idolatry. (See: INVALID bible/kt/detest and INVALID bible/kt/wicked)

Other Possible Translation Issues in this Chapter

“You”

Even though Moses is speaking to all of the Israelites, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Hypothetical conditions

Moses is addressing situations that could occur in the future and giving instructions for the Israelites to follow if those situations occur. In your translation, be sure to use phrases that show that Moses is talking about hypothetical situations, not promising that something will happen in the future. (See: Hypothetical Situations and Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

Deuteronomy 13:1

If

Quote: כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word If to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning against idolatry. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Should it happen that”

a dreamer of dreams

Quote: חֹלֵ֣ם חֲל֑וֹם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, dreamer of dreams means someone who interprets the meaning of dreams. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a word in your language that describes someone who interprets dreams or omens. Alternate translation: “fortune-teller”

arises

Quote: יָק֤וּם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, arises means “appears.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “appears”

and he gives to you a sign or a wonder

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַ֥ן אֵלֶ֛י⁠ךָ א֖וֹת א֥וֹ מוֹפֵֽת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could mean that the prophet or dreamer of dreams will (1) perform a sign or wonder. Alternate translation: “and he enacts before you a sign or a wonder” (2) announce that a sign or wonder will occur. Alternate translation: “and he tells you about a sign or a wonder”

a sign or a wonder

Quote: א֖וֹת א֥וֹ מוֹפֵֽת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms sign and wonder mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “any supernatural act”

Deuteronomy 13:2

and the sign or the wonder comes about

Quote: וּ⁠בָ֤א הָ⁠אוֹת֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠מּוֹפֵ֔ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here comes about means “happens”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the sign or the wonder occurs”

which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them

Quote: אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר אֵלֶ֖י⁠ךָ לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר נֵֽלְכָ֞ה אַחֲרֵ֨י אֱלֹהִ֧ים אֲחֵרִ֛ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא־יְדַעְתָּ֖⁠ם וְ⁠נָֽעָבְדֵֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “which he told you about in order to lead you to other gods, which you have not known, so that you could worship them”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

Let us go after

Quote: נֵֽלְכָ֞ה אַחֲרֵ֨י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, go after means “worship.” Moses is speaking of worshiping idols as if people were physically walking behind idols to follow them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Let us serve”

Deuteronomy 13:3

with all your heart and with all your spirit

Quote: בְּ⁠כָל־לְבַבְ⁠כֶ֖ם וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־נַפְשְׁ⁠כֶֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, heart and spirit could be: (1) terms that both refer to a person’s inner being that are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “with all your inner being” (2) terms that refer to different aspects of a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “with all your being and with all your person”

Deuteronomy 13:4

You shall walk

Quote: תֵּלֵ֖כוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See the book introduction for more information about translating shall. Alternate translation: “Walk”

You shall walk after

Quote: אַחֲרֵ֨י & תֵּלֵ֖כוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, walk after means “worship.” Moses is speaking of worshiping Yahweh as if people were physically walking behind him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You shall worship”

and listen to his voice

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠קֹל֣⁠וֹ תִשְׁמָ֔עוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents the words that Yahweh spoke, which include his commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “and listen to his instructions”

and cling to him

Quote: וּ⁠ב֥⁠וֹ תִדְבָּקֽוּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of having a good relationship with Yahweh as if a person were physically holding onto him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and maintain a good relationship with him”

Deuteronomy 13:5

And that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death because he has spoken rebellion against Yahweh your God—who brought you out from the land of Egypt, and who redeemed you from the house of slaves—to drive you out from the way in which Yahweh your God commanded you to walk

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠נָּבִ֣יא הַ⁠ה֡וּא א֣וֹ חֹלֵם֩ הַ⁠חֲל֨וֹם הַ⁠ה֜וּא יוּמָ֗ת כִּ֣י דִבֶּר־סָ֠רָה עַל־יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶ֜ם הַ⁠מּוֹצִ֥יא אֶתְ⁠כֶ֣ם ׀ מֵ⁠אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֗יִם וְ⁠הַ⁠פֹּֽדְ⁠ךָ֙ מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית עֲבָדִ֔ים לְ⁠הַדִּֽיחֲ⁠ךָ֙ מִן־הַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֧ר צִוְּ⁠ךָ֛ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ לָ⁠לֶ֣כֶת בָּ֑⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases so it is clear which phrases refer to Yahweh and which refer to the prophet or dreamer of dreams. Alternate translation: “And that prophet or dreamer of dreams shall be put to death because he has spoken rebellion against Yahweh your God in order to drive you out from the way in which Yahweh your God commanded you to walk. Remember that Yahweh your God is the one who brought you out from the land of Egypt, and who redeemed you from the house of slaves”

And that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠נָּבִ֣יא הַ⁠ה֡וּא א֣וֹ חֹלֵם֩ הַ⁠חֲל֨וֹם הַ⁠ה֜וּא יוּמָ֗ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And you must put to death that prophet or that dreamer of dreams”

he has spoken rebellion

Quote: דִבֶּר־סָ֠רָה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rebellion, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “he wants you to rebel”

who brought you out

Quote: הַ⁠מּוֹצִ֥יא אֶתְ⁠כֶ֣ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “took” instead of brought. Alternate translation: “who took you out”

from the house of slaves

Quote: מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית עֲבָדִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the place where you were slaves”

to drive you out from the way in which Yahweh your God commanded you to walk

Quote: לְ⁠הַדִּֽיחֲ⁠ךָ֙ מִן־הַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֧ר צִוְּ⁠ךָ֛ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ לָ⁠לֶ֣כֶת בָּ֑⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of obedience as if it were a way on which one walks. He speaks of disobedience as going away from that path. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to cause you to reject the commands of Yahweh your God”

And you shall remove the evil from among you

Quote: וּ⁠בִֽעַרְתָּ֥ הָ⁠רָ֖ע מִ⁠קִּרְבֶּֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of evil as if it were a physical object one could remove from a community of people If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And do not tolerate evil among you”

Deuteronomy 13:6

If

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word translated as If to introduce a hypothetical situation. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Should it happen that”

the wife of your bosom

Quote: אֵ֣שֶׁת חֵיקֶ֗⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, bosom represents relational intimacy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your dear wife”

your friend who {is} like your life

Quote: רֵֽעֲ⁠ךָ֛ אֲשֶׁ֥ר כְּ⁠נַפְשְׁ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Here, Moses means a friend who is so important to someone that they are as important as life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “your dearest friend”

Deuteronomy 13:6-7

secretly entices you, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods that you have not known—you nor your fathers

Quote: יְסִֽיתְ⁠ךָ֡ & בַּ⁠סֵּ֣תֶר לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר נֵֽלְכָ֗ה וְ⁠נַֽעַבְדָה֙ אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א יָדַ֔עְתָּ אַתָּ֖ה וַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “secretly entices you to go and serve other gods that you have not known—you or your fathers—from the gods of the peoples that surround you, near to you or far from you, from one end of the earth and to the other end of the earth”

Deuteronomy 13:6

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

nor your fathers

Quote: וַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your predecessors”

Deuteronomy 13:7

from the gods of the peoples

Quote: מֵ⁠אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֗ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here Moses is using the possessive form to describe gods whom the nearby peoples worship. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “from the gods worshiped by the peoples”

the peoples that surround you

Quote: הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֗ים אֲשֶׁר֙ סְבִיבֹ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the peoples that surround the Israelites live near the land where the Israelites will live. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the bordering nations”

near to you or far from you, from {one} end of the earth and to the {other} end of the earth

Quote: הַ⁠קְּרֹבִ֣ים אֵלֶ֔י⁠ךָ א֖וֹ הָ⁠רְחֹקִ֣ים מִמֶּ֑⁠ךָּ מִ⁠קְצֵ֥ה הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ וְ⁠עַד־קְצֵ֥ה הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “near to you or far from you, indeed, from one end of the earth and to the other end of the earth”

near to you or far from you

Quote: הַ⁠קְּרֹבִ֣ים אֵלֶ֔י⁠ךָ א֖וֹ הָ⁠רְחֹקִ֣ים מִמֶּ֑⁠ךָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here Moses is referring to all of the earth by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “wherever they are”

from {one} end of the earth and to the {other} end of the earth

Quote: מִ⁠קְצֵ֥ה הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ וְ⁠עַד־קְצֵ֥ה הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here Moses is referring to all of the earth by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “anywhere on earth”

Deuteronomy 13:8

and your eye shall not pity him

Quote: וְ⁠לֹא־תָח֤וֹס עֵֽינְ⁠ךָ֙ עָלָ֔י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, your eye shall not pity him is an idiom that means “do not feel sorry for him.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do not let your heart soften towards him” or “and do not have compassion on him”

nor hide him

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־תְכַסֶּ֖ה עָלָֽי⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Moses means that people should not hide or keep secret the fact that someone is urging others to worship idols. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “nor hide his guilt”

Deuteronomy 13:9

Instead

Quote: כִּ֤י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word Instead here to indicate a strong contrast between what someone should and should not do when they find out someone is urging others to worship idols. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Rather”

killing, you shall kill him

Quote: הָרֹג֙ תַּֽהַרְגֶ֔⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb kill in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you shall surely kill him”

killing, you shall kill him

Quote: הָרֹג֙ תַּֽהַרְגֶ֔⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites will kill those people by throwing stones at them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you shall surely stone him to death”

Your hand … and afterwards, the hand of all the people

Quote: יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֛ & וְ⁠יַ֥ד כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֖ם בָּ⁠אַחֲרֹנָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here Moses is using hand to represent the whole person in the act of executing someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You yourself … and afterwards, all the other people”

Deuteronomy 13:10

And you shall stone him to death with stones

Quote: וּ⁠סְקַלְתּ֥⁠וֹ בָ⁠אֲבָנִ֖ים וָ⁠מֵ֑ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression stone him to death with stones contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “And you shall stone him to death”

to drive you away from Yahweh

Quote: לְ⁠הַדִּֽיחֲ⁠ךָ֙ מֵ⁠עַל֙ יְהוָ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of obedience as if it were a path that one walks on. He speaks of disobedience as someone driving one away from that path. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to cause you to reject the commands of Yahweh”

who brought you out

Quote: הַ⁠מּוֹצִיאֲ⁠ךָ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “took” instead of brought. Alternate translation: “who took you out”

from the house of slaves

Quote: מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the place where you were slaves”

Deuteronomy 13:11

will hear

Quote: יִשְׁמְע֖וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the chapter if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “will hear about the execution”

as the things of

Quote: כַּ⁠דָּבָ֥ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, things refers to the actions of the false prophets and dreamers of dreams. These include urging others to disobey Yahweh and urging others to worship idols. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as the idolatrous deeds of”

wickedness

Quote: הָ⁠רָ֛ע (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wickedness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “sinful behavior”

Deuteronomy 13:12

If

Quote: כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word translated as If to introduce a hypothetical condition. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Should it happen that"

you hear

Quote: תִשְׁמַ֞ע (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these implied words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “you hear someone speak”

your cities that Yahweh your God gives to you to live there

Quote: עָרֶ֗י⁠ךָ אֲשֶׁר֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜י⁠ךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְ⁠ךָ֛ לָ⁠שֶׁ֥בֶת שָׁ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression your cities that Yahweh your God gives to you to live there contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “your cities that Yahweh your God gives to you”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

Deuteronomy 13:12-13

If you hear in one of your cities that Yahweh your God gives to you to live there, saying … Men, sons of wickedness, have gone out from among you and have driven out the inhabitants of their city saying, “Let us go and serve other gods that you have not known

Quote: כִּֽי־תִשְׁמַ֞ע בְּ⁠אַחַ֣ת עָרֶ֗י⁠ךָ אֲשֶׁר֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜י⁠ךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְ⁠ךָ֛ לָ⁠שֶׁ֥בֶת שָׁ֖ם לֵ⁠אמֹֽר & יָצְא֞וּ אֲנָשִׁ֤ים בְּנֵֽי־בְלִיַּ֨עַל֙ מִ⁠קִּרְבֶּ֔⁠ךָ וַ⁠יַּדִּ֛יחוּ אֶת־יֹשְׁבֵ֥י עִירָ֖⁠ם לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר נֵלְכָ֗ה וְ⁠נַעַבְדָ֛ה אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֲחֵרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־יְדַעְתֶּֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “If you hear that some sons of wickedness have gone out from one of your cities that Yahweh your God gives to you to live there and have driven out the inhabitants in order to convince them to serve other gods that they have not known”

Deuteronomy 13:13

sons of wickedness

Quote: בְּנֵֽי־בְלִיַּ֨עַל֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression son of describes a person who shares the qualities of something. If it would be helpful, you could use an equivalent idiom from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “wicked men”

from among you

Quote: מִ⁠קִּרְבֶּ֔⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the “sons of wickedness” came from Israelite communities. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from your communities”

and have driven out the inhabitants of their city

Quote: וַ⁠יַּדִּ֛יחוּ אֶת־יֹשְׁבֵ֥י עִירָ֖⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of obedience as if it were a path that one walks on. He speaks of disobedience as someone driving one out from that path. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and have caused the inhabitants of their city to disobey Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 13:14

and you shall investigate and search out and ask thoroughly

Quote: וְ⁠דָרַשְׁתָּ֧ וְ⁠חָקַרְתָּ֧ וְ⁠שָׁאַלְתָּ֖ הֵיטֵ֑ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms investigate, search out, and ask mean similar things. Moses is using the terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and carefully find out the truth of what happened”

and behold

Quote: וְ⁠הִנֵּ֤ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

This phrase is introducing a hypothetical condition. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “and if, behold”

it is} true, the matter {is} certain

Quote: אֱמֶת֙ נָכ֣וֹן הַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “it is true, indeed, the matter is certain”

this abomination has been done in your midst

Quote: נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה הַ⁠תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את בְּ⁠קִרְבֶּֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the people of the city have done this terrible thing”

Deuteronomy 13:15

striking, you shall strike

Quote: הַכֵּ֣ה תַכֶּ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

The speaker is repeating the verb strike in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you shall surely strike”

with the mouth of … with the mouth of

Quote: לְ⁠פִי & לְ⁠פִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, mouth means “edge.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with the edge of … with the edge of”

it, … its livestock

Quote: אֹתָ֧⁠הּ & בְּהֶמְתָּ֖⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to the “city.” If this is not clear for your readers, you could repeat the word. Alternate translation: “that city … the livestock in the city”

Deuteronomy 13:16

and burn the city in fire

Quote: וְ⁠שָׂרַפְתָּ֨ בָ⁠אֵ֜שׁ אֶת־הָ⁠עִ֤יר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression burn the city in fire contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “and burn the city”

and burn the city in fire, and all its spoil completely

Quote: וְ⁠שָׂרַפְתָּ֨ בָ⁠אֵ֜שׁ אֶת־הָ⁠עִ֤יר וְ⁠אֶת־כָּל־שְׁלָלָ⁠הּ֙ כָּלִ֔יל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses so that the objects of the verb burn are clear. Alternate translation: “and compltely burn the city and all its spoil in fire”

for Yahweh your God

Quote: לַ⁠יהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that burning the spoil would be like burning an offering for Yahweh. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as an offering for Yahweh your God”

a heap

Quote: תֵּ֣ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the city will become a heap of ruins. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a heap of ashes”

it shall not be built again

Quote: לֹ֥א תִבָּנֶ֖ה עֽוֹד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will ever build that city again”

Deuteronomy 13:17

And in your hand you shall not cling to anything from the things for destruction

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִדְבַּ֧ק בְּ⁠יָדְ⁠ךָ֛ מְא֖וּמָה מִן־הַ⁠חֵ֑רֶם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of taking forbidden spoil as if the objects were clinging to one’s hands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And do not remove anything from the things for destruction as your own spoil”

so that

Quote: לְמַעַן֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

Yahweh will turn from the burning of his nose

Quote: יָשׁ֨וּב יְהוָ֜ה מֵ⁠חֲר֣וֹן אַפּ֗⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of relenting from anger as if one were turning away from the burning fire of anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will relent in his rage”

from the burning of his nose

Quote: מֵ⁠חֲר֣וֹן אַפּ֗⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the burning of his nose is an idiom meaning that the person is angry. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from his rage”

and give to you compassion and have compassion on you

Quote: וְ⁠נָֽתַן־לְ⁠ךָ֤ רַחֲמִים֙ וְ⁠רִֽחַמְ⁠ךָ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms give compassion and have compassion mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and he will give you much compassion”

and make you increase

Quote: וְ⁠הִרְבֶּ֔⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will make the population of Israelites increase in number by births. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and increase your population”

to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors”

Deuteronomy 13:18

when

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

The word translated as when indicates that what follows is the condition for the blessings from Yahweh in the previous verse. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “only when”

to the voice of Yahweh your God

Quote: בְּ⁠קוֹל֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents the words that Yahweh spoke, which include his commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh your God says”

right

Quote: הַ⁠יָּשָׁ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of right, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “good acts”

in the eyes of

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in the eyes of is an idiom for one's opinion or evaluation. Moses speaks as if evaluating something were physically seeing it with one's eyes. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “according to the judgment of”

Deuteronomy 14

Deuteronomy 14 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues Moses’ second speech, which began in Chapter 4.

• vv. 1-2: Commands for mourning practices
• vv. 3-10: Clean and unclean creatures

Special concepts in this chapter

Law of Moses

This chapter is part of the law of Moses, which is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. Yahweh will enable the Israelites to live on the land if they obey his commands. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Clean animals

There are animals which the law considered to be clean and unclean. The people were not allowed to eat the unclean animals. Scholars are uncertain about the reasons for the animals to be considered to be clean or unclean. The result of these food restrictions was a nation that was different than the nations surrounding it. (See: clean, wash)

Other Potential Translation Issues in This Chapter

“You”

Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, so all forms of the second person pronouns “you” and “your” are plural in this chapter unless otherwise specified. Use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular and Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Types of living creatures

This chapter discusses which living creatures are permissible for the Israelites to eat. It is unclear which specific creatures some of the Hebrew terms refer to, but the general categories of these creatures are explained in the notes. Additionally, your readers may not be familiar with many of these creatures. In your translation, you could use broad categories of animals, such as fish, birds of prey, and cattle. Or, you could use the names of similar creatures in your area as the ones mentioned in this chapter. (See: Translate Unknowns)

“The Place Yahweh your God will choose”

Moses refers to the future place where the temple will be built as “the place Yahweh your God will choose for his name to dwell there” or “the place Yahweh your God will choose it.” These phrases emphasize that Yahweh decides how and where the Israelites must worship him. The wording of these phrases might be unnatural in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “the place Yahweh your God will set his name” or “the place Yahweh your God will choose” (See: temple, house, house of God and Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

Deuteronomy 14:1

are} the sons of

Quote: בָּנִ֣ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means chosen and beloved people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are beloved people belonging to”

Do not cut yourselves

Quote: לֹ֣א תִתְגֹּֽדְד֗וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The other people groups living in the land would cut themselves with sharp objects when they mourned the dead. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Do not split your skin with sharp objects in mourning”

and do not make a baldness between your eyes

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־תָשִׂ֧ימוּ קָרְחָ֛ה בֵּ֥ין עֵינֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The other people groups living in the land would shave the hair at the front of their heads when they mourned the dead. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “and do not cut off the hair on your forehead in mourning”

between your eyes

Quote: בֵּ֥ין עֵינֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, between your eyes is an idiom that means “your forehad.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on the temples of your heads”

Deuteronomy 14:2

for

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because”

you {… your God, and … you

Quote: אַתָּ֔ה & אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְ⁠ךָ֞ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular in Hebrew here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

are on the face of the earth

Quote: עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the surface of the earth and everything that exists on it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are anywhere on the earth”

for you {are} a nation set apart for Yahweh your God, and Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for his possession

Quote: כִּ֣י עַ֤ם קָדוֹשׁ֙ אַתָּ֔ה לַ⁠יהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְ⁠ךָ֞ בָּחַ֣ר יְהוָ֗ה לִֽ⁠הְי֥וֹת ל⁠וֹ֙ לְ⁠עַ֣ם סְגֻלָּ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “for you are a nation set apart for Yahweh your God, indeed, he has chosen you to be a people for his possession”

Deuteronomy 14:3

Do not eat

Quote: לֹ֥א תֹאכַ֖ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you is singular in Hebrew here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Deuteronomy 14:5

and the gazelle … and ibex and the antelope

Quote: וּ⁠צְבִ֖י & וְ⁠דִישֹׁ֖ן וּ⁠תְא֥וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These are all hoofed animals with long, thin legs that can run quickly. Their males grow horns from their head. If your readers would not be familiar with these types of animals, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “all kinds of hoofed wild animals”

Deuteronomy 14:6

parting the hoof

Quote: מַפְרֶ֣סֶת פַּרְסָ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to a hoof that is split into two parts instead of being one whole. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “whose hooves are two separate parts”

or {with} a cleft splitting {into} two hooves

Quote: וְ⁠שֹׁסַ֤עַת שֶׁ֨סַע֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י פְרָס֔וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is reffering to hooves that are split into two at the front, but the back of the hoof is connected. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “or with cloven hooves”

chewing the cud

Quote: מַעֲלַ֥ת גֵּרָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

An animal that chews the cud has multiple stomachs. The animal brings its food up from its stomach and chews it again. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “which are ruminants”

Deuteronomy 14:7

Despite this

Quote: אַ֣ךְ אֶת־זֶ֞ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the phrase Despite this here to indicate a strong contrast between animals that are and are not permissible for the Israelites to eat. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yet”

from chewers of the cud and from splitters of the hoof, the cloven-footed

Quote: מִ⁠מַּֽעֲלֵ֣י הַ⁠גֵּרָ֔ה וּ⁠מִ⁠מַּפְרִיסֵ֥י הַ⁠פַּרְסָ֖ה הַ⁠שְּׁסוּעָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See how you translated these terms in the previous verse.

the rabbit

Quote: הָ⁠אַרְנֶ֨בֶת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A rabbit is a small, furry animal that eats plants and lives in holes in the ground. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of animal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “small, furry animals”

the rock badger

Quote: הַ⁠שָּׁפָ֜ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A rock badger is a medium-sized, furry animal that eats plants and lives in holes in the ground. It is also known as a rock hyrax or rock rabbit. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of animal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “larger furry animals”

are} unclean

Quote: טְמֵאִ֥ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

An unclean animal is anything that is not ceremonially clean according to the law. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “are impure”

Deuteronomy 14:8

he parts the hoof and {chews} not the cud

Quote: מַפְרִ֨יס פַּרְסָ֥ה הוּא֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א גֵרָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See how you translated these terms in verse 6.

is} unclean

Quote: טָמֵ֥א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

An unclean animal is anything that is not ceremonially clean according to the law. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “is impure”

Deuteronomy 14:9

from all that is in the water

Quote: מִ⁠כֹּ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּ⁠מָּ֑יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to any creature that lives in the water. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from aquatic creatures”

fins

Quote: סְנַפִּ֥יר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Here, the word fins refers to the thin, flat part which the fish uses to move through the water. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of body part, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “flippers”

and scales

Quote: וְ⁠קַשְׂקֶ֖שֶׂת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The word scales refers to the small plates that cover the body of the fish, similar to those that cover a snake. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of body part, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “and flakes covering its skin”

Deuteronomy 14:10

is} unclean

Quote: טָמֵ֥א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

An unclean animal is anything that is not ceremonially clean according to the law. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “is impure”

Deuteronomy 14:11

clean

Quote: טְהֹרָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Something that is clean is anything that is permissible for an Israelite to eat while remaining ceremonially clean according to Yahweh’s law. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “pure”

Deuteronomy 14:12

from them

Quote: מֵ⁠הֶ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun them refers to the word “birds” from the previous verse. If this is not clear for your readers, you could repeat the word here. Alternate translation: “from the birds”

and the vulture

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠פֶּ֖רֶס (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A vulture is a bird of prey that eats the meat of deade animals. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “and the scavenging bird”

and the buzzard

Quote: וְ⁠הָֽ⁠עָזְנִיָּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

An osprey is a bird of prey that eats fish. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “and the bird that hunts fish”

Deuteronomy 14:13

the kite

Quote: וְ⁠הָ⁠רָאָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The term kite refers to a medium-sized bird that eats animals. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “smaller birds of prey”

Deuteronomy 14:14

raven

Quote: עֹרֵ֖ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A raven is an medium-sized, all-black bird that eats dead animals. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “black scavenging bird”

Deuteronomy 14:15

the daughter of clamor

Quote: בַּ֣ת הַֽ⁠יַּעֲנָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The term daughter of clamor refers to a bird that is also known as the ostrich. Ostriches are large birds that do not fly. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the large, flightless birds”

the owl

Quote: הַ⁠תַּחְמָ֖ס (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A night-hawk is a medium-sized bird that hunts animals during the night. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the medium-sized nocturnal bird of prey”

the gull

Quote: הַ⁠שָּׁ֑חַף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A gull is a bird that lives near bodies of water that soars in the sky or scavenges on the ground. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the scavenging seabird”

the hawk

Quote: הַ⁠נֵּ֖ץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A hawk is a medium-sized bird that eats animals. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “birds that eat animals”

Deuteronomy 14:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ת־הַ⁠כּ֥וֹס וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠יַּנְשׁ֖וּף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

An owl is a medium-to-large-sized bird that hunts animals during the night. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “large, nocturnal birds of prey”

Deuteronomy 14:17

and the pelican

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠קָּאָ֥ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A pelican is a large bird that wades in bodies of water and eats fish. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of fish, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “and the wading bird that hunts fish”

the ibis

Quote: הָ⁠רָחָ֖מָ⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

An osprey is a soaring bird of prey who lives near bodies of water and hunts fish. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the soaring bird that hunts fish”

the cormorant

Quote: הַ⁠שָּׁלָֽךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A cormorant is a bird that lives in the water and eats fish. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the aquatic bird that hunts fish”

Deuteronomy 14:18

and the stork

Quote: וְ⁠הַ֣⁠חֲסִידָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A stork is a large bird with a long beak that wades in the water. They eat small creatures. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “and the large wading bird”

and the heron

Quote: וְ⁠הָ⁠אֲנָפָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A heron is a medium-sized bird with long legs and a long neck. It lives near bodies of water. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “and the long-legged bird”

and the hoopoe

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠דּוּכִיפַ֖ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A hoopoe is a small, colorful bird with a crown of feathers on the top of its head. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of bird, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “and the small, crowned bird”

and the bat

Quote: וְ⁠הָ⁠עֲטַלֵּֽף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A bat is a flying animal with wings and a furry body. It hunts insects and rodents at night. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of flying animal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “and the nocturnal flying animal”

Deuteronomy 14:19

winged, swarming things

Quote: שֶׁ֣רֶץ הָ⁠ע֔וֹף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase winged, swarming thing refers to flying insects that move in large groups. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “flying insects traveling in groups”

winged, swarming things

Quote: שֶׁ֣רֶץ הָ⁠ע֔וֹף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjectives winged and swarming as nouns to mean insects that have wings and who swarm. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “flying insects that travel in large groups”

unclean

Quote: טָמֵ֥א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

An unclean creature is anything that is not ceremonially clean according to the law of Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “impure”

they must not be eaten

Quote: לֹ֖א יֵאָכֵֽלוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “do not eat them”

Deuteronomy 14:20

flying things

Quote: ע֥וֹף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjective flying as a noun to mean any creature that flies. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “flying creatures”

clean

Quote: טָה֖וֹר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Something that is clean is anything that is permissible for an Israelite to eat while remaining ceremonially clean according to Yahweh’s law. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “pure”

Deuteronomy 14:21

dying {of itself

Quote: נְ֠בֵלָה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, dying of itself is an idiom that means “died of natural causes.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “died peacefully”

you may give it … is} within your gates, … you {… your God. You must not boil

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֜י⁠ךָ & תִּתְּנֶ֣נָּ⁠ה & אַתָּ֔ה & אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠ךָ לֹֽא־תְבַשֵּׁ֥ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you, your, and the command forms are singular here. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

is} within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֜י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “is within your community”

sell

Quote: מָכֹר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “sell it”

For

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “This is because”

Deuteronomy 14:22

you shall tithe … your seed

Quote: תְּעַשֵּׂ֔ר & זַרְעֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

Tithing, you shall tithe

Quote: עַשֵּׂ֣ר תְּעַשֵּׂ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb tithe in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “You shall surely tithe”

the produce of your seed

Quote: תְּבוּאַ֣ת זַרְעֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe all the crops that a planted seed would produce. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the harvest”

your seed

Quote: זַרְעֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, seed is literal and refers to seeds used in farming. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “your farming”

year {after} year

Quote: שָׁנָ֥ה שָׁנָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, year after year is an idiom that means “every year.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yearly” or “every year”

Deuteronomy 14:23

And you shall eat … your God, … your grain, your new wine, and your oil, … your herd and your flock, … you will learn … your God

Quote: וְ⁠אָכַלְתָּ֞ & אֱלֹהֶ֗י⁠ךָ & דְּגָֽנְ⁠ךָ֙ תִּֽירֹשְׁ⁠ךָ֣ וְ⁠יִצְהָרֶ֔⁠ךָ & בְּקָרְ⁠ךָ֖ וְ⁠צֹאנֶ֑⁠ךָ & תִּלְמַ֗ד & אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the presence of”

that he will choose for his name to dwell there

Quote: אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַר֮ לְ⁠שַׁכֵּ֣ן שְׁמ֣⁠וֹ שָׁם֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression that he will choose for his name to dwell there contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “where his name will dwell”

your grain, your new wine, and your oil, and the firstborn of

Quote: דְּגָֽנְ⁠ךָ֙ תִּֽירֹשְׁ⁠ךָ֣ וְ⁠יִצְהָרֶ֔⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְכֹרֹ֥ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

In this verse, the words grain, wine, oil, and firstborn are singular in form, but they refers to anything an Israelite might tithe. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “all your crops of grain, all of your new wine and all of your oil and all the firstborn males of”

your new wine, and your oil

Quote: תִּֽירֹשְׁ⁠ךָ֣ וְ⁠יִצְהָרֶ֔⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites will grow crops of grapes and olives in the land. Wine is made from grapes and oil is made from olives. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and your grapes for wine and your olive trees for oil”

and the firstborn of

Quote: וּ⁠בְכֹרֹ֥ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In Exodus 13:2, Yahweh commands the Israelites to dedicate all firstborn males to him. This command would remind the Israelites that Yahweh saved the firstborn sons from the plague in Egypt that killed all other firstborn sons. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and the firstborn males that you are commanded to sacrifice from”

so that

Quote: לְמַ֣עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

all the days

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, all the days is an idiom that means “forever.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forever”

Deuteronomy 14:24-25

And if the journey is too long for you—that you are not able to carry it because the place that Yahweh your God will choose to place his name there is too far from you—when Yahweh your God blesses you … then you may give it

Quote: וְ⁠כִֽי־יִרְבֶּ֨ה מִמְּ⁠ךָ֜ הַ⁠דֶּ֗רֶךְ כִּ֣י לֹ֣א תוּכַ֘ל שְׂאֵת⁠וֹ֒ כִּֽי־יִרְחַ֤ק מִמְּ⁠ךָ֙ הַ⁠מָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִבְחַר֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ לָ⁠שׂ֥וּם שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ שָׁ֑ם כִּ֥י יְבָרֶכְ⁠ךָ֖ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽי⁠ךָ & וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell the Israelites what they should do if it takes place. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Suppose the journey is too long for you—that you are not able to carry it because the place that Yahweh your God will choose to place his name there is too far from you—when Yahweh your God blesses you, then give it”

Deuteronomy 14:24

for you—… you are … able … your God … from you—… your God blesses you

Quote: מִמְּ⁠ךָ֜ & תוּכַ֘ל & מִמְּ⁠ךָ֙ & אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ & יְבָרֶכְ⁠ךָ֖ & אֱלֹהֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

to carry it

Quote: שְׂאֵת⁠וֹ֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to the tithe of crops and livestock. If this is not clear for your readers, you could repeat the phrase from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “to carry the tithe from all your produce and livestock”

And if the journey is too long for you—that you are not able to carry it because the place that Yahweh your God will choose to place his name there is too far from you—when Yahweh your God blesses you

Quote: וְ⁠כִֽי־יִרְבֶּ֨ה מִמְּ⁠ךָ֜ הַ⁠דֶּ֗רֶךְ כִּ֣י לֹ֣א תוּכַ֘ל שְׂאֵת⁠וֹ֒ כִּֽי־יִרְחַ֤ק מִמְּ⁠ךָ֙ הַ⁠מָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִבְחַר֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ לָ⁠שׂ֥וּם שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ שָׁ֑ם כִּ֥י יְבָרֶכְ⁠ךָ֖ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases so that it is clear that Yahweh must bless the Israelites before the Israelites can sell their tithe. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh your God blesses you, and you are not able to carry it to the place that Yahweh your God will put his name because it is too far”

when Yahweh your God blesses you

Quote: כִּ֥י יְבָרֶכְ⁠ךָ֖ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will bless the Israelites by allowing their crops and cattle to grow well. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when Yahweh your God blesses your fields and flocks”

Deuteronomy 14:25

then you may give it

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to the tithe. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the word “tithe.” Alternate translation: “then you may give the tithe”

then you may give it … and bind … in your hand, and go … your God

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֖ה & וְ⁠צַרְתָּ֤ & בְּ⁠יָ֣דְ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠הָֽלַכְתָּ֙ & אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

then you may give it in money

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֖ה בַּ⁠כָּ֑סֶף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelite who lives too far from the temple should sell the tithe where he lives. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “then you will sell your offering for money”

and bind the money in your hand

Quote: וְ⁠צַרְתָּ֤ הַ⁠כֶּ֨סֶף֙ בְּ⁠יָ֣דְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelite should take the money from selling the tithe and bring the money with him. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and bring the money”

that Yahweh your God will choose it

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִבְחַ֛ר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ בּֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression that Yahweh your God will choose it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “which Yahweh your God will choose”

Deuteronomy 14:26

And give … your soul desires: … your soul desires; and you shall eat … your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֣ה & תְּאַוֶּ֨ה נַפְשְׁ⁠ךָ֜ & תִּֽשְׁאָלְ⁠ךָ֖ נַפְשֶׁ֑⁠ךָ וְ⁠אָכַ֣לְתָּ & אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ וְ⁠שָׂמַחְתָּ֖ אַתָּ֥ה וּ⁠בֵיתֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

And give the money

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֣ה הַ⁠כֶּ֡סֶף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelite will use the moeny to buy things where the temple is. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And purchase”

for anything that your soul desires: … or for anything that your soul desires

Quote: בְּ⁠כֹל֩ אֲשֶׁר־תְּאַוֶּ֨ה נַפְשְׁ⁠ךָ֜ & וּ⁠בְ⁠כֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּֽשְׁאָלְ⁠ךָ֖ נַפְשֶׁ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here soul represents a person’s inner being, will, and desires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for anything you desire … or anything else you yourself desire”

or for strong drink

Quote: וּ⁠בַ⁠שֵּׁכָ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, strong drink is an idiom that means “hard liquor.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or for liquor”

there

Quote: שָּׁ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The word there refers to the place where Yahweh will choose for the Israelites to worship him. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “at the temple”

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

and you shall rejoice, you and your household

Quote: וְ⁠שָׂמַחְתָּ֖ אַתָּ֥ה וּ⁠בֵיתֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelite and their household would rejoice at the temple because Yahweh blessed them, their flocks, and their crops. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you shall rejoice because Yahweh is good to you, you and your household”

Deuteronomy 14:27

is} within your gates—do not forsake him, … with you

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֖י⁠ךָ לֹ֣א תַֽעַזְבֶ֑⁠נּוּ & עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

And the Levite … do not forsake him, … he

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠לֵּוִ֥י & לֹ֣א תַֽעַזְבֶ֑⁠נּוּ & ל֛⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word Levite, and the corresponding pronouns him and he represent all Levites in general, not one particular Levite. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use more natural expressions, as modeled by the UST.

is} within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “is within your community”

do not forsake him

Quote: לֹ֣א תַֽעַזְבֶ֑⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb forsake. Alternate translation: “remember him”

do not forsake him

Quote: לֹ֣א תַֽעַזְבֶ֑⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The Levites relied on tithes to live, as commanded by Yahweh. Yahweh chose the Levites to serve him, so they did not have any land to generate produce within their towns. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “do not forsake the Levite by withholding the tithe from him”

for

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “since”

he has no portion or inheritance with you

Quote: אֵ֥ין ל֛⁠וֹ חֵ֥לֶק וְ⁠נַחֲלָ֖ה עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Levites will not receive any portion or inheritance of land. See Numbers 18:20 for more information. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “the Levite does not own any land”

Deuteronomy 14:28

you shall bring out … your produce … within your gates

Quote: תּוֹצִיא֙ & תְּבוּאָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔ & בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

you shall bring out

Quote: תּוֹצִיא֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “take” instead of bring. Alternate translation: “you shall take out”

you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in that year, and you shall deposit {it} within your gates

Quote: תּוֹצִיא֙ אֶת־כָּל־מַעְשַׂר֙ תְּבוּאָ֣תְ⁠ךָ֔ בַּ⁠שָּׁנָ֖ה הַ⁠הִ֑וא וְ⁠הִנַּחְתָּ֖ בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that this produce would be stored somewhere in the town to give to anyone in the community who needed food. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you shall bring the tithe of your produce for that year and put it in a community storehouse for the needy”

within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “within your community”

Deuteronomy 14:29

with you, … your God may bless you … of your hand … you do

Quote: עִמָּ֗⁠ךְ & יְבָרֶכְ⁠ךָ֙ & אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ & יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ & תַּעֲשֶֽׂה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd

Even though Moses is speaking to a group of people, you and your are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation.

he has no portion nor inheritance with you

Quote: אֵֽין־ל⁠וֹ֩ חֵ֨לֶק וְ⁠נַחֲלָ֜ה עִמָּ֗⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Levites will not receive any portion or inheritance of land. See Numbers 18:20 for more information. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “the Levite does not own any land”

within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “within your community”

so that

Quote: לְמַ֤עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

of your hand that you do

Quote: יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשֶֽׂה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using hand to represent the whole person in the act of working. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that you yourself do”

Deuteronomy 15

Deuteronomy 15 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues Moses’ second speech that began in chapter 4.

• vv. 1-11: Rules for canceling debts every 7 years
• vv. 12-18: Rules for fellow Israelite slaves
• vv. 19-23: Rules for firstborn male livestock

Special concepts in this chapter

Israelite slaves

This chapter contains rules for owning slaves that were fellow Israelites. An Israelite might work as another Israelite’s slave to pay off debt. Instead of receiving pay, their wages would go toward their debt. The debtor would be their creditor’s property, and they could not work elsewhere. If the word “slave” would not accurately describe this practice in your culture, you could use a comparable term, such as “indentured servant” or “bondservant.” (See: servant, serve, maidservant, young man, young women)

Other possible translation issues in this chapter

“You”

When Moses refers to the Israelites, he uses both singular and plural forms of “you.” - vv. 1- : “You” is singular. Use pronouns that would be natural in your language for referring to a group of people. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups and Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Deuteronomy 15:1

At the end of seven years

Quote: מִ⁠קֵּ֥ץ שֶֽׁבַע־שָׁנִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites must obey this command once every seven years. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Every seventh year”

you shall make

Quote: תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See book introduction for more information about translating shall. Alternate translation: “make”

you shall make a remission

Quote: תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה שְׁמִטָּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the remission is a remission of debts. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you shall declare that loans do not need to be paid back”

Deuteronomy 15:2

is} the word of

Quote: דְּבַ֣ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, word represents instructions or commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is the procedure for”

the remission: … the remission of

Quote: הַ⁠שְּׁמִטָּה֒ & שְׁמִטָּ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the remission is a remission of debts. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “how you should release debts … the commandment for remission of debt of”

owner of debt

Quote: בַּ֨עַל֙ מַשֵּׁ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the owner of debt loaned money to someone else. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “creditor”

Every owner of debt shall release his hand

Quote: שָׁמ֗וֹט כָּל־בַּ֨עַל֙ מַשֵּׁ֣ה יָד֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, release his hand is an idiom that means “forgive the debts owed to him.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Every owner of debt shall forgive what is owed to him”

to his neighbor; … his neighbor

Quote: בְּ⁠רֵעֵ֑⁠הוּ & אֶת־רֵעֵ֨⁠הוּ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking as if any fellow Israelite living in the same community as oneself were one’s next door neighbor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to his fellow Hebrew … his fellow Hebrew”

his brother

Quote: אָחִ֔י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here brother means “fellow Israelite.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even his fellow Israelite”

because the remission of Yahweh has been proclaimed

Quote: כִּֽי־קָרָ֥א שְׁמִטָּ֖ה לַֽ⁠יהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh has commanded you to void debts”

Deuteronomy 15:3

your hand shall release

Quote: תַּשְׁמֵ֥ט יָדֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, release your hand is an idiom that means “forgive the debts owed to you.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you must forgive whatever he owes”

Deuteronomy 15:4

poor

Quote: אֶבְי֑וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjective poor as a noun to mean poor people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “destitute ones”

blessing, Yahweh will bless you

Quote: בָרֵ֤ךְ יְבָֽרֶכְ⁠ךָ֙ יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb bless in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will surely bless you”

in the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you {as} an inheritance, to possess it

Quote: בָּ⁠אָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ נֹֽתֵן־לְ⁠ךָ֥ נַחֲלָ֖ה לְ⁠רִשְׁתָּֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression in the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you as an inheritance, to possess it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “in the land that he is giving to you”

Deuteronomy 15:5

if only

Quote: רַ֚ק אִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that Yahweh will only bless the Israelites if they obey him. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “if and only if”

listening, you listen

Quote: שָׁמ֣וֹעַ תִּשְׁמַ֔ע (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb listen in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you indeed listen”

to the voice of

Quote: בְּ⁠ק֖וֹל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, voice represents the words that Yahweh spoke, which include his commands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to the commands of”

I am commanding you

Quote: אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is telling the Israelites the commands from Yahweh. Yahweh is the original source of the commands. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am commanding you on his behalf”

Deuteronomy 15:6

he spoke

Quote: דִּבֶּר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, spoke means “promised”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he swore”

you will lend to … and you yourself will not borrow

Quote: וְ⁠הַֽעֲבַטְתָּ֞ & וְ⁠אַתָּה֙ לֹ֣א תַעֲבֹ֔ט (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. The fact that Moses is talking about money is implied from the context. Alternate translation: “you will lend money … and you yourself will not borrow money”

and you yourself will not borrow

Quote: וְ⁠אַתָּה֙ לֹ֣א תַעֲבֹ֔ט (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Moses is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already included in the verb translated as borrow. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourself. Alternate translation: “and you indeed will not borrow”

nations, … over many nations

Quote: גּוֹיִ֣ם & & בְּ⁠גוֹיִ֣ם רַבִּ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word nations represents the people living in those nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “peoples … over many peoples”

and you will rule … they will not rule

Quote: וּ⁠מָֽשַׁלְתָּ֙ & לֹ֥א יִמְשֹֽׁלוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, rule means “have financial influence”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and your economy will have sway … their economy will have no sway ”

Deuteronomy 15:7

If

Quote: כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Here, Moses is using If to introduce a hypothetical situation and give instructions for what to do if the situation occurs. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “In the case that”

a poor man

Quote: אֶבְי֜וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjective poor as a noun to mean poor person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “any needy person”

your brothers, … from your poor brother

Quote: אַחֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ & מֵ⁠אָחִ֖י⁠ךָ הָ⁠אֶבְיֽוֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here brothers and brother means “fellow Israelites”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow countrymen … from your poor fellow Israelite”

your gates

Quote: שְׁעָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “your communities”

do not harden your heart

Quote: לֹ֧א תְאַמֵּ֣ץ אֶת־לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֗ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, harden your heart is an idiom that means “be cruel.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you must not be hard-hearted” or “you must not be cruel”

and do not shut your hand from your poor brother

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֤א תִקְפֹּץ֙ אֶת־יָ֣דְ⁠ךָ֔ מֵ⁠אָחִ֖י⁠ךָ הָ⁠אֶבְיֽוֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb shut. Alternate translation: “and you must open your hand to your poor brother”

and do not shut your hand

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֤א תִקְפֹּץ֙ אֶת־יָ֣דְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, shut your hand is an idiom that means “be stingy.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you must not be stingy”

Deuteronomy 15:8

but

Quote: כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word but here to indicate a strong contrast between what an Israelite should and should not do to a poor fellow Israelite. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for”

opening, you shall open

Quote: פָתֹ֧חַ תִּפְתַּ֛ח (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb open in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you must surely open”

you shall open your hand

Quote: תִּפְתַּ֛ח אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, open your hand is an idiom that means “give generously.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you must give freely”

for} his need that he has need

Quote: מַחְסֹר֔⁠וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֶחְסַ֖ר לֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression his need that he has need contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “for whatever he needs”

Deuteronomy 15:9

lest

Quote: פֶּן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning for a negative consequence. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “in case”

lest you have a wicked matter in your heart

Quote: פֶּן־יִהְיֶ֣ה דָבָר֩ עִם־לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֨ בְלִיַּ֜עַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, heart represents a person’s inner being and thoughts. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “lest you think of a wicked matter”

you have a wicked matter in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, {is} near

Quote: יִהְיֶ֣ה דָבָר֩ עִם־לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֨ בְלִיַּ֜עַל לֵ⁠אמֹ֗ר קָֽרְבָ֣ה שְׁנַֽת־הַ⁠שֶּׁבַע֮ שְׁנַ֣ת הַ⁠שְּׁמִטָּה֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you remember that the year of remission is near and you think of a wicked matter”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֗ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces someone’s thoughts. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

The seventh year, the year of remission, {is} near

Quote: קָֽרְבָ֣ה שְׁנַֽת־הַ⁠שֶּׁבַע֮ שְׁנַ֣ת הַ⁠שְּׁמִטָּה֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is implied that someone would be reluctant to lend money because they might have to cancel the debt at the year of remission before the debtor pays it back. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “The seventh year, the year of remission, is near, and I might have to cancel debts owed to me”

The seventh year

Quote: שְׁנַֽת־הַ⁠שֶּׁבַע֮ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “Year seven”

remission

Quote: הַ⁠שְּׁמִטָּה֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the remission is a remission of debts. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “loan cancellation”

and you do wrong in your eyes

Quote: וְ⁠רָעָ֣ה עֵֽינְ⁠ךָ֗ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, do wrong in your eyes is an idiom that means “act hostile.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you act with hostility”

against your poor brother

Quote: בְּ⁠אָחִ֨י⁠ךָ֙ הָֽ⁠אֶבְי֔וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here brother means “fellow Israelite”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “against your poor fellow countryman”

and he calls out to Yahweh about you

Quote: וְ⁠קָרָ֤א עָלֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the poor Israelite will complain to Yahweh about the Israelite’s lack of generosity. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he complains to Yahweh that you did not help him”

and it would be sin for you

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֥ה בְ⁠ךָ֖ חֵֽטְא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh would condemn the Israelite for his lack of generosity. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh will condemn your actions as sin”

Deuteronomy 15:10

Giving, you shall give

Quote: נָת֤וֹן תִּתֵּן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb give in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “You must surely give”

and your heart shall not do evil

Quote: וְ⁠לֹא־יֵרַ֥ע לְבָבְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, heart represents a person’s desires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you shall not desire to do evil”

and in all the sending out of your hand

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠כֹ֖ל מִשְׁלַ֥ח יָדֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the sending out of your hand is an idiom that means “the results of your hard work.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and in all the fruits of your labor” or “and in all the results of your hard work”

Deuteronomy 15:11

the poor will not cease to be among the land

Quote: לֹא־יֶחְדַּ֥ל אֶבְי֖וֹן מִ⁠קֶּ֣רֶב הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb cease. Alternate translation: “needy people will live among you continually”

the poor

Quote: אֶבְי֖וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjective poor as a noun to mean poor people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “needy people”

I command you, saying, ‘Opening, you shall open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in your land

Quote: אָנֹכִ֤י מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר פָּ֠תֹחַ תִּפְתַּ֨ח אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֜ לְ⁠אָחִ֧י⁠ךָ לַ⁠עֲנִיֶּ֛⁠ךָ וּ⁠לְ⁠אֶבְיֹנְ⁠ךָ֖ בְּ⁠אַרְצֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “I command you to open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in your land”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

Opening, you shall open

Quote: פָּ֠תֹחַ תִּפְתַּ֨ח (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb open in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “You must surely open”

Opening, you shall open your hand

Quote: פָּ֠תֹחַ תִּפְתַּ֨ח אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֜ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here open your hand means “give generously.” Moses is speaking of opening one’s hand as if one were allowing other people to take whatever they wanted from oneself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Eagerly offer help”

to your brother

Quote: לְ⁠אָחִ֧י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brother means “fellow Israelite.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your fellow countryman”

to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor

Quote: לְ⁠אָחִ֧י⁠ךָ לַ⁠עֲנִיֶּ֛⁠ךָ וּ⁠לְ⁠אֶבְיֹנְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

This does not mean “to all poor people and to all needy people.” Moses is referring to Israelites who are poor or needy. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “to your brother who is needy and poor”

to your needy, and to your poor

Quote: לַ⁠עֲנִיֶּ֛⁠ךָ וּ⁠לְ⁠אֶבְיֹנְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms needy and poor mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to the ones who are in need”

to your needy, and to your poor

Quote: לַ⁠עֲנִיֶּ֛⁠ךָ וּ⁠לְ⁠אֶבְיֹנְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjectives needy and poor as nouns to mean needy people and poor people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to your ones who are needy, and to your ones who are poor”

Deuteronomy 15:12

If your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must send him out

Quote: כִּֽי־יִמָּכֵ֨ר לְ⁠ךָ֜ אָחִ֣י⁠ךָ הָֽ⁠עִבְרִ֗י א֚וֹ הָֽ⁠עִבְרִיָּ֔ה וַ⁠עֲבָֽדְ⁠ךָ֖ שֵׁ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֑ים וּ⁠בַ⁠שָּׁנָה֙ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔ת תְּשַׁלְּחֶ֥⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell the Israelites what they should do if it takes place. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Suppose your brother, a Hebrew man or Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you should send him out”

your brother

Quote: אָחִ֣י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brother means “fellow Israelite.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow countryman”

is sold to you

Quote: יִמָּכֵ֨ר לְ⁠ךָ֜ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

When someone could not pay their debts, he or she would sell himself or herself to work for their creditor to pay back their debt. See the chapter introduction for more information. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “is sold to you to pay his debt”

your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you

Quote: יִמָּכֵ֨ר לְ⁠ךָ֜ אָחִ֣י⁠ךָ הָֽ⁠עִבְרִ֗י א֚וֹ הָֽ⁠עִבְרִיָּ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, becomes your slave”

then in the seventh year

Quote: וּ⁠בַ⁠שָּׁנָה֙ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “then in year seven”

you must send him out

Quote: תְּשַׁלְּחֶ֥⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of freeing a slave as if one were sending out a messenger from their house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you must liberate him”

Deuteronomy 15:13

And when you send him out

Quote: וְ⁠כִֽי־תְשַׁלְּחֶ֥⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated this in the previous verse.

you must not send him emptily

Quote: לֹ֥א תְשַׁלְּחֶ֖⁠נּוּ רֵיקָֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking of a person who has no possessions as if he were an empty object. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you must not let him leave without provisions”

you must not send him emptily

Quote: לֹ֥א תְשַׁלְּחֶ֖⁠נּוּ רֵיקָֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative adverb emptily. Alternate translation: “you must send him with provisions”

Deuteronomy 15:14

Providing, you shall liberally provide

Quote: הַעֲנֵ֤יק תַּעֲנִיק֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb liberally provide in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “You must very liberally provide”

and from your threshing floor

Quote: וּ⁠מִֽ⁠גָּרְנְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, threshing floor represents grain for food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and from your food”

and from your winepress

Quote: וּ⁠מִ⁠יִּקְבֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, winepress represents wine. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and from your wine”

As Yahweh your God has blessed you

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֧ר בֵּרַכְ⁠ךָ֛ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh is the one who enabled the Israelite to have sheep, grain, and wine, so they should give it away as Yahweh commands. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh enabled you to have these possessions, so in proportion to what you have”

Deuteronomy 15:16-17

And it will be, if he says to you, ‘I will not go from you,’ because he loves you and your house, because {it is} good for him {to be} with you … then you shall take

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָה֙ כִּֽי־יֹאמַ֣ר אֵלֶ֔י⁠ךָ לֹ֥א אֵצֵ֖א מֵ⁠עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ כִּ֤י אֲהֵֽבְ⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠אֶת־בֵּיתֶ֔⁠ךָ כִּי־ט֥וֹב ל֖⁠וֹ עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ & וְ⁠לָקַחְתָּ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell the Israelites what they should do if it takes place. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “If he should say to you, ‘I will not go from you,’ because he loves you and your house, because {it is} good for him {to be} with you, then you must take”

Deuteronomy 15:16

he says to you, ‘I will not go from you

Quote: יֹאמַ֣ר אֵלֶ֔י⁠ךָ לֹ֥א אֵצֵ֖א מֵ⁠עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he does not want to go from you”

your house

Quote: בֵּיתֶ֔⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, house represents the other people living in the owner’s house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your family”

it is} good for him {to be} with you

Quote: ט֥וֹב ל֖⁠וֹ עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that it is good for the slave to be with the owner because the owner allows him to have a good life. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he fares well with you”

Deuteronomy 15:17

then you shall take an awl and put {it} in his ear and to a door

Quote: וְ⁠לָקַחְתָּ֣ אֶת־הַ⁠מַּרְצֵ֗עַ וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֤ה בְ⁠אָזְנ⁠וֹ֙ וּ⁠בַ⁠דֶּ֔לֶת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the owner must pierce the slave’s earlobe. The slave would stand against a door, and the owner would poke the awl through the ear and into the door. The door helped the awl pierce all the way through the earlobe. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “then you will place his head against a flat surface in your house, and then put the point of the awl through one of his earlobes into the wood”

an awl

Quote: אֶת־הַ⁠מַּרְצֵ֗עַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

An awl is a sharp, pointed tool, usually made out of metal for making holes. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of tool, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a sharp tool”

forever

Quote: עוֹלָ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of someone’s lifespan as if it were forever. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “until he dies”

And also you shall do thus to your female servant

Quote: וְ⁠אַ֥ף לַ⁠אֲמָתְ⁠ךָ֖ תַּעֲשֶׂה־כֵּֽן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the owner must also pierce a female servant’s ear if she wants to stay with him and his family. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And if any of your female servants wants to stay with you, you shall also pierce their ear and let her be your slave for the rest of her life”

Deuteronomy 15:18

It must not seem difficult in your eyes

Quote: לֹא־יִקְשֶׁ֣ה בְ⁠עֵינֶ֗⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in your eyes is an idiom for a person's opinion or evaluation. Moses speaks as if evaluating something were physically seeing it with one's eyes. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not consider it a burden”

for you to send him out free

Quote: בְּ⁠שַׁלֵּֽחֲ⁠ךָ֙ אֹת֤⁠וֹ חָפְשִׁי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of freeing a slave as if one were letting a prisoner go. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for you to liberate him”

he has served you six years {with} twice the value of a hired man

Quote: מִשְׁנֶה֙ שְׂכַ֣ר שָׂכִ֔יר עֲבָֽדְ⁠ךָ֖ שֵׁ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the amount of money that a slave would earn to pay off their debt was half the amount of money that a hired man would earn in wages. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he has served you six years at half the rate of a hired worker”

And Yahweh your God will bless you

Quote: וּ⁠בֵֽרַכְ⁠ךָ֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Moses is saying that if the Israelites obey the commands about freeing slaves without complaining, then Yahweh will bless them as a result. If the connection between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a connecting word to show how this statement relates to what came before it. Use a natural form in your language for connecting this statement to the previous one. Alternate translation: “If you do that, Yahweh your God will bless you”

Deuteronomy 15:19

All the firstborn that are born in your herd and your flock, you shall sanctify the males to Yahweh your God

Quote: כָּֽל־הַ⁠בְּכ֡וֹר אֲשֶׁר֩ יִוָּלֵ֨ד בִּ⁠בְקָרְ⁠ךָ֤ וּ⁠בְ⁠צֹֽאנְ⁠ךָ֙ הַ⁠זָּכָ֔ר תַּקְדִּ֖ישׁ לַ⁠יהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In Exodus 13:2, Yahweh commands the Israelites to dedicate all firstborn male domesticated animals to him by sacrificing them at the temple or selling them for an offering. The animals were considered as Yahweh’s belongings. This command would remind the Israelites that Yahweh saved the firstborn sons from the plague in Egypt that killed all other firstborn sons. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Dedicate the firstborn males of your domesticated animals to Yahweh your God”

You shall not work with the firstborn of your herd

Quote: לֹ֤א תַעֲבֹד֙ בִּ⁠בְכֹ֣ר שׁוֹרֶ֔⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

The implication is that the Israelites could not use the firstborn male cows to pull plows in their fields. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Do not use the firstborn male cows to plow fields”

Deuteronomy 15:20

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵי֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

year by year

Quote: שָׁנָ֣ה בְ⁠שָׁנָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, year by year is an idiom that means “every year.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every year”

and your house

Quote: וּ⁠בֵיתֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, house represents all of the people living in the house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and your household”

Deuteronomy 15:21

And if it has on it a blemish—lame or blind, any severe blemish—you must not sacrifice it

Quote: וְ⁠כִֽי־יִהְיֶ֨ה ב֜⁠וֹ מ֗וּם פִּסֵּ֨חַ֙ א֣וֹ עִוֵּ֔ר כֹּ֖ל מ֣וּם רָ֑ע לֹ֣א תִזְבָּחֶ֔⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell the Israelites what they should do if it takes place. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Suppose it has on it a blemish—lame or blind, any severe blemish. In that case, you must not sacrifice it”

it has on it

Quote: יִהְיֶ֨ה ב֜⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to a firstborn male domesticated animal. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “the firstborn male animal has on itself”

it has on it a blemish

Quote: יִהְיֶ֨ה ב֜⁠וֹ מ֗וּם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression it has on it a blemish contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “it has a blemish”

lame

Quote: פִּסֵּ֨חַ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The word lame means crippled or physically disabled. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of blemish, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “physically disabled”

Deuteronomy 15:22

You shall eat it

Quote: תֹּאכֲלֶ֑⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to a firstborn male domesticated animal that has a physical defect. If this is not clear for your readers, you could state the term again. Alternate translation: “You shall eat the animal that has a blemish”

within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “within your community”

the unclean and the clean

Quote: הַ⁠טָּמֵ֤א וְ⁠הַ⁠טָּהוֹר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A clean person is anyone who has is ceremonially clean according to Yahweh’s law. An unclean person is anyone who has touched something unclean according to the law. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “everyone, whether or not they are ceremonially clean”

the unclean and the clean

Quote: הַ⁠טָּמֵ֤א וְ⁠הַ⁠טָּהוֹר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjectives unclean and clean as nouns to refer to people and their ceremonial purity. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are ceremonially unclean and people who are ceremonially clean”

as a gazelle

Quote: כַּ⁠צְּבִ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites could eat a firstborn male that has a blemish, just as they would eat wild animals (which are not used in sacrifices). You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as you are allowed to eat wild animals like the gazelle”

as a gazelle

Quote: כַּ⁠צְּבִ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

See how you translated this in 12:15.

Deuteronomy 15:23

Only

Quote: רַ֥ק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word Only here to indicate a strong contrast between which parts of the animals that the Israelites could and could not eat. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Except”

you must not eat its blood; you must pour it out on the ground like water

Quote: אֶת־דָּמ֖⁠וֹ לֹ֣א תֹאכֵ֑ל עַל־הָ⁠אָ֥רֶץ תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖⁠נּוּ כַּ⁠מָּֽיִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See how you translated this in 12:16.

Deuteronomy 16

Deuteronomy 16 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Outline

• vv. 1-8: Instructions for the Festival of the Passover
• vv. 9-12: Instructions for the Festival of the Harvest
• vv. 13-17: Instructions for the Feast of Huts
• vv. 18-22: Adminstration of Justice

Special concepts in this chapter

Feasts

This chapter gives instructions for the feasts that Yahweh commanded the Israelites to celebrate. The Passover feast represents the time when the Israelites escaped from Egypt. There are several other important festivals described in this chapter. (See: Passover)

Other Potential Translation Issues in This Chapter

“You”

When Moses is addressing the Israelites, he uses the singular forms of “you” in this chapter. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them and Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

“The Place Yahweh your God will choose”

Moses refers to the future place where the temple will be built as “the place Yahweh your God will choose for his name to dwell there” or “the place Yahweh your God will choose it.” These phrases emphasize that Yahweh decides how and where the Israelites must worship him. The wording of these phrases might be unnatural in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “the place Yahweh your God will set his name” or “the place Yahweh your God will choose” (See: temple, house, house of God and Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

Deuteronomy 16:1

Keeping

Quote: שָׁמוֹר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites must keep “the month of Aviv” by celebrating the Festival of the Passover during that month. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Celebrate”

the month of Aviv

Quote: אֶת־חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָ⁠אָבִ֔יב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths

Aviv is the first month of the Hebrew calendar and inhcludes parts of March and April on Western calendars. You could convert the Hebrew day and month into an approximate date on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the date will be different every year and the translation will not be entirely accurate. So you may just want to give the number of the day and the name of the month on the Hebrew calendar, and say in a footnote approximately what time of year that is on your calendar.

and you shall make

Quote: וְ⁠עָשִׂ֣יתָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

For more information about translating “shall,” see the book introduction.

and you shall make

Quote: וְ⁠עָשִׂ֣יתָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, make means “celebrate” or “observe.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “observe”

for in the month of Aviv, Yahweh your God brought you out from Egypt {by} night

Quote: כִּ֞י בְּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽ⁠אָבִ֗יב הוֹצִ֨יאֲ⁠ךָ֜ יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ מִ⁠מִּצְרַ֖יִם לָֽיְלָה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the events of Exodus 12, when Yahweh commanded the Israelites to celebrate because he was about to bring the Israelites out from Egypt. The Israelites left in a hurry at night. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “for in the month of Aviv, Yahweh your God commanded you to celebrate the Passover because he brought you out from Egypt at night”

brought you out

Quote: הוֹצִ֨יאֲ⁠ךָ֜ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “took” instead of brought. Alternate translation: “took you out”

Deuteronomy 16:2

the Passover

Quote: פֶּ֛סַח (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, *Passover represents the animal that the Israelites sacrificed for the Festival of the Passover. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the animal for the Passover”

to Yahweh

Quote: לַ⁠יהוָ֥ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Passover sacrifice was for honoring Yahweh. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “for the honor of Yahweh”

the flock and the herd

Quote: צֹ֣אן וּ⁠בָקָ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the flock and the herd represent the animals sacrificed for the Festival of the Passover. Yahweh commanded each Israelite family to sacrifice a male lamb or goat without blemish during the sacrifice in Numbers 9 and Exodus 12. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “one male from the flock or the herd from each of your families”

in the place that Yahweh will choose {for} his name to dwell there

Quote: בַּ⁠מָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה לְ⁠שַׁכֵּ֥ן שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ שָֽׁם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

See chapter introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “in the place that Yahweh will set his name”

for} his name

Quote: שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents Yahweh’s presence and blessings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his presence”

Deuteronomy 16:3

with it

Quote: עָלָי⁠ו֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to the animal for the Passover sacrifice. If this is not clear for your readers, you could state the noun again. Alternate translation: “with the sacrifice”

on it

Quote: עָלָ֥י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is the part of the Festival of the Passover that follows the Passover sacrifice. If this is not clear for your readers, you could state the name of the feast. Alternate translation: “during the Feast of Unleavened Bread”

unleavened bread on it, the bread of affliction

Quote: עָלָ֥י⁠ו מַצּ֖וֹת לֶ֣חֶם עֹ֑נִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here, bread of affliction refers to unleavened bread. It does not refer to another type of bread that the Israelites should eat. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “unleavened bread, which is the bread of affliction, on it”

for

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “this is because”

you came out

Quote: יָצָ֨אתָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “you went out”

you came out from the land of Egypt in haste

Quote: בְ⁠חִפָּז֗וֹן יָצָ֨אתָ֙ מֵ⁠אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites had to leave Egypt so quickly that they did not have enough time to make bread with yeast in it, because bread with yeast takes time to rise. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you could not wait for bread with yeast because you had to escape Egypt so fast”

all the days of your life

Quote: כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֥י חַיֶּֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, days is an idiom that refers to a duration of time. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as long as you live”

Deuteronomy 16:4

And no yeast shall be seen among you

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־יֵרָאֶ֨ה לְ⁠ךָ֥ שְׂאֹ֛ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And get rid of all the yeast among you”

shall be seen

Quote: יֵרָאֶ֨ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, seen means “owned” or “possessed.” Moses is speaking of being seen with something as if it were owning it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “shall be present”

and nothing from the meat that you sacrifice in the evening on the first day shall remain until the morning

Quote: וְ⁠לֹא־יָלִ֣ין מִן־הַ⁠בָּשָׂ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּזְבַּ֥ח בָּ⁠עֶ֛רֶב בַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הָ⁠רִאשׁ֖וֹן לַ⁠בֹּֽקֶר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites must eat all the meat from the Passover sacrifice in the same evening that they sacrifice it. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you must eat all of the meat that you sacrifice in the evening on that day”

on the first day

Quote: בַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הָ⁠רִאשׁ֖וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “day one”

Deuteronomy 16:5

the Passover

Quote: אֶת־הַ⁠פָּ֑סַח (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, *Passover represents the animal that the Israelites sacrificed for the Festival of the Passover. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the animal for the Passover”

within any of your gates

Quote: בְּ⁠אַחַ֣ד שְׁעָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the borders of the towns in the land of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the towns”

Deuteronomy 16:6

the place that Yahweh your God will choose {for} his name to dwell, there

Quote: הַ⁠מָּק֞וֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַ֨ר יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ לְ⁠שַׁכֵּ֣ן שְׁמ֔⁠וֹ שָׁ֛ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

See chapter introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “the place where Yahweh will set his name”

for} his name

Quote: שְׁמ֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents Yahweh’s presence and blessings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for his presence”

the Passover

Quote: אֶת־הַ⁠פֶּ֖סַח (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, *Passover represents the animal that the Israelites sacrifice for the Festival of the Passover. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the animal for the Passover”

at the going down of the sun

Quote: כְּ⁠ב֣וֹא הַ⁠שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the going down of the sun is an idiom that means “sunset.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at sunset”

Deuteronomy 16:7

And you shall cook and eat

Quote: וּ⁠בִשַּׁלְתָּ֙ וְ⁠אָ֣כַלְתָּ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “And you shall cook the meat and eat it”

in the place which Yahweh your God will choose it

Quote: בַּ⁠מָּק֕וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִבְחַ֛ר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ בּ֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

See chapter introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “in the place which Yahweh your God will choose”

and in the morning you shall turn and go

Quote: וּ⁠פָנִ֣יתָ בַ⁠בֹּ֔קֶר וְ⁠הָלַכְתָּ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the word turn describes the beginning of action. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and in the morning you shall go back”

Deuteronomy 16:8

and on the seventh day

Quote: וּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֗י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “and on day seven”

Deuteronomy 16:9

the sickle on the grain

Quote: חֶרְמֵשׁ֙ בַּ⁠קָּמָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the sickle on the grain is an idiom that means “harvest time.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “harvesting time”

the sickle

Quote: חֶרְמֵשׁ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A sickle is a tool used for cutting grain. It usually has a short handle and a semicircular blade. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of farming tool, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the harvesting tool”

Deuteronomy 16:10

a freewill offering of your hand that you shall give

Quote: נִדְבַ֥ת יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּתֵּ֑ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, hand represents the whole person in the act of giving an offering. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the freewill offering that you personally give”

as Yahweh your God has blessed you

Quote: כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְבָרֶכְ⁠ךָ֖ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh blesses the Israelites by causing their grain to grow. Thus, the Israelites must offer a portion of grain that reflects how much grain Yahweh blessed them with. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “according to the amount of grain that Yahweh your God blessed you with by causing it to grow”

Deuteronomy 16:11

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh”

and your son and your daughter and your male servant and your female servant and the Levite … and the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow

Quote: וּ⁠בִנְ⁠ךָ֣ וּ⁠בִתֶּ⁠ךָ֮ וְ⁠עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֣ וַ⁠אֲמָתֶ⁠ךָ֒ וְ⁠הַ⁠לֵּוִי֙ & וְ⁠הַ⁠גֵּ֛ר וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּת֥וֹם וְ⁠הָ⁠אַלְמָנָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

These terms do not refer to a specific person. These terms represent these categories of people in general. Alternate translation: “any of your sons, daughters, male servants, females servants, or Levites … and any foreigners, fatherless, or widows”

is} within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “is within your community”

in the place that Yahweh your God will choose {for} his name to dwell there

Quote: בַּ⁠מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִבְחַר֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ לְ⁠שַׁכֵּ֥ן שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ שָֽׁם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

See chapter introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “in the place where Yahweh your God will set his name”

for} his name

Quote: שְׁמ֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents Yahweh’s presence and blessings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for his presence”

Deuteronomy 16:13

from your threshing floor

Quote: מִֽ⁠גָּרְנְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, threshing floor represents the harvest of grain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of your grain”

and from your winepress

Quote: וּ⁠מִ⁠יִּקְבֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, winepress represents wine made from the harvest of grapes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and wine”

from your threshing floor and from your winepress

Quote: מִֽ⁠גָּרְנְ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠מִ⁠יִּקְבֶֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

These terms do not refer to a specific theshing floor or winepress. These terms represent the yearly harvest in general. Alternate translation: “from any of your threshing floors or winepresses”

Deuteronomy 16:14

and your son and your daughter and your male servant and your female servant and the Levite and the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow

Quote: וּ⁠בִנְ⁠ךָ֤ וּ⁠בִתֶּ֨⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֣ וַ⁠אֲמָתֶ֔⁠ךָ וְ⁠הַ⁠לֵּוִ֗י וְ⁠הַ⁠גֵּ֛ר וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּת֥וֹם וְ⁠הָ⁠אַלְמָנָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

These terms do not refer to a specific person. These terms represent these categories of people in general. Alternate translation: “any of your sons, daughters, male servants, females servants, Levites foreigners, fatherless, or widows”

are} within your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the borders of the towns. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are in your communities”

Deuteronomy 16:15

and in all the work of your hands

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠כֹל֙ מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה יָדֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using hand to represent all of a person in the act of working. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and all of your own work”

Deuteronomy 16:16

all your males

Quote: כָל־זְכוּרְ⁠ךָ֜ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here males refer to any man 20 years and older. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “all your adult men”

before the face of … before the face of

Quote: אֶת־פְּנֵ֣י & אֶת־פְּנֵ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the presence of … in the presence of”

And he shall not appear before the face of Yahweh emptily

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֧א יֵרָאֶ֛ה אֶת־פְּנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה רֵיקָֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Moses is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “And they must bring an offering before the pace of Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 16:17

every} man

Quote: אִ֖ישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word man represents all adult Israelite men in general, not one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “each man”

according to the giving of his hand

Quote: כְּ⁠מַתְּנַ֣ת יָד֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using hand to represent the whole person in the act of giving an offering. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “according to what he himself gives”

according to the blessing of Yahweh your God that he has given to you

Quote: כְּ⁠בִרְכַּ֛ת יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן־לָֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh blesses the Israelites by causing their crops and flocks to be healthy and produce. Thus, the Israelites must offer a portion of their produce that reflects how much Yahweh blessed them with. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “according to the amount of produce that Yahweh your God blessed you with by causing it to grow”

according to the blessing of Yahweh your God that he has given to you

Quote: כְּ⁠בִרְכַּ֛ת יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן־לָֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression the blessing of Yahweh your God that he has given to you contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “according to the blessing that Yahweh your God has given you”

Deuteronomy 16:18

You shall set for yourself

Quote: תִּֽתֶּן־לְ⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, set means “appoint”. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Install”

within all your gates

Quote: בְּ⁠כָל־שְׁעָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “within all your towns”

from your tribes

Quote: לִ⁠שְׁבָטֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that all of the 12 tribes of Israel will have judges and officers. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from each of your tribes”

with} righteous judgment

Quote: מִשְׁפַּט־צֶֽדֶק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “justly”

Deuteronomy 16:19

You shall not twist a judgment

Quote: לֹא־תַטֶּ֣ה מִשְׁפָּ֔ט (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, twist means “act unjustly in”. Moses is speaking of a judgment as if it were a physical object that one could twist. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You shall not act unjustly when you make a decision”

a judgment

Quote: מִשְׁפָּ֔ט (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the decision of a legal case”

you shall not recognize a face

Quote: לֹ֥א תַכִּ֖יר פָּנִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, recognize a face is an idiom that means “show partiality.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you shall not play favorites” or “you shall not show partiality”

for

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because”

a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise ones and perverts the words of the righteous ones

Quote: הַ⁠שֹּׁ֗חַד יְעַוֵּר֙ עֵינֵ֣י חֲכָמִ֔ים וִֽ⁠יסַלֵּ֖ף דִּבְרֵ֥י צַדִּיקִֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here, Moses speaks of a bribe as if it were something that could blind and pervert someone else. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a bribe makes it difficult for the wise and righteous to make a just decision”

blinds the eyes of the wise ones

Quote: יְעַוֵּר֙ עֵינֵ֣י חֲכָמִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of a wise person making an unjust decision as if their eyes were blind. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “causes a wise person to ignore what is right”

the wise ones … the righteous ones

Quote: חֲכָמִ֔ים & צַדִּיקִֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjectives wise and righteous as nouns to mean wise people and righteous people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “wise people … righteous people”

and perverts the words of the righteous ones

Quote: וִֽ⁠יסַלֵּ֖ף דִּבְרֵ֥י צַדִּיקִֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that a bribe perverts the words of the righteous by encouraging a righteous person to speak false words. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and causes the righteous to speak falsley”

Deuteronomy 16:20

Righteousness, righteousness

Quote: צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the noun righteousness in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Righteousness, only righteousness”

Righteousness, righteousness you shall pursue

Quote: צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of Righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You shall only judge righteously”

Righteousness, righteousness you shall pursue

Quote: צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of a judge making a fair decision as if he were running in pursuit of righteousness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You shall make fair decisions”

Deuteronomy 16:21

You shall not plant

Quote: לֹֽא־תִטַּ֥ע (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, plant means “erect.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You shall not erect”

Deuteronomy 16:22

a pillar

Quote: מַצֵּבָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people groups in the land built stone pillars as symbols of their god Baal. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a sacred stone pillar”

a pillar

Quote: מַצֵּבָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word pillar represents pillars for idols in general, not one particular pillar. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “any pillars”

a pillar, which Yahweh your God hates

Quote: מַצֵּבָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׂנֵ֖א יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

This does not mean “the pillar which Yahweh your God hates” which would imply that there are pillars used for idol worship that Yahweh does not hate. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “a pillar because Yahweh your God hates those”

Deuteronomy 17

Deuteronomy 17 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Outline

• v. 1: More instructions for animals for sacrifice
• vv. 2-7: Punishments for people who worship idols
• vv. 8-13: Instructions for difficult legal cases
• vv. 14-20: Instructions for kings

Special concepts in this chapter

Witnesses

In the ancient Near East, it was common for a person to be punished by the testimony of a single person, especially if this was an important person. The rules in this chapter give protection to people, especially the poor by requiring multiple witnesses. This allowed justice to be done. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

King

Israel was not to have a king because Yahweh was their king. Knowing the sinfulness of the people, Yahweh anticipated that one day Israel would have a king. Therefore, this passage gives commands about their king prophetically. They were not allowed to collect chariots because they were a sign of earthly power and the king was to trust in Yahweh. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess, sign, proof, reminder and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Other Possible Translation Issues in This Chapter

“You”

When Moses is addressing the Israelites, he uses the singular forms of, “you” and “your.” If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them and Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Generic nouns used in hypothetical conditions

Verses 2-13 give examples of sins that an Israelite might commit when they live the land and instructions for deciding what should happen. In these hypothetical conditions, singular nouns like “man,” “woman,” and “judge” represent those groups of people in general, not a specific man or woman whom Moses is predicting will commit a sin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that these terms refer to any person who fulfills the hypothetical situation. (See: Generic Noun Phrases and Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

Deuteronomy 17:1

an ox or a sheep

Quote: שׁ֣וֹר וָ⁠שֶׂ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Here, ox and sheep represent those animals in general, not one specific ox or sheep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use more natural expressions. Alternate translation: “any ox or any sheep”

for

Quote: כִּ֧י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as for indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because”

it

Quote: הֽוּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to a sacrifice that has a blemish. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “a blemished sacrifice”

Deuteronomy 17:2

If

Quote: כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Here, If introduces a hypothetical situation that continues to verse 7 and instructions for the Israelites if the situation occurs. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “In the case that”

there} is found

Quote: יִמָּצֵ֤א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “there is anyone”

in any of your gates

Quote: בְּ⁠אַחַ֣ד שְׁעָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in any of your communities”

in the eyes of

Quote: בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, in the eyes of is an idiom for one's opinion or evaluation. Moses speaks as if evaluating something were physically seeing it with one's eyes. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “according to the judgment of”

transgressing his covenant

Quote: לַ⁠עֲבֹ֥ר בְּרִיתֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, transgress means “violate” or “break.” Moses is speaking of breaking a covenant as if it were transgressing into someone else’s property. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “violate his covenant”

Deuteronomy 17:3

and follows

Quote: וַ⁠יֵּ֗לֶךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is speaking of idol worship as if it were a path that one follows. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and worships”

the multitude of the heavens

Quote: צְבָ֥א הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the multitude of the heavens is an idiom that means “the stars in the sky.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the celestial bodies in the sky”

I have not commanded

Quote: לֹא־צִוִּֽיתִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh has commanded the Israelites not to worship any of the things listed in this verse. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have forbidden”

Deuteronomy 17:4

and {it} is told to you

Quote: וְ⁠הֻֽגַּד־לְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and someone tells you about this”

and you listen

Quote: וְ⁠שָׁמָ֑עְתָּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and you listen to the account”

and behold

Quote: וְ⁠הִנֵּ֤ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

This phrase is introducing a hypothetical condition. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “and if, behold”

it is} true {and} certain

Quote: אֱמֶת֙ נָכ֣וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms true and certain mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “it is absolutely certain that”

the matter has been done

Quote: הַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that someone has done this”

the matter

Quote: הַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the matter refers to the act of an Israelite worshipping an idol. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “idol worship”

Deuteronomy 17:5

then you shall bring

Quote: וְ⁠הֽוֹצֵאתָ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

See book introduction for more information about translating shall.

then you shall bring

Quote: וְ⁠הֽוֹצֵאתָ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

This verse gives instructions for what the Israelites should do if the hypothetical situation introduced in verses 2-4 occurs. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “then, in that case, you must bring”

that man or that woman who has done this evil thing to your gates, the man or the woman

Quote: אֶת־הָ⁠אִ֣ישׁ הַ⁠ה֡וּא אוֹ֩ אֶת־הָ⁠אִשָּׁ֨ה הַ⁠הִ֜וא אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָ֠שׂוּ אֶת־הַ⁠דָּבָ֨ר הָ⁠רָ֤ע הַ⁠זֶּה֙ אֶל־שְׁעָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ אֶת־הָ⁠אִ֕ישׁ א֖וֹ אֶת־הָ⁠אִשָּׁ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression that man or that woman who has done this evil thing to your gates, the man or the woman contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “that man or that woman who has done this evil thing to your gates”

this evil thing

Quote: אֶת־הַ⁠דָּבָ֨ר הָ⁠רָ֤ע הַ⁠זֶּה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, this evil thing refers to the act of an Israelite worshipping an idol. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “this evil of idol worship”

to your gates

Quote: אֶל־שְׁעָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “outside of the border of your town”

and you shall stone them with stones

Quote: וּ⁠סְקַלְתָּ֥⁠ם בָּ⁠אֲבָנִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression stone them with stones contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “and you shall stone them”

and they shall die

Quote: וָ⁠מֵֽתוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites should “stone” the sinner until the sinner is dead. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “until they die”

Deuteronomy 17:6

At the mouth of … at the mouth of

Quote: עַל־פִּ֣י & עַל־פִּ֖י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here mouth represents the words that someone says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “According to the testimony of … on account of the testimony of”

he who is to die

Quote: הַ⁠מֵּ֑ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, he who is to die refers to the man or woman accused of worshipping an idol. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the accused person” or “the defendant in the case”

He shall not die at the mouth of one witness

Quote: לֹ֣א יוּמַ֔ת עַל־פִּ֖י עֵ֥ד אֶחָֽד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the testimony of one witness is not enough for the Israelites to execute an accused person. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Do not kill him when there is only one witness”

Deuteronomy 17:7

The hand of the witnesses … and afterwards the hand of all the people

Quote: יַ֣ד הָ⁠עֵדִ֞ים & וְ⁠יַ֥ד כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֖ם בָּ⁠אַחֲרֹנָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is using hand to represent a whole person in the act of stoning someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The witnesses themselves … and afterwards all the people themselves”

shall be the first on him

Quote: תִּֽהְיֶה־בּ֤⁠וֹ בָ⁠רִאשֹׁנָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the witnesses will be the first to throw stones on him. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “shall be the first to stone him”

all the people

Quote: כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, all the people refers to the rest of the people in the town that the legal case happened in. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “all the other people in the town”

the evil

Quote: הָ⁠רָ֖ע (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the evil refers to the evil act of worshipping idols. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the evil of idolatry”

Deuteronomy 17:8

If a case is too difficult for you to judge, between blood and blood, between a lawsuit and a lawsuit, and between an assault and an assault, cases of dispute in your gates, then you shall arise

Quote: כִּ֣י יִפָּלֵא֩ מִמְּ⁠ךָ֨ דָבָ֜ר לַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּ֗ט בֵּֽין־דָּ֨ם ׀ לְ⁠דָ֜ם בֵּֽין־דִּ֣ין לְ⁠דִ֗ין וּ⁠בֵ֥ין נֶ֨גַע֙ לָ⁠נֶ֔גַע דִּבְרֵ֥י רִיבֹ֖ת בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֑י⁠ךָ וְ⁠קַמְתָּ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is introducing a hypothetical situation and telling the Israelites what they should do if it happens. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “Suppose that there is a case that is too difficult for you to judge, between blood and blood, between a lawsuit and a lawsuit, and between an assault and an assault, cases of dispute in your gates, then you should arise”

between blood and blood

Quote: בֵּֽין־דָּ֨ם ׀ לְ⁠דָ֜ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that blood means “bloodshed,” specifically accidental or purposeful manslaughter. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “between planned and planned manslaughter”

between a lawsuit and a lawsuit

Quote: בֵּֽין־דִּ֣ין לְ⁠דִ֗ין (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the judge must decide the outcome of various types of lawsuits. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “between who is right and who is wrong in all types of lawsuits”

and between an assault and an assault

Quote: וּ⁠בֵ֥ין נֶ֨גַע֙ לָ⁠נֶ֔גַע (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, assault could refer to a case where: (1) one person physically harmed another. Alternate translation: “and who is at fault when someone physically harms another” (2) one person damages the property of another. Alternate translation: “and who is at fault when someone damages the property of another”

cases of dispute

Quote: דִּבְרֵ֥י רִיבֹ֖ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that there is dispute in these cases as to what actually happened and who is at fault. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “undecided cases”

in your gates

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, gates represents the border of a town or city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in your cities”

then you shall arise

Quote: וְ⁠קַמְתָּ֣ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, arise refers to the act of beginning a journey. Moses is speaking of leaving one’s current location as if it were the act of arising. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then you shall leave your city”

the place which Yahweh your God will choose it

Quote: הַ⁠מָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִבְחַ֛ר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ בּֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression the place which Yahweh your God will choose it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “the place which Yahweh your God will choose”

Deuteronomy 17:9

to the priests, the Levites

Quote: אֶל־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִים֙ הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

This means that the priests are descendants of *Levi, not that all of the Levites are priests. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “to the Levites who are priests”

and to the judge who will be {there} at that time

Quote: וְ⁠אֶל־הַ⁠שֹּׁפֵ֔ט אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה בַּ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠הֵ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that there will be a judge at the place of worship who will make decisions for all of Israel. The judge serves for a limited period of time, then another judge replaces him. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and to the judge in office”

and you shall inquire

Quote: וְ⁠דָרַשְׁתָּ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and you shall inquire about your case”

the word of the judgment

Quote: אֵ֖ת דְּבַ֥ר הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּֽט (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the word of the judgment is an idiom that means “the verdict.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the verdict”

Deuteronomy 17:10

according to the mouth of the word that they tell you

Quote: עַל־פִּ֤י הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַגִּ֣ידֽוּ לְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, mouth represents the word that someone says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what they say should be done”

Deuteronomy 17:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Follow the law they teach you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person obeying what the priests and judge decide is spoken of as if the person were physically following behind the law. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must obey what the judge and priests decide about the matter” (See also: Active or Passive)

According to the mouth of the law that they teach you, and according to the judgment that they say to you

Quote: עַל־פִּ֨י הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֜ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר יוֹר֗וּ⁠ךָ וְ⁠עַל־הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּ֛ט אֲשֶׁר־יֹאמְר֥וּ לְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “According to the mouth of the law that they teach you, indeed, according to the judgment that they say to you”

According to the mouth of the law

Quote: עַל־פִּ֨י הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֜ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, mouth represents the words that someone says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “According to the words of the law”

Do not turn aside from the word that they tell you, right or left

Quote: לֹ֣א תָס֗וּר מִן־הַ⁠דָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר־יַגִּ֥ידֽוּ לְ⁠ךָ֖ יָמִ֥ין וּ⁠שְׂמֹֽאל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, turn aside means to disobey or stop following. Moses is speaking of the word of the judge as if it were a path that one could walk on and disobedience as turning aside, right or left, from that way. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not disobey their verdict”

Deuteronomy 17:12

does arrogantly, not listening to the priest

Quote: ־יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה בְ⁠זָד֗וֹן לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֨י שְׁמֹ֤עַ אֶל־הַ⁠כֹּהֵן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here, does arrogantly and not listening to the priest refer to the same act of rebellion. They are not two separate actions. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “does arrogantly by not listening to the priest”

then that man shall die

Quote: וּ⁠מֵת֙ הָ⁠אִ֣ישׁ הַ⁠ה֔וּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites must execute anyone who disobeys a verdict made by the priests and judge at the place of worship. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “then you must kill that man”

the evil

Quote: הָ⁠רָ֖ע (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Alternate translation: “the evil act of disobedience”

Deuteronomy 17:13

And all the people will hear and fear, and be arrogant no more

Quote: וְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עָ֖ם יִשְׁמְע֣וּ וְ⁠יִרָ֑אוּ וְ⁠לֹ֥א יְזִיד֖וּ⁠ן עֽוֹד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the people of Israel will hear about the execution and be afraid that they will also be executed if they disobey the priests and judge. As a result, they will not be arrogant through disobedience. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And all the people will hear about the execution and be afraid of disobeying a verdict, and they will be arrogant in disobedience no more”

Deuteronomy 17:14

you have come

Quote: תָבֹ֣א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “you have gone”

and you say, ‘I shall set a king over myself, like all the nations that surround me

Quote: וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֗ אָשִׂ֤ימָה עָלַ⁠י֙ מֶ֔לֶךְ כְּ⁠כָל־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר סְבִיבֹתָֽ⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and you decide that you want to set a king over yourself, like all the nations that surround you”

the nations

Quote: הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here nations represent the people who live in those nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations”

Deuteronomy 17:15

setting, you shall set as king over yourself him whom Yahweh your God will choose

Quote: שׂ֣וֹם תָּשִׂ֤ים עָלֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ מֶ֔לֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִבְחַ֛ר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ בּ֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the phrasing of this sentence so that it is clear that the king must be someone that Yahweh will choose. Alternate translation: “setting, you shall set a king chosen by Yahweh your God over yourself”

setting, you shall set

Quote: שׂ֣וֹם תָּשִׂ֤ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Moses is repeating the verb set in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you shall surely set”

your brothers. … your brother

Quote: אַחֶ֗י⁠ךָ & אָחִ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brothers means “fellow Israelites.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow Israelites … your fellow Israelite”

Deuteronomy 17:16

Only

Quote: רַק֮ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word Only here to indicate a strong contrast between what is allowed and not allowed for Israel’s king. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But”

he shall not multiply … he may multiply

Quote: לֹא־יַרְבֶּה & הַרְבּ֣וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, multiply means “acquire a large number of.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he shall not keep acquiring more and more … he may acquire more and more”

and he shall not cause the people to return to Egypt so that he may multiply horses

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־יָשִׁ֤יב אֶת־הָ⁠עָם֙ מִצְרַ֔יְמָ⁠ה לְמַ֖עַן הַרְבּ֣וֹת ס֑וּס (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could mean that the king must not: (1) send people to Egypt to buy horses for him. Alternate translation: “to buy more horses for him” (2) sell Israelites to Egypt in exchange for horses. Alternate translation: “in exchange for horses for him”

for Yahweh said to you, ‘You will no longer return that way again

Quote: וַֽ⁠יהוָה֙ אָמַ֣ר לָ⁠כֶ֔ם לֹ֣א תֹסִפ֗וּ⁠ן לָ⁠שׁ֛וּב בַּ⁠דֶּ֥רֶךְ הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה עֽוֹד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, as modeled by the UST.

You will no longer return that way again

Quote: לֹ֣א תֹסִפ֗וּ⁠ן לָ⁠שׁ֛וּב בַּ⁠דֶּ֥רֶךְ הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה עֽוֹד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression no longer turn that way again contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “You will not return that way again”

Deuteronomy 17:17

And he shall not multiply … he shall not multiply

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֤א יַרְבֶּה & לֹ֥א יַרְבֶּה\n (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, multiply means “acquire a large number of.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And he shall not keep acquiring more and more … and he shall not acquire more and more”

and his heart will not turn aside

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָס֖וּר לְבָב֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, turn aside means to disobey or stop following. Moses is speaking of Yahweh’s commandments as if they were a path that one could walk on and disobedience as turning aside from that way. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so his heart will not stop following Yahweh”

and his heart will not turn aside

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָס֖וּר לְבָב֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here, heart represents a person’s will and desires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will not desire to turn aside”

Deuteronomy 17:18

And it will be

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent

Here, the word translated as And it will be introduces a new section for laws about kings. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new topic. Alternate translation: “Then”

when he sits on the throne of

Quote: כְ⁠שִׁבְתּ֔⁠וֹ עַ֖ל כִּסֵּ֣א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, sits on the throne represents the act of ruling a kingdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when he rules”

his kingdom

Quote: מַמְלַכְתּ֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe a kingdom that a king rules. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a different way to explain the relationship between a king and his kingdom. Alternate translation: “the kingdom that he rules over”

then he shall write for himself in a scroll a copy of this law

Quote: וְ⁠כָ֨תַב ל֜⁠וֹ אֶת־מִשְׁנֵ֨ה הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֤ה הַ⁠זֹּאת֙ עַל־סֵ֔פֶר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could mean that: (1) the king himself must write a copy of the law. Alternate translation: “he himself shall write in a scroll a copy of this law for himself” (2) the king must send someone to write a copy of the law for him. Alternate translation: “he shall appoint someone to write in a scroll a copy of this law for him”

before the faces of

Quote: מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the presence of”

in a scroll a copy of this law before the faces of the priests

Quote: אֶת־מִשְׁנֵ֨ה הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֤ה הַ⁠זֹּאת֙ עַל־סֵ֔פֶר מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, this law before the faces of the priests could mean: (1) the king must copy the original copy of the laws that the priests keep in the place of worship. Alternate translation: “in a scroll a copy of the original law that is kept by the priests” (2) the priests would read out the law for someone to copy it. Alternate translation: “in a scroll a copy of this law as the priests read dictate it to you”

the priests, the Levites

Quote: הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֖ים הַ⁠לְוִיִּֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

This does not mean “the priests and the Levites” which would imply that there are priests who are not Levites. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “the priests who are also Levites”

Deuteronomy 17:19

and it shall be

Quote: וְ⁠הָיְתָ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to the copy of the law from the previous verse. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “and the copy of the law shall be”

and he shall read it

Quote: וְ⁠קָ֥רָא ב֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the king must read a part of the law from his copy every day. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he shall read some of the law”

so that

Quote: לְמַ֣עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.

to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them

Quote: לִ֠⁠שְׁמֹר אֶֽת־כָּל־דִּבְרֵ֞י הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֛את וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠חֻקִּ֥ים הָ⁠אֵ֖לֶּה לַ⁠עֲשֹׂתָֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “to keep all the words of this law and these statues, indeed, to do them”

all the words of this law and these statutes

Quote: אֶֽת־כָּל־דִּבְרֵ֞י הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֛את וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠חֻקִּ֥ים הָ⁠אֵ֖לֶּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms this law and these statutes mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all the important words of this law”

Deuteronomy 17:20

so that his heart is not lifted up … and so that he does not turn aside … so that

Quote: לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֤י רוּם־לְבָב⁠וֹ֙ & וּ⁠לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֛י ס֥וּר & לְמַעַן֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, so that marks what follows as the goal or purpose of the commands from the previous verse. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose

so that his heart is not lifted up above his brothers

Quote: לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֤י רוּם־לְבָב⁠וֹ֙ מֵֽ⁠אֶחָ֔י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, heart is lifted up is an idiom that means “is proud” or “is arrogant.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that he does not look down his nose at his brothers” or “so that he does not act like he is better than his brothers”

above his brothers

Quote: מֵֽ⁠אֶחָ֔י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brothers means “fellow Israelites.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “above his fellow Israelites”

and so that he does not turn aside from the commandments, right or left

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֛י ס֥וּר מִן־הַ⁠מִּצְוָ֖ה יָמִ֣ין וּ⁠שְׂמֹ֑אול (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, turn aside means to disobey or stop following. Moses is speaking of Yahweh’s commandments as if they were a path that one could walk on and disobedience as turning right or left from that path. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and so that he does not disobey the commandments”

he will prolong days in his kingdom

Quote: יַאֲרִ֨יךְ יָמִ֧ים עַל־מַמְלַכְתּ֛⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

If the king obeys Yahweh, then he will prolong the days that he rules over his kingdom. Moses is speaking of time as if it were something over which man could exercise control, to prolong it. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “he will reign in his kingdom for a long time”

Deuteronomy 18

Deuteronomy 18 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Outline

• vv. 1-8: What the priests receive for their service
• vv. 9-13: Warnings against pagan practices
• vv. 14-22: Yahweh promises to send a prophet

Special concepts in this chapter

Levites

As Yahweh’s chosen priests, the priest were to trust in Yahweh to provide for them. He provided for them through the rest of the Israelites. Yahweh was their inheritance. (See: chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect, priest, priesthood and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and inherit, inheritance, heir)

Messiah

This chapter is one of the first prophecies about the promised, coming Messiah. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and promise, promised and Christ, Messiah)

Other Potential Translation Difficulties in This Chapter

You

Generic Nouns in Hypothetical Situations

Verses 6-10 and 20-22 give instructions and warnings for the Israelits. In these hypothetical conditions, singular nouns like “Levite,” “maker,” and “propjet” represent those groups of people in general, not a specific person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that these terms refer to any person who fulfills the hypothetical situation. (See: Generic Noun Phrases and Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

Deuteronomy 18:1-2

The priests, the Levites, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion nor inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the gifts of Yahweh as their inheritance … And they shall have no inheritance among their brothers; Yahweh is their inheritance, as he spoke to them

Quote: לֹֽא־יִ֠הְיֶה לַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֨ים הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֜ם כָּל־שֵׁ֧בֶט לֵוִ֛י חֵ֥לֶק וְ⁠נַחֲלָ֖ה עִם־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אִשֵּׁ֧י יְהוָ֛ה וְ⁠נַחֲלָת֖⁠וֹ יֹאכֵלֽוּ⁠ן & וְ⁠נַחֲלָ֥ה לֹא־יִֽהְיֶה־לּ֖⁠וֹ בְּ⁠קֶ֣רֶב אֶחָ֑י⁠ו יְהוָה֙ ה֣וּא נַחֲלָת֔⁠וֹ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּר־לֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two verses begin with clauses that basically mean the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could rearrange the clauses in the verses to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “The priests, the Levites, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion nor inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the fire offerings of Yahweh as their inheritance. Yahweh is their inheritance, as he spoke to them”

Deuteronomy 18:1

The priests, the Levites, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion nor inheritance with Israel

Quote: לֹֽא־יִ֠הְיֶה לַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֨ים הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֜ם כָּל־שֵׁ֧בֶט לֵוִ֛י חֵ֥לֶק וְ⁠נַחֲלָ֖ה עִם־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Levites will not receive any portion or inheritance of land so that they cannot grow or raise their own food. See Numbers 18:20 for more information. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “All the tribe of Levi will not own a portion of land”

The priests, the Levites, all the tribe of Levi

Quote: לַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֨ים הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֜ם כָּל־שֵׁ֧בֶט לֵוִ֛י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

All priests come from the tribe of Levi and are therefore Levites. This does not mean that the Levites and priests are separate groups of people. Additionally, not all Levites of the tribe of Levi are priests. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “People from the tribe of Levi who serve as priests, and the rest of the Levites”

Israel

Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Israel represents all the people of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the rest of the Israelites”

the gifts of Yahweh

Quote: אִשֵּׁ֧י יְהוָ֛ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe a gift that Israelites would offer to Yahweh. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable expression for describing an offering. Alternate translation: “the food that the other Israelites give in sacrifice to Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 18:2

their brothers

Quote: אֶחָ֑י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brother means “fellow Israelite,” specifically the other 11 tribes of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “text”

Yahweh is their inheritance

Quote: יְהוָה֙ ה֣וּא נַחֲלָת֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of the honor of serving Yahweh as if the priests were receiving Yahweh himself as an inheritance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “instead, their inheritance is the privilege of serving Yahweh”

he spoke

Quote: דִּבֶּר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, spoke means “promised.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he promised”

Deuteronomy 18:3

the ordinance of the priests

Quote: מִשְׁפַּ֨ט הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֜ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Moses is using the possessive form to describe an ordinance that benefits the priests. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a comparable way to describe rules for priests. Alternate translation: “the provision for the priests”

from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice

Quote: מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת הָ⁠עָ֗ם מֵ⁠אֵ֛ת זֹבְחֵ֥י הַ⁠זֶּ֖בַח (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here, the people and those who offer a sacrifice are the same group of people. This does not mean “the other people who will give a sacrifice” which would imply that the people do not offer sacrifices. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “from the sacrifices that the people offer”

a sacrifice, whether an oxen or a sheep: and they shall give the shoulder and the two cheeks and the innards to the priest

Quote: הַ⁠זֶּ֖בַח אִם־שׁ֣וֹר אִם־שֶׂ֑ה וְ⁠נָתַן֙ לַ⁠כֹּהֵ֔ן הַ⁠זְּרֹ֥עַ וְ⁠הַ⁠לְּחָיַ֖יִם וְ⁠הַ⁠קֵּבָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Leviticus 1-16 describes the different types of offerings and which parts the Israelites must give to the Levites. You could include this information if it would be helpful for your readers. Alternate translation: “a sacrifice that Yahweh commanded you to eat, whether an oxen or sheep: and they shall give the shoulder and the two cheeks and the innards to the priest and eat the rest”

and the innards

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠קֵּבָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The innards are the stomach and intestines of the animal. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and the internal organs”

Deuteronomy 18:4

the fleece of

Quote: גֵּ֥ז (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A fleece is the hair from a sheep. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of hair, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the hair of”

to him

Quote: לּֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun him refers to any of the Levites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “to one of the Levites”

Deuteronomy 18:5

For

Quote: כִּ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “This is because”

him

Quote: ב֗⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun him refers to Levi and all his descendants. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Levi”

in the name of Yahweh

Quote: בְּ⁠שֵׁם־יְהוָ֛ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents all of Yahweh: his power, presence, knowledge, and so on. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh himself”

and his sons

Quote: וּ⁠בָנָ֖י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, sons means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and his descendants”

all of the days

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, all of the days is an idiom that means “forever.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forever”

Deuteronomy 18:6

And if

Quote: וְ⁠כִֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell the Israelites what they should do if it takes place. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “In the case that”

desires with all his soul

Quote: בְּ⁠כָל־אַוַּ֣ת נַפְשׁ֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, soul represents a whole person, including their inner being, will, and desires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he indeed desires”

Deuteronomy 18:7

in the name of Yahweh his God

Quote: בְּ⁠שֵׁ֖ם יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֑י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, name represents all of Yahweh: his power, presence, knowledge, and so on. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh himself”

his brothers

Quote: אֶחָי⁠ו֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brother means “fellow tribesman.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his fellow tribesmen”

there

Quote: שָׁ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, there refers to the place of worship that Yahweh will choose for himself. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “at the place of worship”

before the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before”

Deuteronomy 18:8

They shall eat portions alike portions

Quote: חֵ֥לֶק כְּ⁠חֵ֖לֶק יֹאכֵ֑לוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that all of the Levites at the place of worship will eat alike portions by receiving the same amount of food as each other. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “They shall all eat the same portions”

from the sale of his fathers

Quote: מִמְכָּרָ֖י⁠ו עַל־הָ⁠אָבֽוֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the sale of his fathers refers to the money from selling family inheritance. The Levite was allowed to keep this moeny and use it as he wished You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “his family inheritance”

his fathers

Quote: הָ⁠אָבֽוֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his ancestors”

Deuteronomy 18:9

have come

Quote: בָּ֣א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “gone” instead of come. Alternate translation: “have gone”

nations

Quote: הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, nations represents the people groups living in those nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “peoples”

Deuteronomy 18:10

There shall not be found among you

Quote: לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֣א בְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There must not be anyone among you”

Deuteronomy 18:10-11

one who causes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, a user of divination, a soothsayer or a diviner or a sorcerer … or a maker of charms or a questioner of mediums or a conjurer of spirits or a seeker of the dead

Quote: מַעֲבִ֥יר בְּנֽ⁠וֹ־וּ⁠בִתּ֖⁠וֹ בָּ⁠אֵ֑שׁ קֹסֵ֣ם קְסָמִ֔ים מְעוֹנֵ֥ן וּ⁠מְנַחֵ֖שׁ וּ⁠מְכַשֵּֽׁף & וְ⁠חֹבֵ֖ר חָ֑בֶר וְ⁠שֹׁאֵ֥ל אוֹב֙ וְ⁠יִדְּעֹנִ֔י וְ⁠דֹרֵ֖שׁ אֶל־הַ⁠מֵּתִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

These terms represent anyone who practices these abomination in general, not one particular person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “anyone who causes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, any user of divination, any soothsayer or any diviner or any sorcerer or any maker of charms or any questioner of mediums or any conjurer of spirits or any seeker of the dead”

Deuteronomy 18:10

one who causes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire

Quote: מַעֲבִ֥יר בְּנֽ⁠וֹ־וּ⁠בִתּ֖⁠וֹ בָּ⁠אֵ֑שׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people groups in the land would sacrifice their children to idols by burning their children in fire. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “anyone who worships idols by burning his children to death”

Deuteronomy 18:10-11

a user of divination, a soothsayer or a diviner or a sorcerer … or a maker of charms or a questioner of mediums or a conjurer of spirits or a seeker of the dead

Quote: קֹסֵ֣ם קְסָמִ֔ים מְעוֹנֵ֥ן וּ⁠מְנַחֵ֖שׁ וּ⁠מְכַשֵּֽׁף & וְ⁠חֹבֵ֖ר חָ֑בֶר וְ⁠שֹׁאֵ֥ל אוֹב֙ וְ⁠יִדְּעֹנִ֔י וְ⁠דֹרֵ֖שׁ אֶל־הַ⁠מֵּתִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

These are different ways of practicing magic, including using magic to predict the future or speak to the dead. It is unclear the exact difference between all of these terms. If your language does not have separate terms for these types of magic, you can use more general terms. Alternate translation: “anyone who engages in any type of witchcraft, tries to predict the future, or speaks to the dead”

Deuteronomy 18:11

mediums

Quote: אוֹב֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A medium is someone who contacts the spirits of the dead by practicing magic. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of witchcraft, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “those who speak with the spirits of the dead”

the dead

Quote: הַ⁠מֵּתִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean people who are dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the dead ones”

Deuteronomy 18:12

For

Quote: כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “This is because”

these

Quote: אֵ֑לֶּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word these refers to anyone who does the abominable practices listed in verses 10-11. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “these pagan practices”

them

Quote: אוֹתָ֖⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun them refers to the people groups who live in the land. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “those people groups”

from before your face

Quote: מִ⁠פָּנֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you”

Deuteronomy 18:13

You shall be blameless with Yahweh your God

Quote: תָּמִ֣ים תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה עִ֖ם יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites will be blameless with Yahweh if they do not practice any of the abomination from verses 10-11. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers as modeled by the UST.

Deuteronomy 18:14

nations

Quote: הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֣ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, nations represents the people groups that live in those nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people”

to sorcerers and to diviners

Quote: אֶל־מְעֹנְנִ֥ים וְ⁠אֶל־קֹסְמִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms sorcerers and diviners mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to sorcerers”

but you

Quote: וְ⁠אַתָּ֕ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Moses uses the word but here to indicate a strong contrast between what the other people groups do and what the Israelites must do. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “on the other hand”

Deuteronomy 18:15

will raise up

Quote: יָקִ֥ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, raise up means “cause to appear.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will appoint”

from among you, from your brothers

Quote: מִ⁠קִּרְבְּ⁠ךָ֤ מֵ⁠אַחֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms you and your brothers mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “from you Israelites”

from your brothers

Quote: מֵ⁠אַחֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brothers means “fellow Israelites.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from your fellow Israelites”

like me

Quote: כָּמֹ֔⁠נִי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could mean that the prophet will be like Moses because: (1) Yahweh will send the prophet like he sent Moses. Alternate translation: “like Yahweh sent me” (2) the prophet will be similar to Moses. Alternate translation: “who is like me”

Deuteronomy 18:16

at Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, ‘We will not continue to hear the voice of Yahweh our God, and we will not see this great fire anymore or we will die

Quote: בְּ⁠חֹרֵ֔ב בְּ⁠י֥וֹם הַ⁠קָּהָ֖ל לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר לֹ֣א אֹסֵ֗ף לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֨עַ֙ אֶת־קוֹל֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֔⁠י וְ⁠אֶת־הָ⁠אֵ֨שׁ הַ⁠גְּדֹלָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֛את לֹֽא־אֶרְאֶ֥ה ע֖וֹד וְ⁠לֹ֥א אָמֽוּת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the events that Moses described in 5:23-31. All the Israelites gathered at the base of Mount Sinai, and Yahweh spoke to them from a fire at the top of the mountain. The Israelites were scared, so they asked Moses to speak to Yahweh on their behalf. Alternate translation: “on the day you gathered together at Horeb, saying, ‘We are afraid that we will die if we continue to hear the voice of Yahweh our God and see this great fire”

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

saying, ‘We will not continue to hear the voice of Yahweh our God, and we will not see this great fire anymore or we will die

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר לֹ֣א אֹסֵ֗ף לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֨עַ֙ אֶת־קוֹל֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֔⁠י וְ⁠אֶת־הָ⁠אֵ֨שׁ הַ⁠גְּדֹלָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֛את לֹֽא־אֶרְאֶ֥ה ע֖וֹד וְ⁠לֹ֥א אָמֽוּת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, as modeled by the UST.

Deuteronomy 18:17

they have said

Quote: דִּבֵּֽרוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun they refers to the Israelites who asked Moses to speak to Yahweh on their behalf. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “the Israelites have requested”

Deuteronomy 18:18

I shall raise up

Quote: אָקִ֥ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, raise up means “cause to appear.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I shall appoint”

their brothers

Quote: אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, brothers means “their fellow Israelites.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their fellow Israelites”

And I shall set my words on his lips

Quote: וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֤י דְבָרַ⁠י֙ בְּ⁠פִ֔י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Yahweh means that he will tell the prophet what to say. Yahweh is speaking of words as if they were physical objects that one could put in someone’s mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will command him to speak”

Deuteronomy 18:19

And it will happen

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent

Yahweh is using the word translated And it will happen to introduce a new topic. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Then”

the man … from him

Quote: הָ⁠אִישׁ֙ & מֵ⁠עִמּֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The words man and him represent people in general, not one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “anyone … from him or her”

he speaks

Quote: יְדַבֵּ֖ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun he refers to the prophet from the previous verse. If this is not clear for your readers, you could repeat “prophet.” Alternate translation: “the prophet speaks”

in my name

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁמִ֑⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents someone’s power and authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on my behalf”

I will require {it

Quote: אָנֹכִ֖י אֶדְרֹ֥שׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Yahweh is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already included in the verb translated as require. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun myself. Alternate translation: “I will indeed require”

I will require {it

Quote: אָנֹכִ֖י אֶדְרֹ֥שׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply the implied words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I will require accountability for disobedience”

I will require {it} from him

Quote: אָנֹכִ֖י אֶדְרֹ֥שׁ מֵ⁠עִמּֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will require anyone who disobeys his prophet to give an account for their disobedience. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I will hold him responsible”

Deuteronomy 18:20

But

Quote: אַ֣ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Yahweh uses the word But here to indicate a strong contrast between a prophet that he himself sends and a false prophet. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Whereas”

a word

Quote: דָּבָ֜ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, word represents a message. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “any words”

speaks a word arrogantly in my name

Quote: יָזִיד֩ לְ⁠דַבֵּ֨ר דָּבָ֜ר בִּ⁠שְׁמִ֗⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh did not send the prophet. The prophet speaks arrogantly by presuming to know what Yahweh wants. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “speaks a word without my authority”

in my name … in the name of

Quote: בִּ⁠שְׁמִ֗⁠י & בְּ⁠שֵׁ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents someone’s power and authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by my authority … a message from”

then that prophet shall die

Quote: וּ⁠מֵ֖ת הַ⁠נָּבִ֥יא הַ⁠הֽוּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites must execute that prophet. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “then you must kill that prophet”

Deuteronomy 18:21

in your heart

Quote: בִּ⁠לְבָבֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, say in your heart is an idiom that means “think” or “say to yourself.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “think”

you must say in your heart: ‘How will we recognize a word that Yahweh has not spoken

Quote: תֹאמַ֖ר בִּ⁠לְבָבֶ֑⁠ךָ אֵיכָה֙ נֵדַ֣ע אֶת־הַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־דִבְּר֖⁠וֹ יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you must ask how you will recognize a word that Yahweh has not spoken”

will we recognize

Quote: נֵדַ֣ע (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun we refers to the Israelites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could state the subject of the sentence. Alternate translation: “us Israelites recognize”

Deuteronomy 18:22

in the name of

Quote: בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents someone’s power and authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on my behalf”

the thing

Quote: הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the thing refers to what the prophet predicts will happen. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the prophecy”

and the thing does not happen and does not come to pass

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֤ה הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יָב֔וֹא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms does not happen and does not come to pass mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and the thing indeed does not happen”

is} a word

Quote: הַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, word represents a message or prophecy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is a message”

has spoken it

Quote: דִּבְּר֣⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun it refers to the false prophecy. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “has spoken the message”

has spoken it arrogantly

Quote: בְּ⁠זָדוֹן֙ דִּבְּר֣⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the false prophet did not speak in the name of Yahweh. He spoke arrogantly by presuming to know what Yahweh wants. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “has spoken it message without my authority”

you shall not be afraid of him

Quote: לֹ֥א תָג֖וּר מִמֶּֽ⁠נּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites should not be afraid of that prophet and not respect that prophet. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you shall not take him seriously”

Deuteronomy 19

Deuteronomy 19 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Outline

• vv. 1-13: Cities of refuge
• v. 14: Property lines
• vv. 15-21: Rules against bearing false witness

Special concepts in this chapter

Witnesses

In the ancient Near East, it was common for a person to be punished by the testimony of a single person, especially if this was an important person. The rules in this chapter give protection to people, especially the poor by requiring multiple witnesses. This allowed justice to be done. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence)

Cities of Refuge

Verses 1-13 discuss cities of refuge, which are towns to which a killer could flee. These verses address both cases where the killer accidentally kills another person, and cases where the killer plans the murder. In those times, a close family member of the deceased would be obligated to take revenge for the killing of his family member by finding and killing the manslayer. Yahweh provides protection for the killer who killed accidentally so that he will not be punished too harshly. (See: refuge, refugee, shelter, sheltered and avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Law of retaliation

The chapter describes a famous law, often called the “law of retaliation.” It is said, an “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This does not mean a person who causes another person to lose their eye must have their own eye removed as punishment. This law is not about making all things equal. Instead, it is about limiting the punishment or the ability of a person to retaliate. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Generic Nouns in Hypothetical Situations

This chapter gives instructions and warnings for the Israelites. In these hypothetical conditions, singular nouns like “man,” “witness,” and “neighbor” represent those groups of people in general, not a specific person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that these terms refer to any person who fulfills the hypothetical situation. (See: Generic Noun Phrases and Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

Deuteronomy 19:1

Yahweh your God cuts off

Quote: יַכְרִ֞ית יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, cuts off means destroy or exterminate. Yahweh destroying the people who live in Canaan is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree.

the nations

Quote: אֶת־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the nations represents the people groups who live in those nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those people groups”

their land

Quote: אֶת־אַרְצָ֑⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun their refers to the people of the “nations.” If this is not clear for your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the territory of those nations”

Deuteronomy 19:2

you shall select

Quote: תַּבְדִּ֣יל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See book introduction for more information about translating shall.

is giving to you to possess it

Quote: נֹתֵ֥ן לְ⁠ךָ֖ לְ⁠רִשְׁתָּֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression is giving to you to possess it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “is giving to you”

Deuteronomy 19:3

You shall prepare for yourself a road

Quote: תָּכִ֣ין לְ⁠ךָ֮ הַ⁠דֶּרֶךְ֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites must build roads in between those cities so that it would be easy for people to travel to those cities. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Build a road for ease of travel”

and make the borders of your land three

Quote: וְ⁠שִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙ אֶת־גְּב֣וּל אַרְצְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites must divide their land into three regions. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and separate your land into three regions”

everyone who murders shall flee there

Quote: לָ⁠נ֥וּס שָׁ֖מָּ⁠ה כָּל־רֹצֵֽחַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that anyone who kills another man may escape to one of the three cities. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “anyone who murders may flee there”

Deuteronomy 19:4

is} the matter of

Quote: דְּבַ֣ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, matter represents rules and instructions for specific situations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is what you must do concerning”

strikes

Quote: יַכֶּ֤ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, strike means “kill.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “murders”

his neighbor

Quote: אֶת־רֵעֵ֨⁠הוּ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, neighbor means “fellow Israelite.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his fellow Israelite”

without knowledge

Quote: בִּ⁠בְלִי־דַ֔עַת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here without knowledge means “unintentionally.” Moses is speaking of knowledge as if it were the same thing as intention. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “unintentionally”

and he did not hate him from previous times

Quote: וְ⁠ה֛וּא לֹא־שֹׂנֵ֥א ל֖⁠וֹ מִ⁠תְּמֹ֥ל שִׁלְשֹֽׁם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the killer had no reason to kill and did not plan the murder. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he did not hate him previously before and did not plan to kill him”

from previous times

Quote: מִ⁠תְּמֹ֥ל שִׁלְשֹֽׁם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression from previous times contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “previously”

Deuteronomy 19:5

and who

Quote: וַ⁠אֲשֶׁר֩ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is introducing an example of an accidental murder to help the Israelites understand the commands about the cities of refuge. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “for example, who”

with} his neighbor … his neighbor

Quote: אֶת־רֵעֵ֥⁠הוּ & אֶת־רֵעֵ֖⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, neighbor means “fellow Israelite.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with his fellow Israelite … his fellow Israelite”

the iron

Quote: הַ⁠בַּרְזֶל֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the iron represents the metal part of the ax, which is the sharp part. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the blade of the ax”

and the iron detaches from the wood and finds his neighbor

Quote: וְ⁠נָשַׁ֤ל הַ⁠בַּרְזֶל֙ מִן־הָ⁠עֵ֔ץ וּ⁠מָצָ֥א אֶת־רֵעֵ֖⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here, Moses speaks of the iron part of the ax as if it were a person who could find a person. He means that the metal part of the ax hits and cuts the neighbor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the iron detaches from the wood and hits his neighbor”

and he dies

Quote: וָ⁠מֵ֑ת ה֗וּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun he refers to the “neighbor.” If this is not clear for your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “and his neighbor dies”

he shall flee

Quote: יָנ֛וּס (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun he refers to the “killer.” If this is not clear for your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the killer shall flee”

and live

Quote: וָ⁠חָֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the family members of the dead person would try to kill the manslayer, so the people of those cities would protect the killer so that he can live. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and the avenger would not be able to kill him there”

Deuteronomy 19:6

Lest

Quote: פֶּן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses is using the word lest to introduce a hypothetical condition as a warning for a negative consequence. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “In case”

the avenger of blood pursues after the killer when his heart is heated and overtakes him, because the way is long

Quote: יִרְדֹּף֩ גֹּאֵ֨ל הַ⁠דָּ֜ם אַחֲרֵ֣י הָ⁠רֹצֵ֗חַ כִּי־יֵחַם֮ לְבָב⁠וֹ֒ וְ⁠הִשִּׂיג֛⁠וֹ כִּֽי־יִרְבֶּ֥ה הַ⁠דֶּ֖רֶךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that, if there are no roads to the cities of refuge, it will be difficult for a killer to travel to a safe city. Then, the avenger of blood might overtake the killer before the killer arrives at the city. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers, as modeled by the UST.

his heart … and he strikes him

Quote: לְבָב⁠וֹ֒ & וְ⁠הִכָּ֣ה⁠וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns his and he refer to “the avenger of blood.” If this is not clear for your readers, you could repeat the phrase. Alternate translation: “the heart of the avenger … and the avenger strikes him”

his heart is heated

Quote: יֵחַם֮ לְבָב⁠וֹ֒ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, heart refers to a person’s inner being and emotions. In this case, the desire is to fear Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his emotions are heated”

is heated

Quote: יֵחַם֮ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, heated means “become angry.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “has become angry”

and he strikes him {to} the life

Quote: וְ⁠הִכָּ֣ה⁠וּ נָ֑פֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the avenger of blood murdered the killer. He harmed the killer to the point of taking his life. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he kills him”

and he strikes him

Quote: וְ⁠הִכָּ֣ה⁠וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, strike means “injure” or “harm.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he injures him”

and he did not have a judgment of death, for he had not hated him from previous times

Quote: וְ⁠ל⁠וֹ֙ אֵ֣ין מִשְׁפַּט־מָ֔וֶת כִּ֠י לֹ֣א שֹׂנֵ֥א ה֛וּא ל֖⁠וֹ מִ⁠תְּמ֥וֹל שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that a killer who killed accidentally does not deserve execution. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “though that man did not deserve to die since he accidentally killed the other person and was not his enemy, and he had not planned to hurt the man”

Deuteronomy 19:7

saying

Quote: לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, the word saying introduces direct speech. Consider natural ways of doing that in your own language.

command you, saying, ‘Select three cities for yourself

Quote: מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֖ לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר שָׁלֹ֥שׁ עָרִ֖ים תַּבְדִּ֥יל לָֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “command you to select three cities for yourself”

Select three cities for yourself

Quote: שָׁלֹ֥שׁ עָרִ֖ים תַּבְדִּ֥יל לָֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression Select three cities for yourself contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “Select three cities”

Deuteronomy 19:8-9

And if Yahweh your God enlarges your borders, as he has sworn to your fathers, and gives to you all the land that he spoke {about} to give to your fathers … if you keep all these commandments to do them, which I am commanding you today—to love Yahweh your God and to walk in his ways all of the days

Quote: וְ⁠אִם־יַרְחִ֞יב יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ אֶת־גְּבֻ֣לְ⁠ךָ֔ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּ֖ע לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֑י⁠ךָ וְ⁠נָ֤תַן לְ⁠ךָ֙ אֶת־כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֶּ֖ר לָ⁠תֵ֥ת לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ & כִּֽי־תִשְׁמֹר֩ אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠מִּצְוָ֨ה הַ⁠זֹּ֜את לַ⁠עֲשֹׂתָ֗⁠הּ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֣י מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֮ הַ⁠יּוֹם֒ לְ⁠אַהֲבָ֞ה אֶת־יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ וְ⁠לָ⁠לֶ֥כֶת בִּ⁠דְרָכָ֖י⁠ו כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that Yahweh will only enable the Israelites to conquer more land if they keep all these commandments. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “If you keep all these commandments to do them, which I am commanding you today—to love Yahweh your God and to walk in his ways all of the days, then Yahweh your God will enlarge your borders, as he has sworn to your fathers, and he will give to you all the land that he spoke about to give to your fathers”

And if Yahweh your God enlarges your borders, as he has sworn to your fathers, and gives to you all the land that he spoke {about} to give to your fathers … if you keep all these commandments to do them, which I am commanding you today—to love Yahweh your God and to walk in his ways all of the days, then you shall add three more cities for yourself, more than these three

Quote: וְ⁠אִם־יַרְחִ֞יב יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ אֶת־גְּבֻ֣לְ⁠ךָ֔ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּ֖ע לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֑י⁠ךָ וְ⁠נָ֤תַן לְ⁠ךָ֙ אֶת־כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֶּ֖ר לָ⁠תֵ֥ת לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ & כִּֽי־תִשְׁמֹר֩ אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠מִּצְוָ֨ה הַ⁠זֹּ֜את לַ⁠עֲשֹׂתָ֗⁠הּ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֣י מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֮ הַ⁠יּוֹם֒ לְ⁠אַהֲבָ֞ה אֶת־יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛י⁠ךָ וְ⁠לָ⁠לֶ֥כֶת בִּ⁠דְרָכָ֖י⁠ו כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִ֑ים וְ⁠יָסַפְתָּ֨ לְ⁠ךָ֥ עוֹד֙ שָׁלֹ֣שׁ עָרִ֔ים עַ֖ל הַ⁠שָּׁלֹ֥שׁ הָ⁠אֵֽלֶּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge

If it is more natural in your language to simplify the relationship between the hypothetical conditions, you could do so combining verses 8-9. See the UST for an example.

Deuteronomy 19:8

Yahweh your God enlarges your borders

Quote: יַרְחִ֞יב יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ אֶת־גְּבֻ֣לְ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Yahweh will enlarge the borders of Israel by enabling them to possess more land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God gives you more land”

he has sworn to your fathers

Quote: נִשְׁבַּ֖ע לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “he has sworn to your fathers that he would do”

to your fathers, … to your fathers

Quote: לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֑י⁠ךָ & לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your predecessors … to your predecessors”

Deuteronomy 19:9

I am commanding you

Quote: אָנֹכִ֣י מְצַוְּ⁠ךָ֮ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is telling the Israelites the commands from Yahweh. Yahweh is the original source of the commands. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am commanding you on behalf of Yahweh”

and to walk in his ways

Quote: וְ⁠לָ⁠לֶ֥כֶת בִּ⁠דְרָכָ֖י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of commandments as if they were ways, and he is saying that obeying commandments is like walking on those ways. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and to obey all his commandments”

all of the days

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, all of the days is an idiom that means “always.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “always”

then you shall add three more cities for yourself, more than these three

Quote: וְ⁠יָסַפְתָּ֨ לְ⁠ךָ֥ עוֹד֙ שָׁלֹ֣שׁ עָרִ֔ים עַ֖ל הַ⁠שָּׁלֹ֥שׁ הָ⁠אֵֽלֶּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the Israelites must choose three more cities of refuge in the part of the land that Yahweh will give them later. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “then you shall add three more cities for yourself in that additional land, besides these three cities”

Deuteronomy 19:10

And you shall not spill innocent blood

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֤א יִשָּׁפֵךְ֙ דָּ֣ם נָקִ֔י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that, if the Israelites cities for people who kill someone accidentally to flee to, then the avengers of blood will not be able to kill them. As a result, Israelites will keep innocent people from dying. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And you shall help prevent the spilling of innocent blood by choosing cities of refuge”

And you shall not spill innocent blood

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֤א יִשָּׁפֵךְ֙ דָּ֣ם נָקִ֔י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, spill blood is an idiom that means “kill someone.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you shall not kill an innocent person”

bloodshed

Quote: דָּמִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, bloodshed represents the killing of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a person’s death”

upon you

Quote: עָלֶ֖י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, something being upon someone is an idiom that means “one’s responsibility.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your responsibility”

Deuteronomy 19:11-12

And if there is a man who hates his neighbor and ambushes him and rises up against him and strikes him {to} the life, and he dies, and he flees into one of these cities … then the elders of his city shall send out

Quote: וְ⁠כִֽי־יִהְיֶ֥ה אִישׁ֙ שֹׂנֵ֣א לְ⁠רֵעֵ֔⁠הוּ וְ⁠אָ֤רַב ל⁠וֹ֙ וְ⁠קָ֣ם עָלָ֔י⁠ו וְ⁠הִכָּ֥ה⁠וּ נֶ֖פֶשׁ וָ⁠מֵ֑ת וְ⁠נָ֕ס אֶל־אַחַ֖ת הֶ⁠עָרִ֥ים הָ⁠אֵֽל & וְ⁠שָֽׁלְחוּ֙ זִקְנֵ֣י עִיר֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell the Israelites what they should do if it takes place. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “In the case that there is a man who hates his neighbor and ambushes him and rises up against him and strikes him, and he dies, and he flees into one of these cities—then the elders of his city must send out”

Deuteronomy 19:11

his neighbor

Quote: לְ⁠רֵעֵ֔⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, neighbor means “fellow community member.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someone living in his community”

him … against him and strikes him {… and he dies

Quote: ל⁠וֹ֙ & עָלָ֔י⁠ו וְ⁠הִכָּ֥ה⁠וּ & וָ⁠מֵ֑ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns him and he refer to the “neighbor.” If this is not clear for your readers, you could repeat the noun from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “his neighbor … against him and strikes him … and his neighbor dies”

and he flees

Quote: וְ⁠נָ֕ס (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun he refers to the “man who hates his neighbor.” If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “and the killer flees”

and rises up against him

Quote: וְ⁠קָ֣ם עָלָ֔י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, rises up against is an idiom that means “attacks.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and attacks him”

and strikes him {to} the life

Quote: וְ⁠הִכָּ֥ה⁠וּ נֶ֖פֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the man murdered his neighbor. He harmed his neighbor to the point of taking his life. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and kills him”

and strikes him

Quote: וְ⁠הִכָּ֥ה⁠וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, strike means “injure” or “harm.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he injures him”

Deuteronomy 19:12

then the elders of his city shall send out

Quote: וְ⁠שָֽׁלְחוּ֙ זִקְנֵ֣י עִיר֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “then the elders of his city shall send a representative out”

his city … him … him … then he shall die

Quote: עִיר֔⁠וֹ & אֹת֖⁠וֹ & אֹת֗⁠וֹ & וָ⁠מֵֽת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns him, he, and his refer to the killer. If this is not clear for your readers, you could repeat the noun from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “the killer’s city … the killer … him … then the killer shall die”

from there

Quote: מִ⁠שָּׁ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, there refers to the city of refuge that the killer fled to. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from the city of refuge”

and give him into the hand of the redeemer of blood

Quote: וְ⁠נָתְנ֣וּ אֹת֗⁠וֹ בְּ⁠יַ֛ד גֹּאֵ֥ל הַ⁠דָּ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, hand represents control. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and hand him over to the redeemer of blood”

then he shall die

Quote: וָ⁠מֵֽת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that “the redeemer of blood” will execute the killer. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “then the redeemer of blood shall execute him”

Deuteronomy 19:13

Your eye shall not pity him

Quote: לֹא־תָח֥וֹס עֵֽינְ⁠ךָ֖ עָלָ֑י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, Your eye shall not pity him is an idiom that means “do not feel sorry for him.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not let your heart soften towards him” or “Do not have compassion on him”

the blood of

Quote: דַֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, blood represents the responsibility for a wrongful killing such as murder. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the guilt of murdering”

the innocent

Quote: הַ⁠נָּקִ֛י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Moses is using the adjective innocent as a noun to mean innocent people that have been murdered. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “innocent people”

Deuteronomy 19:14

You shall not displace the boundary of your neighbor

Quote: לֹ֤א תַסִּיג֙ גְּב֣וּל רֵֽעֲ⁠ךָ֔ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that someone would displace the boundary of their neighbor in order to take their neighbor’s land as their own. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You must not take land away from your neighbor by displacing the borders of his land”

the boundary of

Quote: גְּב֣וּל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, boundary represents stones or other objects that people use to mark the boundary of their land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the boundary markers of”

he first set the bounds

Quote: גָּבְל֖וּ רִאשֹׁנִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that previous generations divided the land into portions and placed stones to mark the boundaries of each portion of land. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “previous generations set the bounds”

of which he first set the bounds

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר גָּבְל֖וּ רִאשֹׁנִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression of which he first set the bounds contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “which he first set”

in your inheritance

Quote: בְּ⁠נַחֲלָֽתְ⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, inheritance refers to the specific portion of land that each family receives. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in the portion of land”

in the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you to possess it

Quote: בָּ⁠אָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְ⁠ךָ֖ לְ⁠רִשְׁתָּֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression in the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you to possess it contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “in the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you”

Deuteronomy 19:15

witness shall not rise up against a man

Quote: לֹֽא־יָקוּם֩ עֵ֨ד & בְּ⁠אִ֗ישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, rise up against is an idiom that means “bring up a case against.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “witness shall not bring a case against another man”

for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins

Quote: לְ⁠כָל־עָוֺן֙ וּ⁠לְ⁠כָל־חַטָּ֔את בְּ⁠כָל־חֵ֖טְא אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶֽחֱטָ֑א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms iniquity and sin mean similar things. Moses is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “for any sin at all”

the mouth of … the mouth of

Quote: פִּ֣י & פִּ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here mouth represents the words that someone says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the testimony of … the testimony of”

a matter may be raised

Quote: יָק֥וּם דָּבָֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, a matter may be raised is an idiom that means “a case against someone may be brought.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a case may be brought against someone”

a matter may be raised

Quote: יָק֥וּם דָּבָֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may a judge hear a case”

Deuteronomy 19:16-17

If a false witness rises up against a man to testify falsehood against him … then the two men that have the controversy shall stand

Quote: כִּֽי־יָק֥וּם עֵד־חָמָ֖ס בְּ⁠אִ֑ישׁ לַ⁠עֲנ֥וֹת בּ֖⁠וֹ סָרָֽה & וְ⁠עָמְד֧וּ שְׁנֵֽי־הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֛ים אֲשֶׁר־לָ⁠הֶ֥ם הָ⁠רִ֖יב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Moses is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell the Israelites what they should do if it takes place. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “In the case that a false witness rises up against a man to testify falsehood against him, then the two men that have the controversy must stand”

Deuteronomy 19:16

a false witness

Quote: עֵד־חָמָ֖ס (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the witness is false because he is accusing someone of a sin that did not happen. The false witness is attempting to harm that person. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a false witness wants to cause trouble for someone and”

rises up against a man

Quote: יָק֥וּם & בְּ⁠אִ֑ישׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, rise up against is an idiom that means “bring up a case against.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “bring a case against a man”

falsehood

Quote: סָרָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that “false witness” testifies a falsehood that the accused man committed a sin that deserves a punishment of death. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a false sin”

Deuteronomy 19:17

the two men that have the controversy

Quote: שְׁנֵֽי־הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֛ים אֲשֶׁר־לָ⁠הֶ֥ם הָ⁠רִ֖יב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the two men disagree about whether the accused man sinned or not. Thus, the controversy is about what really happened. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the accuser and the accused who disagree about what happened”

then the two men that have the controversy shall stand

Quote: וְ⁠עָמְד֧וּ שְׁנֵֽי־הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֛ים אֲשֶׁר־לָ⁠הֶ֥ם הָ⁠רִ֖יב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, stand means “present the case to the court and listen to their decision.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then the two men that have the controversy shall bring their case”

before … before … faces of the

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י & לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, faces represents the presence of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before … before”

and the judges who will be

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠שֹּׁ֣פְטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִהְי֖וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that there will be judges at the place of worship who will make decisions for all of Israel. The judges serve for a limited period of time, then other judges replaces them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and the judges who will be in office”

will be in those days

Quote: יִהְי֖וּ בַּ⁠יָּמִ֥ים הָ⁠הֵֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply the implied words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “will be serving at the place of worship in those days”

Deuteronomy 19:18

And the judges shall inquire thoroughly

Quote: וְ⁠דָרְשׁ֥וּ הַ⁠שֹּׁפְטִ֖ים הֵיטֵ֑ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the judges need to thoroughly investigate what truly happened. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And the judges must work very hard to determine what happened”

and behold, {if the} witness {is} false

Quote: וְ⁠הִנֵּ֤ה עֵֽד־שֶׁ֨קֶר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

This phrase is introducing a hypothetical condition. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “and if, behold, the witness is false”

the false witness testified against his brother

Quote: הָ⁠עֵ֔ד שֶׁ֖קֶר עָנָ֥ה בְ⁠אָחִֽי⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

MISSING NOTE

Deuteronomy 19:19

then you shall do to him as he had planned to do to his brother

Quote: וַ⁠עֲשִׂ֣יתֶם ל֔⁠וֹ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר זָמַ֖ם לַ⁠עֲשׂ֣וֹת לְ⁠אָחִ֑י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the false witness must receive the punishment for the sin that he had accused his brother of doing. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “then you must punish the false witness in the same way as he wanted you to punish the other man”

to him … he had planned … to his brother

Quote: ל֔⁠וֹ & זָמַ֖ם & לְ⁠אָחִ֑י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns him, he, and his refer to the witness who falsely testified against his brother. If this is not clear for your readers, you could repeat the phrase from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “to the false witness … he had planned … to his brother”

and you shall remove the evil from among you

Quote: וּ⁠בִֽעַרְתָּ֥ הָ⁠רָ֖ע מִ⁠קִּרְבֶּֽ⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Moses is speaking of evil as if it were a physical object one could remove from a community of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and do not allow evil to occur among you”

Deuteronomy 19:20

Then the remnant

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁאָרִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, remnant refers to the rest of the people. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Then everyone else”

will hear and fear

Quote: יִשְׁמְע֣וּ וְ⁠יִרָ֑אוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Moses is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the chapter if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “will hear about the punishment and fear that they might also be punished”

and will not continue to do anymore as this evil thing

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־יֹסִ֨פוּ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֜וֹת ע֗וֹד כַּ⁠דָּבָ֥ר הָ⁠רָ֛ע הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

The expression and will not continue to do anymore as this evil thing among you contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “and will not do anymore this evil thing”

as this evil thing

Quote: כַּ⁠דָּבָ֥ר הָ⁠רָ֛ע הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה (1)

Alternate translation: “such an evil thing as this”

Deuteronomy 19:21

And your eyes shall not have pity

Quote: וְ⁠לֹ֥א תָח֖וֹס עֵינֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, your eye shall not pity him is an idiom that means “do not feel sorry for him.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And do not let your heart soften towards him” or “And do not have compassion on him”

a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot

Quote: נֶ֣פֶשׁ בְּ⁠נֶ֗פֶשׁ עַ֤יִן בְּ⁠עַ֨יִן֙ שֵׁ֣ן בְּ⁠שֵׁ֔ן יָ֥ד בְּ⁠יָ֖ד רֶ֥גֶל בְּ⁠רָֽגֶל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the punishment for a sin must be as severe as the harm that the sinner caused. For example, if someone takes a life through murder, then they must lose their life* through execution. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “someone who takes a life must lose their life, someone who gouges out an eye must lose their eye, someone who knocks out a tooth must lose a tooth, someone who cuts off a hand must lose a hand, and someone who cuts off a foot must lose a foot”

Deuteronomy 20

Deuteronomy 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s protection

Israel was not to worry about the power and strength of other nations. Instead, they were to trust in the power of Yahweh. He is the source of their military strength and protection. This is why a priest leads them into battle, rather than a military commander. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and priest, priesthood)

Holy war

Israel’s conquering of the Promised Land was unique in history. It was a type of holy war and had special rules. This war was really Yahweh’s punishment against the sin of the Canaanite people. If the people were not completely destroyed, they would cause Israel to sin. (See: Promised Land and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“What man is there”

This phrase is used several times to introduce a rhetorical question. The questions are intended to tell the readers that Yahweh only wants soldiers who are completely dedicated to fighting for him. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Excused from fighting

In ancient Israel, men were excused from fighting in battle for several different reasons. Some of these reasons are mentioned in this chapter. Apparently, needing to establish a new house, the need to harvest a field and cowardice were possible excuses. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 20:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you march out to battle against your enemies (0)

Alternate translation: “When you go out to fight in a war against your enemies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: see horses, chariots (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

People considered an army with many horses and chariots to be very strong. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he who brought you up out of the land of Egypt (0)

Yahweh brought the people from Egypt to Canaan. It was common to use the word “up” to refer to traveling from Egypt to Canaan. Alternate translation: “Yahweh who led you out from the land of Egypt”

Deuteronomy 20:2

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: speak to the people (0)

Alternate translation: “speak to the soldiers of Israel”

Deuteronomy 20:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not let your hearts faint. Do not fear or tremble. Do not be afraid of them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These four expressions all mean the same thing and strongly emphasize that they are not to be afraid. If your language does not have four ways to express this concept, you may use less than four.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not let your hearts faint (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hearts” represents people’s courage. For a heart to faint is an idiom that means “Do not be afraid.” (See also: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 20:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God is the one who is going with you to fight for you against your enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh defeating the enemies of the people of Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight along with the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to save you (0)

Alternate translation: “to give you victory”

Deuteronomy 20:5

General Information:

Moses says what the army officers must say to the people of Israel before a battle.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The officers must speak (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

One of the officers’ jobs was to decide who could leave the army. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What man is there … Let him go and return to his house (0)

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here has built a new house and has not dedicated it, he should go back to his house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that he does not die in battle and another man dedicates it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. Alternate translation: “so that, if he dies in battle, another man will not dedicate his house instead of him”

Deuteronomy 20:6

General Information:

Moses continues describing situations that allow a man to leave the military.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is there anyone who has planted … Let him go home (0)

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here has a new vineyard, but has not yet harvested its grapes, he should go back to his house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so he will not die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. Alternate translation: “so that, if he dies in battle, another man will not harvest its fruit instead of him”

Deuteronomy 20:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What man is there who is engaged to marry a woman … Let him go home (0)

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here has promised to marry a woman, but has not yet married her, he should go back to his house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that he does not die in battle and another man marries her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. Alternate translation: “so that, if he dies in battle, another man does not marry her instead of him”

Deuteronomy 20:8

General Information:

Moses continues describing situations that allow a man to leave the military.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What man is there who is fearful or fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house (0)

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here is afraid and not brave, he should go back to his house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fearful or fainthearted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Both of these words mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “afraid to fight in battle”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his brother’s heart does not melt like his own heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “another Israelite does not become afraid like he is afraid”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: brother’s heart … his own heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” represents a person’s courage.

Deuteronomy 20:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they must appoint commanders over them (0)

Alternate translation: “the officers must appoint people to be commanders and to lead the people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 20:10

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you march up to attack a city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “When you go to attack the people of a city”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: make those people an offer of peace (0)

Alternate translation: “give the people in the city a chance to surrender”

Deuteronomy 20:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: open their gates to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “gates” refers to the city gates. The phrase “open their gates to you” represents the people surrendering and allowing the Israelites to enter their city. Alternate translation: “let you enter their city peacefully”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the people who are found in it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all the people in the city”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must become forced labor for you (0)

Alternate translation: “must become your slaves”

Deuteronomy 20:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But if it makes no offer of peace (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “it” refers to the city which represents the people. Alternate translation: “But if the people of the city do not surrender” or “But if the people of the city do not accept your offer of peace”

Deuteronomy 20:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the little ones (0)

Alternate translation: “the children”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all its spoil (0)

Alternate translation: “all the valuable things”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: booty (0)

These are the valuable things which people who win a battle take from the people they attacked.

Deuteronomy 20:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the cities (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “cities” represents the people. Alternate translation: “all the people who live in cities”

Deuteronomy 20:16

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In the cities of these peoples that Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The cities in Canaan that Yahweh is giving to the people is spoken of as if the cities were the people’s inheritance.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must save alive nothing that breathes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Alternate translation: “you must not let any living thing stay alive.” This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you must kill every living thing”

Deuteronomy 20:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must completely destroy them (0)

Alternate translation: “you must completely destroy these people groups”

Deuteronomy 20:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do this so that they (0)

Alternate translation: “Destroy these nations so that they”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to act in any of their abominable ways … their gods (0)

Alternate translation: “to act in abominable ways like the people in these nations have done with their gods”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If you do, you will sin against Yahweh your God (0)

Alternate translation: “If you act like these people, you will sin against Yahweh your God”

Deuteronomy 20:19

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wage war (0)

Alternate translation: “fight in a war”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by wielding an ax against them (0)

Alternate translation: “by cutting down the trees with an ax”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For is the tree of the field a man whom you should besiege? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This rhetorical question is to remind the people of what they should already know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “For fruit trees are not people, so they are not your enemy.”

Deuteronomy 20:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you know are not trees for food (0)

Alternate translation: “you know are not trees that grow fruit to eat”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: siege works (0)

These are tools and structures, such as ladders and towers, that are needed to lay siege to a city.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until it falls (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “until the people of the city lose the war”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it falls (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “it” refers to the city which represents the people of the city.

Deuteronomy 21

Deuteronomy 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Elders

Older men were required to lead the people of Israel and help to administer justice. These men would function as judges, which would later become a more official position. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Peace in Israel

The rules and instructions in this chapter help to ensure peace in Israel. This is not a military peace. Instead, it is about establishing peace within Israel and among the people.

Deuteronomy 21:1

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If someone is found killed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If someone finds a person whom someone else has killed”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lying in the field (0)

The dead person is lying in the field.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it is not known who has attacked him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nobody knows who attacked him”

Deuteronomy 21:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they must measure to the cities (0)

Alternate translation: “they must measure the distance to the cities”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: him who has been killed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “him whom someone has killed” or “the dead body”

Deuteronomy 21:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has not borne the yoke (0)

Alternate translation: “has not worn a yoke”

Deuteronomy 21:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: running water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom for water that is moving. Alternate translation: “a stream”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a valley that has been neither plowed nor sown (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a valley where nobody has plowed the ground or planted seeds”

Deuteronomy 21:5

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must come forward (0)

Alternate translation: “must come to the valley”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for Yahweh your God has chosen them to serve him (0)

Alternate translation: “because the priests are the ones whom Yahweh your God has chosen to serve him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if he were speaking to one man, so the word “your” is singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: give blessing (0)

Alternate translation: “bless the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “in the name of” refers to Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: “as one who says and does what Yahweh himself would say and do”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh and to decide every case of dispute and assault by their word (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh, and they will be the ones who settle all disagreements and cases of violence”

Deuteronomy 21:6

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the heifer whose neck was broken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the heifer whose neck the priests broke”

Deuteronomy 21:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they must answer to the case (0)

Alternate translation: “they must testify to Yahweh about this case”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Our hands have not shed this blood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hands” are a synecdoche for the whole person and “shed this blood” is a metonym for killing an innocent person. Alternate translation: “We did not kill this innocent person” (See also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: neither have our eyes seen it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “and we did not see anyone kill this person”

Deuteronomy 21:8

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the elders what they should say when they wash their hands over the heifer. He speaks to them as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whom you have redeemed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people from slavery.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not put guilt for innocent bloodshed in the midst of your people Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “do not treat your people Israel as if they are guilty of killing an innocent person”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then the bloodshed will be forgiven them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh will forgive his people Israel for the death of an innocent person”

Deuteronomy 21:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will put away the innocent blood from your midst (0)

Alternate translation: “you will not be guilty any more of killing an innocent person”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what is right in the eyes of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Deuteronomy 21:10

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you go out (0)

Alternate translation: “you who are soldiers go out”

Deuteronomy 21:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have a desire for her (0)

Use a polite phrase for “you want to sleep with her.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wish to take her for yourself as a wife (0)

Alternate translation: “want to marry her”

Deuteronomy 21:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: she will shave her head (0)

Alternate translation: “she will shave the hair off of her head”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cut her nails (0)

Alternate translation: “cut her fingernails”

Deuteronomy 21:13

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: she will take off the clothes she was wearing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

She will do this after the man brings her to his house and when she shaves her head and cuts her fingernails and toenails as mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:12. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “she will take off the clothes of her people and put on Israelite clothes”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when she was taken captive (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when you took her captive”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a full month (0)

Alternate translation: “an entire month” or “a whole month”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: After that you may lie with her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “After that you may have sexual relations with her”

Deuteronomy 21:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But if you take no delight in her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

You may need to make explicit that the man sleeps with the woman. Alternate translation: “But if you sleep with her and then decide that you do not want her as your wife”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: let her go where she wishes (0)

Alternate translation: “let her go wherever she wants to go”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because you have humiliated her (0)

Alternate translation: “because you shamed her by sleeping with her and then sending her away”

Deuteronomy 21:15

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one is loved and the other is hated (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: This could mean: (1) “the man loves one of his wives and he hates the other wife” or (2) “the man loves one wife more than he loves the other wife”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if the firstborn son is of her that is hated (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if the firstborn son belongs to the wife whom the man hates”

Deuteronomy 21:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then on the day that the man (0)

Alternate translation: “when the man”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the man causes his sons to inherit what he possesses (0)

Alternate translation: “the man gives his possessions to his sons as an inheritance”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he may not make the son of the beloved wife the firstborn before the son of the hated wife (0)

Alternate translation: “he may not treat the son of the beloved wife as if he were the firstborn instead of the son of the hated wife”

Deuteronomy 21:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a double portion (0)

Alternate translation: “twice as much”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that son is the beginning of his strength (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that son is the one who shows that the man can become the father of sons”

Deuteronomy 21:18

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” is a metonym for what a person says. Alternate translation: “who will not obey what his father or mother say”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they correct him (0)

Alternate translation: “they punish him for his wrongdoing” or “they train and instruct him”

Deuteronomy 21:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must lay hold on him and bring him out (0)

Alternate translation: “must force him to come out”

Deuteronomy 21:20

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This son of ours (0)

Alternate translation: “Our son”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will not obey our voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” is a metonym for what a person says or a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “he will not do what we tell him to do” or “he will not obey us” (See also: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a glutton (0)

a person who eats and drinks too much

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a drunkard (0)

a person who drinks too much alcohol and gets drunk often

Deuteronomy 21:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stone him to death with stones (0)

Alternate translation: “throw stones at him until he dies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will remove the evil from among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “Israel” is a metonym for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “All the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will hear of it and fear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “will hear about what happened to the son and be afraid that the people will punish them also”

Deuteronomy 21:22

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If a man has committed a sin worthy of death (0)

Alternate translation: “If a man has done something so bad that you need to punish him by killing him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he is put to death (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you execute him” or “you kill him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you hang him on a tree (0)

This could mean: (1) “after he has died you hang him on a tree” or (2) “you kill him by hanging him on a wooden post”

Deuteronomy 21:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bury him the same day (0)

Alternate translation: “bury him on the same day as when you execute him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for whoever is hanged is cursed by God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) “because God curses everyone whom people hang on trees” and (2) “people hang on trees those whom God has cursed.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not defile the land (0)

by leaving something God has cursed hanging in the tree

Deuteronomy 22

Deuteronomy 22 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Order in Israel

The instructions in this chapter help to maintain order in this chapter. The people are to have integrity. The people’s sin will result in serious punishment. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Virgin woman

If a woman was not a virgin, she was not considered to be worth marrying. The man who slept with her was responsible for providing for her since she will not be able to find a husband to provide for her. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 22:1

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: go astray (0)

Alternate translation: “walk away from its owner”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hide yourself from them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “act as if you do not see them” or “go away without doing anything”

Deuteronomy 22:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If your fellow Israelite is not near to you (0)

Alternate translation: “If your fellow Israelite lives far away from you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: or if you do not know him (0)

Alternate translation: “or if you do not know who the owner of the animal is”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it must be with you until he looks for it (0)

Alternate translation: “you must keep the animal with you until its owner comes looking for it”

Deuteronomy 22:3

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must do the same with his donkey (0)

Alternate translation: “You must return his donkey in the same way”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must do the same with his garment (0)

Alternate translation: “you must return his clothing in the same way”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not hide yourself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you must not act as if you do not see that he has lost something” or “you must not go away without doing anything”

Deuteronomy 22:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must surely help him to lift it up again (0)

Alternate translation: “you must help your fellow Israelite lift the animal back up onto its feet”

Deuteronomy 22:5

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what pertains to a man (0)

Alternate translation: “men’s clothing”

Deuteronomy 22:6

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bird’s nest (0)

a home that birds make for themselves out of sticks, grass, plants, and mud

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with young ones or eggs in it (0)

Alternate translation: “with baby birds or eggs in the nest”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the mother sitting on the young (0)

Alternate translation: “the mother bird is sitting on the baby birds”

Deuteronomy 22:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Deuteronomy 22:8

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a railing for your roof (0)

a low fence around the edge of the roof so people will not fall off the roof

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that you do not bring blood on your house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Blood is a symbol for death. Alternate translation: “so that it will not be the fault of your household if someone dies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if anyone falls from there (0)

Alternate translation: “if anyone falls from the roof because you did not make a railing”

Deuteronomy 22:9

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that the whole harvest is not confiscated by the holy place (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The words “holy place” is a metonym for the priests who work in the holy place. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that the priests in Yahweh’s holy place do not take away the whole harvest” or “so that you do not defile the whole harvest and the priests do not allow you to use it” (See also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the yield of the vineyard (0)

Alternate translation: “the fruit that grows in the vineyard”

Deuteronomy 22:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wool (0)

soft, curly hair that grows on a sheep

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: linen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

thread made from the flax plant

Deuteronomy 22:12

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fringes (0)

threads that are bound together and hang from the end of each corner of the cloak

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the cloak (0)

a long garment that a person wears over his other clothes

Deuteronomy 22:13

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he goes in to her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he has sexual relations with her”

Deuteronomy 22:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then accuses her of shameful things (0)

Alternate translation: “then accuses her of having slept with someone before she was married”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: puts a bad reputation on her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word reputation, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “makes other people think she is a bad person”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but when I came near to her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way of saying “to have sexual relations with someone.” Alternate translation: “but when I slept with her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I found no proof of virginity in her (0)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word proof, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “she could not prove to me that she was a virgin”

Deuteronomy 22:15

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must take proof of her virginity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “must take something that proves that she has never had sexual relations”

Deuteronomy 22:16

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 22:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has accused her of shameful things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he has accused her of having slept with someone before he married her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I did not find in your daughter the proof of virginity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “Your daughter could not prove that she has never had sexual relations”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But here is the proof of my daughter’s virginity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “But this proves that my daughter has never had sexual relations”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then they will spread the garment out before the elders of the city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “And then the mother and father will show the clothing with the bloodstain to the elders as proof that she was a virgin”

Deuteronomy 22:18

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 22:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they must fine him (0)

Alternate translation: “they must make him pay as a punishment”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one hundred shekels (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney

Alternate translation: “100 shekels” (See also: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: give them to the father of the girl (0)

Alternate translation: “give the money to the father of the girl”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has caused a bad reputation for a virgin of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word reputation, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “has caused people to think that a virgin of Israel is a bad person”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he may not send her away (0)

Alternate translation: “never allow him to divorce her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: during all his days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “for his entire life”

Deuteronomy 22:20

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But if this thing is true (0)

Alternate translation: “But if it is true” or “But if what the man said is true”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that the proof of virginity was not found in the girl (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the man did not find proof that the girl was a virgin”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the proof of virginity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “something that proves that the girl has never had sexual relations”

Deuteronomy 22:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then they must bring out the girl (0)

Alternate translation: “then the elders must bring out the girl”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stone her to death with stones (0)

Alternate translation: “throw stones at her until she dies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because she has committed a disgraceful action in Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “because she has done a disgraceful thing in Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to act as a harlot in her father’s house (0)

Alternate translation: “acting like a harlot while living in her father’s house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will remove the evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person”

Deuteronomy 22:22

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If a man is found (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If someone finds a man”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lying with (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “having sexual relations with”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and you will remove (0)

Alternate translation: “in this way you will remove”

Deuteronomy 22:23

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: engaged to a man (0)

Alternate translation: “who is promised to marry a man”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lies with her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with her”

Deuteronomy 22:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: take … and stone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

These commands are addressed to Israel as a group and so are plural.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: take both of them (0)

Alternate translation: “then you must bring both the girl and the man who slept with her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because she did not cry out (0)

Alternate translation: “because she did not call for help”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because he violated his neighbor’s wife (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The Israelites at that time thought of a man and woman who had engaged each other for marriage as husband and wife. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because he slept with a girl who belongs to a fellow Israelite”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will remove the evil from among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person”

Deuteronomy 22:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the engaged girl (0)

a girl whose parents have agreed to let her marry a certain man, but she has not married him yet

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lies with her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then only the man who lies with her must die (0)

Alternate translation: “then you must only kill the man who lay with her”

Deuteronomy 22:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there is no sin worthy of death in the girl (0)

Alternate translation: “you are not to punish her by killing her for what she did”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For this case is like when a man attacks his neighbor and kills him (0)

Alternate translation: “Because this situation is like the situation when somebody attacks another person and kills him”

Deuteronomy 22:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For he found her in the field (0)

Alternate translation: “Because the man found the girl working in the field”

Deuteronomy 22:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but who is not engaged (0)

Alternate translation: “but whose parents have not promised another man that she will marry him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lies with her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if they are discovered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if somebody finds out what happened”

Deuteronomy 22:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fifty shekels of silver (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney

A shekel weighs eleven grams. Alternate translation: “fifty pieces of silver” or “550 grams of silver” (See also: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He may not send her away during all his days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “He must never divorce her during his entire life”

Deuteronomy 22:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must not take his father’s wife as his own (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “must not marry his father’s former wife, even if she is not his mother”

Deuteronomy 23

Deuteronomy 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The assembly of Yahweh

This was probably the corporate worship of Yahweh, when the people would come together to worship him.

Racial superiority

Yahweh viewed Israel as superior to the other nations of Canaan. In many cultures, this may be seen as immoral. It must be remembered that the instructions of this chapter are very remote from the modern world. These people groups were always sinful and idolatrous. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Deuteronomy 23:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: man injured by crushing or cutting off (0)

Alternate translation: “man whose private body parts someone has crushed or cut off”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: may enter the assembly of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “may be a full member of the Israelite community”

Deuteronomy 23:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: illegitimate child (0)

This could mean: (1) a child born to parents who committed incest or adultery or (2) a child born to a prostitute.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as far as to the tenth generation of his descendants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This “tenth” is the ordinal number for ten. Alternate translation: “even after ten generations of the illegitimate child’s descendants”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: none of them (0)

Alternate translation: “none of these descendants”

Deuteronomy 23:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: may not belong to the assembly of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “may not be a full member of the Israelite community”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as far as to the tenth generation of his descendants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This “tenth” is the ordinal number for ten. Alternate translation: “even after ten generations of his descendants”

Deuteronomy 23:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they did not meet you with bread and with water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “they did not welcome you by bringing you food and drink”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against you … curse you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular.

Deuteronomy 23:5

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: would not listen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “did not pay attention”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: turned the curse into a blessing for you (0)

Alternate translation: “had him bless you and not curse you”

Deuteronomy 23:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must never seek their peace or prosperity (0)

This could mean: (1) “You should never make a peace treaty with the Ammonites and the Moabites” or (2) “You must not do anything to cause things to go well for those 2 people groups to enable them to prosper” .

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: during all your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “as long as you are a nation”

Deuteronomy 23:7

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not detest an Edomite (0)

Alternate translation: “Do not hate an Edomite”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for he is your brother (0)

Alternate translation: “because he is your relative”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not abhor an Egyptian (0)

Alternate translation: “do not hate an Egyptian”

Deuteronomy 23:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The descendants of the third generation that are born to them may belong to the assembly of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This “third” is the ordinal number for three. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “If an Edomite or an Egyptian comes to live in the Israelite community, his grandchildren may become full members of that community” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you march out as an army against your enemies, then you must keep yourselves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks here to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against your enemies (0)

Alternate translation: “to fight against your enemies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: keep yourselves from every evil thing (0)

Alternate translation: “keep yourselves away from all bad things”

Deuteronomy 23:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: any man who is unclean because of what happened to him at night (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way of saying that he had an emission of semen. Alternate translation: “any man who is unclean because he had an emission of semen while he was asleep”

Deuteronomy 23:12

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

Deuteronomy 23:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will have something among your tools to dig with (0)

Alternate translation: “you should have a tool that you can use to dig with”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when you squat down to relieve yourself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way of saying to defecate. Alternate translation: “when you squat down to defecate”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must dig with it (0)

Alternate translation: “you must dig a hole with the tool”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cover up what has come out from you (0)

Alternate translation: “cover up your excrement”

Deuteronomy 23:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that he may not see any unclean thing among you (0)

Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh may not see any unclean thing among you”

Deuteronomy 23:15

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a slave who has escaped from his master (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “a slave from another country who escaped from his master and came to Israel”

Deuteronomy 23:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let him live with you (0)

Alternate translation: “Let the slave live among your people”

Deuteronomy 23:17

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cultic prostitute … among any of the daughters … among the sons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This could mean: (1) Moses openly forbids women and men to perform sexual acts as part of temple service or (2) Moses uses a euphemism to forbid women and men to perform sexual acts to receive money.

Deuteronomy 23:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not bring the wages of a prostitute … into the house (0)

Alternate translation: “A woman who earns money as a prostitute must not bring that money … into the house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a dog (0)

a man who allows men to have sex with him for money

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: into the house of Yahweh your God (0)

Alternate translation: “into the temple”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for any vow (0)

Alternate translation: “to fulfill a vow”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: both these (0)

the wages of a female prostitute and of a male prostitute.

Deuteronomy 23:19

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lend on interest (0)

to lend to somebody and force that person to pay back more than was lent

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: interest of money … anything that is lent on interest (0)

Alternate translation: “you must not charge interest when you lend somebody money, food, or anything else”

Deuteronomy 23:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all that you put your hand to (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “all that you do”

Deuteronomy 23:21

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not be slow in fulfilling it (0)

Alternate translation: “you must not take a long time to fulfill the vow”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you (0)

Alternate translation: “because Yahweh your God will blame you and punish you if you do not fulfill your vow”

Deuteronomy 23:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But if you will refrain from making a vow, it will be no sin for you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “But, if you do not make a vow, you will not sin because you will not have a vow to fulfill”

Deuteronomy 23:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: That which has gone out from your lips (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “The words you have spoken”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: according as you have vowed to Yahweh your God (0)

Alternate translation: “whatever you have vowed to Yahweh your God that you will do”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: anything that you have freely promised with your mouth (0)

Alternate translation: “anything that people have heard you promise to do because you wanted to do it”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with your mouth (0)

Alternate translation: “so that people heard you say it”

Deuteronomy 23:24

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you may eat as many grapes as you desire (0)

Alternate translation: “then you may enjoy eating grapes until you are full”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but do not put any in your basket (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “but you may not put any grapes in your bag to take them away with you”

Deuteronomy 23:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you go into your neighbor’s ripe grain (0)

Alternate translation: “When you walk through your neighbor’s field where there is grain growing”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand (0)

Alternate translation: “then you may eat the kernels of grain with your hand”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but do not put a sickle to your neighbor’s ripe grain (0)

Alternate translation: “but do not cut down your neighbor’s ripe grain and take it with you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sickle (0)

a sharp tool that farmers use to harvest wheat

Deuteronomy 24

Deuteronomy 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the teaching about how to maintain justice in Israel. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Special concepts in this chapter

“No man may take a mill or an upper millstone as a pledge”

A millstone was the way a person made a living. To take a person’s millstone was to take away the way they earned money and produced food. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Lending money

Lending money to fellow Israelites was a way to help them out. It was not intended to be a way to make money off their brothers. This chapter gives limitations regarding the lending of money.

Deuteronomy 24:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When a man takes a wife and marries her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The phrases “takes a wife” and “marries her” mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “When a man marries a woman”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if she finds no favor in his eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the “eyes” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “if he decides that he does not like her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because he has found some unsuitable thing in her (0)

Alternate translation: “because for some reason he has decided that he does not want to keep her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he must write her a certificate of divorce (0)

Alternate translation: “he must give his wife an official paper saying that they are not married anymore”

Deuteronomy 24:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: she may go and be another man’s wife (0)

Alternate translation: “she may go and marry another man”

Deuteronomy 24:3

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel about a woman who gets a divorce and marries another man. Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If the second husband hates her (0)

Alternate translation: “If the second husband decides that he hates the woman”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: certificate of divorce (0)

This is an official paper saying that the man and woman are not married anymore. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 24:1.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: puts it into her hand (0)

Alternate translation: “gives it to the woman”

Deuteronomy 24:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: after she has become impure (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “after she has become unclean by the divorce and remarriage to another man”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not cause the land to become guilty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The land is spoken of as if it could sin. Alternate translation: “You must not spread guilt around in the land”

Deuteronomy 24:5

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When a man takes a new wife (0)

Alternate translation: “When a man is newly married to a woman”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: neither may he be commanded to go on any forced duty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one is to force him to live away from his home and do any kind of work”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will be free to be at home (0)

Alternate translation: “he will be free to live at home”

Deuteronomy 24:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mill (0)

a tool for making flour by grinding grain in between two heavy discs of stone

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: upper millstone (0)

the top disc of stone in a mill

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for that would be taking a person’s life as a pledge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “life” is a metonym for what a person needs to keep himself alive. Alternate translation: “because he would be taking from the man what the man needs to make food for his family”

Deuteronomy 24:7

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If a man is found kidnapping (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom for “If a man kidnaps.” It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you find a man kidnapping” (See also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: kidnapping (0)

using physical force to take an innocent person away from his home and imprison him

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: any of his brothers from among the people of Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “any of his fellow Israelites”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that thief must die (0)

Alternate translation: “then other Israelites should kill that thief as a punishment for what he did”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will remove the evil from among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person”

Deuteronomy 24:8

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Take heed … you carefully observe (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites here as if they were one man, so the word “you” and the command “take heed” are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Take heed regarding any plague of leprosy (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention if you suffer from leprosy” or “Pay attention if you have leprosy”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: every instruction given to you which the priests, the Levites, teach you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all of the instructions that I have given you and that the priests, who are Levites, teach you to do”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: teach you … you will act (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses here speaks to the Israelites as a group, so these instances of the word “you” are plural.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as I commanded them, so you will act (0)

Alternate translation: “you must make sure that you do exactly what I have commanded them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: commanded them (0)

The word “them” refers to the priests, who are Levites.

Deuteronomy 24:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind what Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites here as if they were one man, so the word “your” and the command “call to mind” are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you were coming out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses here speaks to the Israelites as a group, so the word “you” is plural.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as you were coming out of Egypt (0)

Alternate translation: “during the time when you were leaving Egypt”

Deuteronomy 24:10

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you make your neighbor any kind of loan (0)

Alternate translation: “When you loan something to your neighbor”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to fetch his pledge (0)

Alternate translation: “to take his pledge”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his pledge (0)

This refers to what he has promised that he would give you if he did not pay back the loan.

Deuteronomy 24:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will stand outside (0)

Alternate translation: “You should wait outside his house”

Deuteronomy 24:12

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not lie down to sleep with his pledge in your possession (0)

Alternate translation: “you must not keep his coat overnight” or “you must return his pledge before you lie down to sleep”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his pledge (0)

This refers to what he has promised that he would give you if he did not pay back the loan. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 24:10.

Deuteronomy 24:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: restore to him the pledge (0)

Alternate translation: “give him back what he has given you to show that he will pay back the loan”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “so that he will have his coat to keep himself warm when he sleeps, and he will be grateful to you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cloak (0)

This is a coat or other clothing that keeps a person warm at night. This was probably the “pledge” Moses was speaking of in Deuteronomy 24:10–12.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will be righteousness for you before Yahweh your God (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will approve of the way you handled this matter”

Deuteronomy 24:14

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not oppress a hired servant (0)

Alternate translation: “You must not treat a hired servant poorly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hired servant (0)

a person who gets paid daily for his work

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: poor and needy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words have similar meanings and emphasize that this is a person who cannot help himself.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “city gates” mean towns or cities. Alternate translation: “in one of your cities”

Deuteronomy 24:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Each day you must give him his wage (0)

Alternate translation: “You should give the man the money he earns every single day”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the sun must not go down on this unsettled matter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. The Israelites considered the new day as starting when the sun went down. Alternate translation: “you should pay the man on the same day he does the work”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for he is poor and is counting on it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because he is poor and depends on his wages to buy his food for the next day”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he does not cry out against you to Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “he does not call out to Yahweh and ask him to punish you”

Deuteronomy 24:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The parents must not be put to death for their children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must not execute the parents because of something bad that one of their children did”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: neither must the children be put to death for their parents (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language, Alternate translation: “and you must not execute the children because of something bad that their parents did”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: everyone must be put to death for his own sin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you should only execute a person because of something bad that he did himself”

Deuteronomy 24:17

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not use force to take away the justice that is due the foreigner or the fatherless (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a stronger person can violently pull away from a weaker person. Alternate translation: “You must not treat a foreigner or the fatherless unfairly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fatherless (0)

This refers to children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor take the widow’s cloak as a pledge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

A lender would take something from the borrower to ensure that she would pay him back. He was not allowed to take her coat because she needed it to stay warm. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and do not take a widow’s cloak as a pledge because she needs it to stay warm”

Deuteronomy 24:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember”

Deuteronomy 24:19

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you reap your harvest in your field (0)

Alternate translation: “When you cut down the grain in your field”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: an omer of grain (0)

Some versions translate this as “a sheaf.” Either translation refers to stalks of grain, enough to be easily carried, possibly tied in a bundle.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it must be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, or for the widow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “you must leave the sheaf so a foreigner, an orphan, or a widow can take it”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in all the work of your hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hands” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in all the work that you do”

Deuteronomy 24:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you shake your olive tree (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “When you shake the branches of your olive tree, causing the olives to fall to the ground so you can pick them up”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not go over the branches again (0)

Alternate translation: “do not pick every single olive from the tree”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, or for the widow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the olives that stay on the branches are for foreigners, orphans, and widows to pick and take with them”

Deuteronomy 24:21

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What is left over will be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow (0)

Alternate translation: “The grapes that you do not pick will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow to pick”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

These refer to groups of people. Alternate translation: “for foreigners, for those who are fatherless, and for the widows”

Deuteronomy 24:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember”

Deuteronomy 25

Deuteronomy 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues to teach about justice in Israel. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“A perfect and just weight you must have”

In the ancient Near East, money was weighted on a scale. If a persons weight was off, they were robbing people. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 25:1

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 25:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If the guilty man deserves to be beaten (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If the judge orders them to beat the guilty man”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be beaten in his presence (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will watch them beat him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the ordered number of blows, as was his crime (0)

Alternate translation: “the number of times he has ordered because of the bad deed he did”

Deuteronomy 25:3

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The judge may give him forty blows (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “The judge may say that they should beat the guilty person 40 times”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but he may not exceed that number (0)

Alternate translation: “but the judge may not order them to beat him more than 40 times”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for if he should exceed that number and beat him with many more blows (0)

Alternate translation: “because if the judge orders them to beat him many more than 40 times”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then your fellow Israelite would be humiliated before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “then the judge would humiliate your fellow Israelite in front of all of the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: humiliated before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: “humiliated, and you would all see it”

Deuteronomy 25:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not muzzle the ox (0)

Alternate translation: “You must not put something over the mouth of an ox”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when he treads out the grain (0)

while he separates the grain from the chaff by walking on it or dragging heavy wood over it

Deuteronomy 25:5

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If brothers live together (0)

This could mean: (1) “If brothers live on the same property” or (2) “If brothers live near each other.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then the wife of the dead man must not be married off to someone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then the family of the dead man must not let the widow marry someone”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: shall go in to her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “shall have sexual relations with her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do the duty of a husband’s brother to her (0)

Alternate translation: “do what the brother of a dead husband is supposed to do”

Deuteronomy 25:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will succeed in the name of that man’s dead brother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “name” is a metonym for the person’s family line. Alternate translation: “will continue the family line of that man’s dead brother”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that his name will not perish from Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “name” is a metonym for the person’s family line. Alternate translation: “so that his family line will not disappear from Israel”

Deuteronomy 25:7

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must go up to the gate to the elders (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “must go up to the city gate where the elders judge cases”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: refuses to raise up for his brother a name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” refers to the memory of someone through his descendants. Alternate translation: “refuses to give his brother a son”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me (0)

Alternate translation: “he will not do what a husband’s brother is supposed to do and marry me”

Deuteronomy 25:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I do not wish to take her (0)

Alternate translation: “I do not wish to marry her”

Deuteronomy 25:9

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must come up to him in the presence of the elders (0)

Alternate translation: “must walk up close to him with the elders there watching”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who does not build up his brother’s house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house” is a metonym for the family. Alternate translation: “who does not give his brother a son and continue his brother’s family line”

Deuteronomy 25:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: His name will be called in Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “People in Israel will know his family as”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The house of him whose sandal has been taken off (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here removing the sandal symbolizes that the brother would not receive any of the property of his dead brother. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The house of him whose sandal his brother’s widow took off his foot” or “The family of a man who did not marry the wife of his dead brother” or “The family whom everyone despises” or “The family who is shameful” (See also: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 25:11

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: out of the hand of him who struck him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hand” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “so the one who struck him will not strike him again” or “from the man who hit him”

Deuteronomy 25:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your eye must have no pity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eye” means the whole person. Alternate translation: “you should not feel sorry for her” or “you must not show her mercy”

Deuteronomy 25:13

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not have in your bag different weights, a large and a small (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “You must not cheat people by using a weight that is larger than you say it is when you buy things and by using a weight that is smaller than you say it is when you sell things” (See also: Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: weights (0)

Weights were stones used on a balance to determine how much something weighs

Deuteronomy 25:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not have in your house different measures, a large and a small (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “You must not cheat people by using a measure that is larger than you say it is when you buy things and by using a measure that is smaller than you say it is when you sell things” (See also: Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: measures (0)

A measure was a basket or other container for measuring how much there is of something.

Deuteronomy 25:15

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel about using fair weights and measures when buying and selling. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A perfect and just (0)

Alternate translation: “A correct and fair”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: weight … measure (0)

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 25:13.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your days may be long (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you may live for a long time”

Deuteronomy 25:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For all who do such things, all that act unrighteously (0)

Alternate translation: “because everyone who cheats people by using different sized weights and measures”

Deuteronomy 25:17

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind what Amalek did to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom, and “Amalek” is a metonym for the Amelikite people. Alternate translation: “Remember what the Amalekites did to you” (See also: How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as you came out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

The word “you” here is plural.

Deuteronomy 25:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: how he met you on the road (0)

Alternate translation: “how they met you along the way”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: attacked those of you at the rear (0)

Alternate translation: “attacked those of your people who were in the back of the line”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all who were feeble in your rear (0)

Alternate translation: “all the people who were weak in the back of the line”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: faint and weary (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These words have similar meanings and emphasize how tired the people were. Alternate translation: “tired and exhausted”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he did not honor God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he was not afraid of God’s punishment” or “he did not respect God”

Deuteronomy 25:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven (0)

Alternate translation: “you must kill all of the Amalekites so that nobody will remember them anymore”

Deuteronomy 26

Deuteronomy 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter recalls the great events of Israel’s history when Yahweh brought them out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 26:1

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

Deuteronomy 26:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: some of the first of all the harvest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

Alternate translation: “some of the first fruits of the harvest” or “some of the first crops of the harvest.” This “first” is the ordinal number for one.

Deuteronomy 26:3

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

Deuteronomy 26:5

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My ancestor was a wandering Aramean (0)

This is the beginning of the statement that the Israelite male should make when bringing his basket.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a wandering Aramean (0)

This refers to Jacob, who was the ancestor of all the Israelites. He lived for many years in Aram-Nahairam, a region located in Syria.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stayed there (0)

Alternate translation: “lived the rest of his life there”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There he became (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “he” is a metonym for “Jacob’s descendants.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a great, mighty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These words mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that Israel became a large and powerful nation. Alternate translation: “very great”

Deuteronomy 26:6

General Information:

This continues what the Israelite must say when he brings his first crops to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: treated us badly and afflicted us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases say basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Egyptians acted very harshly.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: treated us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “us” refers to the people of Israel that were living in Egypt. The speaker includes himself as one of the people whether he lived in Egypt or not.

Deuteronomy 26:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he heard our voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” refers to the whole person and his cries or prayers. Alternate translation: “he heard our cries” or “he heard our prayers”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our affliction, our labor, and our oppression (0)

Alternate translation: “that the Egyptians were afflicting us, that we were doing very hard work, and that the Egyptians were oppressing us”

Deuteronomy 26:8

General Information:

This continues what the Israelite must say when he brings his first crops to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh brought us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “us” refers to the people of Israel that were living in Egypt. The speaker includes himself as one of the people whether he lived in Egypt or not.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with great fearsomeness (0)

Alternate translation: “with acts that terrified the people who saw them”

Deuteronomy 26:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land that flows with milk and honey (0)

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

Deuteronomy 26:10

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Israelites what they must say when they bring theire first crops to Yahweh. He speaks to them as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: first of the harvest (0)

Alternate translation: “first fruits of the harvest” or “first crops of the harvest”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must set it down (0)

Alternate translation: “You must set the basket down.”

Deuteronomy 26:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must rejoice in all the good that Yahweh your God has done for you (0)

Alternate translation: “you must rejoice and be grateful for all the good things that Yahweh your God has done for you”

Deuteronomy 26:12

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the third year (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This “third” is the ordinal number for three. Every three years the people of Israel gave a tenth of the harvest to the poor.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fatherless (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: widow (0)

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her now that she is old.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: eat within your city gates and be filled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” means towns or cities. Alternate translation: “so that those within your towns may have enough food to eat”

Deuteronomy 26:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have brought out of (0)

These are the first words of another statement that the Israelite was supposed to say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: neither have I forgotten them (0)

This means that he has obeyed all of God’s commandments.

Deuteronomy 26:14

General Information:

This continues what the Israelite must say to Yahweh when he gives his tithe to the poor.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have not eaten any of it in my mourning (0)

Alternate translation: “I have not eaten any of the tithe while I was mourning”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when I was impure (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here “impure” means the person is unclean according to the Law. God does not allow an unclean person to touch the tithe he is giving to God. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “when I was unclean according to the Law” or “when the law says I cannot touch it”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have listened to the voice of Yahweh my God; I have obeyed everything you have commanded me to do (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice of Yahweh” is a metonym for what Yahweh says. Both statements share similar meanings. They emphasize that the person has obeyed all of God’s commands. (See also: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 26:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the holy place where you live, from heaven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “from heaven, your holy dwelling place”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land flowing with milk and honey (0)

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

Deuteronomy 26:16

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart and with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Deuteronomy 26:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that you will walk in his ways and keep his statutes, his commandments, and his decrees, and that you will listen to his voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

The words “walk,” “keep,” and “listen” have similar meanings here. Here “voice” refers to what God has said. Alternate translation: “that you will completely obey everything Yahweh commands” (See also: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 26:18

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a people who are his own possession (0)

Alternate translation: “a people who belong to him”

Deuteronomy 26:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will set you high above (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he will make you more important than” or “he will make you greater than”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will set you high above all the other nations that he has made, and you will receive praise, fame, and honor (0)

This could mean: (1) “he will cause you to become greater than any other nation that he has established, and he will enable you to praise him and honor him” or (2) “he will have people praise you more than they praise every other nation that he has made; people will say that you are better than any other nation, and they will honor you.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will be a people that is set apart to Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will set you apart from other nations” (See also: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 27

Deuteronomy 27 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“May the man be cursed”

This phrase is repeated several times in this chapter. This parallelism serves as a warning to the Israelites when they will live in the Promised Land. This is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: Promised Land and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Deuteronomy 27:1

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted, the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: command you today (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so the word “you” is plural.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I command (0)

Here “I” refers to Moses. The elders are there in agreement with Moses, but he is the only one speaking.

Deuteronomy 27:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will pass (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so the word “you” is plural.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: plaster them with plaster (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Plaster is usually a mixture of lime, sand, and water that is spread on something. It dries to form a hard, smooth surface on which a person can write. Alternate translation: “spread plaster on them” or “make them so you can write on them”

Deuteronomy 27:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land flowing with milk and honey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

Deuteronomy 27:4

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have passed … set up … I am commanding you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is addressing the Israelites as a group, so the instances of “you” and the command “set up” are plural.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: plaster them with plaster (0)

Alternate translation: “spread plaster on them” or “make them so you can write on them.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:2.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Ebal (0)

This is a mountain near Shechem. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 11:29.

Deuteronomy 27:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must raise no iron tool to work the stones (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the chisels that would make the stones smoother, in order that they might fit together better. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “you will not shape the altar stones with iron tools”

Deuteronomy 27:6

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: unworked stones (0)

stones in their natural shape that no one has shaped with metal tools

Deuteronomy 27:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: write on the stones (0)

This refers to the stones they were to set up on Mount Ebal and cover with plaster. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:2 and Deuteronomy 27:4.

Deuteronomy 27:9

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

Deuteronomy 27:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: obey the voice of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what he says. Alternate translation: “obey what Yahweh your God says”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am commanding (0)

Moses is commanding. The Levites are there in agreement with Moses, but he is the only one speaking.

Deuteronomy 27:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: These tribes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “tribes” refers to the people from the tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. Alternate translation: “The people from these tribes”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Gerizim (0)

A small mountain north of Mount Ebal. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 11:29.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Joseph (0)

This combines the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, who were descendants of Joseph.

Deuteronomy 27:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Ebal (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 11:29.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: pronounce curses (0)

Alternate translation: “say in a loud voice how Yahweh will curse Israel”

Deuteronomy 27:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed … sets it up in secret (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This is the statement the Levites must shout to all the people of Israel. It may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the person … sets it up in secret”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the work of the hands of a craftsman (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “something a man has made”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: craftsman (0)

a man who knows how to make things well

Deuteronomy 27:16

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man”

Deuteronomy 27:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who removes his neighbor’s landmark (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of the statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “who takes land away from his neighbor by moving the markers on the borders of his land”

Deuteronomy 27:18

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man”

Deuteronomy 27:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: uses force to take away the justice due to a foreigner … widow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a stronger person can violently pull away from a weaker person. Your language might have one word that means “use force to take away.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 24:17. Alternate translation: “treats a foreigner … widow unfairly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fatherless (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: widow (0)

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

Deuteronomy 27:20

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his father’s wife (0)

This does not refer to the man’s mother, but another wife of his father.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has taken away his father’s rights (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

When a man marries a woman, only he has the legal right to sleep with her. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he has taken away his father’s legal rights”

Deuteronomy 27:22

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the daughter of his father, or with the daughter of his mother (0)

This means a man cannot sleep with his sister, even if she has a different mother or father.

Deuteronomy 27:24

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man”

Deuteronomy 27:26

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man”

Deuteronomy 28

Deuteronomy 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Blessings and warnings

This chapter explains some of the blessings and warnings associated with Israel’s obedience to the law of Moses. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Deuteronomy 28:1

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the voice of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what he says. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh your God says”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so as to keep (0)

Alternate translation: “and obey”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: set you above (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of being important or being great as if it were being physically higher, as on a higher hill. Alternate translation: “make you more important than” or “make you greater than”

Deuteronomy 28:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All these blessings will come on you and overtake you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses describes the blessings as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if you cannot escape having him bless you” (See also: Personification)

Deuteronomy 28:3

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Blessed will you be (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the city … in the field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This merism means that Yahweh will bless them everywhere.

Deuteronomy 28:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground, and the fruit of your beasts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

These idioms for “your children, and your crops, and all your animals” form a merism for everything the Israelites valued. (See also: Merism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruit of your beasts, the increase of your cattle, and the young of your flock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

This doublet is three ways of saying that Yahweh will make the Israelites’ animals many and strong. Alternate translation: “all of your animals along with the calves of the cattle and the lambs of the flocks”

Deuteronomy 28:5

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Blessed will be (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your basket and your kneading trough (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Israelites used a basket to carry grain. A “kneading trough” was a bowl they used to mix the grain and make bread. Alternate translation: “all the food you grow and all the food you eat”

Deuteronomy 28:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when you come in … when you go out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This merism refers to all of life’s activities everywhere they go.

Deuteronomy 28:7

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck down before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “cause you to defeat the armies that attack you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but will flee before you seven ways (0)

Alternate translation: “but they will run away from you in seven directions”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seven ways (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. The actual number could be more or less than seven. Alternate translation: “in many different directions”

Deuteronomy 28:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will command the blessing to come on you in your barns (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses describes Yahweh blessing the Israelites as if Yahweh were commanding a person to attack them by surprise. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh blesses you, you will be surprised by how much grain you have in your barns” (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in all that you put your hand to (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in everything you do”

Deuteronomy 28:9

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will establish you as a people that is set apart for himself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh put them in a place different from the place all other nations live in. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make you a holy people that belongs to him”

Deuteronomy 28:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you are called by the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “called by the name of Yahweh” means belonging to him. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has called you his own” (See also: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:11

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your cattle, in the fruit of your ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 28:4. Alternate translation: “with children, animals, and crops”

Deuteronomy 28:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his storehouse of the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of the clouds from which the rain falls as if they were a building where he stores the rain. Alternate translation: “the clouds”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: at the right time (0)

Alternate translation: “when the crops need it”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the work of your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “hand” is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “all the work that you do”

Deuteronomy 28:13

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the head, and not the tail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This metaphor describes the nation of Israel as an animal and means the Israelites will always be the leaders over other nations and never the servants following behind them. The Israelites will be superior in power, money, and honor.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will be only above … will never be beneath (0)

The Israelites will rule over others but never have others rule them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am commanding you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, so the word “you” is plural.

Deuteronomy 28:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if you do not turn away from any of the words that I am commanding you today, to the right hand or to the left, so as to go after other gods to serve them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Disobeying Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if a person physically turned and went in a different direction from Yahweh’s words. Alternate translation: “if you do not disobey what I am commanding you today by serving other gods”

Deuteronomy 28:15

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But if (0)

Here Moses starts describing the curses the people will receive if they disobey.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the voice of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” means what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh your God is saying”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then all these curses will come on you and overtake you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if you cannot escape having him curse you” (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: come on you and overtake you (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:2.

Deuteronomy 28:16

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Cursed will you be (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the city … in the field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This merism means that Yahweh will bless them everywhere. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:3.

Deuteronomy 28:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your basket and your kneading trough (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The Israelites used a basket to carry grain. A “kneading trough” was a bowl they used to mix the grain and make bread. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:5. Alternate translation: “all the food you grow and all the food you eat”

Deuteronomy 28:18

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Cursed will be (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom for “your children, your crops.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the increase of your cattle, and the young of your flock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

This doublet is two ways of saying that Yahweh will make the Israelites’ animals many and strong. Alternate translation: “the calves of the cattle and the lambs of the flocks”

Deuteronomy 28:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when you come in … when you go out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This merism refers to all of life’s activities everywhere they go. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:6

Deuteronomy 28:20

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: curses, confusion, and rebukes (0)

Alternate translation: “disasters, fear, and frustration”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in all that you put your hand to (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in everything you do”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until you are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until your enemies destroy you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forsaken me (0)

Here “me” refers to Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 28:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cling to you (0)

Alternate translation: “remain on you”

Deuteronomy 28:22

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: infectious diseases, with fever, with inflammation (0)

Alternate translation: “diseases and burning fevers that will make you weak.” These all refer to diseases that cause people to grow weak and die.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with drought (0)

Alternate translation: “with lack of rain”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mildew (0)

mold that grows on crops and causes them to rot

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: These will pursue you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Moses speaks of the bad things that would happen to the Israelites as if they were people or animals who would chase after the Israelites. Alternate translation: “You will suffer from them”

Deuteronomy 28:23

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: skies … will be bronze (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of the skies being like bronze because there will be no rain. Alternate translation: “skies … will give no rain”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the earth … will be iron (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of the earth being like iron because no crops will grow. Alternate translation: “nothing will grow from the ground”

Deuteronomy 28:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will make the rain of your land into powder and dust (0)

Alternate translation: “instead of rain, Yahweh will send sandstorms”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until you are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until it destroys you”

Deuteronomy 28:25

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will cause you to be struck down before your enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause your enemies to strike you down”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to be struck down before (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:7.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will flee before them seven ways (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

This means the Israelites will be afraid and panic and run away from their enemies. See similar wording in Deuteronomy 28:7. Alternate translation: “you will flee in seven directions”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seven ways (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in many different directions”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will be tossed to and fro among all the kingdoms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The peoples of the other nations will drive you from one nation to another”

Deuteronomy 28:27

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the boils of Egypt (0)

Alternate translation: “the same skin disease with which I cursed the Egyptians”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: boils … ulcers, scurvy, and itch (0)

These are different types of skin diseases.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from which you cannot be healed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “from which no one will be able to heal you”

Deuteronomy 28:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will grope about at noonday like the blind grope in the darkness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Alternate translation: “You will be like blind people who grope in darkness even at noonday.” The Israelites will have a difficult life even when everyone else is enjoying life.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will be always oppressed and robbed (0)

Alternate translation: “stronger people will always oppress and rob you”

Deuteronomy 28:30

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

Deuteronomy 28:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your ox will be slain before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You will watch as someone kills your ox”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your donkey will be forcibly taken away from before you and will not be restored to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone will take your donkey by force and will not give it back”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your sheep will be given to your enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will give your sheep to your enemies” or “I will allow your enemies to take your sheep”

Deuteronomy 28:32

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your sons and your daughters will be given to other peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will give your sons and your daughters to other peoples” or “Your enemies will take your sons and daughters”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your eyes will look for them the entire day, but will fail with longing for them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “your eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you will grow tired as you constantly watch for them and long to see them again”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There will be no strength in your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “strength in your hand” refers to power. “Alternate translation: “You will be powerless to do anything about it”

Deuteronomy 28:33

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a nation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “a nation” means the people from a nation. Alternate translation: “people from a nation”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will always be oppressed and crushed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “oppressed” and “crushed” mean basically the same thing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they will always oppress and crush you” or “they will oppress you continually” (See also: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:34

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will become insane by what you have to see happen (0)

Alternate translation: “what you see will make you go crazy”

Deuteronomy 28:35

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from which you cannot be cured (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that no one will be able to cure”

Deuteronomy 28:36

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

Deuteronomy 28:37

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of horror, a proverb, and a byword, among all the peoples where Yahweh will lead you away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here the words “proverb” and “byword” mean basically the same thing. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “of horror. The people, in the places where Yahweh will send you, will make up proverbs and bywords about you” or “of horror. Yahweh will send you to peoples who will laugh at you and ridicule you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: byword (0)

a word or phrase that people use to shame others

Deuteronomy 28:38

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but will gather little seed in (0)

Alternate translation: “but will harvest very little food”

Deuteronomy 28:40

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues describing God’s curses if the people disobey him. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but you will not rub any of the oil on yourself (0)

People would rub olive oil on themselves to make their skin healthy.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your olive trees will drop their fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

You may need to make explicit that the fruit drops before it is ripe. Alternate translation: “your olive trees will drop their fruit before the fruit is ripe” or “the olives will fall off your olive trees before they are ripe”

Deuteronomy 28:42

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

Deuteronomy 28:43

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The foreigner who is (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This does not mean a specific foreigner but refers to foreigners in general. Alternate translation: “The foreigners who are”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rise up above you higher and higher; you yourself will come down lower and lower (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means foreigners will have more power, money, and honor than the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 28:44

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will … to him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This does not mean a specific foreigner (verse 43) but refers to foreigners in general. Alternate translation: “They will … to them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will be the head, and you will be the tail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means foreigners will have more power and authority than the Israelites. See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 28:13.

Deuteronomy 28:45

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All these curses will come on you and will pursue and overtake you until you are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. See how you translated something similar in Deuteronomy 28:2. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if he is chasing you and you cannot escape having him curse you” (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the voice of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the words “voice of Yahweh” are a metonym for what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh your God said”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his commandments and his regulations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “commandments” and “regulations” are a doublet for “all that Yahweh has commanded you to do.”

Deuteronomy 28:47

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: joyfulness and gladness of heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here “joyfulness” and “gladness of heart” mean the same thing. They emphasize that the people should have been very glad to worship Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 28:48

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will put a yoke of iron on your neck (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is a metaphor for Yahweh allowing the enemy to treat the Israelites cruelly and make them slaves.

Deuteronomy 28:49

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from far away, from the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the enemy will come from a nation that is very far away from Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “from places that you know nothing about”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like an eagle flies to its victim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means the enemy will come suddenly and the Israelites will not be able to stop them.

Deuteronomy 28:50

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a nation with a fierce face that does not respect the aged and does not show favor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “nation” is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: “a nation whose people have fierce expressions, who do not respect the aged and do not show favor”

Deuteronomy 28:51

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until you are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until they destroy you” or “until they leave you with nothing”

Deuteronomy 28:52

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues describing the army that will attack the Israelites if they do not obey Yahweh. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you in all your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the phrase “city gates” represents a city. Alternate translation: “your cities”

Deuteronomy 28:53

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “the flesh of your sons and of your daughters” explains the metaphor “the fruit of your own body.” The people will be so hungry after the enemy army surrounds their city that they will eat their own children. (See also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruit of your own body (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks of children as if they were fruit that was produced by the bodies of their parents. Alternate translation: “your own children”

Deuteronomy 28:54

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who is tender and very delicate among you—he (0)

Alternate translation: “who is tender and very delicate among you—even he.” Moses is saying that not only those one would expect to eat their children, but even the last person one would expect to eat his own children will eat his children.

Deuteronomy 28:55

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “city gates” represents the cities themselves. Alternate translation: “all your cities”

Deuteronomy 28:56

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The tender and delicate woman among you … tenderness—she (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Alternate translation: “The tender and delicate woman among you … tenderness—even she.” Moses is saying that not only those one would expect to eat their children, but even women of noble birth and normally very gentle, whom one would never expect to eat their children, will eat their children. The word “you” here is singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who would not venture to put the bottom of her foot on the ground for delicateness and tenderness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Moses is exaggerating. He is emphasizing that this noble woman is so rich and lives in such luxury that she would not allow herself to get dirty.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for delicateness and tenderness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “delicateness” and “tenderness” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “because she is so delicate and tender”

Deuteronomy 28:57

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “city gates” represents the cities themselves. Alternate translation: “within your cities”

Deuteronomy 28:58

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that are written (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this glorious and fearful name, Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “name” refers to Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God who is glorious and awesome”

Deuteronomy 28:59

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will make your plagues terrible, and those of your descendants (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will send terrible plagues on you and your descendants” or “Yahweh will make sure that you and your descendants suffer from terrible plagues”

Deuteronomy 28:60

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will bring on you again all the diseases of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “He will make sure that you again suffer from the diseases of Egypt”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will cling to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the diseases will not stop, and no one will be able to heal you of them”

Deuteronomy 28:61

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: every sickness and plague that is not written (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Here “every” is a generalization that means “many.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “even other sicknesses and plagues that I have not written” (See also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until you are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until he has destroyed you”

Deuteronomy 28:62

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will be left … you were like … you did not listen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so all instances of “you” are plural.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you were like the stars of the heavens in number (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means that in the past there were many Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the voice of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh says”

Deuteronomy 28:63

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh once rejoiced over you … multiplying you … rejoice over you in making you perish and in destroying you. You will be plucked (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so all instances of “you” are plural.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh once rejoiced over you in doing you good, and in multiplying you (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh once enjoyed doing you good and causing you to become many”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will rejoice over you in making you perish (0)

Alternate translation: “he will enjoy making you die”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will be plucked off the land that you are going into to possess (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses uses a metaphor to speak of the people as though they were fruit that Yahweh would take off a bush. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He will remove you from the land which you are entering to possess” (See also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you are going (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular.

Deuteronomy 28:64

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: scatter you … you will worship … you have not known … you nor your ancestors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the one end of the earth to the other end of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

These two extremes together mean everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: “throughout the earth” or “all over the earth”

Deuteronomy 28:65

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there will be no rest for the bottoms of your feet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the phrase “the bottoms of your feet” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you will have to continually wander because you have no permanent home where you can rest”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will give you there a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a soul that mourns (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause you to be afraid, without hope, and sad”

Deuteronomy 28:66

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your life will hang in doubt before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “You will not know whether you will live or die”

Deuteronomy 28:67

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because of the fear in your hearts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “because of the fear you are feeling”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the things your eyes will have to see (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “the terrifying things I will force you to see” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 28:68

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I had said (0)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 29

Deuteronomy 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a retelling of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses, along with its blessings and cursing. (See: covenant and bless, blessed, blessing and curse, cursed, cursing)

Deuteronomy 29:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: These are the words that Yahweh commanded Moses to tell (0)

This refers to words that Moses is about to speak.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the land of Moab (0)

This is on the east side of the Jordan where the Israelites were staying before they entered the land of Canaan. “while they were in the land of Moab”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: words that were added to the covenant … at Horeb (0)

These additional commands were given to make Yahweh’s covenant apply better to the people once they were settled in their new land. These new commands did not belong to a different covenant, but rather were additions to the original covenant.

Deuteronomy 29:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You have seen everything that Yahweh did before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Yahweh expected them to remember what Yahweh had done and they had seen it. Here the “eyes” represent the whole person and emphasize what the person has seen. Alternate translation: “You have seen all that Yahweh did so that you would see and remember what he did”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “your” here is singular.

Deuteronomy 29:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the great sufferings that your eyes saw (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” emphasizes that Yahweh expected them to remember that they had seen it. Alternate translation: “you saw for yourselves that the people suffered terribly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the signs, and those great wonders (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “signs” and “wonders” both refer to the plagues that Yahweh had sent upon Egypt. Alternate translation: “and all of the powerful things that Yahweh did”

Deuteronomy 29:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh has not given you a heart to know, eyes to see, or ears to hear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The people do have hearts, eyes, and ears. This metonym says that Yahweh has not enabled them to understand from what they saw and heard who Yahweh is, and how and why they should obey him.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: given you a heart to know (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “enabled you to understand”

Deuteronomy 29:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have led you (0)

Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forty years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “40 years”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your sandals … your feet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “your” here is singular.

Deuteronomy 29:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: other alcoholic drinks (0)

Alcoholic drinks made probably from fermented grains. They were not distilled liquors.

Deuteronomy 29:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sihon, the king of Heshbon, and Og, the king of Bashan (0)

See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: came out against us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “us” refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 29:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: keep the words of this covenant and do them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the people were to obey Yahweh’s commands. Alternate translation: “obey all the words of this covenant”

Deuteronomy 29:10

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 29:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: among you in your camp … your wood … your water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the foreigner who is among you in your camp, from him who cuts your wood to him who draws (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

There were many foreigners among the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the foreigners who are among you in your camp, from those who cut your wood to those who get your water”

Deuteronomy 29:12

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to enter into the covenant of Yahweh your God and into the oath that Yahweh your God is making with you today (0)

Alternate translation: “to agree to the covenant and to swear that you will obey all that Yahweh your God commands”

Deuteronomy 29:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a people for himself (0)

Alternate translation: “a people group that belongs to him alone”

Deuteronomy 29:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am making (0)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh. “Yahweh is making”

Deuteronomy 29:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: standing here with us (0)

Here “us” refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who are not here (0)

Alternate translation: “our future descendants, who are not here”

Deuteronomy 29:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: we lived (0)

Alternate translation: “we were slaves”

Deuteronomy 29:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whose heart is turning away today from Yahweh our God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “heart” refers to the whole person, and “turning away” means to stop obeying. Alternate translation: “who no longer obeys Yahweh our God”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: any root that produces gall and wormwood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of someone who secretly worships another God as if he were a root, and the evil deeds he does to serve that god, and which he encourages others to do, as a bitter plant that poisons people. Alternate translation: “any person who worships idols and causes others to disobey Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 29:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that person (0)

The person described in verse 18.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bless himself in his heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “congratulate himself” or “encourage himself”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “even though I still refuse to obey Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This would destroy the wet together with the dry (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the words “wet” and “dry” are metaphors for the righteous people and the wicked people. This forms a merism for “everyone.” Alternate translation: “This would cause Yahweh to destroy both the righteous people and the wicked people in the land” (See also: Merism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wet … dry (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

These nominal adjectives can be translated as nouns. Because the land was usually dry and the people needed rain so their crops would grow, these words are metaphors for “living … dead” or “good … bad.” Alternate translation: “wet things … dry things” or “good people … bad people” (See also: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 29:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy will smolder (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Just as a fire can grow in intensity, so can God’s anger and Jealousy grow in intensity. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s jealous anger will grow like a fire”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here the word “jealousy” describes “the anger of Yahweh.” Alternate translation: Yahweh’s jealous anger”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that are written (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the curses that are written in this book will come on him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 28:15. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse him with the curses written in this book in ways that will completely surprise him” (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will blot out his name from under heaven (0)

This means God will completely destroy the person and his family. In the future people will not remember him. A similar phrase appears in Deuteronomy 7:24.

Deuteronomy 29:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The generation to come, your children who will rise up after you (0)

The words “your children … after you” tell who “the generation to come” is.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when they see that the whole land has become sulfur and burning salt (0)

People put sulfur and salt on the soil to keep anything from growing. “when they see that Yahweh has burned the land with sulfur and salt”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: where nothing is sown or bears fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where no one can sow seed and the crops do not bear fruit”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah (0)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word overthrow, you can express the same idea with a clause. Alternate translation: “as when Yahweh completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Admah and Zeboyim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of cities that Yahweh destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah.

Deuteronomy 29:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will say together with all the other nations … mean? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “they will ask with all the other nations why Yahweh has done this to the land, and what the heat of this great anger means.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will say together with all the other nations (0)

Alternate translation: “your descendants and the people of all the other nations will say”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What does the heat of this great anger mean? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

The writer is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: “What does this terrible anger mean?”

Deuteronomy 29:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It is because they abandoned the covenant of Yahweh, the God of their ancestors (0)

This is the answer to “Why has Yahweh done this to this land?” (Deuteronomy 29:24). “Yahweh has done this to the land because the Israelites did not follow the promises and the laws of his covenant”

Deuteronomy 29:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: served other gods and bowed down to them (0)

Alternate translation: “obeyed other gods and worshiped them”

Deuteronomy 29:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the anger of Yahweh has been kindled against this land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses compares Yahweh being angry to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes God’s power to destroy whatever makes him angry, and it can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has became very angry with this land” (See also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this land, so as to bring on it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “land” is a metonym representing the people. Alternate translation: “the people of this land, so as to bring on them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that are written (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written”

Deuteronomy 29:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh has uprooted them from their land … and has thrown them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Israel is compared to a bad plant that Yahweh has pulled up and thrown out of a garden. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has removed them from their land … and has forced them to go”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in anger, in wrath, and in great fury (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “anger” and “wrath” and “fury” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the great intensity of Yahweh’s anger. Alternate translation: “in extremely great anger” or “because he was extremely angry”

Deuteronomy 29:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The secret matters belong alone to Yahweh our God (0)

Alternate translation: “Some things Yahweh our God has not revealed, and only he knows them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that are revealed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that he has revealed”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: we may do all the words of this law (0)

Alternate translation: “we may do everything that this law commands us to do”

Deuteronomy 30

Deuteronomy 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Moses begins to give final instructions to Israel before his death in anticipation of their entrance into the Promised Land. There were warnings and blessings associated with the people’s obedience to the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: Promised Land and bless, blessed, blessing and covenant)

Deuteronomy 30:1

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When all these things have come on you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “these things” refer to the blessings and curses described in chapters 28–29. The phrase “have come on you” is an idiom that means to happen. Alternate translation: “When all these things happen to you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that I have set before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks of the blessings and curses that Moses told the people as if they were objects that he set in front of them. Alternate translation: “that I have just now told you about”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call them to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: among all the other nations (0)

Alternate translation: “while you are living in the other nations”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has driven you (0)

Alternate translation: “has forced you to go”

Deuteronomy 30:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: obey his voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” is referring to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what he says”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart and with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Deuteronomy 30:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: reverse your captivity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Alternate translation: “free you from your captivity.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word captivity, you can express the same idea with a verbal clause. Alternate translation: “free you from those who had captured you”

Deuteronomy 30:4

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If any of your exiled people are in the farthest places (0)

Alternate translation: “Even those of your exiled people who are in the farthest places”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: under the heavens (0)

Alternate translation: “under the sky” or “on the earth”

Deuteronomy 30:6

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: circumcise your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is not a literal removal of flesh. It means God will remove their sin and enable them to love and obey him.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart and with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Deuteronomy 30:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will put all these curses on your enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of curses as though they were a load or a cover that someone could physically put on top of a person. Alternate translation: “will cause your enemies to suffer from these curses”

Deuteronomy 30:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: obey the voice of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” means what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what Yahweh says”

Deuteronomy 30:9

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the work of your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in all the work you do”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the fruit of your body … in the fruit of your cattle … in the fruit of your ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

These three phrases are idioms for “in children … in calves … in crops.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 28:4.

Deuteronomy 30:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that are written (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart and all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Deuteronomy 30:11

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: neither is it too far for you to reach (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of being able to understand what a commandment requires a person to do as if it were that person being able to reach a physical object. Alternate translation: “neither is it too difficult for you to understand what Yahweh requires you to do”

Deuteronomy 30:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who will go up for us to heaven and bring it down to us and make us able to hear it, so that we may do it? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Here Moses uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that the people of Israel think that Yahweh’s commands are too difficult for them to know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Someone must travel to heaven to learn God’s commands and then return to tell us what they are so we can obey them.”

Deuteronomy 30:13

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us and make us to hear it, so that we may do it? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This rhetorical question continues the idea that the people of Israel think Yahweh’s commands are too difficult to know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Someone must travel across the sea to learn God’s commands and then return and tell us what they are.”

Deuteronomy 30:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in your mouth and your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This means that the people already know God’s commands and can tell them to others.

Deuteronomy 30:15

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have placed before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Putting something where another person can see it is a metaphor for telling someone about something. Alternate translation: “I have told you about”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: life and good, death and evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

You can make clear the implicit information. Alternate translation: “what is good and will cause you to live, and what is evil and will cause you to die”

Deuteronomy 30:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: multiply (0)

increase greatly in number

Deuteronomy 30:17

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if your heart turns away … but instead are drawn away and bow down to other gods and worship them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “heart” refers to the whole person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if you stop being loyal to God … and the people living in the land convince you to bow down and worship other gods” (See also: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 30:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to you today that you … you will not prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as a group.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Deuteronomy 30:19

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I call heaven and earth to witness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to witness against you (0)

Alternate translation: “to be willing to say that you have done evil things”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against you today (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as a group.

Deuteronomy 30:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: obey his voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” refers to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what he says”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to cling to him (0)

Alternate translation: “to rely on him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For he is your life and the length of your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These phrases have the same meaning and are metonyms for Yahweh, emphasizing that he is the one who gives life and determines the length of people’s lifetimes. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the only one who can enable you to live a long life” (See also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: swore to your ancestors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: “swore that he would give to your ancestors”

Deuteronomy 31

Deuteronomy 31 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Final instructions

In the Ancient Near East, it was common for an important leader to give instructions for his people to follow after his death. In this chapter, Moses begins his final words to the people of Israel. These are words that he wants them to remember long after he is gone. This section also helped to make a smooth transition to Joshua’s leadership.

Deuteronomy 31:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one hundred twenty years old (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “120 years old”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I can no more go out and come in (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here the extremes “go out” and “come in” used together mean that Moses can no longer do what a healthy person can do. Alternate translation: “I am no longer able to go everywhere that you need to go, so I cannot be your leader any longer”

Deuteronomy 31:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your God … before you … before you … you will dispossess … before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will dispossess them (0)

Alternate translation: “you will take their land”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Joshua, he will go over before you, as Yahweh has spoken (0)

Alternate translation: “Joshua will lead you across the river, as Yahweh promised”

Deuteronomy 31:4

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he did to Sihon and to Og, the kings of the Amorites (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “Sihon” and “Og” refer to two Kings of the Amorites and their armies. See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4. Alternate translation: “he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their armies”

Deuteronomy 31:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Be strong and of good courage (0)

Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fear not, and do not be afraid of them (0)

Alternate translation: “do not fear them at all”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God … with you … fail you nor forsake you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will not fail you nor forsake you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This can be treated as litotes and translated positively. Alternate translation: “he will always fulfill his promise to you and will always be with you”

Deuteronomy 31:7

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the sight of all Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This means that all of the people of Israel were present. Alternate translation: “in the presence of all the Israelites”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Be strong and of good courage (0)

Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 31:5.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will cause them to inherit it (0)

Alternate translation: “you will help them take the land”

Deuteronomy 31:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gave it out to the priests, the sons of Levi (0)

Alternate translation: “gave it out to the Levites, who are the priests”

Deuteronomy 31:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seven years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “7 years”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fixed for the cancellation of debts (0)

Alternate translation: “for canceling debts”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Festival of Shelters (0)

Other names for this festival are “Feast of Tabernacles,” “Festival of Booths,” and “Feast of the Ingathering.” During harvest, farmers would set up temporary shelters in the field. This festival took place after the last harvest of the year. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 16:13.

Deuteronomy 31:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God … you will read (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

• Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in their hearing (0)

Alternate translation: “so that they can hear it”

Deuteronomy 31:12

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the priests and the elders.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your foreigner who is within your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “city gates” represents the cities themselves. Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the instances of “your” here are singular. Alternate translation: “your foreigners who live in your cities” (See also: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: keep all the words of this law (0)

Alternate translation: “carefully obey all the commands in this law”

Deuteronomy 31:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look, the (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you. The”

Deuteronomy 31:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a pillar of cloud (0)

This was a thick cloud of smoke in the shape of an upright column.

Deuteronomy 31:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look, you (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am going to tell you. You”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will sleep with your fathers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way to say “you will die.” Alternate translation: “you will die and join your ancestors who have died before you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will rise up and act like a prostitute (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Being a prostitute is a metaphor for worshiping gods other than Yahweh. Alternate translation: “will start to be unfaithful to me”

Deuteronomy 31:17

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my anger will be kindled against them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh compares his anger to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes God’s power to destroy whatever makes him angry. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will kindle my anger against them” or “I will become angry with them” (See also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will hide my face from them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will not help them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will be devoured (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will devour them” or “I will allow their enemies to devour them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: devoured (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is a metaphor for “completely destroyed.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Many disasters and troubles will find them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

This describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. Alternate translation: “They will experience many disasters and troubles”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Have these disasters not come upon us … midst? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

This describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “These disasters are destroying me … midst.” (See also: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our God is not in our midst (0)

Alternate translation: “God is no longer protecting us” or “God has left us alone”

Deuteronomy 31:19

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses about the Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Put it in their mouths (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Make them memorize and sing it”

Deuteronomy 31:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land flowing with milk and honey (0)

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

Deuteronomy 31:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When many evils and troubles come upon this people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here evils and troubles are described as if they were human and could find people. Alternate translation: “When this people experiences many evils and troubles”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this song will testify before them as a witness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

This speaks of the song as if it were a human witness testifying in court against Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their descendants will not forget to keep it in their mouths”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “their descendants will remember to keep it in their mouths”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

The idiom “forget it from the mouth” means to stop speaking about it. Alternate translation: “their descendants will not stop speaking about it to each other”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the plans that they are forming (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

What people plan to do is spoken of as if it were a physical object. Alternate translation: “what they plan to do”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the land that I promised (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

God’s promise of the land was to give it to the people of Israel. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the land that I promised I would give to them”

Deuteronomy 31:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Be strong and of good courage (0)

Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 31:5.

Deuteronomy 31:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: witness against you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular.

Deuteronomy 31:27

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the Levites about all the Israelite people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your rebellion and your stiff neck (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word “your” is singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your stiff neck (0)

See how you translated “stubborn” in Deuteronomy 9:6.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: how much more after my death? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This rhetorical question emphasizes how rebellious the people were. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “you will be even more rebellious after I die.”

Deuteronomy 31:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that I may speak these words in their ears (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “in their ears” means the people themselves. Alternate translation: “so that I may speak the words of this song to them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call heaven and earth to witness against them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says or (2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says. A similar phrase appears in Deuteronomy 30:19. (See also: Personification and Apostrophe)

Deuteronomy 31:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will utterly corrupt yourselves (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: turn aside out of the path that I have commanded you (0)

Alternate translation: “stop following the instructions I have given to you.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 9:12.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what is evil in the sight of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what is evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: through the work of your hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “your hands” means the people themselves. Alternate translation: “because of what you have made”

Deuteronomy 31:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Moses recited in the ears of all the assembly of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “ears” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “Moses recited to all the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: recited (0)

This could mean: (1) “sang” or (2) “spoke.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the words of this song (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the words of the song that Yahweh taught him”

Deuteronomy 32

Deuteronomy 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 32:1–43.

Special concepts in this chapter

Punishment

This chapter prophesies a time when Israel will be disobedient to Yahweh and he will have to punish them. This is meant to serve as a warning to the nation. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Deuteronomy 32:1

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Give ear, you heavens … Let the earth listen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

Yahweh speaks to the heavens and earth as if they are there listening. This could mean: (1) Yahweh is speaking to the inhabitants of heaven and earth or (2) Yahweh is speaking to the heavens and earth as if they are persons.

Deuteronomy 32:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let my teaching drop down like the rain … and like the showers on the plants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means Yahweh wants the people to eagerly accept his helpful teaching.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: distill (0)

Use the word in your language for the process by which dew appears.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dew (0)

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: tender grass (0)

Alternate translation: “new plants”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: showers (0)

heavy rain

Deuteronomy 32:3

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: proclaim the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. “tell how good Yahweh is”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ascribe greatness to our God (0)

Alternate translation: “make sure people know that our God is great”

Deuteronomy 32:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his work (0)

Alternate translation: “everything he does”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all his paths are just (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: “he does everything in a just way”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He is just and upright (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh is fair and does what is right.

Deuteronomy 32:5

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. Moses continues to use parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: acted corruptly against him (0)

Alternate translation: “opposed him by doing what is wrong.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a perverted and crooked generation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “perverted” and “crooked” mean basically the same thing. Moses uses them to emphasize how wicked the generation is. Alternate translation: “a completely wicked generation”

Deuteronomy 32:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do you reward Yahweh in this way … people? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: “You should give Yahweh proper praise … people.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you foolish and senseless people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “foolish” and “senseless” mean the same thing and emphasize how foolish the people are for disobeying Yahweh. Alternate translation: “you extremely foolish people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your father … has created you … made you and established you (0)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is he not your father, the one who has created you? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to scold the people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is your father and the one who created you.”

Deuteronomy 32:7

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind … think about … your father … show you … your elders … tell you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: days of ancient times (0)

Alternate translation: “days of long ago.” Moses refers to the time period when the ancestors of the people of Israel were alive.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: think about the years of many ages past (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This is a repetition of what Moses just said in the previous portion. Moses wants the people of Israel to focus on their history as a nation.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will show you (0)

Alternate translation: “he will make it clear to you” or “he will enable you to understand it”

Deuteronomy 32:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gave the nations their inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. “put the nations in the places where they would live.” Similar words, “giving to you as an inheritance,” appear in Deuteronomy 4:21.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he set the boundaries of the peoples, as he also fixed the number of their gods (0)

God assigned each people group, together with its gods, to its own territory. In this way, he limited the influence of a people group’s idols.

Deuteronomy 32:9

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. As he speaks to the Israelites, he talks about them as if they were someone else and as if they were one man.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For Yahweh’s portion is his people; Jacob is his apportioned inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases means basically the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: “The descendants of Jacob are Yahweh’s inheritance”

Deuteronomy 32:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He found him … shielded him and cared for him … guarded him (0)

You may need to translate this as if Moses were talking about the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “He found our ancestors … shielded them and cared for them … guarded them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: howling wilderness (0)

Here “howling” refers to the sound the wind makes as it blows through the empty land.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he guarded him as the apple of his eye (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. The apple of an eye refers to the dark part inside the eyeball that allows a person to see. This is a very important and sensitive part of the body. This means that the people of Israel are very important to God and something he protects. Alternate translation: “he protected him as something very valuable and precious” (See also: Simile)

Deuteronomy 32:11

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As an eagle that guards her nest and flutters over her young, Yahweh spread out his wings and took them, and carried them on his pinions (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means Yahweh watched over and protected the Israelites while they were in the desert.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: pinions (0)

the outer edges of a bird’s wings

Deuteronomy 32:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: led him … with him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses again speaks of the Israelites as “Jacob” (Deuteronomy 32:9). You may need to translate as if Moses were speaking of the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “led them … with them”

Deuteronomy 32:13

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He made him ride on high places of the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. The word “him” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh made them ride on high places of the land” or “Yahweh helped them take and occupy the land”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: made him ride … fed him … nourished him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses continues to speak of the Israelites as “Jacob” (Deuteronomy 32:9). You may need to translate this as though Moses were speaking of the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “made our ancestors ride … fed them … nourished them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he fed him the fruits of the field (0)

Alternate translation: “he brought him to a land with plenty of crops he could eat”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he nourished him with honey from the rock, and oil from the flinty crag (0)

The land had many wild bees, which produce honey, with hives inside rock holes. There were also many olive trees, which provide oil, and grow on rocks, hills, and mountains.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nourished him with honey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is like a mother giving her breast to an infant. “allowed him to suck honey”

Deuteronomy 32:14

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He ate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses continues to speak of the Israelites as “Jacob” (Deuteronomy 32:9). You may need to translate as though Moses were speaking of the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “Our ancestors ate”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fat of lambs, rams of Bashan and goats (0)

The people of Israel had many healthy herd animals.

Deuteronomy 32:15

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues speaking his poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jeshurun (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Moses speaks of the Israelites as if they were a well-fed animal whose owner named it Jeshurun. You may add a footnote that says, “The name ‘Jeshurun’ means ‘upright one.’” If your language cannot speak of the Israelites as Jeshurun, you may refer to the Israelites as many people, as the UST does.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Rock of his salvation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means Yahweh is strong like a rock and able to protect his people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:4.

Deuteronomy 32:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They made Yahweh jealous (0)

The Israelites made Yahweh jealous.

Deuteronomy 32:17

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak his song to the Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They sacrificed (0)

Alternate translation: “The people of Israel sacrificed”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gods that recently appeared (0)

This means the Israelites recently learned about these gods.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your fathers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as many people, so the word “your” is plural.

Deuteronomy 32:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You have deserted … your father … you forgot … gave you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You have deserted the Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Yahweh is called the rock because he is strong and protective. Alternate translation: “You have left the protective care of Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who became your father … who gave you birth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This compares Yahweh to a father and a mother. This means God caused them to live and to be a nation. Alternate translation: “who fathered you … who gave life to you”

Deuteronomy 32:19

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his sons and his daughters (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This refers to the people of Israel whom Yahweh gave life to and made into a nation.

Deuteronomy 32:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will hide my face from them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will turn away from them” or “I will stop helping them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will see what their end will be (0)

Alternate translation: “I will see what happens to them”

Deuteronomy 32:21

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They have made me jealous (0)

Here “me” refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what is not god (0)

Alternate translation: “what are false gods”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: worthless things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

You may need to make explicit what the “things” are. Alternate translation: “worthless idols”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who are not a people (0)

Alternate translation: “people who do not belong to one people group”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: foolish nation (0)

Translate “foolish” as in Deuteronomy 32:6.

Deuteronomy 32:22

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For a fire is kindled by my anger … foundations of the mountains (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh compares his anger to a fire. This emphasizes his power to destroy what makes him angry.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a fire is kindled by my anger and is burning … it is devouring … it is setting (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I start a fire because I am angry, and it burns … it is devouring … it is setting” or “when I am angry, I destroy my enemies like a fire, and I destroy everything on earth and in … I devour … I set”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the lowest Sheol (0)

Alternate translation: “even to the world of the dead”

Deuteronomy 32:23

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will heap disasters on them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of bad things that would happen to the Israelites as if they were something like dirt that he could pile up on top of the Israelites. Alternate translation: “I will make sure that many bad things happen to them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will shoot all my arrows at them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Yahweh compares the bad things he will make sure happen to the Israelites to someone shooting arrows from a bow. Alternate translation: “I will do all I can do to kill them”

Deuteronomy 32:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will be wasted by hunger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hunger, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “be hungry..” Alternate translation: “They will grow weak and die because they are hungry” (See also: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will … hunger and devoured by burning heat and bitter destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

Here, burning heat could mean: (1) the Israelites will suffer from fevers or (2) the weather will be unusually hot during a drought or famine. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They will … hunger, and burning heat and terrible disasters will devour them” or “They will … hunger, and they will die from burning heat and terrible disasters”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will send on them the teeth of wild animals, with the poison of things that crawl in the dust (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The teeth and the poison are synecdoches for the animals that use these things to kill. Alternate translation: “I will send wild animals to bite them, and things that crawl in the dust to bite and poison them”

Deuteronomy 32:25

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Outside the sword will bereave (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “sword” represents the army of the enemy. Alternate translation: “When the Israelites are outside, the enemy army will kill them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: terror will do so (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh speaks of being afraid as if it were a person who comes into a house and kills those who live in it. Alternate translation: “you will die because you are afraid”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: young man and virgin, the nursing baby, and the man of gray hairs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

These terms describing people of different ages are combined to mean that all kinds of people will die.

Deuteronomy 32:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I said that I would … away, that I would … mankind. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

This can be translated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “I said, ‘I will … away, and I will … mankind.’”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I would make the memory of them to cease from among mankind (0)

Alternate translation: “I would make all people forget about them”

Deuteronomy 32:27

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Were it not that I feared the provocation of the enemy (0)

Alternate translation: “I was afraid of the provocation of the enemy”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the provocation of the enemy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

This abstract noun can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “that the enemy would provoke me” or “that the enemy would cause me to be angry”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the enemy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Yahweh speaks of his enemies as if they are one man. Alternate translation: “my enemy” or “my enemies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: judge mistakenly (0)

Alternate translation: “misunderstand”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Our hand is exalted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hand” represents the strength or power of a person. To be exalted is an idiom for defeating an enemy. Alternate translation: “We have defeated them because we are more powerful” (See also: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 32:28

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words.

Deuteronomy 32:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their coming fate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses states something that he wishes were true, but he knows that they are not wise and do not understand that their disobedience will cause Yahweh to bring this disaster on them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their coming fate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fate, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what is going to happen to them”

Deuteronomy 32:30

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words and tell them more of what they would have understood if they were wise (Deuteronomy 32:29).

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How could one chase a thousand … Yahweh had given them up? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to scold the people for not being wise enough to understand why their enemies are defeating them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement as in the UST.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “How could 1 enemy soldier chase 1,000 of your men, and 2 enemy soldiers cause 10,000 of your men to run away” (See also: Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: unless their Rock had sold them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word “Rock” refers to Yahweh who is strong and able to protect his people. Alternate translation: “unless Yahweh, their Rock, had handed them over”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Alternate translation: “The Rock” here is a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. Translate “Rock” as in Deuteronomy 32:4.

Deuteronomy 32:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Alternate translation: “The Rock” here is a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. Translate “Rock” as in Deuteronomy 32:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our enemies’ rock is not like our Rock (0)

The enemies’ idols and false gods are not powerful like Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: just as even our enemies admit (0)

Alternate translation: “not only do we say so, but our enemies say so also”

Deuteronomy 32:32

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For their vine comes from the vine of Sodom … clusters are bitter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses compares enemies who worship false gods to the wicked people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah and to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit. This means their enemies are wicked and will cause the Israelites to die if the Israelites start to act like the people who live around them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their vine comes from the vine of Sodom, and from the fields of Gomorrah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The vine is a metaphor for the people group. “it is as if their vine were a branch of the vines that grew in the fields of Sodom and Gomorrah” or Alternate translation: “they do evil the same way the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah did”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their clusters (0)

Alternate translation: “their clusters of grapes”

Deuteronomy 32:33

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their wine is the poison of serpents and the cruel venom of asps (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses continues comparing the enemies of the people of Israel to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit and wine. This means their enemies are wicked.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: asps (0)

poisonous snakes

Deuteronomy 32:34

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is not this plan secretly kept by me, sealed up among my treasures? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This question emphasizes that Yahweh’s plans for the people of Israel are kept secret like a valuable treasure. The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I know what I have planned to do to the Israelite people and to their enemies, and I have locked up those plans as someone would lock up his valuable possessions.” (See also: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 32:35

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

MISSING NOTE

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. This is the end of Moses’s quotation of Yahweh’s words that begins in Deuteronomy 32:20.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Vengeance is mine to give, and recompense (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “vengeance” and “recompense” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “I will have vengeance and punish Israel’s enemies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: recompense (0)

to punish or reward a person for what he has done

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their foot slips (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Something bad has happened to them. Alternate translation: “they are helpless”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the day of disaster for them (0)

Alternate translation: “the time for me to destroy them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the things that are to come on them will hurry to happen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the bad things that will happen to his enemies as if the bad things were people running eagerly to punish them. Alternate translation: “I will punish them quickly”

Deuteronomy 32:36

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to speak a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For Yahweh will give justice to his people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you can express the same idea with an adjective or as an adverb. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh will do what is just for his people” or “For Yahweh will act justly towards his people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will pity his servants (0)

Alternate translation: “he will feel that he needs to help his servants”

Deuteronomy 32:37

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 32:38

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Here Yahweh mocks the people of Israel for offering sacrifices to other gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The gods to whom the Israelites offered meat and wine have not come to help them.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let them rise up and help you; let them be your protection (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

Yahweh says this to mock the Israelites. He knows these gods cannot help them. Alternate translation: “These idols are not even able to get up and help or to protect you”

Deuteronomy 32:39

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I, even I (0)

Alternate translation: “I, I myself” or “I, I alone.” Yahweh repeats “I” to emphasize that only he is God.

Deuteronomy 32:40

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I lift up my hand to heaven and say (0)

Alternate translation: “I lift up my hand to heaven and swear” or “I have taken an oath.” Lifting up the hand is a sign of making an oath.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As I live forever (0)

Alternate translation: “As certainly as I live forever” or “I swear by my life which is never-ending.” This statement assures the people that what God says in Deuteronomy 32:41-Deuteronomy 32:42 will happen.

Deuteronomy 32:41

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When I sharpen my glittering sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Alternate translation: “When I sharpen my shining sword.” This means God is preparing to judge and punish his enemies. Alternate translation: “When I am ready to judge my enemies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when my hand begins to bring justice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “when I get ready to judge the wicked”

Deuteronomy 32:42

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword will devour flesh with the blood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of arrows as if they were people to whom he could give alcohol and make them drunk, and of a sword as if it were a person who was so hungry that he would eat an animal before draining the blood out. These metaphors are metonyms for a soldier using arrows and a sword to kill many enemies. This in turn is a metaphor for Yahweh killing his enemies in war. (See also: Metonymy and Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the heads of the leaders of the enemy (0)

A possible meaning is “from the long-haired heads of the enemy.”

Deuteronomy 32:43

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

This is the end of Moses’ song.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Rejoice, you nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Moses addresses the peoples of all the nations as if they were there listening. (See also: Apostrophe)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for he will avenge the blood of his servants; he will render vengeance on his enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “blood of his servants” represents the lives of his innocent servants who were killed. Alternate translation: “for he will take revenge on his enemies, who killed his servants”

Deuteronomy 32:44

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: recited (0)

This could mean: (1) “spoke” or (2) “sang.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the ears of the people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “ears” represents the people themselves and emphasizes that Moses wanted to make sure they heard the song clearly. Alternate translation: “to the people so they would be sure to hear it”

Deuteronomy 32:45

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: reciting (0)

This could mean: (1) “speaking” or (2) “singing.”

Deuteronomy 32:46

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He said to them (0)

Alternate translation: “Moses said to the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Fix your mind on (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to” or “Think about”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have witnessed to you (0)

This could mean: (1) “I have testified to you,” referring to what Yahweh has said he will do to the Israelites if they disobey, or (2) “I have commanded you,” referring to what Yahweh was commanding them to do.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your children (0)

Alternate translation: “your children and descendants”

Deuteronomy 32:47

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is (0)

Alternate translation: “this law is”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: no trivial matter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This litotes can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “something very important”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because it is your life (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word life, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “live..” You may need to make explicit the metonymy of obeying the law, which represents the law itself. Alternate translation: “because you will live if you obey it”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Deuteronomy 32:49

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mountains of Abarim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a mountain range in Moab.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Abarim, up Mount Nebo (0)

Alternate translation: “Abarim and climb up Mount Nebo”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Nebo (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the highest place in the Abarim Mountains.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: opposite Jericho (0)

Alternate translation: “on the other side of the river from Jericho”

Deuteronomy 32:50

General Information:

Yahweh finishes speaking to Moses.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be gathered to your people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way of saying Moses’ spirit would join the spirits of his relatives in the world of the dead. Alternate translation: “join your ancestors who died before you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Hor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a mountain on the border of Edom.

Deuteronomy 32:51

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Meribah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of the place in the desert where Moses disobeyed God.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wilderness of Zin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a wilderness on the southern border of Judah.

Deuteronomy 33

Deuteronomy 33 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic lines of Moses’ blessings in 33:1–29.

Special concepts in this chapter

Families

Moses gives a series of prophecies or instructions for each of the tribes of Israel and Israel overall. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Deuteronomy 33:1

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses begins to bless the tribes of Israel. Moses speaks the blessing in the form of short poems.

Deuteronomy 33:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh came from Sinai and rose from Seir upon them. He shined out from Mount Paran (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses compares Yahweh to the rising sun. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh came from Sinai, he looked to them like the sun when it rises from Seir and shines out from Mount Paran”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: upon them (0)

Alternate translation: “upon the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ten thousands of holy ones (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “10,000 angels”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In his right hand were flashes of lightning (0)

Other This could mean: (1) “In his right hand were flames of fire” or (2) “He gave them a law of fire” or (3) “He came from the south, down his mountain slopes.”

Deuteronomy 33:3

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

These verses are difficult to understand. Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. Moses speaks the blessing in the form of short poems.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the peoples (0)

Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all his holy ones are in your hand … your feet … your words (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

The pronouns “his” and “your” refer to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “all Yahweh’s holy ones are in his hand … his feet … his words”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all his holy ones are in your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The hand is a metonym for power and protection. Alternate translation: “you protect all his holy people”

Deuteronomy 33:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: an inheritance (0)

Alternate translation: “a possession” or “a precious possession”

Deuteronomy 33:5

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Verse 5 is difficult to understand. Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there was a king (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh became king”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jeshurun (0)

This is another name for Israel. Translated as in Deuteronomy 32:15.

Deuteronomy 33:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let Reuben live (0)

This begins Moses’ blessings to the individual tribes of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but may his men be few (0)

Other This could mean: (1) “and may his men not be few” or (2) “even though his men are few.”

Deuteronomy 33:7

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the voice of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice of Judah” refers to the cries and prayers of the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “when the people of Judah pray to you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be a help (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word help, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “help him to fight”

Deuteronomy 33:8

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your Thummim and your Urim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

These were sacred stones the high priest carried on his breastplate and used at times to determine God’s will. Here “your” refers to Yahweh. (See also: Translate Unknowns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your faithful one, the one whom you tested … with whom you struggled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Moses refers to the tribe of Levi as if it were one man.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your faithful one (0)

Alternate translation: “the one who seeks to please you.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Massah (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:16. Translator may add a footnote that says: “The name ‘Massah’ means ‘testing.’”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Meribah (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:51. Translator may add a footnote that says: “The name ‘Meribah’ means ‘argue’ or ‘quarrel.’”

Deuteronomy 33:9

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems. He continues describing the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:8.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your word (0)

Alternate translation: “your commands”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: guarded … kept (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These words both mean to watch over and to protect. They are often metaphors for “obeyed,” but here they should be translated literally because they refer to a time when the Levites literally killed people who were rebelling against Yahweh. (See also: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 33:10

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:8.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your … your … you … your (0)

Moses is speaking to Yahweh, so all these words are singular.

Deuteronomy 33:11

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues describing the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:8.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: accept (0)

be pleased with

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the work of his hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the word “hands” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “all the work that he does”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Shatter the loins of (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The loins were considered the center of strength, and are here represent strength. Alternate translation: “Take away the strength of” or “Utterly destroy”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rise up … rise up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This phrase is used twice as a metaphor. Alternate translation: “rise up to fight … cause any more trouble”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rise up against (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “fight against”

Deuteronomy 33:12

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The one loved by Yahweh lives (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

Here Moses is referring to the members of the tribe of Benjamin. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The ones whom Yahweh loves live”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lives in security (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstact noun “security” can be translated using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “lives where no one can harm him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he lives between Yahweh’s arms (0)

This could mean: (1) Yahweh protects the tribe of Benjamin with his power or (2) Yahweh lives in the hill region of the tribe of Benjamin. In both translations, it means Yahweh takes care of them.

Deuteronomy 33:13

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: About Joseph (0)

This refers to the tribe of Ephraim and the tribe of Manasseh. Both tribes descended from Joseph.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May his land be blessed by Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “his” refers to Joseph which represents the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless their land” (See also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the precious things of heaven, with the dew (0)

Alternate translation: “with the precious dew from the sky” or “with the precious rain from the sky”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dew (0)

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:2.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the deep that lies beneath (0)

This refers to the water under the ground.

Deuteronomy 33:14

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:13.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May his land be blessed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 33:13. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless his land”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the precious things of the harvest of the sun (0)

Alternate translation: “with the best crops that the sun causes to grow”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the precious things of the produce of the months (0)

Alternate translation: “with the best crops that grow month to month”

Deuteronomy 33:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: finest things … precious things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is probably referring to food crops. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “the best fruits … the precious fruits”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ancient mountains (0)

Alternate translation: “the mountains that existed long ago”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: everlasting hills (0)

Alternate translation: “the hills that will exist forever”

Deuteronomy 33:16

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:13.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May his land be blessed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 33:13. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless his land”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: its abundance (0)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abundance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what it produces in large amounts”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: him who was in the bush (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, who spoke to Moses from the burning bush”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let the blessing come on the head of Joseph (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This metaphor is of a man putting his hand on the head of a son and asking God to bless the son. The man here is Yahweh. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless Joseph as a father blesses his son”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: come on the head of Joseph, and on the top of the head of him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “head” and “top of the head” represent the whole person. Also, Joseph represents his descendants. Alternate translation: “be upon the descendants of Joseph” (See also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: top of the head (0)

Another possible meaning is “brow” or “forehead.”

Deuteronomy 33:17

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:13.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The firstborn of an ox, majestic is he (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The ox is a metaphor for something large and strong. The word “firstborn” is a metaphor for honor. Alternate translation: “People will honor Joseph’s descendants, who are many and powerful”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his horns are the horns of (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The horn is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: “he is as strong as”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: With them he will push (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Pushing with his horns is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: “He is so strong that he will push”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ten thousands of Ephraim … the thousands of Manasseh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

This means the tribe of Ephraim will be stronger than the tribe of Manasseh. Alternate translation: “the people of Ephraim, who number many times 10,000 … the people of Manasseh, who number many times 1,000”

Deuteronomy 33:18

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless each tribe of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He speaks to the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar as if they were one man, so the word “your” and the command “rejoice” here are singular. (See also: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and you, Issachar, in your tents (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people of Zebulun were located near the Mediterranean Sea. They traveled by sea and traded with other people. The people of Issachar preferred peaceful living and working the land and raising cattle. You can make clear the understood information.

Deuteronomy 33:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There will they offer (0)

Alternate translation: “It is there that they will offer”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sacrifices of righteousness (0)

Alternate translation: “acceptable sacrifices” or “proper sacrifices”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For they will suck the abundance of the seas, and from the sand on the seashore (0)

This could mean: (1) they will trade with people across the sea or (2) they were beginning to use sand in making pottery.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For they will suck the abundance of the seas (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The Hebrew word translated “suck” here refers to how a baby nurses at its mother’s breast. It means the people will gain wealth from the sea like a baby gets milk from its mother.

Deuteronomy 33:20

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Blessed be he who enlarges Gad (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: This could mean: (1) “May Yahweh bless Gad and give him much land to live in” or (2) “People should say that Yahweh is good because he has given Gad much land to live in”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will live there like a lioness, and he will tear off an arm or a head (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means the people of Gad are strong and secure, and they will defeat their enemies in war.

Deuteronomy 33:21

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Gad as one man, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:20.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the leader’s portion (0)

This means a larger piece of land that a leader normally took.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He came with the heads of the people (0)

Alternate translation: “They met with all the leaders of the Israelites”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He carried out the justice of Yahweh and his decrees with Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “They obeyed all that Yahweh had commanded the Israelites”

Deuteronomy 33:22

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Dan is a lion cub that leaps out from Bashan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The people of Dan are strong like a lion cub, and they attack their enemies who live in Bashan. You can make clear the understood information. (See also: Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 33:23

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He speaks of the descendants of Naphtali as if they were one man.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: satisfied with favor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh being pleased with Naphtali is spoken of as if “favor” were food that Naphtali ate until he was no longer hungry. Alternate translation: “who has all the good things he desires because Yahweh is pleased with him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: full of the blessing of Yahweh (0)

Blessings are spoken of as if they were food that Naphtali ate until he could hold no more. Alternate translation: “whom Yahweh has blessed so that he has all he needs”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: take possession (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks as if the tribe of Naphtali is one man, so these words are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the land to the west and south (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the land around Lake Galilee. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit.

Deuteronomy 33:24

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dip his foot in olive oil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Olive oil was used for food and for the skin of the face and arms. Feet were dirty, so to put the foot in olive oil was to ruin valuable oil. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “have so much olive oil that he can afford to waste it”

Deuteronomy 33:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your city bars … your days … your security (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the tribe of Asher as if they are one man, so all instances of “your” are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May your city bars be iron and bronze (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Cities had large bars across their gates to keep enemies out. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “May you be safe from attacks by your enemies”

Deuteronomy 33:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rides through the heavens … on the clouds (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is an image of Yahweh riding on clouds through the sky like a king on his chariot riding through a battlefield. Alternate translation: “rides through the heavens like a king rides through a battlefield … on the clouds like a king on his chariot”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to your help (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Alternate translation: “to help you.” Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular.

Deuteronomy 33:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The eternal God is a refuge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here, refuge refers to a shelter or a place safe from danger. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word refuge, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The eternal God will protect his people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: underneath are the everlasting arms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The words “everlasting arms” are a metaphor for Yahweh’s promise to protect his people forever. Alternate translation: “he will support and take care of his people forever”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He thrust out … he said (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

Moses speaks of the future as if it were the past to emphasize that what he is saying will come true. AT “He will thrust out … he will say”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before you … Destroy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” and the command “destroy” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he said, “Destroy!” (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

If this direct quotation would not work well in your language, you may change it to an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “he will tell you to destroy them!”

Deuteronomy 33:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Israel dwelt … Jacob’s spring was secure (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

This could mean: (1) Moses speaks of the future as if it were the past to emphasize that what he is saying will come true, “Israel will dwell … Jacob’s spring will be secure” or (2) Moses is blessing Israel, “May Israel dwell … and may Jacob’s spring be secure.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jacob’s spring (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) Jacob’s home or (2) Jacob’s descendants.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: let his heavens drop dew (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The dew is spoken of as being so much that it is as if it were raining. This could mean: (1) Moses is blessing Israel, “may much dew cover the land like rain” or (2) Moses is telling what will happen in the future, “much dew will cover the land like rain.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dew (0)

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:2.

Deuteronomy 33:29

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh … majesty? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “There is no other people group like you, a people whom Yahweh has saved … majesty.” (See also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the shield … the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This merism speaks of Yahweh defending the Israelites from their enemies and enabling them to attack their enemies.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the shield of your help (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word “shield” is a metaphor for Yahweh protecting and defending the Israelites. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word help, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the one who protects you and helps you” (See also: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the sword of your majesty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word “sword” is a metaphor for the power to kill with the sword in order to win battles. Alternate translation: “the one who enables you to win battles and so have majesty”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will trample down their high places (0)

This could mean: (1) the Israelites will destroy the places where the other people worship false gods or (2) the Israelites will walk on the backs of their enemies when the Israelites defeat them.

Deuteronomy 34

Deuteronomy 34 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter may have been written by Joshua, since it recorded Moses’ death. This chapter officially ends the revelation of the law of Moses, and life in the Promised Land is about to begin again. (See: INVALID bible/kt/reveal and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and Promised Land)

Deuteronomy 34:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Nebo (0)

This is the highest point of Mount Pisgah which is in the northern part of the Abarim mountain range. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:49.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Pisgah (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:17.

Deuteronomy 34:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the City of Palms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is another name for Jericho.

Deuteronomy 34:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: look at it with your eyes (0)

Alternate translation: “see it for yourself”

Deuteronomy 34:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Beth Peor (0)

This was a town in Moab. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to this day (0)

This refers to the time that this was written or edited, not to the present time in the twenty-first century.

Deuteronomy 34:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one hundred twenty years old (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “30 days”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated (0)

This means his eyes and body were still strong and healthy.

Deuteronomy 34:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: thirty days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “30 days”

Deuteronomy 34:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: son of Nun (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:38.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Joshua … was full of the spirit of wisdom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The writer speaks as if Joshua were a container and the spirit were a physical object that could be put into a container. Alternate translation: “Yahweh enabled Joshua … to be very wise”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Moses had laid his hands on him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Moses had laid his hands on him to set Joshua apart so Joshua would serve Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 34:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh knew face to face (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. It means Yahweh and Moses had a very close relationship.

Deuteronomy 34:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in all the great (0)

Alternate translation: “who did all the great”