Ezekiel
Ezekiel front
Introduction to Ezekiel
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Ezekiel
- Yahweh calls Ezekiel to speak his words (1:1–3:27)
- Yahweh judges Judah and Jerusalem (4:1–24:27)
- Ezekiel prophesies against nearby nations (25:1–32:32)
- Yahweh explains the fall of Jerusalem (33:1–33)
- Ezekiel brings messages of hope (34:1–48:35)
- A new shepherd (34:1–31)
- Edom destroyed (35:1–15)
- Israel restored (36:1–37:28)
- Gog and Magog (38:1–39:29)
- Jerusalem and the temple restored (40:1–48:35)
What is Ezekiel about?
The Book of Ezekiel contains words that Ezekiel prophesied between 592 B.C. and 573 B.C. The Jewish people were exiled in Babylonia. Ezekiel told them that God had punished them because they sinned against him. However, Ezekiel assured them that God would restore them. God was using Babylon to punish them. But eventually another nation would defeat the Babylonians. Ezekiel also prophesied about how God will restore Jerusalem and the temple so that the people can worship and sacrifice to him again. Ezekiel then described how the land will be divided again among the tribes of Israel.
How should the title of this book be translated?
“Ezekiel” or “The Book of Ezekiel” is the traditional name for this book. Translators may also call it “The Messages from God Brought by Ezekiel.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Who wrote the Book of Ezekiel?
Ezekiel wrote the prophecies in the Book of Ezekiel. He was a prophet and priest who lived near Babylon in the time of the exile.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What was Ezekiel’s temple?
Several chapters of the Book of Ezekiel give instructions about building a new temple. However, this temple is not the same as the temple the people would build after going back to Jerusalem. Because Ezekiel’s temple has never been built, some scholars think that this temple is to be built in the future. Other scholars think that Ezekiel’s temple is symbolic of the Church.
Do the sacrifices in Ezekiel follow the law of Moses?
The sacrifices in Ezekiel 46 are somewhat different than the required sacrifices in Numbers 28. This may be because Ezekiel prophesied about a new temple with new sacrifices.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
How should one represent Ezekiel’s visions in translation?
The Book of Ezekiel has many complicated visions. Some are similar to passages in other Scripture books that describe future events. Some of these visions are about God rescuing Israel in the distant future. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)
It is unclear whether Ezekiel actually traveled to the particular places named in the visions, or whether what he described were mental ideas. For this reason, Ezekiel’s viewpoint is sometimes difficult to understand, even though the meanings of the visions may be clear.
Translators should avoid trying to explain these visions in their translations. Instead, they should present the visions just as they are in the source text.
What does “and you will know that I am Yahweh” mean?
This is a common phrase in the Book of Ezekiel. It is meant to assure the reader that these messages truly came from God, and that he will do what he has promised. The translator may also use the phrase “and you will understand that I am Yahweh and what I say will happen.” The UST translates it as “then you will know that I, Yahweh, have the power to do what I say that I will do.”
Ezekiel 1
Ezekiel 1 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Ezekiel’s call
Ezekiel had a vision of God calling him to prophetic ministry. (See: INVALID bible/kt/call and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Ezekiel 1:1
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Quote: In the thirtieth year (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
This is the thirtieth year of Ezekiel’s life.
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Quote: the fourth month, and the fifth day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“the fifth day of the fourth month.” This is the fourth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifth day is around the end of June on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
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Quote: it came about that (0)This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
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Quote: I was living among the captives (0)The word “I” refers to Ezekiel. “I was one of the captives”
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Quote: I saw visions of God (0)Alternate translation: “God showed me unusual things”
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Quote: the Kebar Canal (0)This is a river that people in Chaldea had dug to give water to their gardens. “the Kebar River”
Ezekiel 1:3
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Quote: to Ezekiel … upon him there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
Ezekiel speaks of himself as if he were another person. Alternate translation: “to me, Ezekiel … upon me there”
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Quote: the word of Yahweh came to Ezekiel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Ezekiel”
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Quote: Buzi (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a man’s name.
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Quote: the hand of Yahweh was upon him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” is often used to refer to someone’s power or action. A person with his hand on another person has power over that other person. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was controlling him”
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Quote: Yahweh (0)This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
Ezekiel 1:4
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Ezekiel continues to describe his vision.
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Quote: a windstorm (0)This is a storm that has a lot of wind.
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Quote: coming from the north (0)North is the direction to your left when you look toward the sun while it is rising.
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Quote: a great cloud with fire flashing within it (0)This can be translated as a new sentence: “The storm had a very large cloud with fire flashing in it”
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Quote: fire flashing (0)This could mean: (1) “flashing lightning” or (2) “constant lightning.”
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Quote: brightness surrounding it and inside of it (0)Alternate translation: “a very bright light was around the cloud and inside of it”
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Quote: the color of amber (0)Alternate translation: “bright yellow like amber” or “bright yellow” or “glowing yellow”
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Quote: amber (0)a hard yellow resin that is used as a beautiful decoration on jewelry
Ezekiel 1:5
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Quote: In the middle (0)Alternate translation: “Inside the storm”
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Quote: the likeness of four living creatures (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like these things. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what looked like four living creatures”
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Quote: This was their appearance (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “This is what they looked like”
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Quote: They had the likeness of a man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The four creatures looked like people”
Ezekiel 1:6
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Quote: but they had four faces each, and each of the creatures had four wings (0)“but each of them had four different faces and four wings.” Each creature had a face on the front, a face on the back, and a face on each side of its head.
Ezekiel 1:7
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Ezekiel continues to describe his vision.
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Quote: but the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf (0)Alternate translation: “but their feet looked like calf hooves” or “but their feet looked like the feet of calves”
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Quote: hooves of a calf (0)the hard part of a calf’s foot
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Quote: that shone like polished bronze (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
“that were shiny like bronze that has been polished.” This describes the feet of the creatures. Alternate translation: “and they shone like polished bronze”
Ezekiel 1:8
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Quote: on all four sides (0)Alternate translation: “on all four sides of their bodies”
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Quote: For all four, their faces and wings were like this (0)Alternate translation: “For all four of the creatures, their wings and their faces were like this”
Ezekiel 1:9
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Quote: they did not turn as they went (0)Alternate translation: “the creatures did not turn as they moved”
Ezekiel 1:10
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Ezekiel continues to describe his vision.
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Quote: The likeness of their faces was like the face of a man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Ezekiel is describing the faces of the creatures on their front side. Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like a man’s face. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The face of each creature looked like the face of a man”
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Quote: The four of them had the face of a lion to the right side (0)Alternate translation: “The face on the right side of each one’s head looked like the face of a lion”
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Quote: the four of them had the face of an ox on the left side (0)Alternate translation: “the face on the left side of the head of each one looked like the face of an ox”
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Quote: They four had also the face of an eagle (0)Alternate translation: “The face on the back of the head of each one looked like the face of an eagle”
Ezekiel 1:11
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Quote: their wings were spread out above, so that each creature had a pair of wings that touched another creature’s wing (0)Alternate translation: “each creature held up two of his wings so that one wing touched the wing of the creature on one side of him, and the other wing touched the wing of the creature on the other side of him”
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Quote: and also a pair of wings that covered their bodies (0)This can be translated as a new sentence: “The other two wings of each creature covered its body”
Ezekiel 1:12
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Quote: Each went straight forward (0)Alternate translation: “Each creature moved with a face looking forward”
Ezekiel 1:13
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Ezekiel continues to describe his vision.
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Quote: As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like these things. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the words likeness and appearance, you can express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “As for what the living creatures looked like, they were similar to burning coals”
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Quote: there were flashes of lightning (0)Alternate translation: “lightning came out from the fire.”
Ezekiel 1:14
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Quote: The living creatures were moving swiftly back and forth, and they had the appearance of lightning (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Lightning flashes and then disappears quickly, and the creatures moved from one place to another quickly. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The living creatures were moving swiftly back and forth, and they looked like lightning” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Ezekiel 1:15
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Ezekiel continues to tell about his vision.
Ezekiel 1:16
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Quote: This was the appearance and structure of the wheels (0)Alternate translation: “This is what the wheels looked like and how they were made”
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Quote: like beryl (0)Beryl is a kind of clear, valuable stone, often of yellow or golden color. “clear and yellow like a beryl stone” or “clear and yellow like a precious stone”
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Quote: the four had the same likeness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, likeness refers to what the four wheels looked like. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “all four of the wheels looked the same”
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Quote: their appearance and structure was like a wheel intersecting another wheel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “appearance” and “structure” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “they appeared to be made with one wheel going through another wheel”
Ezekiel 1:17
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Ezekiel continues to describe his vision.
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Quote: they went in any of their four directions (0)This could mean: (1) “their” refers to the creatures. Alternate translation: “they would go straight in any one of the four directions that the creatures looked towards” or (2) “their” refers to the wheels.
Ezekiel 1:18
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Quote: As for their rims (0)Alternate translation: “This is what the rims of the wheels looked like”
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Quote: they were high and fearsome (0)Alternate translation: “the rims were very tall and awe-inspiring” or “the rims where tall and frightening”
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Quote: for the rims were full of eyes round about (0)Alternate translation: “because the rims had very many eyes around all four of the wheels”
Ezekiel 1:19
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Quote: When the living creatures rose up from the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The creatures were flying in the air after they left the ground. Alternate translation: “So when the creatures left the ground and went up into the air”
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Quote: the wheels also rose up (0)Alternate translation: “the wheels also left the ground and went into the air”
Ezekiel 1:20
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Quote: Wherever the Spirit would go, they went (0)The word “they” refers to the creatures.
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Quote: the wheels rose up beside them (0)Alternate translation: “the wheels went up into the air with the living creatures”
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Quote: the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) Ezekiel is speaking of the “creatures” of verse 19 as if they were one creature. Alternate translation: “the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels” or (2) Ezekiel is using an idiom. Alternate translation: “the spirit of life was in the wheels” or “the living spirit was in the wheels” or (3) the spirit in the creatures and in the wheels is the same. Alternate translation: “the same spirit that gave life to the creatures also gave life to the wheels”
Ezekiel 1:22
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Quote: the likeness of an expansive dome (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like “an expansive dome.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what looked like an expansive dome”
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Quote: an expansive dome (0)A dome looks like a hollow ball that is cut in half. “Expansive” means very large. “a huge upside-down bowl”
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Quote: awe-inspiring crystal (0)Alternate translation: “awe-inspiring ice” or “crystal that makes people marvel when they look at it”
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Quote: stretched out over their heads above (0)Alternate translation: “and the expansive dome was spread out above the heads of the creatures” or “and the expansive dome took up a lot of space over the heads of the creatures”
Ezekiel 1:23
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Quote: Beneath the dome (0)Alternate translation: “under the dome”
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Quote: Each of the living creatures also had a pair to cover themselves; each had a pair to cover his own body (0)Alternate translation: “Each of the living creatures also had two other wings, which they used to cover their bodies”
Ezekiel 1:24
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Quote: Then I heard the sound of their wings. Like the noise of many waters. Like the voice of the Almighty whenever they moved. Like (0)The words whenever they moved could mean: (1) all the words before them in this verse, “Whenever they moved, I heard the sound of their wings. Like the noise of rushing water. Like the voice of the Almighty. Like” or (2) to the words that follow, “wings. Like the noise of rushing water. Like the voice of the Almighty. Whenever they moved, it sounded like.”
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Quote: Like … waters. Like … moved. Like … rainstorm. Like … army. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
These sentences are not complete because Ezekiel was showing that he was excited about what he saw. They can be translated as complete sentences: “The wings sounded like … water. They sounded like … moved. They sounded like … rainstorm. They sounded like … army.”
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Quote: many waters (0)This simply means “a lot of water.” It could refer to a loud river or a large waterfall or the waves crashing at the ocean. All of these are very loud.
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Quote: Like the voice of the Almighty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The Bible sometimes refers to thunder as “the voice of the Almighty.” Alternate translation: “It sounded like the voice of the Almighty God” or “It sounded like the thunder of the Almighty”
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Quote: Like the sound of a rainstorm (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Possible meanings are: (1) “Like the sound of very big storm” or (2) “Like the sound of a very large crowd of people” Alternate translation: “There was a sound that was loud like a big storm” or “There was a sound that was loud like a very large crowd of people”
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Quote: Whenever they stood still (0)Alternate translation: “Whenever the creatures stopped moving”
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Quote: they lowered their wings (0)“the creatures let their wings hang down by their sides.” They did this when they were not using their wings to fly.
Ezekiel 1:25
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Quote: A voice came from above the dome (0)“Someone who was above the dome spoke.” If you need to tell whose voice this is, you should probably identify it as the voice of Yahweh (Ezekiel 1:3).
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Quote: the dome over their heads (0)Alternate translation: “the dome that was over the heads of the creatures”
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Quote: the dome (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:23.
Ezekiel 1:26
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Quote: over their heads (0)Alternate translation: “over the heads of the living creatures”
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Quote: was the likeness of a throne (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like a throne. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “was something that looked like a throne”
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Quote: sapphire (0)a very valuable stone that is clear blue and very shiny
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Quote: on the likeness of the throne was (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “on what looked like a throne there was”
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Quote: a likeness like the appearance of a man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “likeness” and “appearance” can be translated with verbal phrases. If you need to tell who this is, you should probably identify him as Yahweh (Ezekiel 1:3). Alternate translation: “something that looked similar to what appeared to be a man”
Ezekiel 1:27
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Quote: from the appearance of his hips up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The person’s body above the hips looked like glowing metal that had fire in it. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “from what appeared to be his hips up”
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Quote: from the appearance of his hips downward the appearance of fire and brightness all around (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “all around him below what appeared to be his hips, I saw what looked like fire and a bright light”
Ezekiel 1:28
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Quote: Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day was the appearance of the bright light surrounding it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The brightness surrounding it appeared to be like the way a rainbow appears in the clouds on a rainy day”
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Quote: rainbow (0)the colorful strip of light that appears in the rain when the sun shines from behind the viewer
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Quote: It was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like the glory of Yahweh. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas behind the words appearance and likeness, you can express the same idea with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “It appeared to be what looked like the glory of Yahweh”
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Quote: I fell on my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“I bowed down to the ground” or “I lay on the ground.” Ezekiel did not fall by accident. He went down to the ground to show that he respected and feared Yahweh.
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Quote: I heard a voice speaking (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “voice” is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “I heard someone speaking” or “Someone spoke, and I heard his voice”
Ezekiel 2
Ezekiel 2 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Ezekiel’s call continues in this chapter. God appointed Ezekiel to be a prophet but warned him that the people were very rebellious and would not listen to him. (See: INVALID bible/kt/call and appoint, appointed and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Ezekiel 2:1
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Quote: He said to me (0)If your language has to identify the one speaking, it would be best to identify the speaker as the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26). It was not “the Spirit.”
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Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
Ezekiel 2:2
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Quote: the Spirit (0)Other This could mean: (1) “a spirit” or (2) “a wind.”
Ezekiel 2:3
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Quote: up to this very day (0)“even now” or “even today.” This means that the people of Israel were continuing to disobey God.
Ezekiel 2:4
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Quote: Their descendants (0)the descendants of the past generations of Israel who had rebelled against God, referring to the people living in Israel at the time Ezekiel writes
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Quote: have stubborn faces (0)Alternate translation: “have expression on their faces that show that they are stubborn”
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Quote: stubborn faces and hard hearts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “stubborn faces” refer to the way they act on the outside, and the words “hard hearts” refer to the way they think and feel. Together they emphasize that the people of Israel would not change how they lived in order to obey God.
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Quote: stubborn (0)This describes a person who refuses to change what he thinks or what he is doing.
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Quote: hard hearts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Rocks never change and become soft, and these people never change and become sorry when they do evil things.
Ezekiel 2:5
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Quote: house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. Alternate translation: “people group”
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Quote: a prophet has been among them (0)Alternate translation: “the one whom they have refused to listen to was a prophet”
Ezekiel 2:6
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Quote: son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”
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Quote: briers and thorns and … scorpions (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These words describe the people of Israel who will not treat Ezekiel kindly when he tells them what God says.
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Quote: briers and thorns (0)Briers are bushes with sharp points on the branches. The sharp points on the branches are called thorns.
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Quote: scorpions (0)A scorpion is a small animal with two front claws, six legs, and a large tail with a poisonous stinger. Its sting is very painful.
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Quote: Do not fear their words (0)Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid of what they say.”
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Quote: be dismayed by their faces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “their faces” are a metonym for the message the people express with their faces. Alternate translation: “lose your desire to serve me because of the way they look at you”
Ezekiel 2:7
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Quote: are most rebellious (0)Alternate translation: “are very rebellious” or “totally rebel against me”
Ezekiel 2:8
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Quote: house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “people group”
Ezekiel 2:9
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Quote: a hand was extended out to me (0)This could mean: (1) a person in the heavens had extended his hand out toward Ezekiel and all Ezekiel could see was from the hand to the elbow or shoulder or (2) the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26) extended his hand.
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Quote: a written scroll (0)Alternate translation: “a scroll that had writing on it”
Ezekiel 2:10
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Quote: He spread it out (0)The word “He” refers to the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26).
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Quote: it had been written on both its front and back (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had written on both its front and its back”
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Quote: written on it were lamentations, mourning, and woe (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “lamentations,” “mourning,” and “woe.” Alternate translation: “someone had written on it that these people would lament, be sad the way they would be if someone they loved had died, and have bad things happen to them”
Ezekiel 3
Ezekiel 3 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Ezekiel’s call concludes in this chapter. God told Ezekiel more about what he should say to the people and how he should say it. (See: INVALID bible/kt/call)
Ezekiel 3:1
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Quote: He said to me (0)The word “He” refers to the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26).
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Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
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Quote: what you have found (0)This refers to the scroll that God was giving him (Ezekiel 2:9).
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Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 3:2
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Quote: that scroll (0)Many versions have “the scroll” or “this scroll.”
Ezekiel 3:3
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Quote: feed your belly and fill your stomach with this scroll (0)The word “belly” refers to the part of the body people can see from the outside. The word “stomach” refers to the internal organs inside the belly.
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Quote: it was as sweet as honey (0)Honey tastes sweet, and the scroll tasted sweet.
Ezekiel 3:4
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Quote: he said to me (0)If your language has to identify the one speaking, it would be best to identify the speaker as the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26). It was not “the Spirit.”
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Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 3:6
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Quote: of strange speech or a difficult language (0)Alternate translation: “who speak a strange or difficult language”
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Quote: not to many peoples of strange speech (0)Alternate translation: “I am not sending you to a mighty nation whose people speak a strange language”
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Quote: if I sent you to them, they would have listened to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is a hypothetical situation that could have happened but did not. Yahweh did not send Ezekiel to people who did not understand his language.
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Quote: if I sent you to them (0)The word “them” refers to a mighty nation other than Israel.
Ezekiel 3:7
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Quote: strong browed and hard hearted (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “very rebellious” or “very stubborn”
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Quote: strong browed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “unwilling to change”
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Quote: hard hearted (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This phrase suggests that the people resist God and are unwilling to obey him. The heart is used to describe the place in the body where a person decides what they want to do. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
Ezekiel 3:8
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Quote: Behold! (0)The word “Behold” here alerts Ezekiel to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
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Quote: I have made your face as hard as their faces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A hard face is a metaphor for being stubborn. Alternate translation: “I have made you as stubborn as they are”
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Quote: I have made … your brow as hard as their brows (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “brow” is the forehead or eyebrow and is a metonym for what the person thinks. Alternate translation: “I have made … you strong so you will not stop doing what you are doing”
Ezekiel 3:9
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Quote: I have made your brow like a diamond, harder than flint (0)Alternate translation: “I have made your brow like the hardest stone, harder than flint”
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Quote: flint (0)a stone that is hard enough to start a fire by hitting it with metal or another stone
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Quote: house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “people group”
Ezekiel 3:10
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Quote: take them into your heart and hear them with your ears (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents a person’s mind. Alternate translation: “remember them and listen carefully”
Ezekiel 3:11
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Quote: Then go to the captives (0)The word “captives” refers to the people of Israel who were living in Babylon.
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Quote: your people (0)“your people group.” Ezekiel had lived in Judah before the Babylonians took him to Babylon.
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Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
Ezekiel 3:12
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Quote: I heard behind me the sound of a great earthquake: “Blessed be the glory of Yahweh from his place!” (0)Some versions take “Blessed … place!” as a words that the “great earthquake” spoke: “I heard behind me the sound of a great earthquake, which said, ‘Blessed be the glory of Yahweh from his place!’” Others understand the sound of the earthquake as the sound of the glory of Yahweh leaving his place, “as the glory of Yahweh left its place, I heard behind me the sound of a great earthquake.”
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Quote: the sound of a great earthquake (0)It is not clear if the sound came from an earthquake, from a voice that was loud like an earthquake, or from the wings and wheels. Alternate translation: “a sound like the sound of a great earthquake” or “a voice speaking; the voice sounded like a great earthquake” or “a loud rumbling noise”
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Quote: the glory of Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.
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Quote: the sound of a great earthquake (0)Alternate translation: “a loud, deep and powerful rumbling sound like the sound of an earthquake”
Ezekiel 3:14
General Information:
Ezekiel seems to have been angry because Yahweh had sent him to speak to the Israelite exiles, thus rebelling against Yahweh himself. Though he was supposed to speak to them, he sat in silence for seven days, even though he could feel the anger of Yahweh “powerfully pressing on” him.
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Quote: away, and I went with bitterness in my spirit’s rage (0)The words “bitterness” and “rage” are types of anger. This can be stated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “away. I was bitter and my spirit was full of anger” or “away. I was very bitter and angry”
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Quote: bitterness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Ezekiel speaks of his anger at Yahweh as if there were a bad taste in his mouth because Yahweh had forced him to eat something that tasted bad.
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Quote: for the hand of Yahweh was powerfully pressing on me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Ezekiel speaks of being sad and tired because Yahweh had commanded him to do things he did not want to do as if Yahweh were pushing him down into the ground.
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Quote: the hand of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) the word “hand” is often used to refer to someone’s power or action. Alternate translation: “the power of Yahweh” or (2) Ezekiel knew that Yahweh was angry with him because he was not obeying Yahweh by speaking to the Israelite exiles.
Ezekiel 3:15
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Quote: Tel Aviv (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
A town in Babylon, about 80 kilometers southeast of the main city, which was also called Babylon.
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Quote: the Kebar Canal (0)This is a river that people in Chaldea had dug to give water to their gardens. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:1.
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Quote: overwhelmed in amazement (0)Alternate translation: “unable to do anything because I was so amazed”
Ezekiel 3:16
General Information:
Ezekiel tells about his experience at Tel-Aviv.
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Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 3:17
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Quote: watchman (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God told Ezekiel to warn the people of Israel just as a watchman would warn the people of a city if enemies were coming, so that they could prepare and be safe.
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Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 3:18
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Quote: the wicked (0)Alternate translation: “wicked people”
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Quote: require his blood from your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom for holding someone responsible or guilty of murder. Alternate translation: “treat you as if you had murdered him”
Ezekiel 3:19
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Quote: he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked deeds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The phrase “wicked deeds” means the same thing as “wickedness.” Alternate translation: “he does not stop doing wicked things”
Ezekiel 3:20
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Quote: set a stumbling block before him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) “make something bad happen to him” or (2) “cause him to sin openly.”
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Quote: he will die in his sin (0)Alternate translation: “he will die as a sinner” or “he will die as a guilty person because he has disobeyed me”
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Quote: I will require his blood from your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom for holding someone responsible or guilty of murder. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:18. Alternate translation: “I will treat you as if you had murdered him”
Ezekiel 3:21
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Quote: since he was warned (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “since you warned him”
Ezekiel 3:22
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Quote: the hand of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” is often used to refer to someone’s power or action. Alternate translation: “the power of Yahweh”
Ezekiel 3:23
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Quote: the glory of Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.
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Quote: the Kebar Canal (0)This is a river that people in Chaldea had dug to give water to their gardens. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:1.
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Quote: I fell on my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“I bowed down to the ground” or “I lay on the ground.” Ezekiel did not fall by accident. He went down to the ground to show that he respected and feared Yahweh. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.
Ezekiel 3:24
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Quote: he spoke with me (0)If your language has to identify the one speaking, it would be best to identify the speaker as the “one who looked like a man” (Ezekiel 1:26). It was not “the Spirit.”
Ezekiel 3:25
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Quote: they will place ropes upon you and tie you so you cannot go out among them (0)This is best translated literally.
Ezekiel 3:26
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Quote: the roof of your mouth (0)Alternate translation: “the top of your mouth”
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Quote: you will be mute (0)Alternate translation: “you will not be able to speak”
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Quote: house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “people group”
Ezekiel 3:27
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Quote: I will open your mouth (0)Alternate translation: “I will make you able to speak”
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Quote: the one who will not listen will not listen (0)Alternate translation: “the one who refuses to listen will not listen”
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Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
Ezekiel 4
Ezekiel 4 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Destruction of Jerusalem
The destruction of Jerusalem is pictured in this chapter. Ezekiel showed the lack of food and water that would occur during the siege of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 4:1
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Quote: son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”
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Quote: carve the city of Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may need to make explicit that Ezekiel is to carve a picture. Alternate translation: “carve a picture of the city of Jerusalem”
Ezekiel 4:2
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Quote: lay siege against it (0)Alternate translation: “surround the city in order to capture it”
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Quote: build forts against it (0)“build strong walls against it.” The walls would keep people from leaving the city.
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Quote: Raise up an assault ramp against it (0)“Build a ramp outside of it for the enemies to get inside.” Jerusalem had a wall around it to protect the people inside. The enemies could only get inside if they had a ramp to climb up over the wall.
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Quote: Place battering rams all around it (0)“Set around it huge poles people would use to break down the gates and get inside.” “Battering rams” are large trees or poles that many men in an army would pick up and hit against a wall or door so they could break it down and get inside.
Ezekiel 4:3
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Quote: set your face against it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a command to stare at the model of the city as a symbol of punishing the city. Alternate translation: “stare at the city” or “stare at the city so that it will be harmed”
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Quote: set your face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set your face” refers to literally staring at something.
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Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 4:4
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Quote: put the sin of the house of Israel on it (0)This could mean: (1) “symbolically bear the punishment for the sins of the Israelites” or (2) “suffer by lying on your side because of their sin.”
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Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
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Quote: you will carry their sin (0)This could mean: (1) “you will be guilty of their sin” or (2) “you will be punished for their sin.” Either of these meanings will be demonstrated “symbolically” by Ezekiel as noted in the UST.
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Quote: lie down against the house of Israel (0)Alternate translation: “lie facing the kingdom of Israel in a hostile manner”
Ezekiel 4:5
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Quote: I myself am assigning to you one day to represent each year of their punishment (0)Alternate translation: “I myself command you to lie on your side for the same number of days as the number of years that I will punish them”
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Quote: each year of their punishment (0)This could mean: (1) each year that they will be punished for their sins or (2) each year that they have sinned.
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Quote: 390 days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“three hundred and ninety days”
Ezekiel 4:6
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Quote: these days (0)the days Ezekiel lies down on his left side to illustrate the siege of the kingdom of Israel
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Quote: you will carry the sin (0)This could mean: (1) “you will be guilty of the sin” or (2) “you will be punished for the sin.” Either of these meanings will be demonstrated symbolically by Ezekiel as noted in the UST. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 4:4.
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Quote: the house of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the descendants of Judah over many years. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Judah people group” or “the people of Judah”
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Quote: I am assigning to you one day for each year (0)Alternate translation: “I will make you do this one day for each year that I will punish them”
Ezekiel 4:7
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Quote: Set your face toward Jerusalem that is under siege (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a command to stare at the model of Jerusalem as a symbol of punishing Jerusalem. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:3. Alternate translation: “Stare at Jerusalem that is under siege” or “Stare at Jerusalem that is under siege, so that it will be harmed”
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Quote: Set your face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze. “Set your face” refers to literally staring at something.
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Quote: prophesy against it (0)Alternate translation: “prophesy about the bad things that will happen to Jerusalem”
Ezekiel 4:8
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Quote: For behold (0)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
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Quote: I am placing bonds on you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bonds are ropes or chains that keep a person from moving. It is not clear whether the word “bonds” is a metaphor for something Yahweh does that is as if he had bound Ezekiel or if he is using literal, physical ropes.
Ezekiel 4:9
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Quote: wheat, barley … millet, and spelt (0)These are different kinds of grains.
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Quote: beans (0)vines whose seeds, which grow in a single row inside its otherwise empty fruit, can be eaten
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Quote: lentils (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
These are like beans, but their seeds are very small, round, and somewhat flat.
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Quote: 390 days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“three hundred and ninety days”
Ezekiel 4:10
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Quote: twenty shekels per day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“20 shekels per day.” A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: 200 grams of bread each day” (See also: Biblical Weight)
Ezekiel 4:11
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Quote: a sixth of a hin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
“1/6 hin” or “a sixth part of a hin” or “about one-half liter” (See also: Fractions)
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Quote: a hin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
A hin is 3.7 liters.
Ezekiel 4:12
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Quote: You will eat it (0)The word “it” refers to the bread (Ezekiel 4:9).
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Quote: barley cakes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
flat bread made of barley (Ezekiel 4:9)
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Quote: you will bake it on excrement of human dung (0)“you will cook it over a fire made with pieces of human solid waste.” Your language may have a way of expressing this politely.
Ezekiel 4:13
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Quote: will banish (0)will send away by force
Ezekiel 4:14
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Quote: Alas, Lord Yahweh (0)“Lord Yahweh, it would be wrong for me to do that.” Ezekiel is very troubled by what the Lord has told him to do.
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Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4. Here Ezekiel is speaking to the Lord.
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Quote: foul meat has never entered my mouth (0)Alternate translation: “I have never eaten foul meat”
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Quote: foul meat (0)“disgusting, unclean meat.” This refers to meat that is unclean because it has come from an animal that has died of sickness or old age or was killed by another animal. The word “foul” shows his disgust over meat like this.
Ezekiel 4:15
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Quote: Look (0)Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to the important thing I will tell you now”
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Quote: I have given you (0)Alternate translation: “I will allow you to use”
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Quote: cow manure (0)solid waste from cows. Your language may have a polite way of expressing this.
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Quote: human dung (0)solid waste from humans. Your language may have a polite way of expressing this. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 4:12.
Ezekiel 4:16
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Quote: Behold (0)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
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Quote: I am breaking the staff of bread in Jerusalem (0)Alternate translation: “I will stop the supply of food to Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the staff of bread (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The supply is called a staff because some people need a staff to walk and do their work, and people need bread to live. Bread represents all kinds of food. Alternate translation: “the supply of food” (See also: Synecdoche)
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Quote: they will eat bread while rationing it in anxiety (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may need to make explicit why they will ration the bread. “they will carefully divide their bread because they fear that there will not be enough”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rationing (0)giving small amounts of something of which there is not enough to many people
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Quote: rationing it in trembling (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “shaking” is a metaphor for being afraid and “trembling” represents fear. Alternate translation: “rationing it while shaking” or “rationing it in fear”
Ezekiel 4:17
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Quote: every man will be dismayed at his brother and waste away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) “everyone will look at his brother and worry about how much food his brother eats and waste away” or (2) “every one of them will be dismayed and waste away”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: waste away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “waste away” is usually used of flesh or wood rotting. Here it is a metaphor for wicked people becoming thin and dying because they have no food.
Ezekiel 5
Ezekiel 5 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
The destruction of Jerusalem
The destruction of Jerusalem is continued to be pictured in this chapter. Ezekiel showed the destruction of Jerusalem by fire and war.
Ezekiel 5:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: barber’s razor (0)Alternate translation: “blade for cutting hair”
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Quote: pass the razor over your head and your beard (0)Alternate translation: “shave your head and your face” or “remove the hair from your head and the beard from your face”
Ezekiel 5:2
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Quote: Burn a third of it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction
“Burn a third of your hair”
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Quote: midst (0)middle
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Quote: when the days of the siege are completed (0)Alternate translation: “when the days of Jerusalem’s siege have ended” or “when the days have ended that you show how Jerusalem will put under siege”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take a third of the hair (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction
“take one of the three piles of hair”
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Quote: strike it with the sword all around the city (0)Alternate translation: “hit it with your sword all over the city”
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Quote: scatter a third of it to the wind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction
“let the wind blow the last third of your hair in different directions”
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Quote: I will draw out a sword to chase after the people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” is a metonym for enemy soldiers who will attack with their swords, and to “draw out a sword” is to send the soldiers into battle. Alternate translation: “I will cause their enemies to pursue them and attack them with swords”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will draw out a sword (0)Alternate translation: “I will pull a sword out of its container”
Ezekiel 5:3
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Quote: a small number of hairs from them (0)Alternate translation: “a few hairs from the piles”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tie them (0)The word “them” refers to the hairs. This could mean: (1) the hairs were long enough so Ezekiel could tie them or (2) Ezekiel was to sew the hairs or otherwise attach them (3) Ezekiel was to place the hairs loosely in a fold of the garment.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the folds of your robe (0)This could mean: (1) “the cloth on your arms” (“your sleeves”) or (2) “the end of the cloth on your robe” (“your hem”) or (3) the fold in the garment where it is tucked into the belt.
Ezekiel 5:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then take (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events
This continues the instructions Yahweh gives to Ezekiel beginning with the words “But take” in verse 3. Ezekiel was to “take a small number of hairs” and “take more of the hair and throw it” when he shaved his hair and beard (Ezekiel 5:1) and before he burned the hair (Ezekiel 5:2). You may need to place these verses before those verses. “But when you shave off your hair and beard, and before you burn them, take … After you have scattered the hair to the wind, then take” (See also: Verse Bridges)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from there a fire will go out to all the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“from there a fire will spread out and burn up all the people of Israel.” Yahweh speaks of how he will punish Israel as if he were going to set fire to a house and of the people of Israel as if they were the family that lives in that house but were at that time outside the house.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 5:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This is Jerusalem (0)“This carving represents Jerusalem” (Ezekiel 4:1)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the midst of the nations (0)This could mean: (1) other nations were on all sides of Jerusalem or (2) “more important than all other nations.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have placed her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Jerusalem is referred to as “her” and “she.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: other lands (0)Alternate translation: “the neighboring countries” or “the countries around her”
Ezekiel 5:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The people have rejected my judgments (0)Alternate translation: “The people of Israel and Jerusalem have refused to obey my judgments.”
Ezekiel 5:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Because you are more troublesome than (0)Alternate translation: “because your sinfulness is worse than” or “because you are more unruly than”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that surround you (0)Alternate translation: “that are all around you.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have not walked in my statutes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Walking is a metaphor for the way a person lives. Alternate translation: “have not lived according to my statutes” or “have not obeyed my statutes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: or acted according to my decrees (0)Alternate translation: “or obeyed my decrees”
Ezekiel 5:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will execute judgments within your midst (0)“I will judge you in various ways” or “I will punish you” .
Ezekiel 5:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what I have not done and the like of which I will not do again (0)“as I have not done before and will not do in a similar way again” or “like I have never done before and will never do again” .
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of all your disgusting actions (0)“because of all the disgusting things you do.” God was angry because the people were worshiping idols and false gods.
Ezekiel 5:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fathers will eat the children in your midst, and sons will eat their fathers (0)Ezekiel is probably telling what will really happen when the people have no food.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will execute judgment on you (0)Alternate translation: “I will judge you” or “I will punish you severely”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scatter to every direction all of you who are left (0)Alternate translation: “I will force all of you who are left to go to different places.”
Ezekiel 5:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: defiled … sanctuary (0)ruined the place that Yahweh had set aside to be only for his use
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with all your hateful things (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“with all of those things of yours that I hate.” You may need to make explicit that this refers to idols: “with all your idols, which I hate” or “with all your disgusting idols.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with all your disgusting deeds (0)Alternate translation: “with all the disgusting things that you do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eye will not have pity on you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “I will not pity you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not spare you (0)Alternate translation: “I will surely punish you”
Ezekiel 5:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will be consumed by famine in your midst (0)Alternate translation: “many of them will die because of famine”
Ezekiel 5:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my wrath will be completed (0)Alternate translation: “I will no longer be angry because I will have done everything I wanted to do because I was angry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will cause my fury toward them to rest (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “fury” means violent anger, and here it is a metonym for punishment. “I will stop punishing them because I will have punished them fully.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be satisfied (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may need to make explicit why Yahweh will be satisfied. Alternate translation: “I will be satisfied that I have punished them enough”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I have completed my fury against them (0)Alternate translation: “when I have finished punishing them”
Ezekiel 5:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in wrath and fury (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “wrath” and “fury” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh is very angry. Alternate translation: “because I will be very angry with you”
Ezekiel 5:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will send out harsh arrows of famine against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “arrows” is a metonym for the sharp pains that people feel when they have had no food for a long time. Alternate translation: “will make you feel the pain of intense hunger”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: increase the famine on you (0)Alternate translation: “make the famine more severe for you” or “make the famine last longer for you” or “make sure that there is less and less for you to eat”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: break your staff of bread (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A “staff” was something that people leaned upon to support them. This phrase is a metaphor that means removing the supply of food that the people were depending upon. See how “staff of bread” is translated in Ezekiel 4:16. Alternate translation: “cut off your food supply”
Ezekiel 5:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Plague and blood will pass through you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Sickness and violent death are spoken of as if they were soldiers going through the city killing everyone they could. Alternate translation: “Many people will die of disease, and many others will die in war”
Ezekiel 6
Ezekiel 6 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Shrines on the hill tops
God will destroy all those who have been worshiping idols at the hill top shrines.
Ezekiel 6:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheGeneral Information:
Yahweh is telling Ezekiel to speak to the mountains as if they were people so that the people of Israel would hear the words and know that Ezekiel’s words were for them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 6:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face against the mountains of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a command to stare at the mountains as a symbol of punishing the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:3. Alternate translation: “stare at the mountains of Israel” or “stare at the mountains of Israel so that the people there will be harmed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face against the mountains of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The mountains of Israel were far away, so Ezekiel could not see them, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming it. Alternate translation: “turn toward the mountains of Israel and stare” or “stare toward the mountains of Israel so that the people there will be harmed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mountains of Israel (0)Alternate translation: “the mountains in the land of Israel”
Ezekiel 6:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am bringing a sword against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation: “I am bringing soldiers to come and kill you”
Ezekiel 6:4
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then your altars will become desolate and your pillars will be destroyed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “People will no longer worship at your altars and your enemy will destroy your pillars”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will throw down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh was speaking of sending soldiers (Ezekiel 6:3) to do these things. Alternate translation: “I will send soldiers to throw down”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your dead (0)Alternate translation: “your people who have died”
Ezekiel 6:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will lay … and scatter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh was speaking of sending soldiers (Ezekiel 6:3) to do these things. Alternate translation: “I will send soldiers to lay … and scatter”
Ezekiel 6:6
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cities will be laid waste (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Enemy armies will lay waste your cities”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will be broken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “enemy armies will break your altars” or “enemy armies will break them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your pillars will be cut down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. See how you translated “pillars” in Ezekiel 6:4. Alternate translation: “they will cut down your pillars”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your works will be wiped away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will remember what you have done” or “they will destroy everything you have made”
Ezekiel 6:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The dead will fall down in your midst (0)Alternate translation: “You will see the enemy kill many people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 6:8
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: some who escape the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation: “some whom the soldiers do not kill”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when you are scattered throughout the countries (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “when I scatter you in different countries” or “when I force you to live in other countries”
Ezekiel 6:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was grieved by their promiscuous heart that turned away from me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh speaks of the Israelites as if they were a woman who sleeps with many people. Alternate translation: “I was sad because they were like a wife who has left me to sleep with other men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by their eyes that whored after their idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh speaks of the Israelites as if they were a married woman who looks at other men and desires to sleep with them. Alternate translation: “by the way they desired strongly to worship idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will show loathing on their face for the wickedness which they have committed (0)This could mean: (1) “their faces will show that they hate themselves because of the wicked things they have done” or (2) “their faces will show that they hate the wicked things that they have done.”
Ezekiel 6:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to remind Ezekiel and the people that what he is saying is important. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Clap your hands and stomp your foot (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
Ezekiel was to do this symbolic action to get the people’s attention. This was not applause.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Alas (0)This word is spoken by those who see people doing bad things and realize that bad things will happen to the evildoers as a result. If your language has a similar word, you might want to use it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will fall by sword, famine, and plague. (0)To “fall” is a euphemism for to “die.” The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation:
Ezekiel 6:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will accomplish my fury against them (0)Alternate translation: “I will satisfy my anger against them” or “I will punish them until I am no longer angry”
Ezekiel 6:13
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hill—on all the mountain peaks, and under every flourishing tree and thick oak (0)Another possible meaning is “hill, on all the mountain peaks, under every flourishing tree, and under every thick oak.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: flourishing (0)healthy and growing
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: oak (0)a large tree with strong wood that provided shade for worshipers
Ezekiel 6:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Diblah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Ezekiel 7
Ezekiel 7 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Now is the time for punishment
The people will be punished severely for their idol worship and the temple will be destroyed. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Ezekiel 7:1
General Information:
This starts God’s prophecy of judgment on Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 7:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to remind Ezekiel and the people that what he is saying is important. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the land of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “land” is a metonym for the people who live on the land. Alternate translation: “to the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: An end! (0)Alternate translation: “The end has come!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the four borders of the land (0)“the entire land” The “four borders” are to the north, east, south, and west.
Ezekiel 7:3
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the end is upon you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The “end” is spoken of as if it were a robber attacking the people. Alternate translation: “your life is finished”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am sending out my wrath on you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Wrath” is spoken of as if it were an arrow that Yahweh was shooting at the people. Alternate translation: “I am angry, and I will punish you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: according to your ways (0)Alternate translation: “according to the things you do” or “because of the wicked things you do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring all your abominations upon you (0)Alternate translation: “I will punish you for doing those things that I hate so much”
Ezekiel 7:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For my eyes will not pity you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “For I will not pity you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring your ways upon you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The way a person lives is spoken of as a path on which one walks. Alternate translation: “I will punish you for the things you have done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your abominations will be in your midst (0)This could mean: (1) “I will punish all of you because of your abominations” or (2) “this will happen as long as you continue to worship idols.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 7:5
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to remind Ezekiel and the people that what he is saying is important. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:11. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Disaster! A unique disaster! Behold, it is coming. (0)These exclamations are meant to make the passage very strong. Alternate translation: “Behold, a terrible disaster is coming, one that no one has ever experienced before”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold, it (0)Alternate translation: “You can be absolutely sure that it”
Ezekiel 7:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The end has woken up against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The judgment that is coming is treated as if it were an enemy waking up from sleep.
Ezekiel 7:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mountains will no longer be joyful (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “mountains” is a metonym for the people who live on the mountains. Alternate translation: “the people on the mountains will not have any more joy”
Ezekiel 7:8
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now before long (0)Alternate translation: “Very soon now”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will pour out my fury against you and fill up my wrath upon you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh uses the terms “pour out” and “fill up” to speak of his anger as if it were water that he poured out into a jar. These phrases emphasize that Yahweh will punish the people severely. Alternate translation: “I will punish you severely because I am very angry” (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fury (0)Alternate translation: “wrath” or “great anger”
Ezekiel 7:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For my eye will not look compassionately (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “I will not look on them with compassion” or “I will not be compassionate to them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not spare you (0)Alternate translation: “I will not leave you without punishment” or “I will punish you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your abominations will be in your midst so you will know that I am Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 7:4.
Ezekiel 7:10
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold, the day! Behold, it is coming! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“Behold! The day is coming!” You may need to make explicit which day is coming. Alternate translation: “Behold! The day when I will punish you is coming!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Doom has gone out (0)Alternate translation: “Disaster has begun to come to Israel” or “Terrible things have begun to happen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The rod has blossomed, arrogance has budded (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) “The people of Israel have grown very proud” or (2) “The people of Israel have become very violent and very proud.”
Ezekiel 7:12
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The time is coming; the day has come close (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both “The time” and “the day” refer to the time when God will punish the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Israel’s punishment will happen very soon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my anger is on the entire multitude (0)Alternate translation: “I am angry with the whole multitude”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: multitude (0)a very large number of people. Here it refers to the people of Israel.
Ezekiel 7:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as long as they both live (0)as long as “the buyer” and “the seller” (7:12) both live
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the vision concerning the entire multitude will not be reversed (0)Alternate translation: “God will surely do to the multitude what he has shown me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: none of them will be strengthened (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not strengthen any of them”
Ezekiel 7:14
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They have blown the trumpet (0)Alternate translation: “They have blown the trumpet to call people to fight against the enemy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my anger is on the entire multitude (0)“I am angry with the whole multitude.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 7:12.
Ezekiel 7:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The sword is on the outside (0)The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation:
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the building (0)the city
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: while famine and plague will consume those in the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “consume” is a metaphor for “totally destroy.” Alternate translation: “and most of the people in the city will die from hunger and sickness”
Ezekiel 7:17
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Every hand will falter and every knee will be weak as water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The hands and knees are synecdoches for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “Everyone will be so terrified that they will be unable to work and their knees will become weak so that they cannot stand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: falter (0)fail to do what it is supposed to do
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every knee will be weak as water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Another possible translation is, “every knee will flow with water,” a euphemism for all the people losing control of their bladders because they are so frightened.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: knee … weak as water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Water cannot stand up, and the people’s knees will be so weak that the people are unable to stand on their legs.
Ezekiel 7:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: terror will cover them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Terror is spoken of as if it were clothing. Alternate translation: “everyone will see how terrified they are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: baldness on all of their heads (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Shaving the head was a sign of sadness. Alternate translation: “all of them will shave their heads”
Ezekiel 7:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the day of Yahweh’s rage (0)Alternate translation: “in the day when Yahweh acts on his anger” or “when Yahweh punishes them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the day (0)This can be a time period of more or less than one 24-hour day.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their hunger will not be satisfied (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they will not be able to satisfy their hunger” or “they will still be hungry even after they eat all they have”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their iniquity has become a stumbling block (0)This could mean: (1) “because having a lot of gold and silver has led them to sin” or (2) “because they are evil, they are committing sins that show how evil they are.”
Ezekiel 7:20
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with them (0)with the jeweled ornaments
Ezekiel 7:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give those things into the hand of strangers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” is used to refer to control. “I will give those idols into the control of people they do not know” or “I will give those idols to people they do not know”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plunder (0)things that are stolen or taken by force
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will defile them (0)The strangers and wicked people will defile the idols that the people of Israel had made.
Ezekiel 7:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will turn my face away (0)Alternate translation: “I will not pay attention” or “I will look away” or “I will not notice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my cherished place (0)“the place I love.” This refers to God’s temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bandits (0)violent people who steal and destroy
Ezekiel 7:23
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words to Ezekiel about Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Make a chain (0)Chains are used to hold slaves or prisoners. God says this to show the people that they will become slaves or prisoners.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land is filled with the judgment of blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) “everywhere in the country God is judging people because they violently killed others” or (2) “the courts everywhere in the country are murdering people.” The word “blood” here represents murder and death.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city is full of violence (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The city is spoken of as if it were a container, and violence is spoken of as an object that can be put in a container. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word violence, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “violence is everywhere in the city” or “many people in the city are doing violent things to others” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Ezekiel 7:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will possess their houses (0)the wicked will take the Israelites’ houses
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring an end to the pride of the mighty (0)Alternate translation: “I will cause the powerful people in Israel to stop being proud of themselves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their holy places will be defiled! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “enemies will defile the places where they worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their holy places (0)the places in which they worshiped idols
Ezekiel 7:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Fear will come (0)Alternate translation: “The people will be afraid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will seek peace (0)Alternate translation: “They will try to make peace with their enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but there will be none (0)Alternate translation: “but they will be unable to make peace with their enemies”
Ezekiel 7:26
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Disaster upon disaster will come (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Disaster is spoken of as if it could move by itself. Alternate translation: “One disaster after another will happen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will seek a vision from the prophet (0)Alternate translation: “they will ask the prophets what visions they have seen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the law will perish from the priest and advice from the elders (0)“The priests will not teach the law, and the elders will not be able to give good advice.” This is because God will not give them wisdom.
Ezekiel 7:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the prince (0)This could mean: (1) “the king’s son” or (2) every male member of the royal family except the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will dress in despair (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) clothing is a metonym for what a person feels, “will have no hope,” or (2) “will dress in clothes that show he is mourning.” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hands of the people of the land will tremble in fear (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “hands” is a synecdoche for the people. Alternate translation: “the people of the land will be so afraid that their hands will tremble”
Ezekiel 8
Ezekiel 8 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Judah’s sin
The people have contaminated the temple with their worship of other gods and through their sin. (See: temple, house, house of God and god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Ezekiel 8:1
General Information:
Ezekiel tells about another vision he saw.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So it came about (0)This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the sixth year (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
You may need to make explicit the time period of which this is the sixth year. Alternate translation: “in the sixth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifth day is near the beginning of September on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “the fifth day of the sixth month” (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of the Lord Yahweh again fell upon me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This should be translated literally, as Ezekiel later sees something like a hand. Others may choose to consider the hand a metaphor for Yahweh’s presence or power.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lord Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fell upon (0)Alternate translation: “took hold of”
Ezekiel 8:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a likeness with the appearance of a man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like a man. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas behind the words likeness and appearance, you can express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “there was someone who appeared to be a man”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: glowing metal (0)When metal is very hot, it glows with a yellow or orange light.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the appearance of his hips … the appearance of something shining (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what appeared to be his hips … what appeared to be something shining”
Ezekiel 8:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he reached out (0)The word “he” probably refers to the “figure like a man” (Ezekiel 8:2).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: between earth and heaven (0)Alternate translation: “between the ground and the sky”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in visions from God, he brought me to Jerusalem (0)The words “in visions” mean that this experience is happening in Ezekiel’s thoughts. His body would still be in his home while God shows him these things.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the inner northern gate (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“the inner northern gate of the temple.” The temple was surrounded by two walls, one inside the other. This gate was on the north side of the inner wall.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the idol that provokes great jealousy (0)Alternate translation: “the idol that causes God to be very jealous”
Ezekiel 8:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: according to the vision I had seen on the plain (0)This could mean: (1) “who looked the same as what I had seen in the vision that I saw when I was on the plain” or (2) “who looked the same as what I saw when I was on the plain.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the plain (0)a large area of flat land that has few trees.
Ezekiel 8:5
General Information:
The “figure like a man” (Ezekiel 8:2) speaks to Ezekiel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“Son of a human being” or “Son of humanity.” God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lift up your eyes … lifted up my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that he should look towards something. Alternate translation: “look up … looked up” or “turn your head and look … turned my head and looked”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gate leading to the altar (0)Alternate translation: “gate through which people would walk so they could go to the altar”
Ezekiel 8:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do you see what they are doing? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God uses this question to bring Ezekiel’s attention to what the people were doing. Alternate translation: “I want you to understand why I hate what the people here are doing.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 8:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the courtyard (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may need to make explicit which courtyard. “the temple courtyard”
Ezekiel 8:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold (0)This word shows that Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw. Your language may have a different word to show this.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every form of creeping thing and detestable beast (0)“carvings in the wall of all kinds of creeping animals and detestable beasts.” The phrase “creeping thing” refer to insects and other small animals.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wall all around (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may need to make explicit which wall. Alternate translation: “the wall all around the temple”
Ezekiel 8:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jaazaniah … Shaphan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
men’s names
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: censer (0)a pan that people burn incense in when they worship God or false gods
Ezekiel 8:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God is commanding Ezekiel to look at what the elders are doing. Alternate translation: “look at what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hidden chamber of his idol (0)Alternate translation: “the room where no one can see him worship his idol”
Ezekiel 8:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the entrance of the gate of Yahweh’s house that was on the north side (0)This was the outer north gate—not the same one as in Ezekiel 8:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold! (0)This word shows that Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mourning for Tammuz (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
grieving because the false god Tammuz had died
Ezekiel 8:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you see this … man? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is commanding Ezekiel to think about what he has just seen. Alternate translation: “Think about this … man.”
Ezekiel 8:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold! (0)This word shows that Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (0)covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their faces toward the east (0)Alternate translation: “they were looking toward the east”
Ezekiel 8:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you see this … man? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is commanding Ezekiel to think about what he has just seen. Alternate translation: “Think about this … man.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is it a little thing for the house of Judah to do these abominations that they are doing here? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God uses this question to show that he is right to be angry at the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “I am right to be angry at the house of Judah because of these abominations that they are doing here.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the descendants of Judah over many years. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Judah people group” or “the people of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have filled the land with violence (0)Alternate translation: “throughout the country they are doing violent things or “all over the country they are attacking one another”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to provoke me to anger (0)Alternate translation: “to make me angry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: putting the branch to their noses (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) the people were using the branches in false worship or (2) the people were using the branches to show rebellion against Yahweh. The words “branch to … noses” may be a literal tree branch and literal noses, or they could be the term for a hand gesture.
Ezekiel 8:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eye will not have compassion (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “I will not look on them with compassion” or “I will not be compassionate to them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not spare them (0)Alternate translation: “I will still punish them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Though they cry in my ears with a loud voice (0)Alternate translation: “Though they yell their prayers to me with a loud voice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not hear them (0)Alternate translation: “I will not listen to them”
Ezekiel 9
Ezekiel 9 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Sorrow over sin
God was looking for people who were sad that there was so much evil being done. Yahweh would keep these faithful people from being killed with the rest of the people. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and evil, wicked, unpleasant and faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)
Ezekiel 9:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he cried in my hearing (0)Alternate translation: “I heard him call out”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he cried (0)the “figure like a man” (Ezekiel 8:2) cried
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: weapon of destruction (0)weapon for destroying people or things
Ezekiel 9:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: weapon of slaughter (0)weapon for killing many people
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold (0)Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the upper gate that faces north (0)Alternate translation: “the upper northern gate” or “the north gate of the inner court”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: linen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a strong, smooth cloth made from a plant. It is worn by many people in places that are hot. Alternate translation: “smooth cloth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scribe’s equipment (0)tools that scribes write with
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bronze (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A dark gold-colored metal. It is made from mostly copper with tin added for strength.
Ezekiel 9:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the cherubim where it had been (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) “from above the four winged creatures” (Ezekiel 1:5) or (2) from between the two cherubim in the most holy place in the temple. Try to translate this literally.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: threshold of the house (0)The “house” refers to God’s temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: linen (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scribe’s equipment (0)tools that scribes write with. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2.
Ezekiel 9:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: groan and sigh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These are sounds people make when they feel very sad or grieved about something.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the abominations being performed in the midst of the city (0)“the horrible things being done in the city” or “the detestable things that people are doing in the city
Ezekiel 9:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he spoke to the others within my hearing (0)The word “others” refers to the guards (Ezekiel 9:1).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not let your eyes have compassion (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “Do not have compassion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not spare (0)Alternate translation: “do not refrain from killing”
Ezekiel 9:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mark on his head (0)These were the people who groaned about the abominations happening in Jerusalem. See how you translated “mark” in Ezekiel 9:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Begin at my sanctuary (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may need to make explicit what the people are to begin to do at the sanctuary. Alternate translation: “Begin to kill the ones who do not have the mark at my sanctuary”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the elders (0)This could mean: (1) the “seventy elders of the house of Israel” (Ezekiel 8:11) or (2) any “old man” (See: the beginning of the verse).
Ezekiel 9:7
General Information:
God continuing to speak to the guards judging the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house (0)the temple
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: attacked the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “city” is a metonym for the people in the city. Alternate translation: “attacked the people in the city”
Ezekiel 9:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I fell on my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“I bowed down to the ground” or “I lay on the ground.” Ezekiel did not fall by accident. He went down to the ground to show that he respected and feared Yahweh. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ah, Lord Yahweh (0)Ezekiel says this because he is very troubled by what the Lord told the men to do to Jerusalem. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 4:14.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will you destroy all the remnant of Israel in the outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Ezekiel is pleading with Yahweh not to destroy the remnant. Alternate translation: “please do not destroy all the remnant of Israel in the outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem!” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Wrath is spoken of as if it were a liquid that Yahweh could pour out of a container. The word “Jerusalem” is a metonym for the people in the city. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word outpouring, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “when you pour out your wrath on Jerusalem” or “when you punish the people of Jerusalem because you are very angry with them”
Ezekiel 9:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: exceedingly great (0)Alternate translation: “very great”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The land is full of blood and the city full of perversions (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “land” is spoken of as if it were a container filled with blood. Here “blood” is metonym for murder. And “city” is spoken of as if it were a container and “perversions” were the contents inside of it. Alternate translation: “All over the land people are killing innocent people, and all over the city people are doing wicked things” (See also: Metonymy)
Ezekiel 9:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eye will not look with compassion (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eye is a synecdoche for the person whose eye it is. Alternate translation: “I will not look on them with compassion” or “I will not be compassionate to them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bring it all on their heads (0)To bring someone’s conduct on him represents punishing him for his bad conduct. Alternate translation: “punishing them as they deserve”
Ezekiel 9:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: linen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a strong, smooth cloth made from a plant. It is worn by many people in places that are hot. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2. Alternate translation: “smooth cloth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He reported and said (0)Alternate translation: “He reported to Yahweh and told him”
Ezekiel 10
Ezekiel 10 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
God left the temple
God now abandoned Judah, and left the temple. This was devastating to the religious life of Judah. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Ezekiel 10:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: toward the dome (0)Alternate translation: “toward the curved roof”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cherubim (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a sapphire (0)a valuable blue or green gemstone
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with the appearance of the likeness of a throne (0)“that looked like something that looked like a throne.” Ezekiel is not willing to say for sure that it looked like a throne.
Ezekiel 10:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: linen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a strong, smooth cloth made from a plant. It is worn by many people in places that are hot. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2. Alternate translation: “smooth cloth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Go between the wheels (0)Translate the word “wheels” as in Ezekiel 1:15.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fiery coals (0)Coals are the burned pieces of wood left over after a fire. They are black, but they glow red and orange when they are very hot. They are also called charcoal.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scatter them over the city (0)Alternate translation: “sprinkle them over the city” or “spread them over the city”
Ezekiel 10:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Ezekiel interrupts his description of what was happening and describes what he saw.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The cherubim stood … inner courtyard (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information for the events that follow.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cherubim (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the right side (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As one faces east, “the right side” is toward the south. Alternate translation: “on the south side”
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Quote: the house (0)the temple
Ezekiel 10:4
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Quote: The glory of Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.
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Quote: It filled (0)the glory of Yahweh filled
Ezekiel 10:6
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Quote: It came about (0)This phrase is used here to mark when the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
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Quote: when God commanded the man dressed in linen and said (0)This is a repeat of the information that was given in Ezekiel 10:2. After talking about the cherubim and God’s glory in 10:3–5, Ezekiel returns to telling about the man who was wearing linen.
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Quote: the man dressed in linen (0)Translate “linen” as in Ezekiel 9:1.
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Quote: beside a wheel (0)Translate “wheel” as in Ezekiel 1:15.
Ezekiel 10:8
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Quote: I saw on the cherubim something like a man’s hand under their wings (0)Alternate translation: “I saw that the cherubim had something like a man’s hand under their wings”
Ezekiel 10:9
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Quote: behold (0)Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw
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Quote: wheels (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:15.
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Quote: the appearance of the wheels was like a beryl stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the wheels appeared to be like a beryl stone” or “what appeared to be wheels were like a beryl stone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: beryl stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
“Beryl” here is a very hard, valuable stone. This beryl was probably green or blue.
Ezekiel 10:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their appearance was the same likeness for all four of them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “All four of them appeared to be similar”
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Quote: a wheel intersecting another wheel (0)The word “intersecting” means “crossing” or “passing through.”
Ezekiel 10:11
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Quote: they went in any of their four directions (0)This could mean: (1) “their” refers to the creatures. Alternate translation: “they would go straight in any one of the four directions that the creatures looked towards” or (2) “their” refers to the wheels.
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Quote: whatever direction the head faced, they followed (0)Here, the phrase the head could mean: (1) this refers to the winged creatures. Alternate translation: “they went in whatever direction the winged creatures were looking” or (2) this refers to the front wheel. Alternate translation: “they followed in whatever direction the front wheel went”
Ezekiel 10:12
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Quote: wheels (0)Translate the word “wheels” as in Ezekiel 1:15.
Ezekiel 10:13
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Quote: the wheels were called, “Whirling.” (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The word “Whirling” means “Spinning.” Here it is the name of the wheels. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone called the wheels, ‘Whirling.’” or “the name of the wheels was ‘Whirling.’”
Ezekiel 10:14
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Quote: They had four faces each (0)“Each cherub had four faces” or “Each of the cherubim had four faces.” Each creature had a face on the front, a face on the back, and a face on each side of its head. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:6.
Ezekiel 10:15
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Quote: living creatures (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:13.
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Quote: rose up (0)Alternate translation: “went up into the air”
Ezekiel 10:16
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Quote: They still stayed beside them (0)Alternate translation: “The wheels stayed with the cherubim.” Alternate translation: “The wheels moved with the cherubim”
Ezekiel 10:17
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Quote: stood still (0)Alternate translation: “stayed still” or “did not move”
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Quote: the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) Ezekiel is speaking of the “creatures” of verse 15 as if they were one creature. Alternate translation: “the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels” or (2) Ezekiel is using an idiom. Alternate translation: “the spirit of life was in the wheels” or “the living spirit was in the wheels” or (3) the spirit in the creatures and in the wheels is the same. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:20. Alternate translation: “the same spirit that gave life to the creatures also gave life to the wheels”
Ezekiel 10:18
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Quote: the glory of Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.
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Quote: the house (0)the temple
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Quote: stood over (0)Alternate translation: “stayed over” or “waited over”
Ezekiel 10:19
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Quote: came upon them from above (0)Alternate translation: “went above the cherubim”
Ezekiel 10:20
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Quote: the living creatures (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:13.
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Quote: the Kebar Canal (0)This is a river that people in Chaldea had dug to give water to their gardens. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:1.
Ezekiel 10:21
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Quote: the likeness of human hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, likeness means that what Ezekiel saw looked like human hands. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “something that looked like human hands”
Ezekiel 10:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the likeness of their faces was like the faces that I had seen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word likeness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “their faces looked like the faces that I had seen”
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Quote: went straight ahead (0)Alternate translation: “faced forward” or “looked directly ahead”
Ezekiel 11
Ezekiel 11 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Safety
The people were trusting Jerusalem to keep them safe. But God was going to pull them out of Jerusalem. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
The people in Jerusalem used the metaphor “this city is the pot and we are the meat in the pot” meaning they were safe in Jerusalem. (See: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 11:1
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Quote: to the eastern gate of Yahweh’s house, facing east (0)This gate was part of the wall that surrounded the temple area. Alternate translation: “the gate on the eastern side of the wall surrounding Yahweh’s house” or “the gate on the eastern wall of the temple courtyard”
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Quote: Yahweh’s house (0)See how you translated this phrase in Ezekiel 8:16.
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Quote: behold (0)The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
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Quote: twenty-five men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“25 men”
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Quote: Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
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Quote: among them (0)Alternate translation: “among the twenty-five men”
Ezekiel 11:2
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Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
Ezekiel 11:3
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Quote: The time to build houses is not now (0)This shows the people feel so secure they are not worried about building houses now. Other versions of the Bible read, “Now is the time to build our houses.” This would mean that the people want to build houses because they feel secure.
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Quote: this city is the pot, and we are the meat (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people speak of themselves as if they were good cuts of meat and of the city as if it were a pot in which the meat was stored or cooked. The metaphor suggests that they are important and safe within the city. Alternate translation: “This city is like a pot that will protect us as a pot protects meat”
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Quote: the pot (0)This could mean: (1) a pot for storing meat or (2) a pot for cooking meat.
Ezekiel 11:5
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Quote: the Spirit of Yahweh fell on me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Ezekiel speaks of the Spirit of Yahweh inspiring and empowering him to prophesy as if the Spirit of Yahweh fell upon him. Alternate translation: “the Spirit of Yahweh empowered me”
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Quote: That is what you are saying (0)“You are saying these things.” This refers to what the people were saying in Ezekiel 11:3.
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Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “Israelites” or “Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 11:7
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Quote: The people you have killed … are the meat, and this city is the pot (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the people whom they have killed as if they were good cuts of meat and of the city as if it were a pot in which the meat was stored or cooked. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 11:3. Alternate translation: “The people you have killed … are like the meat in the pot, and this city is like the pot.
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Quote: But you are going to be brought out (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: “But I am going to bring you out”
Ezekiel 11:8
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Quote: this is the declaration of the Lord Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 11:9
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Quote: put you into the hands of foreigners (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “hands” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “put you into the power of foreigners” or “enable foreigners to capture you”
Ezekiel 11:10
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Quote: You will fall by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation: “They will kill you with their swords” or “You will die in battle”
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Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 11:11
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Quote: This city will not be your cooking pot, nor will you be the meat (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people had spoken of themselves as if they were good cuts of meat and of the city as if it were a pot in which the meat was stored or cooked. Yahweh says that this is not true. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 11:3. Alternate translation: “This city is not like a pot that will protect you as a pot protects meat”
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Quote: within the borders of Israel (0)Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel”
Ezekiel 11:12
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Quote: the one whose statutes you have not walked in (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if it were walking in them, like person would walk along a road. Alternate translation: “the one whose statutes you have not obeyed”
Ezekiel 11:13
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Quote: It came about (0)This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pelatiah son of Benaiah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 11:1.
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Quote: I fell on my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“I bowed down to the ground” or “I lay on the ground.” Ezekiel did not fall by accident. He went down to the ground to show that he respected and feared Yahweh. (See also: Symbolic Action)
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Quote: Alas, Lord Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The word “Alas” is an exclamation that expresses fear and sadness. Alternate translation: “Oh no, Lord Yahweh” or “Ah, Lord Yahweh”
Ezekiel 11:14
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Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 11:15
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Quote: your brothers! Your brothers! (0)This is stated twice for emphasis.
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Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family, in this case the Israelites who are the descendants of Jacob. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
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Quote: All of them are those of whom it is said by those living in Jerusalem (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 people living in Jerusalem say about all of them”
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Quote: All of them are those of whom (0)Some versions have “All of them are those to whom”
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Quote: This land was given to us as our possession (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 has given this land to us as our possession” or “This land has become our possession”
Ezekiel 11:16
General Information:
Yahweh gives this message to Ezekiel about the Israelites who were in exile.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have been a sanctuary for them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of dwelling among the people who are in exile as if he were a sanctuary for them. Alternate translation: “I have been with them” or “I have been like their place of worship”
Ezekiel 11:17
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Quote: I will gather you from the peoples, and assemble you from the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition emphasizes the surety of Yahweh’s promise to bring the exiles back to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “I will bring you back from all of the nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where you were scattered (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 I scattered you”
Ezekiel 11:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every detestable thing and every abomination (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words have similar meanings and emphasize that God will remove all the idols from Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every detestable thing (0)This means things that cause hatred or disgust. Here it refers to idols.
Ezekiel 11:19
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Quote: I will give them one heart … give them a heart of flesh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of all of the Israelites who are in exile as if they are one person, with one heart and one spirit.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give them one heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “heart” represents the will and emotions. Yahweh speaks of causing all of the people to share the same new emotions as if he were giving them one heart. (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will put a new spirit within them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “spirit” represents the thoughts and disposition. Yahweh speaks of causing the people to think new thoughts as if he were giving them a new spirit. (See also: Metaphor)
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Quote: I will take out the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had a stone heart and of their being willingly obedient as if they had a heart of flesh. He speaks of causing them to become willingly obedient as if he were exchanging those two hearts. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to stop being stubborn and instead cause them to obey me willingly”
Ezekiel 11:20
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Quote: they will walk in my statutes, they will carry out my decrees and do them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Each of these phrases have similar meanings and describes the people as obeying what Yahweh has commanded them to do. They are repeated for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will walk in my statutes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if it were walking in them, like a person would walk along a road. Alternate translation: “they will obey my statutes”
Ezekiel 11:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who walk with affection toward their detestable things (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of a person’s conduct as if it were the person walking. Alternate translation: “those who conduct their lives out of devotion to their detestable things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: detestable things (0)This means things that cause hatred or disgust. Here it refers to idols. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 11:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring their conduct on their own heads (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “conduct” represents the consequences of their actions. The idiom “bring … on their own heads” means they will experience these consequences. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to suffer the consequences of their actions” (See also: Idiom)
Ezekiel 11:22
General Information:
The cherubim and the glory of God leave the temple and city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cherubim (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:3.
Ezekiel 11:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the vision that I had seen went up from upon me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Ezekiel speaks of the vision ending as if the vision was an object that had been upon him and then left him. Alternate translation: “the vision that I had seen ended”
Ezekiel 12
Ezekiel 12 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Exile
God warned that very soon the people in Jerusalem would be exiled to Babylon.
Ezekiel 12:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 12:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a rebellious house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “a rebellious people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have eyes to see but they do not see … they have ears to hear but do not listen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People being unable to understand Yahweh’s message and what he is doing is spoken of as if the people were unable physically to see and hear.
Ezekiel 12:3
General Information:
Yahweh is telling Ezekiel to act out another parable.
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Quote: Therefore as for you (0)Alternate translation: “So then, this is what I say to you”
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Quote: in their sight (0)Alternate translation: “as they watch”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Perhaps they will begin to see (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People being able to understand Yahweh’s message and what he is doing is spoken of as if the people were able physically to see.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a rebellious house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “a rebellious people”
Ezekiel 12:4
General Information:
God is speaking to Ezekiel and describing how he should act out the parable.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their sight (0)Alternate translation: “as they watch”
Ezekiel 12:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have set you as a sign (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word “sign” refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Yahweh speaks of Ezekiel and his actions as being this warning. Alternate translation: “have made you to be a warning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 12:7
General Information:
Ezekiel shows the people of Israel they will soon be forced into exile.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: just as I was commanded (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: “just as Yahweh commanded me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dug a hole through the wall by hand (0)Alternate translation: “dug a hole through the wall with my hands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the dark (0)Alternate translation: “at night”
Ezekiel 12:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 12:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man, is the house of Israel, that rebellious house, not asking, ‘What are you doing?’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knew—that the people had asked him this question. Alternate translation: “Son of man, the house of Israel, that rebellious house, is asking, ‘What are you doing?’”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel, that rebellious house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. Translate “rebellious house” as in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel, that rebellious people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What are you doing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Since the people had seen what Ezekiel was doing, their question implies their desire to know the reason why he was doing it. Alternate translation: “What is the meaning of the things you are doing”
Ezekiel 12:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in whose midst they are (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase “in whose midst” refers to Jerusalem, while “they” refers to the “house of Israel.” Alternate translation: “who are in Jerusalem”
Ezekiel 12:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am a sign to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word “sign” refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Ezekiel speaks of himself and his actions as being this warning. Alternate translation: “I am a warning to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so it will be done to them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The word “them” refers to the people living in Jerusalem. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so others will do to them”
Ezekiel 12:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the dark (0)Alternate translation: “at night”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will dig through the wall (0)The word “They” refers to the people living in Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will cover his face (0)Alternate translation: “The prince will cover his face”
Ezekiel 12:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will spread out my net over him and he will be caught in my snare (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of enabling the Chaldeans to capture the prince as if he himself were catching the prince in a trap that he had set.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring him to Babylon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh speaks of enabling the Chaldeans to bring the prince to Babylon as if he himself were bringing the prince there. Alternate translation: “I will cause the Chaldeans to bring him to Babylon”
Ezekiel 12:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will send out a sword after them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” is a metonym for enemy armies who will attack with their swords. Alternate translation: “I will send armies to pursue them with swords”
Ezekiel 12:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I scatter them among the nations and disperse them throughout the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “when I cause them to separate from each other and live in different nations”
Ezekiel 12:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will spare … from the sword, famine, and plague (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. You may need to make explicit that they will not die from famine or plague. Alternate translation: “I will keep … from dying in battle, from starving to death, and from dying of disease” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Ezekiel 12:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 12:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land will be despoiled of its fullness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The word “fullness” refers to everything in the land. The word “despoiled” means that people will empty the land of everything in it. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “others will empty the land of everything in it”
Ezekiel 12:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the cities that were inhabited will be desolate (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 cities where people lived will be desolate”
Ezekiel 12:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 12:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel that says, ‘The days are prolonged, and every vision fails’? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel something he already knows. The question is a mild rebuke for the people who use the proverb. Alternate translation: “the people in the land of Israel have this proverb that says, ‘The days are prolonged, and every vision fails.’
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The days are prolonged (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that many days have passed. Alternate translation: “Many days have passed” or “Time has gone by”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every vision fails (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the visions that the prophets receive and communicate to the people fail to happen. Alternate translation: “every prophetic vision fails to happen”
Ezekiel 12:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The days have drawn near (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase refers to the days in which Israel will be judged. Alternate translation: “The days of judgment are coming soon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every vision will be fulfilled (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 fulfill every vision”
Ezekiel 12:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 12:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I carry out the words that I speak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that Yahweh does what he says. Alternate translation: “I do the things that I say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The matter will no longer be delayed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The “matter” refers to the things that Yahweh says will happen. Alternate translation: “What I say will no longer be delayed” or “What I say will happen soon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will speak this word (0)Alternate translation: “I will speak this message” or “I will speak this prophecy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to the period of time in which a person lives. Alternate translation: “while you are alive” or “during you lifetime”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rebellious house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “rebellious people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 12:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 12:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)The word “Behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The vision that he sees is for many days from now, and he prophesies of far off times (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases are both ways the people of Israel are saying Ezekiel’s warnings will not happen in their lifetime but will happen far in the future.
Ezekiel 12:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My words will not be delayed any longer (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 no longer delay the word I have spoken” or “I will no longer delay doing what I said I would do”
Ezekiel 13
Ezekiel 13 General Notes
Structure and formatting
False prophets
God spoke against people who said they were prophesying but had not received any message from God. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
God said of people who encourage others to feel safe even when they continue to sin were not strengthening a wall but just putting whitewash on it to hide the imperfections. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and Metaphor)
Ezekiel 13:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 13:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prophesying out of their own imaginations (0)Alternate translation: “prophesying only the things that they imagine”
Ezekiel 13:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who follow their own spirit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “spirit” represents the thoughts and ideas of the person. To “follow” here is an idiom that means to do what their own ideas suggest for them to do. Alternate translation: “who act according to their own ideas”
Ezekiel 13:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like jackals in the wastelands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Like jackals that scavenge for food and shelter among the abandoned ruins of cities, the prophets are using the destruction of Jerusalem for their own benefit.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: jackals (0)wild animals that are related to dogs and that scavenge for food in abandoned places.
Ezekiel 13:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wall around the house of Israel (0)This refers to the wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: resist in battle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You can supply the implicit information here. Alternate translation: “resist the enemy armies” or “defend the city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the day of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the time when Yahweh will judge his people by means of an enemy army. Alternate translation: “the day of Yahweh’s judgment” or “the day when Yahweh judges you by sending enemy armies to attack you”
Ezekiel 13:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Such and such (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a phrase used to refer to anything the prophet may have said. Your language may have another way to say this.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh’s declaration (0)Alternate translation: “is what Yahweh has declared”
Ezekiel 13:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you not had false visions … when I myself have not spoken? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the false prophets. Alternate translation: “You have had false visions … because I myself have not spoken.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had false visions and made false predictions (0)Since the false prophets have not really received a message from Yahweh, what they predict about the future is not true.
Ezekiel 13:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 13:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My hand will be against the prophets (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh’s power. That his hand will be against them is a metaphor that means that he will punish them with his power. Alternate translation: “I will punish the prophets” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will not be in the assembly of my people (0)This means that Yahweh will not consider these false prophets to be part of the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: or enrolled in the record of the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This probably refers to an official record of the citizens of Israel. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nor will anyone enroll their names in the record of the house of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am the Lord Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am the Lord Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, the Lord Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 13:10
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
In these verses, Yahweh speaks of the false security that the prophets have given to the people by speaking of peace as if the prophets had built a poorly-constructed wall and covered it over with white paint in order to make it look good.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Because of this (0)The word “this” refers to the prophets reporting false visions to the people and telling them lies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they led my people astray (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the prophets deceiving the people and getting them to believe lies as if the prophets had led the people away from the path upon which they should have been walking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are building a wall that they will paint with whitewash (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “a wall” stands for peace and security that the false prophets told the people that Yahweh was promising to give them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whitewash (0)The word “whitewash” refers to a white liquid mixture or paint used to cover up impurities and make surfaces white.
Ezekiel 13:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whitewashing (0)The word “whitewashing” refers to covering a surface with a white liquid mixture to cover up impurities and make the surface white.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will send hailstones to make it fall down, and a windstorm wind to break it down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh refers to the judgment that he will send upon the people as if it were a severe storm that breaks down the wall.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hailstones (0)balls of ice that sometimes falls from the sky during a rainstorm.
Ezekiel 13:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have others not said to you, “Where is the whitewash that you put on it?” (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that others will ask the prophets what happened to their whitewash. Alternate translation: “Others will certainly say to you, ‘Where is the whitewash that you put on it?’”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where is the whitewash that you put on it? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This could mean: (1) that this is an honest question for which the people expect and answer or (2) this is a rhetorical question that the people ask out of sarcasm. Alternate translation: “The whitewash that you put on it did no good.”
Ezekiel 13:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring a windstorm … completely destroy it. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh refers to the judgment that he will send upon the people as if it were a severe storm that breaks down the wall.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in my rage … in my wrath … in my rage (0)Alternate translation: “because of my rage … because of my wrath … because my rage.”
Ezekiel 13:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lay bare (0)Alternate translation: “uncover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will be annihilated in the middle of it all (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “in the middle of it all” refers to the stones of the wall that Yahweh will break down. He speaks of destroying the people in his judgment as if the wall would crush them to death when he breaks it down. Alternate translation: “all of its stones will crush you to death”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: annihilated (0)Alternate translation: “destroyed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 13:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will annihilate in my fury (0)Alternate translation: “Because I am very angry, I will annihilate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whitewashed it (0)The word “whitewash” refers to a white liquid mixture or paint used to cover up impurities and make surfaces white. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 13:10.
Ezekiel 13:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the prophets of Israel who prophesied about Jerusalem and who had visions of peace for her (0)This phrase defines who “the people who whitewashed it” are.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: visions of peace for her (0)The word “her” refers to Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 13:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face against the daughters (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a command to stare at the women as a symbol of punishing them. Translate “set your face against” as you did in Ezekiel 4:3. Alternate translation: “stare at the daughters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face against (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set your face” represents staring. Alternate translation: “stare at”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: daughters of your people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to women who belong to the same people group as Ezekiel does. Alternate translation: “women of Israel” or “your countrywomen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prophesy out of their own minds (0)“prophesying only the things that they think in their own minds.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 13:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prophesy against (0)“prophesy about the bad things that will happen to them.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 4:7.
Ezekiel 13:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sew magic charms onto every part of their hand (0)This means that they sew magic charms together and then attach them to their hands, not that they sew them directly onto their hands.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: charms (0)objects believed to have magical powers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: used to hunt down people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of these women using beauty, mystery, and lies to deceive people as if the people were animals that the women hunted down and trapped with their charms. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that they use to hunt down people” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make veils for their heads of every size (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that they make veils to put on the heads of people of different height. Alternate translation: “make veils for the heads of women of every stature”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you hunt down my people but save your own lives? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this as a leading question to rebuke the women who do these things. The implicit answer is, “no.” Alternate translation: “Do not think that you will be able to save your own lives after you have hunted down my people!”
Ezekiel 13:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: handfuls of barley and crumbs of bread (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Barley is a grain used to make bread and the word “crumb” is a small amount of bread. Both phrases are small amounts of food and are used to emphasize how small the payment was to the prophetesses.
Ezekiel 13:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the magic charms that you have used to ensnare the people’s lives as if they were birds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of these women using their magic charms to deceive people as if the people were birds that the women trapped with those charms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: charms (0)objects believed to have magical powers
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to ensnare (0)Alternate translation: “to trap” “to catch in a snare”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tear them from your arms (0)Alternate translation: “tear the charms from your arms”
Ezekiel 13:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rescue my people from your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “rescue my people from your power”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will no longer be trapped in your hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” represents power or control. Yahweh speaks of the people being in the control of these women as if the women had trapped them with their hands. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will no longer trap them like prey in your hands” or “you will no longer control them with your power” (See also: Metaphor and Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 13:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: discourage the heart of the righteous person (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “heart” represents the person and his emotions. Alternate translation: “discourage the righteous person”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn from his way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To stop doing something is referred to as turning in a different direction. Alternate translation: “stop what he is doing”
Ezekiel 13:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have false visions or continue to make predictions (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases refer to talking about what will happen in the future. Alternate translation: “continue to make false predictions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will rescue my people out of your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” represents power or control. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 13:21. Alternate translation: “I will rescue my people from your power”
Ezekiel 14
Ezekiel 14 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Jerusalem deserves punishment
When the captives from Jerusalem arrive in Babylon, it will be obvious why God has punished them.
Ezekiel 14:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The elders sat before Ezekiel in order to inquire of the Lord through Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 14:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 14:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have taken their idols into their hearts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the elders committing themselves to worshiping idols as if the elders had “taken their idols into their hearts.” Alternate translation: “have devoted themselves to idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their own faces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the idols that the elders worship as if they were blocks over which the elders stumble, and of being determined to worship those idols as if they had placed those stumbling blocks in front of their faces. Alternate translation: “have resolutely determined to worship the things that lead to iniquity”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stumbling block of their iniquity (0)This could mean: (1) the idols are a stumbling block that leads to the elders’ iniquity or (2) worshiping idols is an iniquity that causes the elders to stumble.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should I be inquired of at all by them? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the elders should not be inquiring of him. 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: “Should I permit them to inquire of me at all?” or “They should not be inquiring of me at all.” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 14:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Therefore announce this to them (0)The word “them” refers to the “men from the elders of Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who takes his idols into his heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the people committing themselves to worshiping idols as if they had taken their idols into their hearts. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 14:3. Alternate translation: “who devotes himself to idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the idols that people worship as if they were blocks over which the people stumble, and of being determined to worship those idols as if they had placed those stumbling blocks in front of their faces. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 14:3. Alternate translation: “who resolutely determines to worship the things that lead to iniquity”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I, Yahweh, will answer him according to the number of his idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase refers to the many idols that the people worship. It is implied that the severity of Yahweh’s answer will as great as the number of idols that they worship. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, will give him the answer that he deserves because he worships so many idols”
Ezekiel 14:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I may take back the house of Israel in their hearts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hearts” represents the minds and affections of the people. Yahweh speaks of causing them to be devoted to him once again as if he were to capture their hearts. Alternate translation: “I will cause the people of Israel to be devoted to me again” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their hearts that have been driven far from me through their idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hearts” represents the minds and affections of the people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who have all left me to worship their idols” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 14:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Repent and turn away from your idols! Turn back your faces from all your abominations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases are ways to tell the people of Israel to stop worshiping idols.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Repent and turn away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “repent” and “turn way” mean basically the same thing. Together they strengthen the command to stop worshiping idols.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn back your faces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “faces” represents the people. Alternate translation: “Turn back”
Ezekiel 14:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who takes his idols into his heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the people committing themselves to worshiping idols as if they had taken their idols into their hearts. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 14:3. Alternate translation: “who devotes himself to idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his own face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the idols that people worship as if they were blocks over which the people stumble, and of being determined to worship those idols as if they had placed those stumbling blocks in front of their faces. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 14:3. Alternate translation: “who resolutely determines to worship the things that lead to iniquity”
Ezekiel 14:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will set my face against that man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Yahweh speaks of being opposed to a person as if he were to set his face against that person. Alternate translation: “I will be against that man” or “I will oppose that man”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set my face” refers to staring. Alternate translation: “stare”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make him a sign and a proverb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word “sign” refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. The word proverb refers to what people will say about that sign when they see it. Alternate translation: “I will make that man to be a warning and a proverb”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will cut him off from the midst of my people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of causing a person no longer to belong to his people as if he were cutting that person off from the people, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “I will cause him no longer to belong to my people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 14:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will reach out with my hand against him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s “hand” refers to what he does. Alternate translation: “I will work against him”
Ezekiel 14:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will carry their own iniquity (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “iniquity” represents the guilt that people incur for committing iniquity. Yahweh speaks of people suffering the consequences of their iniquity as if they were carrying the iniquity. Alternate translation: “They will suffer the consequences of their own iniquity” (See also: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 14:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will no longer wander away from following me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the people no longer worshiping him as if they were to wander away from him and no longer follow him. Alternate translation: “will no longer stop worshiping me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 14:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when a land sins against me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “land” represents the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “when the people who live in a land sin against me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: break the staff of its bread (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the supply of bread as if it were a staff. The word “bread” represents all kinds of food. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:16. Alternate translation: “end the supply of its food” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off both man and beast from the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “kill both man and beast in the land”
Ezekiel 14:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: these same three men (0)Noah, Daniel, and Job
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as I live (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“as surely as I am alive.” Yahweh uses this expression to show that what he says next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: only their own lives would be rescued (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: “they could only rescue their own lives”
Ezekiel 14:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if I bring a sword against that land (0)The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation:
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sword, go through the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “sword” represents the soldiers of an enemy army who attack with swords. Alternate translation: “Army, go through the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off both man and beast from it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if it were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “kill both man and beast in the land”
Ezekiel 14:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: these three men (0)Noah, Daniel, and Job
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: only their own lives would be rescued (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: “they would only rescue their own lives”
Ezekiel 14:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pour out my fury (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury as if his fury were a liquid that he pours out from a container. Alternate translation: “I will express my fury”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off both man and beast (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “kill both man and beast”
Ezekiel 14:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: only their own lives would be rescued (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: “they would only rescue their own lives”
Ezekiel 14:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to cut off both man and beast from her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if it were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. The word “her” refers to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “to kill both man and beast in Jerusalem”
Ezekiel 14:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: left in her (0)The word “her” refers to Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be comforted concerning the punishment (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: “they will comfort you concerning the punishment”
Ezekiel 14:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: done against her (0)The word “her” refers to Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their ways and their actions (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both of these phrases refer to what the people of Israel have done. Alternate translation: “the way they live” or “the things they do”
Ezekiel 15
Ezekiel 15 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Useless
God said that the people of Jerusalem were useless to him. He uses a simile to show just how useless they were. (See: Simile)
Ezekiel 15:1
General Information:
Yahweh is talking to Ezekiel in this section.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 15:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: how is a vine better than any tree with branches that is among the trees in a forest? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “a vine is not better than any tree with branches that is among the trees in a forest.”
Ezekiel 15:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do people take wood from a vine to make anything? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “People do not take wood from a vine to make anything.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do they make a peg from it to hang anything on it? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “they do not make a peg from it to hang things on it.”
Ezekiel 15:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If it is thrown into a fire as fuel … is it good for anything? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “If it is thrown into a fire as fuel … it is not good for anything.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If it is thrown into a fire as fuel (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 a person throws it into a fire as fuel”
Ezekiel 15:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See! (0)The word “see” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When it was complete (0)Alternate translation: “When it was whole” or “Before the fire burned it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it could not make anything (0)Alternate translation: “no one could make anything from it”
Ezekiel 15:7
General Information:
Yahweh speaks to Ezekiel about the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will set my face against them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Yahweh speaks of being opposed to them as if he were to set his face against them. Alternate translation: “I will be against them” or “I will oppose them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set my face” refers to staring. Alternate translation: “stare”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Though they come out from the fire, yet the fire will consume them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the punishment that he will afflict upon the people as if it were a fire that burns them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fire will consume them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of fire burning things as if the fire consumed them. Alternate translation: “the fire will destroy them”
Ezekiel 15:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 16
Ezekiel 16 General Notes
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
God compared Judah to an adulteress because she worshiped idols instead of God who had done so much to help her. Adultery is a common image used to describe the worship of idols by Israel. (See: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 16:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
In this chapter, Yahweh speaks about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful bride. He describes her growth from infancy to adulthood. The city represents the people who live there. (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 16:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
Ezekiel 16:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your beginning and your birth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases share similar meanings. Yahweh speaks of when people founded the city as if it were the city’s birth. (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your father was an Amorite, and your mother was a Hittite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Amorites and Hittites were both pagan people groups who lived in the land before the people of Israel conquered it. Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem’s father and mother belonging to these people groups to express that she was born into idolatry.
Ezekiel 16:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your mother did not cut your navel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “navel” refers to the umbilical cord that is attached to the navel. Alternate translation: “you mother did not cut your umbilical cord”
Ezekiel 16:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No eye had compassion for you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “eye” represents the person who sees. Alternate translation: “Nobody who saw you had compassion for you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with loathing for your life (0)Alternate translation: “because your parents hated you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you were thrown out into the open field (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: “your parents threw you out into the open field”
Ezekiel 16:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But I passed by you (0)Yahweh is walking near the newborn baby.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I said to you in your blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The implicit information can be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “I said to you as you were lying in your blood”
Ezekiel 16:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I made you grow like a plant in a field (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here Yahweh compares growing quickly with the way a plant grows quickly.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You multiplied and became great (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases share similar meanings. They both refer to her growing and becoming taller. Alternate translation: “You matured and grew taller”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you became the jewel of jewels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the woman, who represents Jerusalem, is spoken of as if she had become the finest of all jewels, that is, as if she had become the most beautiful of all women.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you became the jewel of jewels (0)Some modern versions translate “You became old enough to wear jewels.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: naked and bare (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “completely naked”
Ezekiel 16:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See! (0)The word “see” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the time of love came for you (0)This is to say that Yahweh sees the young woman is old enough to be married.
Ezekiel 16:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: embroidered clothes (0)“beautiful clothes.” To embroider is to sew a design into a piece of cloth.
Ezekiel 16:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I adorned you with jewelry (0)Alternate translation: “I put jewelry on you”
Ezekiel 16:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you were adorned with gold and silver, and you were dressed in fine linen (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 adorned you with gold and silver, and dressed you in fine linen”
Ezekiel 16:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your fame went out among the nations (0)Alternate translation: “Many people in many nations knew who you were”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it was perfect (0)Alternate translation: “your beauty was perfect”
Ezekiel 16:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you trusted in your own beauty (0)Alternate translation: “you placed your confidence in your own beauty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: acted like a prostitute (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem as if the city were an unfaithful wife who sleeps with other men in exchange for payment.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you poured out your acts of prostitution (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem’s immoral actions as if they were liquids and of committing those actions repeatedly as if it were pouring those liquids from a container. Alternate translation: “you repeatedly committed your acts of prostitution”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that your beauty became his (0)This Hebrew phrase is translated in many different ways by various modern versions. For example, some Bibles read “so that you gave yourself to him” or “his it was”
Ezekiel 16:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: male figures (0)Alternate translation: “statues of men” or “idols that look like men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you did with them as a prostitute would do (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This could mean: (1) this is a polite way to say the young woman was sleeping with the male figures. Alternate translation: “you slept with them” or (2) this is a metaphor in which Yahweh speaks of her worshiping the figures as if she were sleeping with them. Alternate translation: “you worshiped them” (See also: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 16:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set before them (0)Alternate translation: “placed as an offering in front of them”
Ezekiel 16:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whom you bore for me (0)Alternate translation: “who were my children”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you sacrificed them to the images to be devoured as food (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Yahweh speaks of something that the people of Israel had actually done. They sacrificed their children to pagan idols. In these ancient pagan sacrifices, the people believed that the gods would eat the food that they offered to them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you sacrificed them to the images so that those images could devour them as food” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are your acts of prostitution a small matter? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the woman is acting as if her prostitution was not bad enough and so she decided to sacrifice her children as well. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You must think that your acts of prostitution are a small matter.” or “I do not think your acts of prostitution are a small matter.”
Ezekiel 16:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made them pass through the fire (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Yahweh speaks of something that the people of Israel had actually done. They sacrificed their children to pagan idols. It is implicit that she put them into the fire in order to offer them as burnt offerings to her images. Alternate translation: “sacrificed them as burnt offerings”
Ezekiel 16:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: naked and bare (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean the same thing. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 16:7. Alternate translation: “completely naked”
Ezekiel 16:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you built yourself a mound and made yourself a lofty shrine in every public place (0)This could mean: (1) she could worship her idols or (2) she could practice her prostitution.
Ezekiel 16:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the head of every road (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the beginning of a road as if it were its head. Alternate translation: “at the beginning of every road”
Ezekiel 16:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See! (0)The word “see” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will strike you with my hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power. Alternate translation: “I will use my power to strike you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off your food (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of stopping the supply of food as if it were cutting off the food. Alternate translation: “stop your food supply”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will hand your life over (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “life” represents the person. Alternate translation: “I will hand you over”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the daughters of the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Yahweh speaks of the cities of Philistia as if they were the daughters of the Philistines. The cities represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the Philistine people” (See also: Metonymy)
Ezekiel 16:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How sick is your heart … that you would do all these things, deeds of a shameless prostitute? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks the rhetorical question in order to rebuke Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your heart must be very sick … that you would do all these things, deeds of a shameless prostitute!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How sick is your heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “heart” represents the will and emotions. Yahweh speaks of her inability to control her desires as if her heart were sick. Alternate translation: “How weak-willed are you” (See also: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 16:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: built your mounds … made your lofty shrines (0)This could mean: (1) she could worship her idols or (2) she could practice her prostitution. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 16:24.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the head of every street (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the beginning of a street as if it were its head. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 16:25. Alternate translation: “at the beginning of every street”
Ezekiel 16:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you accept strangers instead of your husband (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This refers to accepting someone to sleep with her. Alternate translation: “you accept strangers into your bed instead of your husband” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Ezekiel 16:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have poured out your lust (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem’s lust as if it were liquid and of committing actions repeatedly to gratify that lust as if it were pouring that liquid from a container. Alternate translation: “you repeatedly committed actions to gratify your lust”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: poured out your lust (0)Some modern versions translate “poured your wealth out.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you gave them your children’s blood (0)This refers to killing children as a sacrifice to idols.
Ezekiel 16:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold (0)The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so they see all your nakedness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Stripping a person naked in front of others was an action intended to humiliate the person. The word “nakedness” can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “so they can see you completely naked” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Ezekiel 16:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the shedding of blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase represents murder in any form. Alternate translation: “murder”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring on you the bloodshed of my anger and passion (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “bloodshed” represents murder in any form. This could mean: (1) Yahweh speaks of punishing her for murder as if he were bringing bloodshed upon her. Alternate translation: “In my anger and passion, I will punish you for committing murder” or (2) Yahweh speaks of putting her to death as if he were bringing bloodshed upon her. Alternate translation: “In my anger and passion, I will shed your blood” (See also: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 16:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give you into their hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hands” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “I will place you in their control” or “I will allow them to have power over you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: throw down your vaulted chamber (0)Possible meanings are that they will destroy (1) the place where she worshiped her idols or (2) the place where she practiced her prostitution. See how you translated “vaulted chamber” in Ezekiel 16:24.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: naked and bare (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean the same thing. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 16:7. Alternate translation: “completely naked”
Ezekiel 16:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will perform many acts of punishment on you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “punishment” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “will punish you in many different ways”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the sight of many women (0)Alternate translation: “where many women can see” or “while many women watch”
Ezekiel 16:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will calm my fury against you; my anger will leave you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “fury” and “anger” refer to the punishment that Yahweh inflicts because he is angry. The two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “I will stop punishing you because I will no longer be angry with you” (See also: Parallelism)
Ezekiel 16:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call to mind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means to remember. Alternate translation: “remember”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have made me shake with anger because of all these things (0)Here “shake” refers to a physical response that a person has when he is extremely angry. As Jerusalem was doing these things, she did not think about what Yahweh had done when she was young.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold! (0)The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
Ezekiel 16:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
Ezekiel 16:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who detested her husband (0)Alternate translation: “who hated her husband”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your mother was a Hittite, and your father was an Amorite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Amorites and Hittites were both pagan people groups who lived in the land before the people of Israel conquered it. Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem’s father and mother belonging to these people groups to express that she was born into idolatry. See how you translated these phrases in Ezekiel 16:3.
Ezekiel 16:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your older sister was Samaria … your younger sister was the one living south of you, that is, Sodom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Samaria and Sodom were both cities that Yahweh had judged for their idolatry and wickedness. Yahweh speaks of these cities being Jerusalem’s sisters to express that she belonged to a family that practiced idolatry and wickedness. (See also: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 16:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You not only walked in their ways (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The way a person lives is spoken of as if the person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “You not only acted like them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: copied their behavior and practices (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here the words “behavior” and “practices” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “copied the things that they did”
Ezekiel 16:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: arrogant in her leisure, careless and unconcerned about anything (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh describes Sodom as a rich woman who has more than enough food and lives in security.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: She did not strengthen the hands of the poor and needy people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “hands” represents the people who work with their hands. The words “poor” and “needy” emphasize that these are people who cannot help themselves. Alternate translation: “She did not help the people who could not help themselves” (See also: Doublet)
Ezekiel 16:51
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have shown that your sisters were better than you (0)Yahweh uses this phrase three times to emphasize that the wicked cities of Samaria and Sodom were more righteous than Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 16:52
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Especially you, show your own shame (0)Yahweh uses this phrase twice to emphasize how shamefully the people of Jerusalem have acted.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: show your own shame (0)Alternate translation: “be ashamed” or “bear your disgrace”
Ezekiel 16:54
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will show your shame (0)Alternate translation: “you will be ashamed” or “you will bear your disgrace”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will be humiliated (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 humiliate you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will be a comfort to them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The noun “comfort” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “you will comfort Sodom and Samaria”
Ezekiel 16:55
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your sister Sodom and her daughters will be restored to their former condition (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 restore your sister Sodom and her daughters to their former condition”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Samaria and her daughters will be restored to their former estate (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 restore your sister Samaria and her daughters to their former estate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: estate (0)Alternate translation: “condition”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you and your daughters will be restored to your former condition (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 restore you and your daughters to your former condition”
Ezekiel 16:56
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sodom your sister was not even mentioned by your mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “mouth” represents the person who speaks. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You did not even mention your sister Sodom” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 16:57
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before your wickedness was 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: “before you revealed your wickedness” or “before I revealed your wickedness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are an object of scorn (0)This refers to Jerusalem as something people talk badly about.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the daughters of Edom and to all the daughters of the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Yahweh speaks of the cities of Edom and Philistia as if they were the daughters of Edom and of the Philistines. The cities represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the Edomite people and to all the Philistine people” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: despise (0)hate very much
Ezekiel 16:58
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 16:59
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: despised your oath by breaking the covenant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Jerusalem broke her marriage covenant with Yahweh, thereby showing that she did not care about the oaths that she had made to him. Alternate translation: “despised your oath to me by breaking the covenant that you made with me”
Ezekiel 16:60
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call to mind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means to remember. Alternate translation: “remember”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made in the days of your youth (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 made with you when you were young”
Ezekiel 16:62
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 16:63
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call everything to mind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means to remember. Alternate translation: “remember everything”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will no longer open your mouth to speak because of your shame (0)This means that Jerusalem will be too ashamed to speak.
Ezekiel 17
Ezekiel 17 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Breaking allegiance
The king of Judah had vowed to obey Babylon but instead he followed Egypt. Therefore, God said he would not prosper. (See: INVALID bible/kt/vow)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
Judah is compared to a vine that grows one direction and then another. (See: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 17:1
General Information:
Ezekiel reports a message that God gives him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 17:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: present a riddle and speak a parable (0)Alternate translation: “give them a puzzle to think about” or “tell this story as an illustration”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 17:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: long pinions, full of feathers (0)“the ends of its wings were long and full of feathers.” The word “pinion” means the outer end of the wings.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that was multicolored (0)The eagle’s feathers were many different colors.
Ezekiel 17:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It broke off the tips of the branches (0)Alternate translation: “It broke off the highest part of the tree”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: took them (0)Alternate translation: “took the top of the tree” or “took the branches”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he planted it in a city of merchants (0)“he planted it in a city that had many merchants.” A merchant is a person who sells things.
Ezekiel 17:5
General Information:
This is a continuation of the parable about the eagle.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He also took (0)The word “he” is the eagle in the parable.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fertile soil (0)Alternate translation: “good ground”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He placed it beside a large body of water (0)Alternate translation: “the eagle planted the seed in a place where there was a lot of water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: planted it … like a willow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Willow trees grow in places where there is a lot of water. If the eagle planted the seed like a willow, it means that he planted it in a place with a lot of water. Alternate translation: “and planted the seed like one would plant a willow tree by water”
Ezekiel 17:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then it sprouted (0)Alternate translation: “Then the seed began to grow into a plant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a spreading vine low to the ground (0)Alternate translation: “a vine that spreads out on the ground”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Its branches turned toward him (0)The branches of the vine turned toward the eagle. This means that they began to grow upward towards the sky.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its roots grew under it (0)This could mean: (1) “its roots grew under itself into the ground” or (2) “the roots of the vine grew under the eagle.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So it became a vine (0)Alternate translation: “That is how the vine grew”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: produced branches and sent out shoots (0)Alternate translation: “grew branches and spread its shoots”
Ezekiel 17:7
General Information:
The introductory “but” shows that a different eagle is being described other than the one before.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: another great eagle (0)Alternate translation: “another large eagle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This vine turned its roots toward the eagle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh speaks of the vine as if it were able to behave like a person and intentionally turned its roots toward the other eagle to receive nourishment from it. Alternate translation: “The roots of the vine grew toward the eagle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the place it had been planted so it would be watered (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 the place that the first eagle had planted it so that it would have water”
Ezekiel 17:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It had been planted (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 first eagle had planted the vine”
Ezekiel 17:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will it prosper? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this as a leading question to emphasize the negative answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “It will not prosper.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it withers, and all its fresh growth will wither? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the vine will certainly be judged. 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: “Someone will pull up its roots and pluck out its fruit so all of its growth of leaves will wither away.” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No strong arm or many people will be needed to pull it out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The phrase “strong arm” represents a strong person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There will be no need for a strong person or many people to pull it out” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 17:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold (0)Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will it grow? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this as a leading question to emphasize the negative answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “It will not grow.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will it not wither when the eastern wind touches it? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that this will certainly happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “It will wither when the eastern wind touches it.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when the eastern wind touches it (0)Alternate translation: “when the eastern wind blows on it”
Ezekiel 17:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 17:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the rebellious house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “the rebellious people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you not know what these things mean? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this as a leading question in order to provide the answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is what these things mean.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her king and her princes (0)The word “her” refers to Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 17:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brought him under an oath (0)Alternate translation: “made him swear an oath”
Ezekiel 17:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so the kingdom might become lowly and not lift itself up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The kingdom being small and weak is spoken of as if it were lowly and being large and powerful as if it lifted itself up. Alternate translation: “so the kingdom might remain small and not become great”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land will survive (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “land” represents the kingdom of Judah and the people in it. Alternate translation: “the kingdom will continue to exist”
Ezekiel 17:15
General Information:
Yahweh speaks about the king of Jerusalem rebelling against the king of Babylon.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will he succeed? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the negative answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He will certainly not succeed.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will the one doing these things escape? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the negative answer. This may be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “The one doing these things will not escape.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If he breaks the covenant, will he escape? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the negative answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “If he breaks the covenant, he will certainly not escape.”
Ezekiel 17:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land of the king who made him king, the king whose oath he despised (0)Alternate translation: “the land of the king of Babylon who made him King of Judah, the king of Babylon whose oath he despised”
Ezekiel 17:17
General Information:
Yahweh speaking about the king of Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his mighty army and a great company of men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how large and strong Pharaoh’s army is.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will not help him (0)Here the word “him” refers to the king of Judah.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: siege walls (0)this refers to a tower with ladders that can be placed next to a wall and allow soldiers to get over the wall and into the city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to cut off many lives (0)Alternate translation: “to kill many people”
Ezekiel 17:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold, he reached out (0)Alternate translation: “He did something even worse than that: he reached out”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: reached out with his hand to make a promise (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This refers to taking hold of another person’s hand as a sign of friendship and agreement. Here it represents the covenant oath that he made with the king of Babylon.
Ezekiel 17:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was it not my oath that he despised and my covenant that he broke? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the affirmative answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “it was my oath that the king of Jerusalem despised and my covenant that he broke.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring his punishment on his head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “bring … on his head” means that he will experience this punishment. See how you translated this idiom in Ezekiel 11:21. Alternate translation: “I will cause him to suffer his punishment”
Ezekiel 17:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will spread my net out over him, and he will be caught in my hunting net (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of enabling the enemy army to capture the king as if he were trapping the king in a net.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will be caught in my hunting net (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will catch him in my hunting net”
Ezekiel 17:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All of his refugees … armies will fall by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “fall” is a euphemism for “die.” Here the word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people with swords. Alternate translation: “Soldiers will kill all his refugees … armies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the ones who remain will be scattered in every direction (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 ones who remain alive will flee in every direction” or “the enemy soldiers will scatter in every directions the ones who remain alive”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 17:22
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
Yahweh resumes the parable that he had told in Ezekiel 17:1 and speaks about Jerusalem as if it were a branch that he plants on the mountains of Israel.
Ezekiel 17:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bear branches (0)Alternate translation: “grow new branches”
Ezekiel 17:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then all the trees of the field will know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh speaks of trees as if they are people who can know about him. The trees represent the nations and the people who live in them. (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I bring down the high trees and I raise up the low trees (0)Alternate translation: “I cut down the tall trees and I cause the little trees to grow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wither (0)when a plant dries up and dies.
Ezekiel 18
Ezekiel 18 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Inherited Guilt
God does not punish children for the sins of their parents, but only punishes them for their own sins. Despite this, the parents’ sins may still have consequences for their children. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Ezekiel 18:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came to me again (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “the word of Yahweh came” is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke to me again”
Ezekiel 18:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What do you mean, you who use this proverb & ‘Fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are made blunt’? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel something he already knows. The question is a rebuke for the people who use the proverb. Alternate translation: “The people in the land of Israel have this proverb … ‘Fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are made blunt’.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What do you mean, you who use this proverb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: land of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are made blunt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs
This proverbs means that children experience the consequences of their parents’ actions.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the children’s teeth are made blunt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “teeth are made blunt” refers to the sour taste in one’s mouth that is a result of eating unripe or sour fruit. Alternate translation: “the children get a sour taste in their mouths”
Ezekiel 18:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)The word “Behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The soul who sins (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “soul” represents the person. Alternate translation: “The person who sins”
Ezekiel 18:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he does not eat upon the mountains (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
People often worshiped and offered sacrifices to pagan gods on the mountains. It is implied that this person has not participated in these kinds of pagan rituals. Alternate translation: “he does not eat meat sacrificed to idols on the mountains”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lift up his eyes to the idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The idiom “lift up his eyes” refers to looking toward something. With reference to idols, this gesture represents worshiping or praying to idols. Alternate translation: “worship the idols” or “pray to the idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: approached a woman during her monthly period (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implicit that he has not approached a woman in order to sleep with her. Alternate translation: “approached a woman to sleep with her during her monthly period”
Ezekiel 18:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gives back to the debtor what was put up as security for a loan (0)Alternate translation: “returns to the debtor the item that the debtor gave him as security for the loan”
Ezekiel 18:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: interest (0)This word refers to the money paid by a person to use borrowed money. However, some modern versions interpret “any interest” in this passage as “too much interest.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: establishes faithfulness between people (0)This means that he judges fairly the disputes that may arise between people.
Ezekiel 18:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that man walks in my statutes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of a person obeying his statutes as if the statutes were a path in which the person walks. Alternate translation: “that man obeys my statutes”
Ezekiel 18:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who sheds blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase represents murder in any form. Alternate translation: “who murders”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: any one of these things (0)This refers to the sinful actions that Yahweh had mentioned beginning in Ezekiel 18:5.
Ezekiel 18:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eats upon the mountains (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
People often worshiped and offered sacrifices to pagan gods on the mountains. It is implied that this person has participated in these kinds of pagan rituals. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 18:5. Alternate translation: “eats meat sacrificed to idols upon the mountains”
Ezekiel 18:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the poor and needy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “poor” and “needy” share similar meanings and emphasize that these are people who cannot help themselves.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he lifts up his eyes to the idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The idiom “lifts up his eyes” refers to looking toward something. With reference to idols, this gesture represents worshiping or praying to idols. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 18:6. Alternate translation: “he worships the idols” or “he prays to the idols”
Ezekiel 18:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: interest (0)This word refers to the money paid by a person to use borrowed money. However, some modern versions interpret “any interest” in this passage as “too much interest.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: should that man live? Surely he will not! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this as a leading question in order to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate translation: “he will certainly not live!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his blood will be on him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “blood” represents death. For blood to be on a person is an idiom that means the person is responsible for that death. Alternate translation: “he will be responsible for his own death” (See also: Idiom)
Ezekiel 18:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold! (0)The word “behold” here adds emphasis to what follows.
Ezekiel 18:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: That son does not eat upon the mountains (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
People often worshiped and offered sacrifices to pagan gods on the mountains. It is implied that this person has not participated in these kinds of pagan rituals. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 18:6. Alternate translation: “That son does not eat meat sacrificed to idols upon the mountains”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he does not lift up his eyes to the idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The idiom “lifted up his eyes” refers to looking toward something. With reference to idols, this gesture represents worshiping or praying to idols. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 18:6. Alternate translation: “he does not worship the idols” or “he does not pray to the idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 18:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: interest (0)This word refers to the money paid by a person to use borrowed money. However, some modern versions interpret “interest” in this passage as “too much interest.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walks according to my statutes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if his statutes were a path in which the person walks. Alternate translation: “obeys my statutes”
Ezekiel 18:18
General Information:
Yahweh speaks about the son’s father who has not obeyed God’s law.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: extortion (0)to take something from someone else by using threats or force.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: robbed his brother (0)Alternate translation: “robbed his fellow Israelite”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold, he (0)Alternate translation: “pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: he”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his iniquity (0)Alternate translation: “because of his iniquity”
Ezekiel 18:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why does the son not bear the iniquity of his father? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of a person being responsible for or guilty of iniquity as if the iniquity were an object that the person carries. Alternate translation: “Why is the son not responsible for the iniquity of his father?” or “Why is the son not guilty of the iniquity of his father?”
Ezekiel 18:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The righteousness of the one who acts rightly will be on himself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
For righteousness to be on a person is an idiom that means the person is responsible for that righteousness. Alternate translation: “The one who acts rightly will be responsible for his own righteousness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wickedness of the wicked will be on himself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
For wickedness to be on a person is an idiom that means the person is responsible for that wickedness. Alternate translation: “the wicked person will be responsible for his own wickedness”
Ezekiel 18:21
General Information:
Yahweh speaking of the wicked person who changes and does what is righteous.
Ezekiel 18:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the transgressions that he has committed will not be called to mind against him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “call to mind” means to remember. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will not remember all the transgressions that he has committed and will not hold them against him” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the righteousness that he practices (0)Alternate translation: “because of the righteous things he has done”
Ezekiel 18:23
General Information:
Yahweh speaks about his desire for wicked people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do I greatly rejoice over the death of the wicked … and not in his turning away from his way so that he may live? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question in order to emphasize the opposite. Alternate translation: “I do not greatly rejoice over the death of the wicked … but I do greatly rejoice if he turns away from his way so that he may live.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: not in his turning away from his way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of a person’s lifestyle or behavior as if it were a way on which the person walks. The idiom “to turn away” from something means to stop doing that thing. Alternate translation: “not in his ceasing to live the way that he lives” (See also: Idiom)
Ezekiel 18:24
General Information:
Yahweh gives an example of a man who turns from righteousness to wickedness.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then will he live? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate translation: “then he will surely not live.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the righteousness that he had done will not be called to mind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “call to mind” means to remember. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will not remember all the righteousness that he had done” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: treason (0)crime done against a country or against God, by someone who is expected to be loyal
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will die in the sins (0)Alternate translation: “he will die because of the sins”
Ezekiel 18:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are my ways unfair? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate translation: “My ways are not unfair.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is it not your ways that are unfair? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the positive answer. Alternate translation: “It is your ways that are unfair.”
Ezekiel 18:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dies because of them … die in the iniquity that he has done (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases repeat the thought of a man dying because of his sin to express that it was his fault and the fault of no one else.
Ezekiel 18:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has seen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the person thinking about and understanding something as if the person were seeing it. Alternate translation: “he has considered” or “he has understood”
Ezekiel 18:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The way of the Lord is not fair … How is my way not fair … It is your ways that are not fair (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Actions or behaviors are spoken of as if they were a way or path that a person travels. Alternate translation: “The Lord does not act fairly … How do I not act fairly … It is you who do not act fairly”
Ezekiel 18:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: according to his ways (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of a person’s actions as if the person were walking along a path. Alternate translation: “according to his actions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn away from all your transgressions so that they will not be stumbling blocks of iniquity against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of “transgressions” causing people to rebel against him as if they were blocks over which the people stumble.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stumbling blocks of iniquity against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) the stumbling blocks cause the person to commit more iniquity. Alternate translation: “stumbling blocks that cause you to commit more iniquity” or (2) The word “iniquity” is a metonym for the punishment that a person receives for his iniquity. Alternate translation: “stumbling blocks that lead to your punishment”
Ezekiel 18:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Throw away from yourselves all of the transgressions that you have committed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the people determining to stop committing transgressions as if the transgressions were objects, such as clothing, that they removed and threw away. Alternate translation: “Get rid of all of the transgressions that you have committed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “heart” represents the will and emotions and the word “spirit” represents the thoughts and disposition. Yahweh speaks of the people having new emotions and thoughts as if they were making a new heart and spirit for themselves. Alternate translation: “get for yourselves new emotions and a new way of thinking” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why should you die, house of Israel? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to comfort the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “There is no reason for you to die, house of Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 19
Ezekiel 19 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Judah destroyed
The first king was taken as a captive to Egypt, the next was taken as a captive to Babylon. Now Judah is not prospering.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
The kings of Judah are compared to man-eating lions. (See: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 19:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to the people of Israel. He tells a story where the nation of Israel is a lioness and some of the past kings in the kingdom of Judah are her cubs.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take up a lamentation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means to sing a lamentation. Alternate translation: “sing a lamentation”
Ezekiel 19:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who was your mother? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this ask a leading question in order to introduce the answer. Alternate translation: “This is who your mother is.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lioness (0)a female lion
Ezekiel 19:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He was caught in their trap (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: “They caught him in their trap”
Ezekiel 19:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He seized their widows (0)Alternate translation: “He seized the widows of the men whom he devoured”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The land and its fullness were abandoned (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: “People abandoned the land and its fullness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its fullness (0)Alternate translation: “everything in it”
Ezekiel 19:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the surrounding provinces (0)Alternate translation: “from the provinces surrounding the land of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He was caught in their trap (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: “They caught him in their trap”
Ezekiel 19:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his voice would no longer be heard (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: “people would no longer hear his voice”
Ezekiel 19:10
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
Yahweh speaks of the nation of Israel as though it was the mother of the leaders of Israel. Here he begins to tell a story where she is a prosperous vine.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a vine planted in your blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Possible meanings are that blood represents (1) the violence of the kings of Judah who had murdered people. Alternate translation: “a vine planted by means of violence” or (2) The plentiful wine of Judah which had become a symbol of prosperity. Alternate translation: “a vine planted in your prosperity” (See also: Symbolic Language)
Ezekiel 19:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: strong branches that were used for rulers’ scepters (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: “branches strong enough that people used them for rulers’ scepters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its height was seen by the greatness of its foliage (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: “people could see how tall it was by the greatness of its foliage”
Ezekiel 19:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the vine was uprooted in fury and thrown down (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 uprooted the vine in fury and threw it down” or “people uprooted the vine in fury and threw it down”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Its strong branches were broken off and withered (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 broke off its strong branches and they withered” or “People broke off its strong branches and they withered”
Ezekiel 19:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in a land of drought and thirst (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The very dry land is spoken of as if it were thirsty. Alternate translation: “in a very dry land of drought”
Ezekiel 19:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no scepter to rule (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implicit information may be supplied from Ezekiel 19:11. Alternate translation: “no branch strong enough for a ruler’s scepter”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be sung as a lamentation (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 sing it as a lamentation”
Ezekiel 20
Ezekiel 20 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Rebels cannot ask for help
The people of Israel have rebelled against God again and again. Now they cannot come to God for help in their troubles.
Ezekiel 20:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It came about (0)This phrase is used to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the seventh year (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
The implicit information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “in the seventh year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the tenth day of the fifth month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the beginning of August on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before me (0)Alternate translation: “in front of me”
Ezekiel 20:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 20:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As I live (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“As surely as I am alive.” Yahweh uses this expression to show that what he says next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you come to inquire of me? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the elders should not be inquiring of him. Alternate translation: “You should not come to inquire of me.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 20:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you judge them? Will you judge, son of man? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Yahweh asks Ezekiel the same question twice in order to secure Ezekiel’s commitment to pronounce the judgement. Alternate translation: “Are you ready to pronounce judgment on them, son of man?”
Ezekiel 20:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I … raised my hand to swear an oath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Here “raised my hand” is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate translation: “I … solemnly swore an oath”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Jacob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the descendants of Jacob over many years. Translate “the house of” as in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Jacob”
Ezekiel 20:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It was flowing with milk and honey (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“It was a land where plenty of milk and honey flowed.” Yahweh speaks of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate translation: “It was land that was excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the most beautiful ornament among all the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The lands in which people live are spoken of as if they are jewelry or other things that are pleasant to look at. Alternate translation: “the most beautiful of all lands”
Ezekiel 20:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to them (0)Alternate translation: “to the descendants of the house of Jacob”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the detestable things from before his eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the people worshiping the detestable things as if they had placed those idols in front of their eyes. Alternate translation: “the detestable things that he worships”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the idols of Egypt (0)Alternate translation: “throw away the idols of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not make yourselves unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezekiel 20:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they rebelled against me (0)The word “they” refers to “the descendants of the house of Jacob.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were unwilling to listen to me (0)Alternate translation: “would not obey me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the detestable things from before his eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the people worshiping the detestable things as if they had placed those idols in front of their eyes. Alternate translation: “the detestable things that he worshiped”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to pour out my fury upon them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury by punishing them as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out on them. Alternate translation: “to act against them in my fury”
Ezekiel 20:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for my name’s sake (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “for the sake of my reputation”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations (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: “so that the people would not profane it in the eyes of the nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “in the opinion” or “in the judgment”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “nations” is a metonym for the people who live in the nations. Alternate translation: “the people who live in other nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were staying (0)Alternate translation: “they were living”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I made myself known to them, in their eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “them” refers to the nations. The idiom “in their eyes” refers to being in a position where people can see. Alternate translation: “I revealed myself to them, in their presence”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bringing them (0)Alternate translation: “bringing the people of Israel”
Ezekiel 20:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I sent them (0)The word “them” refers to “the descendants of the house of Jacob.”
Ezekiel 20:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 20:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They did not walk in my statutes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if the statutes were a path along which a person walks. Alternate translation: “They did not obey my statutes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would pour out my fury upon them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury by punishing them as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out on them. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:8. Alternate translation: “I would act against them in my fury”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in order to end them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The euphemism “to end them” refers to killing them. Alternate translation: “in order to kill them”
Ezekiel 20:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I acted for my name’s sake (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:9. Alternate translation: “I acted for the sake of my reputation”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations (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 Ezekiel 20:9. Alternate translation: “so that the people would not profane it in the eyes of the nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the eyes of the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “nations” refer to the people who live in those places. The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:9. Alternate translation: “in the thoughts of the people in other nations” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in whose sight I had brought them out of Egypt (0)Alternate translation: “in whose presence I brought my people out of Egypt”
Ezekiel 20:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I myself also raised my hand to swear an oath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Here “raised my hand” is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:5. Alternate translation: “I myself also solemnly swore an oath”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to them (0)Alternate translation: “to the house of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a land flowing with milk and honey (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“a land where plenty of milk and honey flowed.” Yahweh speaks of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:6. Alternate translation: “a land that was excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the most beautiful ornament among all the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The lands in which people live are spoken of as if they are jewelry or other things that are pleasant to look at. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:6. Alternate translation: “the most beautiful of all lands”
Ezekiel 20:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did not walk in my statutes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if they were a path along which a person walks. Alternate translation: “did not obey my statutes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their hearts walked after their idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “heart” represents the person’s thoughts and emotions. Yahweh speaks of being dedicated to idols as if a person’s heart walked after them. Alternate translation: “they were dedicated to worshiping their idols” (See also: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 20:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eye spared them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “eye” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I spared them”
Ezekiel 20:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of a person obeying statutes as if the statutes were paths along with a person walks. Alternate translation: “Do not obey the statutes of your parents”
Ezekiel 20:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walk in my statutes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of a person obeying statutes as if the statutes were paths along with a person walks. Alternate translation: “Do not obey the statutes of your parents … obey my statutes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keep my decrees and obey them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
To “keep” Yahweh’s decrees is the same as to “obey them.”
Ezekiel 20:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They did not walk in my statutes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of a person obeying his statutes as if the statutes were a path along which the person walks. Alternate translation: “They did not obey my statutes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to pour out my fury upon them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury by punishing them as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out on them. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:8. Alternate translation: “to act against them in my fury”
Ezekiel 20:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I turned my hand away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh and turning his hand away means that he does not do what he was going to do. Alternate translation: “But I did not do that” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for my name’s sake (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “for the sake of my reputation”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations (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 Ezekiel 20:9. Alternate translation: “so that the people would not profane it in the eyes of the nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the eyes of the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “nations” refer to the people who live in those places. The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “in the thoughts of the people in other nations” (See also: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 20:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I myself also lifted up my hand to swear (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Here “lifted up my hand” is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate translation: “I myself also solemnly swore”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scatter them among the nations and disperse them among the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 12:15. Alternate translation: “cause them to separate from each other and live in different nations”
Ezekiel 20:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their eyes were longing after their fathers’ idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “eyes” represents the person who looks to the idols to worship them. Alternate translation: “They were longing after their fathers’ idols”
Ezekiel 20:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then I also gave them statutes that were not good, and decrees by which they could not live (0)The words statutes in this phrase do not refer to God’s law. God permitted them to live by human laws and judgments that were not good.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave them (0)The word “them” refers to the children of those whom Yahweh brought out of Egypt.
Ezekiel 20:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they made a sacrifice of every firstborn of the womb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase “firstborn of the womb” refers to the firstborn child of a woman. The phrase “made a sacrifice” can be translated with the verb “sacrifice.” Alternate translation: “they sacrificed every woman’s firstborn child”
Ezekiel 20:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What is this high place where you bring offerings there? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this question in order to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “This is not a high place where you are to bring offerings!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the name is called Bamah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The name “Bamah” means “high place,” a place for worshiping idols. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people have called that place Bamah”
Ezekiel 20:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do you make yourselves unclean with the ways of your fathers? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “You should not make yourselves unclean by doing the things that your fathers did.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do you make yourselves unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So why do you act like prostitutes, searching for disgusting things? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “You should not act like prostitutes, searching for disgusting things.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: why do you act like prostitutes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Yahweh speaks of the people being unfaithful to him as if they were acting like women who sleep with men to whom they are not married.
Ezekiel 20:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So why should I let you seek me, house of Israel? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “I will not let you come close to me, house of Israel.”
Ezekiel 20:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with a mighty hand, a raised arm (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “hand” and “arm” both represent power. Alternate translation: “with very great power” (See also: Doublet)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fury that will be poured out on you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury as if the fury were a liquid that he pours out on the people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “fury that I will pour out on you” or “I will express my fury towards you” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 20:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: among whom you have been scattered (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: “among whom I have scattered you”
Ezekiel 20:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will cause you to pass under my rod (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This refers to the practice of a shepherd counting and inspecting his sheep as the sheep walked under his staff. This could mean: (1) Yahweh will count his people whom he gathers from the nations to ensure that they are all present. Alternate translation: “I will count you carefully as a shepherd counts his sheep” or (2) Yahweh will inspect each person as they pass under his staff in order to separate the faithful from the unfaithful. Alternate translation: “I will inspect you carefully as a shepherd inspects his sheep”
Ezekiel 20:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to listen to me (0)Alternate translation: “to obey me” or “to pay attention to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: profane my holy name (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “dishonor me”
Ezekiel 20:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to require your offerings (0)Alternate translation: “to require you to bring your offerings”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the firstfruits of your tribute (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the best things among all that they give to him as if they were “firstfruits.” Alternate translation: “the best of your contributions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your holy things (0)Alternate translation: “the offerings that you set aside to give to me”
Ezekiel 20:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will accept you like fragrant incense (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of his people worshiping him as they should as if the people themselves were the incense offering.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will bring his people back from all of the nations to which he had scattered them. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 20:34.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where you have been scattered (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 I have scattered you”
Ezekiel 20:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have lifted up my hand to swear (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Here “lifted up my hand” is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate translation: “I have solemnly sworn”
Ezekiel 20:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will call to mind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means to remember. Alternate translation: “you will remember”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you defiled yourselves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were defiled.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will despise yourselves in your own eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “you will hate yourselves”
Ezekiel 20:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of my name’s sake (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “because of my reputation”
Ezekiel 20:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 20:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face toward the southern lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a command to stare at the southern lands as a symbol of punishing the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:3. Alternate translation: “Stare at the southern lands” or “Stare at the southern lands so that they will be harmed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set your face” represents staring. Alternate translation: “stare”
Ezekiel 20:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The fiery flame will not be quenched (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 fiery flame will not go out” or “No one will be able to quench the fiery flame”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every face from the south to the north will be burned (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 fire will burn every face from the south to the north”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every face from the south to the north (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “face” represents the person. By mentioning the opposite directions, Yahweh refers to everyone who lives in the north, in the south, and everywhere in between. Alternate translation: “every person who lives in that area” (See also: Merism)
Ezekiel 20:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all flesh will see (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “flesh” represents all humans. The idiom to “see” means to understand. Alternate translation: “all people will understand” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it will not be quenched (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: “it will not go out” or “no one will quench it”
Ezekiel 20:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Alas (0)a word that expresses distress or grief
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is he not a mere teller of parables? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The people use this question to insult Ezekiel and dismiss what he is telling them. Alternate translation: “He is merely telling parables”
Ezekiel 21
Ezekiel 21 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Refusing to learn
Judah has refused to learn from their punishment, so God is about to destroy the nation in war.
Ezekiel 21:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 21:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)“Son of a human being” or “Son of humanity or “Mortal person” or “Human.” God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face toward Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a command to stare at Jerusalem as a symbol of punishing the people there. Alternate translation: “stare at Jerusalem” or “stare at Jerusalem so that the people there will be harmed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face toward Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Jerusalem was far away, so Ezekiel could not see it, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming it. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:2 Alternate translation: “Turn toward Jerusalem and stare” or “stare toward Jerusalem so that the people there will be harmed”
Ezekiel 21:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will draw my sword from its sheath and cut off both the righteous person and the wicked person from you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of Yahweh causing these people to die as if he actually killed them with his own sword. Alternate translation: “I am opposed to you, and it will be as though I pull my sword from its sheath to kill both the righteous and the wicked people among you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous person and the wicked person (0)“righteous people and wicked people.” This refers to multiple people, not just one righteous person and one wicked person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sheath (0)something that holds and covers a sword when no one is using it
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism that means to kill. Alternate translation: “kill”
Ezekiel 21:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism that means to kill. Alternate translation: “kill”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous … the wicked (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to righteous and wicked people. Alternate translation: “those who are righteous … those who are wicked” or “the righteous people … the wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from you (0)Alternate translation: “among you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my sword will go out from its sheath against (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of Yahweh causing these people to die as if he actually killed them with his own sword. Alternate translation: “it will be as though I pull my sword from its sheath and strike”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all flesh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “flesh” is a metonym for “people.” Alternate translation: “all people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the south to the north (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This is a merism that refers to the area to the north, and to the south, and all places in between. Alternate translation: “in every direction” or “everywhere”
Ezekiel 21:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that I, Yahweh, have drawn my sword from its sheath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of Yahweh causing people to die as if he actually killed them with his own sword. Alternate translation: “it is as though I, Yahweh, have struck people with my sword”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It will no longer hold back (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks of Yahweh not holding back his sword from attacking people as if his sword were a person that was no longer holding itself back from attacking. Alternate translation: “and I will not put it back in its sheath again” or “I will not hold back from attacking people”
Ezekiel 21:6
General Information:
Yahweh is speaking to Ezekiel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: groan as your loins break (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh tells Ezekiel to groan as a sign to accompany his message. He tells him to groan deeply as if his abdomen was in great pain. “groan deeply as if your loins were in great pain” or “groan deeply with great sorrow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In bitterness groan (0)Alternate translation: “With great grief” or “With great sorrow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before their eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the Israelites are referred to by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: “before them” or “before the Israelite people”
Ezekiel 21:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the news that is coming (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks of the “news” as if it were a person that was soon coming to them. Alternate translation: “the news that they will soon hear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for every heart will faint away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This speaks of people becoming afraid, as if their hearts were fainting. Also, this speaks of the people fainting as a result of fear. Alternate translation: “for everyone will become fearful” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will falter (0)Alternate translation: “will be weak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Every spirit will grow faint (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of people becoming fearful in their spirits as if their spirits were about to faint. Alternate translation: “Everyone will be fearful in their inner being”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every knee will flow like water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
“every knee will be as weak as water.” This is a euphemism for people being so afraid that they lose their bladder control and urinate on themselves. Alternate translation: “every leg will be wet with urine” or “everyone will lose control of their urine”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 21:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 21:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A sword! A sword! It will be sharpened and polished! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This passage describes the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for an enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem. This metaphor begins here and continues through Ezekiel 21:17.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It will be sharpened and polished (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This phrase indicates that the sword is ready for someone to use it. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It is sharp and polished”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: polished (0)Someone made the sword smooth, shiny, and clean by rubbing it with a rough material.
Ezekiel 21:10
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It will be sharpened … It will be polished in order to (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will sharpen it … I will polish it so that it will”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in order to be like lightning (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This means that the sword will be so shiny that light reflects off of it easily and brightly. Alternate translation: “so that it flashes like lightning” or “so that light reflects off of it as brightly as lightning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should we rejoice in my son’s scepter? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question emphasizes that the people of Israel will not celebrate their king’s power, because it cannot resist the “sword.” Alternate translation: “The people of Judah will not celebrate about their king’s scepter.” or “we should not celebrate the power of our king’s scepter.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should we (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word “we” refers to Ezekiel and the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in my son’s scepter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Yahweh refers to the king of Judah as his son. The king’s scepter represents his rule as king. It is important to maintain the image of the king’s scepter here, as the words “every such rod” refer to the scepter. Alternate translation: “in the king’s scepter” or “in the power that the king’s scepter represents”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The coming sword hates every such rod (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the “sword” is personified as coming to attack the people. This speaks of the king not being able to resist the “sword”, as if the “sword” were hating the king’s scepter. Alternate translation: “the sword will overpower his scepter like that of any other ruler” or “for the king will not be able to resist when the sword is brought against him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: such rod (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
This phrase is used to mock the king’s scepter by calling it a “rod.” Alternate translation: “such scepter”
Ezekiel 21:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sword will be given to be polished (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 polish the sword”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then to be grasped by the hand (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 right person will hold it in his hand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is to be given into the hand of the one who kills (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: “it is ready for the killer to use”
Ezekiel 21:12
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that sword has come against my people! It is against all (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks of Yahweh’s sword attacking his people as if the sword itself were the attacker. Alternate translation: “I will use my sword to kill my people! I will bring it against all”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They are thrown against the sword with my people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the leaders of Israel being killed with a sword as if they are thrown against the sword. Alternate translation: “They are killed with the sword along with my people” or “The sword will kill them along with my people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: slap your thigh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In Ezekiel’s culture, slapping one’s thigh was a sign of grief. Some other translation use the gesture of beating one’s breast which is a sign of grief in many cultures. Alternate translation: “beat your chests”
Ezekiel 21:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the scepter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the king of Judah is represented by his scepter. Alternate translation: “the king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: does not last (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cannot resist” or “is destroyed”
Ezekiel 21:14
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hit your two hands together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This means for him to clap his hands as a sign of his grief. Alternate translation: “clap your hands to show that you are very sad”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even a third time (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
This is an idiom that means multiple times. Alternate translation: “again and again” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A sword for the ones to be slaughtered (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: “It is a sword for slaughtering people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is a sword for the many to be slaughtered (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: “It is a sword for slaughtering many people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: piercing them everywhere (0)“attacking them from every side.” Some Bibles translate this as “which enters into their rooms.” This means no matter where they hide, the sword will kill them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: piercing them (0)The word “them” refers to the people of Jerusalem and of the land of Israel.
Ezekiel 21:15
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to melt their hearts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of causing the people to be so terrified that it is as if their hearts were melting. Alternate translation: “to fill them with terror” or “to cause them to be terrified”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to multiply their fallen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “fallen” refers to the people killed in battle. This means there will be a greater number of people killed. Alternate translation: “to kill many people among them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set the sword for slaughter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the sword of Yahweh represents men with swords that are to attack Jerusalem. Also, the word “slaughter” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “placed soldiers armed with swords at their gates, ready to slaughter the people” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their gates (0)The word “their” refers to the people of Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is made like lightning (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This compares how the sword is well polished and how it reflects light to appear like lightning. Alternate translation: “My sword is polished and flashes like lightning” or “It is polished and reflects light as being like lightning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is grasped for slaughter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sword of Yahweh represents the men with swords that are to attack Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “released to slaughter the people”
Ezekiel 21:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You, sword! Strike to the right! & Go wherever your face is turned. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Here Yahweh speaks to those who will attack his people as if they could hear him and as if they were a sword that they would use in the attack. He does this to emphasize that he is in control of what is happening during the attack. The phrase “wherever your face is turned” is an idiom for “wherever you desire to go.” Alternate translation: “I tell those attacking with swords, ‘Strike to the right! … Attack in every direction.’” (See also: Metonymy and Idiom)
Ezekiel 21:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hit my two hands together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
“clap my hands.” Here clapping hands is a sign of triumph. Alternate translation: “clap my hands in triumph”
Ezekiel 21:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came to me again (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “the word of Yahweh came” is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 18:1. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke to me again”
Ezekiel 21:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sword of the king of Babylon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill people using swords. Alternate translation: “the soldiers of the king of Babylon” or “the Babylonian army”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a signpost will mark one of them as leading to a city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is a sign posted where the road divides into two roads. Alternate translation: “a sign will be posted where the road divides into two roads”
Ezekiel 21:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the crossroads, at the junction (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases refer to the place where the two roads meet. Alternate translation: “at the crossroads”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will shake some arrows and ask direction from some idols and he will examine a liver (0)These are divination practices.
Ezekiel 21:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In his right hand will be an omen about Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This means the he will hold one of the articles of his divination that was read as an omen against Jerusalem in his right hand. Alternate translation: “In his right hand will be an article of divination with an omen against Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: battering rams (0)A battering ram was a cut tree or large log with a sharpened end or an end covered in metal. It was held by several men who would pound the end against a wall.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to build a ramp (0)These were large dirt ramps that the Babylonian soldiers built so that they could get onto the walls of Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: siege towers (0)These were wooden towers that the Babylonian soldiers built around Jerusalem to enable them to shoot arrows over the walls of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 21:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the eyes of the ones in Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “in the thoughts of the people in Jerusalem”
Ezekiel 21:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Because you have made your guilt to be remembered (0)Alternate translation: “Because you remind me of your iniquity”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will be taken in hand (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. The “enemy’s hand” represents the enemy’s control. Alternate translation: “your enemy will take you in his hand” or “your enemies will capture you and take you into captivity” (See also: Metonymy)
Ezekiel 21:25
General Information:
Yahweh gives Ezekiel his message to the ruler of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose day of punishment has come (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “whom Yahweh will now punish”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose time of committing iniquity has ended (0)Alternate translation: “at the time when Yahweh ends iniquity”
Ezekiel 21:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the turban (0)“the king’s turban.” A turban is a beautiful piece of cloth that kings wore wrapped on their heads as a symbol of their authority.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the lowly … the exalted (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to people with low status and people who are exalted. Alternate translation: “those who are lowly … those who are exalted” or “those with low status … those with high status”
Ezekiel 21:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It will not be restored (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the crown represents the position of king. The kingship will not be restored until the Messiah comes. Alternate translation: “There will no longer be a king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the one comes who is assigned (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 one comes who I assign”
Ezekiel 21:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: concerning their coming disgrace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “disgrace” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “about how he will disgrace them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A sword, a sword is drawn! It is sharpened for the slaughter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This refers to the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the soldiers that Yahweh uses to kill a large number of people who have been disobedient to him. Alternate translation: “Swords! My soldiers have drawn their swords! They are sharpened for the slaughter”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is drawn (0)If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is out of its sheath”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is sharpened for the slaughter in order to devour (0)This speaks of the soldiers killing people as if they were animals devouring their prey. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It is sharp in order to slaughter and to kill people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so it will be like lightning (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This means that the sword is so shiny that light reflects off of it easily and brightly. Alternate translation: “and light reflects off of it as brightly as lightning”
Ezekiel 21:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: empty visions for you … with lies for you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
“empty visions for you Ammonites … with lies for you Ammonites.” The word “you” refers to the people of Ammon. In the original Biblical language, the word “your” is feminine singular and refers to the nation of Ammon. Nations were often thought of as a woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: empty visions (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of visions being false and meaningless as if they were empty containers. Alternate translation: “visions that are not true” or “false visions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: “those who are wicked”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who are about to be 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: “who are about to die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose day of punishment has come and whose time of iniquity is about to end (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrases “day of” and “time of” are idioms. Alternate translation: “for the time has come for them to be punished and for their iniquity to end” or “for the time has come for me to punish them and for them to no longer be able to commit wickedness”
Ezekiel 21:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Return the sword to its sheath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Later the sword will be put back in its sheath.” This speaks of the soldiers withdrawing from attacking Jerusalem, by saying that Yahweh’s sword is put back in its sheath. Alternate translation: “But later the soldiers will return their swords to their sheaths, for the time of slaughter will be over” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sheath (0)This is something that holds and covers a sword when no one is using it. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 21:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the place of your creation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “creation” may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “In the place that I created you”
Ezekiel 21:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will pour out my indignation on you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of Yahweh punishing the Babylonians because of his indignation against them as if his indignation were a liquid that he poured out of a container upon them. Alternate translation: “I will punish you because of indignation against you” or “Out of my anger I will punish you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will fan the fire of my rage against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This compares Yahweh’s rage to a consuming fire. Alternate translation: “I will bring my rage upon you like a blazing fire” or “I will punish you in my fierce anger”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of cruel men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “hand” of the men refers to their control. Alternate translation: “the control of cruel men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: craftsmen of destruction (0)Alternate translation: “men who cause great destruction”
Ezekiel 21:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will become fuel for the fire (0)Alternate translation: “The fire will burn up your bodies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your blood will be in the midst of the land (0)Alternate translation: “Your blood will soak into the ground of your land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will not be remembered (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: “No one will remember you”
Ezekiel 22
Ezekiel 22 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Continuous evil
Murder, idolatry and all sorts of evil have been done in Jerusalem; so God will destroy the city and scatter the people among the nations. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Ezekiel 22:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 22:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now you, son of man, will you judge? Will you judge the city of blood? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question functions as a command. AT. “Son of man, go and judge. Go and judge the city of blood.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city of blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “blood” is a metonym for murder. Alternate translation: “the city where many people murder their neighbors”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
The word “her” refers to Jerusalem. Cities were often thought of as a woman. (See also: Personification)
Ezekiel 22:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her … herself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
The word “her” refers to Jerusalem. Cities were often thought of as a woman. This continues through verse 32. (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This is a city that pours … her midst (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “city” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “The people who live in this city pour … its midst”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that pours out blood in her midst (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “blood” is a metonym for murder. Alternate translation: “where many people murder their neighbors”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that her time may come (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the time when Yahweh will destroy them. Alternate translation: “so that the time of her destruction may come” or “so that the time may come for her to be destroyed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezekiel 22:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the blood that you have poured out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of murdering people as pouring out blood. Alternate translation: “because you murdered innocent people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person whom God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have drawn your days to a close, and the end of your years has come (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The images of days being brought to a close and years coming to an end are both idioms representing ending by death or by destruction. By saying that Jerusalem has brough her days to a close, Yahweh implies that Jerusalem would soon be destroyed because of the people’s sin. Alternate translation: “Because of these things you have done, you are approaching the end of your time” or “You are bringing your existence to an end” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information )
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have drawn your days to a close (0)Alternate translation: “have brought your days to an end” or “have ended your life”
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Quote: I will make you a reproach to the nations and a laughingstock to all the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This can be reworded so that the nouns “reproach” and “laughingstock” are expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: “I will make the nations reproach you and all the lands ridicule you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a reproach (0)someone whom people disapprove of or rebuke
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Quote: a laughingstock (0)a person whom people ridicule or mock
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Quote: to all the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This generalization refers to the places who are familiar with Jerusalem and represents the people who live in these places. Alternate translation: “of the people of every nearby land”
Ezekiel 22:6
General Information:
Yahweh speaking about the ruler of Israel in Jerusalem.
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Quote: Behold (0)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
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Quote: each one by his own power, have come (0)Alternate translation: “have each used their authority to come to you.”
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Quote: come to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Yahweh speaks to the city of Jerusalem itself as if it were a woman who could hear him speak. Alternate translation: “come to Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to pour out blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of murdering people as pouring out blood. Alternate translation: “to murder people”
Ezekiel 22:7
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Quote: They have dishonored fathers (0)Alternate translation: “The rules of Israel have dishonored their fathers”
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Quote: within you … in your midst … within you (0)Yahweh speaks to the city of Jerusalem itself as if it were a woman who could hear him speak. Alternate translation: “within Jerusalem … in the midst of Jerusalem … within Jerusalem.” The words “you” and “your” refer to Jerusalem.
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Quote: performed oppression on (0)Alternate translation: “oppressed”
Ezekiel 22:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they eat on the mountains (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “the mountains” refer to the altars on the mountains that are dedicated to idols. They men eat meat that has been sacrificed to the idols in order to be have the blessing of false gods. Alternate translation: “they eat the meat that has been sacrificed to idols”
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Quote: perform wickedness in your midst (0)Alternate translation: “do evil things among you”
Ezekiel 22:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Within you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
In all instances of this phrase, the writer refers to the people of Jerusalem as if they were the city itself, and of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “within this city” or “among you people of Jerusalem” (See also: Metonymy and Metaphor)
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Quote: men uncover the nakedness of their father (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This means that a son sleeps with his father’s wife. Alternate translation: “there are men who sleep with their father’s wife”
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Quote: they have violated unclean women during their menstrual period (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These are all ways to express that the men have had slept with women they should not have and how sinful their actions are. Alternate translation: “They have raped unclean women during their menstrual period”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person whom God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. Women were considered to be unclean during their menstrual period.
Ezekiel 22:11
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Quote: commit abominations with their neighbors’ wives … make their own daughters-in-law shamefully unclean … abuse their own sisters (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These are all ways to express that the men have had slept with women they should not have and how sinful their actions are. Alternate translation: “commit abominations by sleeping with their neighbors’ wives … make their own daughters-in-law shamefully unclean by sleeping with them … rape their own sisters”
Ezekiel 22:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to pour out blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of murdering people as pouring out blood. Alternate translation: “to murder people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: interest (0)This word refers to the money paid by a person to use borrowed money. However, some modern versions interpret “interest” in this passage as “too much interest.”
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Quote: you have damaged your neighbors through oppression (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that they have oppressed their neighbors by charging them too much interest. Alternate translation: “you have oppressed your neighbors and made them poor” or “you have made your neighbors poor by charging too much interest”
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Quote: you have forgotten me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Refusing to obey Yahweh is like forgetting that he exists.
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Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 22:13
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Quote: With my hand I have struck (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
“I have shaken my fist against” or “I have clapped my hands against.” This is a symbolic action that shows anger and disapproval. Alternate translation: “I have shown my anger and disapproval against”
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Quote: the bloodshed that is done in the midst of you (0)Alternate translation: “the murder that people commit in you”
Ezekiel 22:14
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Quote: Will your heart stand, will your hands be strong on the days when I myself will deal with you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize how hurt they will be when he punishes them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your heart will not stand and your hands will not be strong on the days when I myself will deal with you.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will your heart stand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the whole person is referred to by his “heart” to emphasize his emotions and will. Here the idea of “standing” is an idiom that means to be courageous. Alternate translation: “Will you stand” or “Will you be courageous” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will your hands be strong (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the whole person is referred to by his “hands.” Alternate translation: “will you be strong”
Ezekiel 22:15
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Quote: So I will scatter you among the nations and disperse you through the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 12:15. Alternate translation: “So I will cause them to separate from each other and live in different nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: purge (0)remove something unwanted
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Quote: uncleanness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
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Quote: the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “nations” refer to the people who live in those places. Alternate translation: “the people in other nations”
Ezekiel 22:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So you will become unclean in the eyes of the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the “nations” refer to the people who live in those places. The “eyes” represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “So the nations will consider you unclean”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 22:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 22:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel has (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites have” or “the Israelite people group has”
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Quote: has become dross to me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Dross is the impurities that are left over after silver or gold has been purified in a furnace. Here Yahweh speaks of the people being worthless to him as if they were dross. Alternate translation: “has become as worthless to me as dross”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All of them are the leftovers of bronze and tin … like the dross of silver in your furnace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh continues to speaks about how the people have become worthless to him as if they were dross. Alternate translation: “All of them are as worthless as the leftover of bronze and tin, and iron and lead that remain after you melt silver in the furnace”
Ezekiel 22:19
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Quote: behold (0)Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
Ezekiel 22:20
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Quote: I will gather you in my anger and my wrath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The phrases with “anger” and “wrath” are used together to emphasize that he was extremely angry. Alternate translation: “Because of my great anger and wrath, I will gather you” or “I will be furiously angry with you, and I will gather you”
Ezekiel 22:21
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Quote: I will gather you and blow on you the fire of my wrath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is the image of a person gathering the metals in the furnace and blowing the fire to make it hotter. Yahweh speaks of the greatness of his wrath as if it were a fire that he was blowing to make it hotter. Alternate translation: “I will gather you, and my wrath will be like a fire that I will blow on you”
Ezekiel 22:22
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Quote: you will be melted in it (0)The word “it” refers to Jerusalem.
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Quote: have poured out my wrath on you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of punishing the people as if his wrath were a liquid that he would pour on them. Alternate translation: “have punished you in my anger”
Ezekiel 22:23
General Information:
Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 22:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are a land that has not been cleansed (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. The word “land” here refers to Israel and to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “You are a land and a people that is unclean” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: not been cleansed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
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Quote: There is no rain on the day of wrath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Rain is used as an example of God’s blessing. Alternate translation: “There is no blessing on the day of wrath”
Ezekiel 22:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There is a conspiracy of her prophets in her midst (0)The word “her” refers to Israel. Alternate translation: “The prophets within Israel plot conspiracies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: conspiracy (0)a secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal
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Quote: like a roaring lion tearing apart a victim. They consume life and take precious wealth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This compares the prophets of Israel to lions who attack and kill their victims. Alternate translation: “They kill people for they are like roaring lions who attack and kill their prey. They take peoples’ precious wealth”
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Quote: they make many widows within her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “her” refers to Israel. They “make many widows” by killing married men. Alternate translation: “they make many women into widows by killing their husbands”
Ezekiel 22:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do violence to my law (0)Alternate translation: “disobey my laws”
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Quote: the unclean and the clean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to unclean and clean things. Something that God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. Alternate translation: “things that are unclean and things that are clean” (See also: Metaphor)
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Quote: They hide their eyes from my Sabbaths (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the people ignoring and not observing the Sabbath and if they were hiding their eyes from the Sabbath” Alternate translation: “They ignore my Sabbaths”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that I am profaned in their midst (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 profane me among themselves”
Ezekiel 22:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her (0)This pronoun refers to Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Her princes within her are like wolves tearing apart their victims (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This compares Israel’s princes to wolves who attack and kill their victims.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They pour out blood and destroy life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the violence that the princes practice. Alternate translation: “They murder people”
Ezekiel 22:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Her prophets have painted them over with whitewash (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the prophets trying to hide these sins as if they were something that they could paint over with whitewash. Alternate translation: “It is like her prophets have painted over their sins with whitewash” or “Their prophets try to hide these evil things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whitewash (0)This is a solution that is painted on things to make them white that is similar to white paint.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: predict falsehoods to them (0)“predict lies for the princes.” The word “them” refers to the princes.
Ezekiel 22:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have oppressed … and plundered (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The understood words may be supplied. Alternate translation: “have oppressed people … and plundered others”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: extortion (0)This refers to when someone threatens or hurts another person in order to make them give him money.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the poor and needy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to poor and needy people. Alternate translation: “those who are poor and needy”
Ezekiel 22:30
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
Yahweh compares the leaders of Jerusalem to a wall and himself to an invading army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a man from them who would build up a wall (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of a man who would take responsibility to pray for the people and to lead them to repentance as if that man were to build a wall to protect the people from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “a man from among them who would act like he built a wall”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stand before me in its breach (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Its “breach” refers to a gap in the wall. This speaks of the man defending the people before Yahweh as if he were a warrior standing in the breach to defend the city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the land so I would not destroy it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “land” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “for the people so that I would not destroy them”
Ezekiel 22:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pour out my indignation upon them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of Yahweh punishing the people as if his indignation were a liquid that he poured out on them. Alternate translation: “I will punish the people because of my indignation for them” or “I will punish the people because of my anger against them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: indignation (0)anger of a person who has suffered injustice
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will finish them with the fire of my indignation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of how harsh Yahweh’s judgement is by comparing it to a fire. Here destroying the people is referred to as “finishing” them. Alternate translation: “I will destroy them with my wrath which is as intense as a blazing fire” or “I will destroy them with my wrath” (See also: Euphemism)
Ezekiel 23
Ezekiel 23 General Notes
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
Israel and Judah have been unfaithful to God by worshiping idols. They are compared to two unfaithful wives who have repeatedly committed adultery. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and Metaphor)
Ezekiel 23:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 23:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
Ezekiel 23:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their breasts were squeezed (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: “Men squeezed their breasts”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their virgin nipples were fondled there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This phrase means basically the same thing as the previous phrase and emphasizes the immoral behavior of the two young women. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “there men fondled their virgin nipples” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fondled (0)to be touched lovingly or softly
Ezekiel 23:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they became mine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he married them and they became his wives. Alternate translation: “they became my wives”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their names mean this: Oholah means Samaria, and Oholibah means Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Oholah represents Samaria, and Oholibah represents Jerusalem.” In this metaphor Samaria is spoken of as if it were Oholah and Jerusalem is spoken of as if it were Oholibah. This speaks of how these cities were unfaithful to Yahweh as if they were unfaithful wives.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oholah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman that means “her tent.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oholibah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman that means “my tent is in her.”
Ezekiel 23:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when she was mine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to when she was his wife. Alternate translation: “while she was still my wife”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who were dominant (0)Alternate translation: “who ruled over her”
Ezekiel 23:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the best of Assyria’s men (0)This identifies who the word “them” refers to.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: she made herself unclean with everyone she lusted for—and with all their idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that she slept with all of these men and worshiped the idols they worshiped. Alternate translation: “she made herself unclean by sleeping with everyone she lusted for and by worshiping all their idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezekiel 23:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: poured out their lust upon her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of lust as if it were a large amount of water that they were pouring out on her. Alternate translation: “to act lustfully toward her”
Ezekiel 23:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I gave her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” refers to power or control. The two phrases have the same meaning and the second phrase explains that “her lovers” were “the Assyrians.” Alternate translation: “I gave her over to her lovers, the Assyrians” (See also: Parallelism)
Ezekiel 23:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they executed judgment on her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they talked about her disgrace” or “she had a bad reputation among them”
Ezekiel 23:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oholibah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a woman that means “my tent is in her.” See how you translated this name in Ezekiel 23:4.
Ezekiel 23:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 23:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It was the same for both sisters (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to how they had both made themselves unclean. Alternate translation: “Both sisters became unclean through their acts of prostitution”
Ezekiel 23:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turbans (0)hats made out of long cloth and wrapped around the top of a man’s head
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had the appearance of officers of chariot troops, the likeness of sons (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “likeness” and “appearance” can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “appeared the way officers of chariot troops do, and they looked like sons”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: chariot troops (0)soldiers who drive chariots and who run ahead of and beside them
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sons of Babylonia (0)Alternate translation: “Babylonians”
Ezekiel 23:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her bed of lust (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to her bed where she slept with men and acted lustfully. Alternate translation: “her bed where she acted lustfully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they made her unclean with their promiscuousness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that they slept with the woman. Alternate translation: “they slept with her and made her unclean”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 23:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so she turned herself away from them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “so she rejected them”
Ezekiel 23:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose private parts were like those of donkeys (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This compares the size of the mens’ private parts to those of a donkey to show how wicked Oholibah’s desires were. This is an exaggeration as they could not be as large as those of a donkey. Alternate translation: “whose private parts were very long, like those of a donkey” (See also: Hyperbole)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose reproductive emissions were like those of horses (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This compares the volume of the mens’ emissions to those of a horse to show how wicked Oholibah’s desires were. This is an exaggeration as they could not be like those of a horse. Alternate translation: “whose reproductive emissions were huge, like those of a horse” (See also: Hyperbole)
Ezekiel 23:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)“Listen!” The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring them against you from every side (0)Alternate translation: “I will cause them to attack you from all directions”
Ezekiel 23:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This does not refer to all of the people who live in these places, but rather to soldiers from there. Alternate translation: “soldiers from Babylon and all of Chaldea, Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the soldiers of Assyria with them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pekod, Shoa, and Koa (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names places in Babylonia. These places represent the soldiers from these places. Alternate translation: “those from Pekod, Shoa, and Koa” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: strong, handsome men, governors and commanders … all of them riding on horses (0)This is the description of the men of Assyria that Oholah had slept with who are now turning against her. This is similar to the description given in Ezekiel 23:6.
Ezekiel 23:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will come against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will attack you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with weapons (0)The Hebrew word translated here as “weapons” is rare. Many modern versions translate it in this way, but some versions leave this phrase out.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will set large shields, small shields, and helmets against you all around (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These defensive items are used to refer to various types of soldiers. Alternate translation: “Soldiers will attack you on all sides carrying large shields, small shields, and wearing helmets”
Ezekiel 23:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For I will set my jealous anger on you, and they will deal with you in fury (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Yahweh speaks of causing the armies to attack them because he is angry with them as if his anger where something that he was placing upon them. Alternate translation: Because I am very jealous for you, I will cause them to act furiously towards you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will cut off your noses and your ears (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This describes the punishment in Babylon for married women who slept with men that are not their husbands. Alternate translation: “They will punish you as an adulteress, by cutting of your noses and your ears”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your survivors will fall by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The word “fall” is a euphemism for “die.” The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who kill with swords. Alternate translation: “men will kill your survivors with their swords” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your survivors will be devoured by fire (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks of the survivors being burned by fire as if the fire were an animal attacking and eating them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your survivors will be burned by fire” or “fire will burn your survivors” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 23:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the land of Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to her prostitution as beginning in Egypt. Alternate translation: “which you began in the land of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will not lift up your eyes toward them with longing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a way to refer to a person turning their head to look at something. Here looking represents desire. Alternate translation: “You will not look toward them with longing” or “You will not desire these things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will think of Egypt no longer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Egypt” represents the shameful things that she did in Egypt. Alternate translation: “you will think about the things you did in Egypt no longer” or “you will not think about what you did in Egypt any more”
Ezekiel 23:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give you into the hand of the ones you hate … into the hand of the ones from whom you had turned away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These two phrases have the same meaning. It means that they will be captured by the men they used to prostitute themselves to. Alternate translation: “allow you to be captured by those you hate and had turned away from”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into the hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” refers to control. Alternate translation: “into the control”
Ezekiel 23:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: naked and bare (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean the same thing and emphasize that she will be completely uncovered.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your nakedness will be uncovered (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: “They will reveal your nakedness”
Ezekiel 23:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: These things will be done to you in your acting (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
“These things will be done to you because you have acted.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “These things will happen to you because you have acted”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: acting like a prostitute, lusting after nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Ezekiel speaks of Oholibah, who represents Judah (Ezekiel 23:4), as if she were a prostitute sleeping with the men of many nations for money. He wants the people of Judah to understand that Yahweh to punish them because they were worshiping the idols of other nations so they could get those nations’ wealth and power. Alternate translation: “acting like a prostitute, lusting after men of other nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: became unclean with their idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
She became unclean by worshiping the idols. Alternate translation: “became unclean by worshiping their idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 23:7.
Ezekiel 23:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so I will put her cup of punishment into your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This refers to Oholibah’s punishment that she will receive as if it were a cup of wine. Alternate translation: “so I will cause you to be punished in the same way as your sister”
Ezekiel 23:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will drink your sister’s cup (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Yahweh speaks of punishment as if it were a cup of wine the woman drank. Alternate translation: “You will drink the same cup of punishment as your sister”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your sister’s cup that is (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “cup” represents what is in the cup. Alternate translation: “from your sister’s cup that is” or “all that is in your sister’s cup, and her cup is”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a laughingstock … a subject for derision (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases refer to a person who is laughed at and criticized because of their foolish behavior. Derision is mocking or ridiculing something or someone.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this cup contains a great amount (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This sentence does not say what is in the cup because it is understood by reading Ezekiel 23:31. Alternate translation: “this cup contains a great amount of punishment”
Ezekiel 23:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of being very drunk and full of sorrow as if drunkenness and sorrow were things that filled her body. Alternate translation: “You will become very drunk and very sad”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the cup of horror and devastation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
“the cup that causes horror and devastation.” The words “horror” and “devastation” share similar meanings here and emphasize how terrible her punishment will be. Alternate translation: “for what is in that cup causes horror and devastation”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the cup of your sister Samaria (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Oholibah’s sister Oholah represents Samaria. Samaria is called by it’s name but still referred to as a sister. The cup is a symbol for the punishment that she received. Alternate translation: “for this is the same cup of punishment that your sister, who represents Samaria, drank”
Ezekiel 23:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tear your breasts (0)Alternate translation: “cut your beasts”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 23:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thrown me away behind your back (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of Oholibah rejecting him as if he were an object that she had thrown behind her back and forgotten. Alternate translation: “rejected me”
Ezekiel 23:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question as a command for Ezekiel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. The cities of Jerusalem and Samaria are represented by Oholah and Oholibah. Alternate translation: “Son of man, you will judge Oholah and Oholibah!” or “Son of man, judge the people of those two cities represented by Oholah and Oholibah.” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)“Son of a human being” or “Son of humanity.” God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1.
Ezekiel 23:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is blood on their hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they have murdered people”
Ezekiel 23:38
General Information:
Yahweh speaks about how the people of Jerusalem and Samaria have been unfaithful to him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unclean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person or thing God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 23:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the same day they defile my Sabbaths (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The phrase “same day” refers to the previous phrase “make my sanctuary unclean.” Alternate translation: “on the same day on which they make my sanctuary unclean, they defile my Sabbaths”
Ezekiel 23:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold! (0)Alternate translation: “pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the middle of my house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to the house in general. The reference to the “middle” emphasizes that what was done happened openly in the temple and defiled the whole place. Alternate translation: “in my own house”
Ezekiel 23:40
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
Yahweh again refers to the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold (0)Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you bathed, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with jewelry (0)These are things done by a woman to make her appear more beautiful to a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you bathed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here the word “you” switches to singular and refers to only one sister, but the situation is probably the same for both sisters. If one sister must be specified in your language, refer to Oholibah here.
Ezekiel 23:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you sat (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here the word “you” switches to singular and refers to only one sister, but the situation is probably the same for both sisters. If one sister must be specified in your language, refer to Oholibah here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my incense and my oil (0)These are items used in worship to Yahweh.
Ezekiel 23:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So the sound of a noisy crowd was around her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The sound of the crowd is used to refer to the crowd of people. Alternate translation: “So there was a noisy crowd around her”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was around her … on their hands (0)This verse begins by referring to one of the sisters but the situation is probably the same for both sisters. If one sister must be specified in your language, refer to Oholibah here. In the second part of the verse it switches back to referring to both sisters with the word “their.” Alternate translation: “was around her … on her and her sister’s hands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sabeans were brought (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. The word “Sabeans” refers to people from Sheba. Alternate translation: “Sabeans had come” (See also: How to Translate Names)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they put bracelets (0)The word “they” refers to the men.
Ezekiel 23:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her who was worn out … with her, and she with them (0)This refers to one of the sisters but the situation is probably the same for both sisters. If one sister must be specified in your language, refer to Oholibah here.
Ezekiel 23:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They went in to her, as men go in to a prostitute (0)They had sexual relations with her in the same way that men have sexual relations with a prostitute.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They went in to her (0)Alternate translation: “They went in to where she was” or “They went to her”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In this way they went in to Oholah and Oholibah (0)Alternate translation: “This is how they had sexual relations with Oholah and Oholibah”
Ezekiel 23:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pass judgment (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “condemn”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who shed blood … blood is on their hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “who murder people … murderers”
Ezekiel 23:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: raise up a company (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “raise up” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “gather a large group of people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against them and give them (0)Alternate translation: “against Jerusalem and Samaria and give them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give them up (0)Yahweh gives up the responsibility to take care of them and allows them to suffer.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to be terrorized and plundered (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: “for the company to terrorize and plunder them”
Ezekiel 23:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut them down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “kill them”
Ezekiel 23:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So they will set your (0)“So the company will set your.” The word “they” refers to the “company” of people from Ezekiel 23:47.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your shameful behavior against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cause you to accept responsibility for your shameful behavior” or “punish you for your shameful behavior”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bear the guilt of your sins with your idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“accept responsibility for the guilt of your sins with your idols.” This implies that they will be punished for their sins. Alternate translation: “receive the punishment for sinning by worshiping your idols”
Ezekiel 24
Ezekiel 24 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Too many sins to be forgiven
The people of Jerusalem cannot be cleaned from their sin. (See: clean, wash and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
Jerusalem is compared to a pot, so rusted that it cannot be cleaned from its rust. They have been completely rotted by their sin. (See: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 24:1
General Information:
Yahweh speaks to Ezekiel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the ninth year (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“in year 9.” This refers to how long they had been in exile under King Jehoiachin. Alternate translation: “in the ninth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the tenth month, and on the tenth day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“the tenth day of the tenth month” or “the 10th day of the 10th month.” This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the beginning of January on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
Ezekiel 24:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king of Babylon has besieged (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The army of Babylon is referred to by its leader. Alternate translation: “the army of the king of Babylon has besieged”
Ezekiel 24:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this rebellious house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:5. Alternate translation: “this rebellious people”
Ezekiel 24:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gather pieces of food (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “food” refers specifically to meat. Alternate translation: “Place pieces of meat”
Ezekiel 24:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the best of the flock (0)Here the “flock” refers to sheep, not birds.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pile up the bones under it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Some cultures add bones to a fire because they burn longer than wood. This refers to the bones that remained after the best bones were placed in the pot. Alternate translation: “place the rest of the bones under the pot to fuel the fire”
Ezekiel 24:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city of blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” is a reference to “murder.” Alternate translation: “the city of murderers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a cooking pot (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh continues to compare Jerusalem to a cooking pot. Alternate translation: “it is like a cooking pot”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rust (0)the red material that forms on metal. Rust eats away at metal and eventually destroys it
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Take piece after piece (0)Yahweh does not give this command to a specific person. This is a general command given to an unspecified person within this metaphor.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but do not cast lots for it (0)Casting lots was a way of choosing which pieces of meat to take out, but because Yahweh wants to take out all of the pieces of meat, there is no need to cast lots.
Ezekiel 24:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For her blood is in the midst of her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the blood from those who were murdered in Jerusalem is still there. Alternate translation: “For the blood of those who were murdered among her is still there”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her (0)The word “her” refers to Jerusalem, which is represented by the cooking pot.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: She has set it on the smooth rock; she has not poured it out on the ground to cover it with dust (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This personifies Jerusalem as a person who murdered the people and chose where to put their blood. Alternate translation: “They were murdered on the smooth rocks; not on the dirt where the dust would hide their blood” or “Their blood fell on the smooth rocks; it did not fall on the ground where the dust would cover it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has set it on the smooth rock (0)Alternate translation: “has put the blood on bare rocks”
Ezekiel 24:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so it brings fury up to exact vengeance (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Yahweh is speaking about himself taking revenge on those who murdered the people in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “in order that I could see it and then be angry and get revenge”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so it could not be covered (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: “so that no one could cover it”
Ezekiel 24:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city of blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” is a reference to “murder.” Alternate translation: “the city of murderers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will also enlarge the pile of wood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the pile of wood is under the cooking pot that represents Jerusalem. “I will make the pile of wood on the fire under you even bigger”
Ezekiel 24:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: kindle the fire (0)Alternate translation: “light the fire”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let the bones be charred (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: “burn the bones”
Ezekiel 24:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scorch (0)to burn the surface of something
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so its uncleanness within it will be melted, its corrosion consumed (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: “to melt the uncleanness within it and to consume its corrosion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: uncleanness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person whom God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: corrosion (0)rust
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: consumed (0)burned away
Ezekiel 24:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: She has become weary (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word “she” refers to the cooking pot. This is the cooking pot that is metaphorical for Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem has become tired”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: toil (0)difficult labor
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but her corrosion has not gone out of her by the fire (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “has not gone out of her” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “but the fire did not burn away her corrosion”
Ezekiel 24:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until I have satisfied my fury upon you. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This speaks of Yahweh punishing the people in his anger as if it were his “fury” that were punishing them. Alternate translation: “until I am finished punishing you and am no longer furious with you” or “until I have punished you and I am longer angry with you”
Ezekiel 24:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nor will I rest from it (0)“nor will I rest from punishing you.” The word “it” refers to Yahweh punishing the people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 24:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 24:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the desire of your eyes from (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to Ezekiel’s wife. Yahweh refers to Ezekiel by the part of his body he uses to see his wife. Alternate translation: “your wife, whom you love very much, from”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with a plague (0)Alternate translation: “by a disease”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you must not mourn nor weep, and your tears must not flow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Ezekiel is not to cry about his wife dying. Alternate translation: “you must not mourn nor weep”
Ezekiel 24:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the dead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to his dead wife. Alternate translation: “your dead wife”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turban (0)a head covering made of a long cloth wrapped around the head
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sandals (0)a simple shoe held onto the foot with straps around the ankles
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not veil your facial hair (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In Israel, men would shave their beards to express sorrow, then cover their faces until their facial hair grew back. Yahweh told Ezekiel not to cover his facial hair in order to show that he had not shaved his face to express his sorrow. Alternate translation: “do not mourn by veiling your facial hair” or “do not mourn by shaving and covering your beard”
Ezekiel 24:18
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Quote: In the morning (0)Alternate translation: “The next morning”
Ezekiel 24:19
General Information:
The people of Israel question Ezekiel, and Ezekiel tells them what Yahweh has said to them.
Ezekiel 24:20
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Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 24:21
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Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
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Quote: Behold (0)The word “behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
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Quote: I will desecrate my sanctuary—the pride of … of your soul, and your sons (0)Alternate translation: “I will desecrate my sanctuary which is the pride … of your soul. Your sons”
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Quote: the pride of your power (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This describes the temple as the building that the people are proud of. This speaks of it as being their “pride” instead of the source of their pride. Alternate translation: “the building that you are proud of” or “the source of your strong pride”
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Quote: the delight of your eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Yahweh refers to the people by their “eyes.” Alternate translation: “the building that you delight to look at”
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Quote: the yearning of your soul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Yahweh refers to the people by their “soul” to emphasize their inner feelings. Alternate translation: “the building that you truly love”
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Quote: your sons and your daughters … will fall by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to their enemies by their swords. Alternate translation: “your sons and daughters … will be killed in war” or “your enemies will kill your sons and your daughters … with their swords”
Ezekiel 24:23
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Quote: you will melt away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “melt away” is a metaphor for wasting away and dying. Alternate translation: “you will become very thin and slowly die”
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Quote: in your iniquities (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that God will not forgive the sins of these people. Alternate translation: “and I will not forgive your sins”
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Quote: groan (0)This is the sound a person makes who wants help, but who has too much pain or sorrow to speak.
Ezekiel 24:24
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Quote: So Ezekiel will be a sign for you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word “sign” refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Yahweh speaks of Ezekiel and his actions as being this warning. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 12:6. Alternate translation: “So Ezekiel will be a warning for you”
Ezekiel 24:25
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Quote: that I capture their temple (0)Here Yahweh speaks of destroying the temple as if it were someone that he was capturing. Alternate translation: “that I destroy their temple”
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Quote: which is their joy, their pride (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The abstract nouns “joy” and “pride” can be translated as noun phrases. Alternate translation: “which is what they are joyful about and what they are proud of”
Ezekiel 24:26
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Quote: refugee (0)someone who has been forced to leave his country because of war or another disaster
Ezekiel 24:27
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Quote: your mouth will be opened up (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. Ezekiel being given understanding and the ability to speak is represented by his mouth being opened. Alternate translation: “I will open your mouth” or “you will know what to say” or “I will cause you to know what to say” (See also: Synecdoche)
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Quote: you will speak—you will no longer be silent (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
Both of these phrases mean that Ezekiel will speak. In the second phrase it is stated in negative form to emphasize that he will speak.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will be a sign for them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word “sign” refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Yahweh speaks of Ezekiel and his actions as being this warning. See how you translated this metaphor in Ezekiel 12:6. Alternate translation: “You will be a warning for them”
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Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 25
Ezekiel 25 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Prophecy against other nations
This chapter includes prophecies against some Gentile nations. Ammon, Moab, Edom and Philistia will all be destroyed. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Ezekiel 25:1
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Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 25:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
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Quote: set your face against the people of Ammon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a command to stare at the people of Ammon as a symbol of punishing them. Alternate translation: “stare at the people of Ammon” or “stare at the people of Ammon so that they will be harmed”
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Quote: set your face against the people of Ammon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Ammon was far away, so Ezekiel could not see the people there, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming the people. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:2. Alternate translation: “Turn toward the people of Ammon and stare” or “stare toward Ammon so that the people there will be harmed”
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Quote: the people of Ammon (0)Alternate translation: “the descendants of Ammon” or “those who live in the land of Ammon”
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Quote: prophesy against them (0)“prophesy about the bad things that will happen to them.” This means to prophesy about the horrible things that will happen to the people of Ammon. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:7.
Ezekiel 25:3
General Information:
Yahweh tells Ezekiel what to say to the people of Ammon.
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Quote: Hear the word of the Lord Yahweh (0)Alternate translation: “Listen to this message from the Lord Yahweh”
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Quote: you said, “Aha!” (0)“you cheered.” The word “Aha” is a sound people make when they are happy about something. In this case the people were happy because bad things happened to Israel and Judah.
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Quote: over my sanctuary when it was profaned (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: “against my sanctuary when the enemy army profaned it”
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Quote: against the land … against the house (0)Alternate translation: “over the land … over the house”
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Quote: the house of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the descendants of Judah over many years. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Judah people group” or “the people of Judah”
Ezekiel 25:4
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Quote: behold (0)Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
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Quote: I am giving you to a people in the east as their possession (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the enemy army conquering the land of Ammon and taking possession of the land and everything in it as if the enemy were taking the people of Ammon as their possession. It is not implied here that the enemy took the people of Ammon as slaves. Alternate translation: “I will cause an army from a land that is east of you to come and conquer you”
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Quote: They will set up camp against you and set up their tents among you (0)Alternate translation: “They will set up tents and live in your country”
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Quote: They will eat your fruit and they will drink your milk (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to specify the source of the fruit and milk. Alternate translation: “They will eat the fruit from your trees and drink the milk from your cattle”
Ezekiel 25:5
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Quote: the people of Ammon a field for flocks (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the phrase “the people of Ammon” refers to the land that belonged to the people of Ammon. Also, the understood information at the beginning of this phrase may be supplied. Alternate translation: “I will make the rest of the land of Ammon a field for flocks” (See also: Ellipsis)
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Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 25:6
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Quote: You have clapped your hands and stamped your feet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
These actions are ways to show strong emotions. In this case the people are cheering and showing their contempt against Israel.
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Quote: all the contempt within you against the land of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the phrase “the land of Israel” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “all of the hatred you feel towards the people who live in Israel”
Ezekiel 25:7
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Quote: behold (0)Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what i am about to tell you”
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Quote: I will strike you with my hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“I will hit you with my powerful hand.” Here Yahweh speaks of punishing the people as if he were literally hitting them with his hand. Alternate translation: “I will punish you”
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Quote: give you as plunder to the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “you” refers to the people of Ammon but is also a metonym for their land and their possessions. Alternate translation: “I will allow enemies to defeat you and take you, your land, and your possessions as plunder”
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Quote: I will cut you off from the peoples … make you perish from among the countries (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will completely destroy the people of Ammon so that they are no longer a nation. Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy you so that you are no longer a nation”
Ezekiel 25:8
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Quote: Moab and Seir (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These places refer to the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “the people of Moab and Seir”
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Quote: Behold! The house of Judah is like (0)Alternate translation: “Look at the house of Judah. It is like”
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Quote: The house of Judah is (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the descendants of Judah over many years. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “The Judah people group are” or “The people of Judah are”
Ezekiel 25:9
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Quote: behold! I will open (0)Alternate translation: “look! I will open” or “listen! I will open” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you! I will open”
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Quote: starting at his cities (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the city of Moab is spoken of with the masculine pronoun “his.” Alternate translation: “starting at its cities”
Ezekiel 25:10
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Quote: to the people of the east who have been against the people of Ammon (0)Alternate translation: “I will send the same army from the people in the east who attacked Ammon”
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Quote: I will give them up as a possession (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Yahweh speaks of allowing the armies from the east to conquer Ammon as if Ammon were a possession that he was giving them. Alternate translation: “I will allow the armies to conquer them”
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Quote: so that the people of Ammon will not be remembered among the nations (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: “so that the nations will not remember the people of Ammon”
Ezekiel 25:12
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Quote: Edom has taken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Edom” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “The people of Edom have taken”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the descendants of Judah over many years. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Judah people group” or “the people of Judah”
Ezekiel 25:13
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Quote: I will strike Edom with my hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Yahweh speaks of punishing the people as if he were literally hitting them with his hand. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 25:7. Alternate translation: “I will punish Edom”
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Quote: I will make them … from Teman to Dedan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
“I will make all of Edom … from Teman to Dedan.” These are two cities at opposite ends of Edom. This means that Yahweh will destroy all of Edom.
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Quote: They will fall by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “fall” represents being killed and the word “sword” refers to their enemies who will kill them in battle. Alternate translation: “Their enemies will kill them with their swords”
Ezekiel 25:14
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Quote: I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “hand” of Israel is a metonym for Israel’s army. Yahweh speaks of taking revenge on the people of Edom as if his vengeance were like a sheet that he covered them with. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word vengeance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “to punish.” Alternate translation: “I will use my people Israel to punish the people of Edom” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will do to Edom according to my anger and my fury (0)Alternate translation: “they will show Edom my anger and fury” or “they will punish Edom according to my anger and fury against the people of Edom”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my anger and my fury (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The word “fury” means basically the same thing as and intensifies the word “anger.” Alternate translation: “my furious anger” or “my extreme anger”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 25:15
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Quote: The Philistines have taken vengeance with malice and from within themselves they tried to destroy Judah again and again (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “from within themselves” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “The Philistines hate Judah and have tried to take revenge against it by their own strength again and again”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to destroy Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Judah” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “to destroy the people of Judah”
Ezekiel 25:16
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Quote: Behold (0)This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
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Quote: I will reach out with my hand against the Philistines (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Yahweh’s power is represented by his “hand.” Alternate translation: “I will turn my powerful hand against the Philistines” or “I will turn my great power against the Philistines”
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Quote: I will cut off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will destroy” or “I will get rid of”
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Quote: Kerethites (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
people who lived in the city of Kereth in Philistia
Ezekiel 26
Ezekiel 26 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins a section of prophecy against Tyre. The Babylonians will destroy Tyre. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Ezekiel 26:1
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Quote: in the eleventh year (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“in year 11.” This means the eleventh year after King Jehoiachin was taken into exile in Babylon. Alternate translation: “in the eleventh year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the first day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“on day 1 of the month.” It is uncertain which month of the Hebrew calendar Ezekiel meant.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 26:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tyre has said against Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the city names “Tyre” and “Jerusalem” represent the people of those cities. Alternate translation: “the people of Tyre have said against the people of Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aha! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The word “Aha” is a sound people make when they discover something. Alternate translation: “Yes!” or “This is great!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The gates of the people are broken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people of Tyre use these words to refer to Jerusalem as if it were a city gate through which traders from the surrounding nations pass. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Armies have broken down the gates of the people” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: She has turned to me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the word “she” refers to the word “gates” which have “turned” on their hinges to open to Tyre. This phrase means that Tyre has now replaced Jerusalem as the city through which the traders from many nations pass. Alternate translation: “The gateway has opened to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be filled up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here to be “filled up” represents being prosperous. Alternate translation: “I will become prosperous”
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Quote: she is ruined (0)Alternate translation: “Jerusalem is ruined”
Ezekiel 26:3
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Quote: Behold! (0)Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
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Quote: I will raise up many nations against you like the sea raises its waves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “nations” refers to their armies. Alternate translation: “I will gather armies from many nations that will beat against you like the waves in the raging sea” (See also: Simile)
Ezekiel 26:4
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Quote: I will sweep her dust away and make her like a bare rock (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Yahweh speaks of how he will cause Tyre to be completely destroyed. Alternate translation: “I will cause the armies to completely destroy the city, and they will leave nothing there”
Ezekiel 26:5
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to give Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: She will become (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The city of Tyre is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Alternate translation: “Tyre will become” or “It will become”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a place for nets to dry out in the midst of the sea (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Part of Tyre was an island. This expression is a metonym for the results of Tyre’s destruction. Alternate translation: “an empty island used for drying fishing nets” or “a deserted island where people dry out their fishing nets”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: she will become plunder for the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Plunder” means things that people steal or take by force. Here Tyre becoming plunder represents its wealth being carried off by other nations. Alternate translation: “the armies of the nations will take away every valuable thing from Tyre”
Ezekiel 26:6
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Quote: Her daughters who are in the fields will be slaughtered by the swords (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 enemy armies will slaughter with swords her daughters who are in the fields”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Her daughters who are in the fields (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) “Her daughters” were the young women of Tyre who were working in the fields or (2) “Her daughters” is a metonym for nearby towns and villages on the mainland that supported the main city of Tyre. Alternate translation: “Her daughter communities who are on the mainland”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 26:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase “king of kings” was a title, meaning that he was the greatest of kings, the king that other kings obeyed. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the greatest king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a great many people (0)This emphasizes the great size of Nebuchadnezzar’s army.
Ezekiel 26:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will kill (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “He” refers to Nebuchadnezzar and is a metonym for his army. Alternate translation: “His army will kill”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your daughters in the field (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) “your daughters” refers to the young women of Tyre who were working in the fields or (2) “your daughters” is a metonym for nearby towns and villages on the mainland that supported the main city of Tyre. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 26:6. Alternate translation: “your daughter communities who are on the mainland”
Ezekiel 26:9
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyGeneral Information:
The words “he” and “his” in these verses refer to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, and represent the soldiers in Nebuchadnezzar’s army doing these actions. The word “your” refers to the city of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will place his battering rams to hit against your walls, and his tools will tear down your towers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Although the battering rams and tools are spoken of as acting against the walls and towers of Tyre, they would have been used by the soldiers in Nebuchadnezzar’s army against the walls and towers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: battering rams (0)“Battering rams” are large trees or poles that many men in an army would pick up and hit against a wall or door so they could break it down and get inside. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 4:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tools (0)Weapons or instruments made of iron used to tear down the towers
Ezekiel 26:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When he enters your gates, he will enter as men come into a city whose walls have been broken down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here Yahweh uses a simile to describe how Nebuchadnezzar’s army will enter into the city of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose walls have been broken down (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: “after breaking down its walls”
Ezekiel 26:12
General Information:
The word “They” in these verses refers to the soldiers in the armies of Nebuchadnezzar. The words “your” and “you” refer to the city of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will plunder your riches and loot your merchandise (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The phrases “plunder your riches” and “loot your merchandise” mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: luxurious (0)expensive and comfortable
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your stones, your timber, and the rubble (0)These refer to what is left after the walls and homes are torn down.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into the waters (0)Alternate translation: “into the sea”
Ezekiel 26:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The sound of your harps will be heard no more (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: “No one will hear the sound of your harps anymore”
Ezekiel 26:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will make you a bare rock (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor describes the results after Yahweh completely destroys Tyre. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 26:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will become a place where nets are spread out to dry (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor also describes the results after Yahweh destroys Tyre. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 26:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will become a place where nets (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 make you a place where nets”
Ezekiel 26:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will not the islands quake … in your midst? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question expects a positive answer and emphasizes the results of Tyre’s destruction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The islands will quake … in your midst.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will not the islands quake (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the islands” represents the people living on the islands. Alternate translation: “Will not the people of the islands quake with fear”
Ezekiel 26:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: princes of the sea (0)Alternate translation: “princes of the coastlands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will clothe themselves with trembling (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor represents the princes trembling enough to seem like it was their clothing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be appalled because of you (0)Alternate translation: “be unable to speak because what has happened to you is so bad”
Ezekiel 26:17
General Information:
In these verses, “They” refers to the “princes of the sea” in the previous verse, and “you” refers to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lift up (0)Alternate translation: “sing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How you, who were inhabited by sailors, have been 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: “How your enemies have destroyed you—you who were inhabited by sailors”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spread a terror about themselves upon everyone who lived near them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “terrified.” Alternate translation: “caused all the people around them to be terrified”
Ezekiel 26:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now the coasts tremble on the day of your downfall. The islands in the sea are terrified, because you are no longer in your place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines are similar in meaning and emphasize the response of the surrounding people to the destruction of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now the coasts tremble (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the coasts” represents the people living there. Alternate translation: “Now the people of the coastlands tremble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The islands in the sea are terrified (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the islands in the sea” represents the people living there. Alternate translation: “The people of the islands are terrified”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are no longer in your place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The destruction of Tyre is spoken of as if it was a person who had died. Alternate translation: “you have departed” or “you exist no more”
Ezekiel 26:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When I make you (0)The word “you” here refers to the city of Tyre. In the original language “you” here is feminine singular.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When I make you a desolate city, like the other cities that are not inhabited (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here Tyre is compared to other cities that no longer had people living in them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the deeps (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Here “the deeps” means the deep waters of the sea. Alternate translation: “the deep waters”
Ezekiel 26:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then I will bring you down to the people of ancient times, like the others who have gone down into the pit; for I will make you live in the lowest realms of the earth as in ruins of ancient times (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
What Yahweh would do to Tyre is compared to people going to the grave and cities falling into ruin. (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the grave. Because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stand in the land of the living (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents being restored to the city’s former existence.
Ezekiel 26:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will place disaster on you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word disaster, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “terrible” or the verb “destroy.” Alternate translation: “I will bring you to a terrible end” or “I will destroy you”
Ezekiel 27
Ezekiel 27 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The prophecy against Tyre continues in this chapter. Tyre has become wealthy from trade as far as Spain, but Tyre will be destroyed. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
Tyre is compared to a ship built with the very best materials. Despite its strength and power, Yahweh will destroy it. (See: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 27:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 27:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: begin a lamentation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word lamentation, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “lament.” Alternate translation: “begin to lament”
Ezekiel 27:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: say to Tyre (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “Tyre” represents the people living in Tyre. Alternate translation: “say to the people of Tyre”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who lives within the gates of the sea (0)Alternate translation: “who lives at the gates of the sea” or “who lives at the entry to the sea”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tyre, you have said (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “Tyre” represents the people living in Tyre. Alternate translation: “People of Tyre, you have said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am perfect in beauty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word beauty, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “beautiful.” Alternate translation: “I am perfectly beautiful” or “I am entirely beautiful”
Ezekiel 27:4
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
“Your” and “you” in these verses refer to Tyre. The city of Tyre is described here and in the following verses as if it were a beautiful ship.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your borders (0)Alternate translation: “Your boundaries”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: heart of the seas (0)Alternate translation: “middle of the seas”
Ezekiel 27:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: planks (0)long, flat pieces of wood; thick boards
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a mast (0)a large pole on a ship that holds up the sails of the ship
Ezekiel 27:6
General Information:
“They” in these verses refers to the builders of Tyre. “Your” refers to Tyre.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a beautiful ship.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: oars (0)long pieces of wood with flat blades at one end that people use to make a boat move
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: decks (0)the parts of the boat that people can walk on
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: overlaid them (0)Alternate translation: “covered them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ivory (0)a white, beautiful, and hard material that is made from the long teeth of some animals
Ezekiel 27:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sails (0)large pieces of cloth that move a ship when the wind blows on them
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your sails were made from colorful linen from Egypt that served as your banner (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The sails of the ship are compared to the banners or flags of Tyre.
Ezekiel 27:8
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a beautiful ship.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arvad (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a small island off the coast of Syria.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sages of Tyre (0)Alternate translation: “wise men of Tyre”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pilots (0)A pilot is a person who controls where a ship goes by steering the ship.
Ezekiel 27:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Byblos (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city on the Syrian coast. Other versions call it by the name “Gebal.” (See also: Textual Variants)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: filled your seams (0)Alternate translation: “repaired your cracks” or “repaired your leaks”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sailors (0)A sailor is one of the team of workers on a ship.
Ezekiel 27:10
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Persia, Lydia … Libya (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your men of war (0)Alternate translation: “men who fought in your wars” or “serving as your warriors”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your splendor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word splendor, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “splendid.” Alternate translation: “how splendid you were” or “how majestic you were”
Ezekiel 27:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arvad … Helek … Gammad (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They completed your beauty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word beauty, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “beautiful.” Alternate translation: “They finished making you beautiful” or “They made you perfectly beautiful”
Ezekiel 27:12
General Information:
The word “your” in these verses refers to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Silver, iron, tin, and lead (0)metals that were used during that time period
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your wares (0)Alternate translation: “the things you offered for sale”
Ezekiel 27:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Javan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a coastal region also known as Ionia.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They handled your merchandise (0)Alternate translation: “They traded for your merchandise”
Ezekiel 27:14
General Information:
The word “your” in these verses refers to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beth Togarmah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
the name of a place
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stallions (0)adult male horses
Ezekiel 27:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rhodes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Merchandise was in your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Having things in the hands here is probably a metaphor for carrying those things or having them in their possession. Alternate translation: “You owned things that you sold to them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: horn (0)This refers to the tusks or elongated teeth of certain animals.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ebony (0)a dark brown to black hardwood that is very dense or heavy
Ezekiel 27:16
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aram was a dealer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Aram” refers to the people of Aram. Alternate translation: “The people of Aram were dealers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dealer (0)Alternate translation: “trader”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: emeralds (0)An emerald is a type of green precious stone.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: purple (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Here purple cloth or yarn is referred to by just its color. Alternate translation: “purple cloth” or “purple yarn”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pearls (0)beautiful beads of hard white material that come from creatures in the sea
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rubies (0)A ruby is a type of red precious stone.
Ezekiel 27:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah and the land of Israel were trading with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Judah and the land of Israel” refers to the people of those places. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah and Israel were trading with you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Minnith (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cakes (0)The meaning of the Hebrew word translated here as “cakes” is uncertain. Other versions may translate it as another type of food.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: balsam (0)a sweet-smelling gum or resin that comes from a tree
Ezekiel 27:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Helbon … Zahar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of places
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: enormous wealth (0)Alternate translation: “abundant wealth” or “great wealth”
Ezekiel 27:19
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Dan … Javan … Izal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of places.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Dan and Javan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the people of Dan and Javan. Alternate translation: “The people of Dan and Javan”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wrought iron (0)a form of iron that can be shaped with a hammer
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cinnamon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This is a type of spice that comes from the bark of a tree. “Cassia” is another name for this spice.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: calamus (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a type of grass that people used as perfume and for medicine
Ezekiel 27:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Dedan was (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the people of Dedan. Alternate translation: “The people of Dedan were”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: saddle blankets (0)A saddle blanket is a piece of cloth that people place on a horse beneath a saddle or seat.
Ezekiel 27:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arabia … Kedar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of places.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arabia (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the people of Arabia. Alternate translation: “The people of Arabia” or “The Arabians”
Ezekiel 27:22
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sheba … Raamah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: precious gems (0)Alternate translation: “valuable stones”
Ezekiel 27:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Haran, Kanneh, and Eden were traders with you, along with Sheba, Ashur, and Kilmad (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people from these places. Alternate translation: “The people of Haran, Kanneh, and Eden were traders with you, along with the people of Sheba, Ashur, and Kilmad”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Haran … Kanneh … Eden … Sheba … Ashur … Kilmad (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Ezekiel 27:24
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: These were your dealers (0)Alternate translation: “They traded with you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ornate robes of violet cloths with woven colors (0)Alternate translation: “purple robes with many different colors”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blankets of multicolored, embroidered, and well-woven cloth (0)Alternate translation: “blankets with many colors that had designs and were of high quality”
Ezekiel 27:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The ships of Tarshish were the transporters of your merchandise (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 ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you were filled up, heavily laden with cargo (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Tyre’s abundance is spoken of as if it was a ship that was full of cargo.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: heart of the seas (0)“middle of the seas.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:4.
Ezekiel 27:26
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre. The city of Tyre is described here and in the following verses as if it were a wrecked ship.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your rowers (0)Alternate translation: “The people that row you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: vast seas (0)Alternate translation: “great waters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the eastern wind (0)Alternate translation: “the strong wind from the east”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: middle of them (0)“heart of the seas” or “middle of the seas.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:4.
Ezekiel 27:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sailors (0)men who sail boats
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: depths of the sea (0)“heart of the seas” or “middle of the seas.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the day of your destruction (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “at the time you are destroyed”
Ezekiel 27:28
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a wrecked ship.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Cities at the sea will tremble (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Cities at the sea” represents the people in those cities. Alternate translation: “The people of the cities by the sea will tremble”
Ezekiel 27:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All those who handle oars (0)Alternate translation: “All the rowers”
Ezekiel 27:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wail bitterly (0)Alternate translation: “cry out sadly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will cast dust up on their heads. They will roll about in ashes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
These are expressions of grieving and mourning.
Ezekiel 27:31
General Information:
The word “they” in these verses refer to the people mentioned in verses 28 and 29. The words “you” and “your” refer to Tyre.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a wrecked ship.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will shave their heads bald for you and bind themselves with sackcloth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
These are expressions of grieving and mourning.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bald (0)having no hair on the head
Ezekiel 27:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will lift up their wails of lamentation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word lamentation, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “lament.” Alternate translation: “They will cry out and lament”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sing dirges (0)Alternate translation: “sing funeral songs”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who is like Tyre, who has now been brought to silence in the middle of the sea? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question expects a negative answer and emphasizes Tyre being different from all other cities. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “No other city is like Tyre, who has now been brought to silence in the middle of the sea.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who has now been brought to silence (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “who its enemies have now silenced”
Ezekiel 27:33
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Quote: When your merchandise went ashore (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “When people brought your merchandise ashore”
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Quote: ashore (0)Alternate translation: “onto the land”
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Quote: you enriched the kings of the earth (0)Alternate translation: “you made the kings of the earth rich”
Ezekiel 27:34
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Tyre.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a wrecked ship.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when you were shattered by the seas, by deep waters (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “when the seas, the deep waters, shattered you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shattered (0)To “shatter” is to break up into pieces.
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Quote: crew (0)team of workers
Ezekiel 27:35
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Quote: were appalled at you (0)Alternate translation: “were shocked and terrified by what happened to you”
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Quote: their kings shuddered in horror (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word horror, you can express the same idea with an adverb such as “fearfully.” Alternate translation: “their kings shuddered fearfully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shuddered (0)Alternate translation: “shook, trembled with fear”
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Quote: Their faces trembled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “faces” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “They appear to be trembling”
Ezekiel 27:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hiss at you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Hissing was making a whistling sound through the teeth. It may have been out of dismay, grief, or surprise.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have become a horror (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word horror, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “dreadful.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you have become dreadful”
Ezekiel 28
Ezekiel 28 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The prophecy against Tyre concludes in this chapter. Tyre will be destroyed because of its pride and unfair business practices. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Ezekiel 28:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 28:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your heart is arrogant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents the will or thoughts of the ruler of Tyre. Alternate translation: “You are arrogant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: arrogant (0)falsely believing oneself to be importantbelieving oneself to be important
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Quote: I will sit in the seat of the gods (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“I will sit on the throne of the gods.” Here sitting in the seat of the gods represents claiming to be in the same exalted position as if he were one of the gods.
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Quote: heart of the seas (0)“middle of the seas.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:4.
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Quote: you make your heart like the heart of a god (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents the mind or thinking. A god thinks of himself as better than people. Alternate translation: “you think that you have the mind of a god” or “you have allowed yourself to think that you are better than other people” (See also: Simile)
Ezekiel 28:3
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Quote: you think that you are wiser than Daniel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here the ruler of Tyre compares himself to Daniel the prophet in how wise he thought he was.
Ezekiel 28:4
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to the ruler of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to the ruler of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have made yourself wealthy with wisdom and skill (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
The abstract nouns “wisdom” and “skill” can be translated using the adjectives “wise” and “skillful.” Alternate translation: “You have become wealthy by your own wisdom and skill” or “You have become wealthy by being wise and skillful” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
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Quote: obtained gold and silver (0)Alternate translation: “stored up gold and silver”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: treasuries (0)places to store valuable objects and keep them safe
Ezekiel 28:5
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Quote: By great wisdom and by your trading, you have multiplied your wealth, so your heart is arrogant because of your wealth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “wisdom” and “wealth” can be translated using the adjectives “wise” and “wealthy.” Alternate translation: “By being very wise and by your trading, you have become more and more wealthy, so your heart is arrogant because of how wealthy you are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your heart is arrogant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents the will or thoughts of the ruler of Tyre. Alternate translation: “you are arrogant”
Ezekiel 28:6
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to the ruler of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to the ruler of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have made your heart like the heart of a god (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents the mind or thinking. A god thinks of himself as better than people. See how you translated the similar phrase in Ezekiel 28:2. (See also: Simile)
Ezekiel 28:7
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Quote: the beauty of your wisdom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “beauty” and “wisdom” can be translated using the adjective “beautiful” and the adverb “wisely.” Alternate translation: “the beautiful things that you have so wisely made”
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Quote: profane your splendor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word splendor, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “splendid.” Alternate translation: “profane how splendid you are” or “defile how majestic you are”
Ezekiel 28:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: down to the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the pit” refers to the grave or to hell. Alternate translation: “down to the grave”
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Quote: in the heart of the seas (0)Alternate translation: “in the middle of the seas”
Ezekiel 28:9
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Quote: Will you truly say, “I am a god” to the face of one who kills you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question expects a negative answer to emphasize the irony when one who claims to be a god is destroyed by men. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You will not say ‘I am a god’ to the face of one who kills you!” (See also: Irony)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the face of (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the face represents being in the presence of another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of” or “before”
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Quote: in the hand of (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here being in the hand of someone represents being under their control. Alternate translation: “under the control of”
Ezekiel 28:10
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Quote: by the hand of foreigners (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” is a metonym for the actions of the foreigners’ army. Alternate translation: “by an army of foreigners”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 28:11
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Quote: The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying, (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “The word of Yahweh came again to” is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated similar words in Ezekiel 18:1. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to me a second time. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this second message to me:”
Ezekiel 28:12
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Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
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Quote: lift up (0)Alternate translation: “sing”
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Quote: You were the model of perfection (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “model” an d “perfection” can be translated using the words “completely” and “perfect.” Alternate translation: “You were completely perfect”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: full of wisdom and perfect in beauty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “wisdom” and “beauty” can be translated using the adjectives “wise” and “beautiful.” Alternate translation: “fully wise and perfectly beautiful”
Ezekiel 28:13
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Quote: Every precious stone covered you (0)Alternate translation: “You wore every kind of precious stone”
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Quote: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
These are all precious stones of different colors.
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Quote: settings and mountings (0)pieces of metal that hold the precious stones
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It was on the day you were created that they were prepared (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 prepared them on the day that I created you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prepared (0)Alternate translation: “made ready”
Ezekiel 28:14
General Information:
The word “you” in these verses refers to the king of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to the king of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cherub (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:9.
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Quote: the fiery stones (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“the stones of fire.” This could mean: (1) a metaphor for the colorful and bright stones mentioned in Ezekiel 28:13 or (2) other fiery stones on the “holy mountain of God”
Ezekiel 28:15
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Quote: from the day you were created until injustice was found within 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: “since the day that I created you until I found injustice within you”
Ezekiel 28:16
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to the king of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to the king of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: great trade (0)Alternate translation: “large volume of trade”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you were filled with violence (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of the king of Tyre as if he were a container that was filled up with violence. The king is a synecdoche for himself and his people If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word violence, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “violent.” Alternate translation: “you and your people became completely violent” or “you and your peoplewere completely violent” (See also: Synecdoche and Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: guardian cherub (0)Alternate translation: “guarding cherub”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fiery stones (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“the stones of fire.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 28:14. This could mean: (1) a metaphor for the colorful and bright stones mentioned in Ezekiel 28:13 or (2) other fiery stones on the “holy mountain of God.”
Ezekiel 28:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your heart was arrogant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the “heart” represents the whole person, emphasizing the person’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “You were arrogant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: arrogant (0)falsely believing oneself to be importantbelieving oneself to be important
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Quote: Your heart was arrogant with your beauty; you ruined your wisdom because of your splendor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “beauty,” wisdom” and “splendor” can be translated using the adjectives “beautiful,” “wise” and “splendid.” Alternate translation: “Your heart was arrogant because you were beautiful; you became unwise because you were so splendid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before kings (0)“in front of kings “
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Quote: so they may see you (0)Alternate translation: “so they may look at you”
Ezekiel 28:18
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to the king of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to the king of Tyre.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it will consume you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“it will devour you.” The fire is spoken of here as if it was eating him up. Alternate translation: “it will burn you up”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn you into ashes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means burning up until only ashes are left. Alternate translation: “burn you up to ashes” or “burn you up completely”
Ezekiel 28:19
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Quote: shudder (0)shake or tremble with fear
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will be no more forever (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:36.
Ezekiel 28:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 28:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face against Sidon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Sidon was far away, so Ezekiel could not see it, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:2. Alternate translation: “Turn toward Sidon and stare” or “stare toward Sidon so that the people there will be harmed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prophesy against (0)“prophesy about the bad things that will happen to.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 4:7.
Ezekiel 28:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be glorified in your midst (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 reveal my glory among you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I execute justice within you (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 a verbal form such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “when I judge you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be shown to be holy in 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: “I will use you to show you that I am holy”
Ezekiel 28:23
General Information:
The words “you” and “your” in these verses refer to Sidon.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Sidon.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blood in your streets (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “blood” refers to the blood of the people of Sidon and represents those whom their enemies would kill.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the slain will fall (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Here “the slain” means the people of Sidon whom their enemies would kill. Alternate translation: “the slain people will fall”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When the sword comes against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” is a metonym for an attacking enemy army. Alternate translation: “When enemy armies attack you”
Ezekiel 28:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pricking briars and painful thorns for the house of Israel from all those around her who despise her people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the briars and thorns represent what would cause suffering and pain. Alternate translation: “people anywhere around the house of Israel who wound them like briars, hurt them like thorns, and despise them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Israel’s descendants. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 28:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Israel’s descendants. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: among whom they were scattered (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “among whom I scattered them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so the nations may see (0)Alternate translation: “in such a way as the nations will see it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my servant Jacob (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Jacob” represents the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “the descendants of my servant Jacob”
Ezekiel 28:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: within her (0)Alternate translation: “in the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I execute justice on all (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 a verbal form such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “when I judge all”
Ezekiel 29
Ezekiel 29 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins a prophecy against Egypt and its king, Pharaoh. Because Egypt did not fulfill its promise of protecting Judah, it will be conquered by Babylon. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out and promise, promised)
Ezekiel 29:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the tenth year (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
It can be stated clearly that this was the tenth year of Jehoiachin’s exile. Alternate translation: “In the tenth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the tenth month on the twelfth day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“on the twelfth day of the tenth month.” This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The twelfth day is near the beginning of January on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 29:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face against Pharaoh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a command to stare at Pharaoh as a symbol of punishing him and his people. Pharaoh was far away, so Ezekiel could not see him, but staring in his direction would be a symbol of harming him and his people. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:2. Alternate translation: “turn toward Pharaoh and stare” or “stare toward Pharaoh so that he and his people will be harmed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prophesy against him and against all of Egypt (0)Alternate translation: “tell the terrible things that will happen to him and everyone in Egypt”
Ezekiel 29:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the great sea monster (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
“the huge creature that lives in the water.” Yahweh calls Pharaoh a monster that lives in the water. The monster is probably a crocodile.
Ezekiel 29:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hooks (0)sharp and bent pieces of metal or wood that people use to catch fish and other animals in the water
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scales (0)hard pieces of skin that are on fish, crocodiles, and other animals
Ezekiel 29:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will not be gathered nor lifted up (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. The implication is that they would die in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “no one will gather you or pick you up” or “no one will gather your bodies and bury you” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Ezekiel 29:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have been a reed stalk (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “they” refers to the inhabitants of Egypt. A reed stalk is unreliable because it is easily broken. Yahweh speaks of them as a reed stalk because the people of Israel relied on the Egyptians to help them in war, but the Egyptians did not help them. Alternate translation: “they have been as unreliable as a reed stalk”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: reed (0)a plant that grows near water and looks like very large grass
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stalk (0)the part of a reed that is long and like a thick stick. People can use them like sticks, but the stalks of reeds are not as strong as wood and can break suddenly.
Ezekiel 29:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When they took hold of you in their hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of Israel relying on Egypt as if they were taking hold of a reed stalk in order to use it as a crutch. Alternate translation: “When they relied on you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When they took hold of you (0)The word “they” refers to the Israelites and the word “you” refers to Pharaoh or Pharaoh and Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you caused their legs to be unsteady (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Because Egypt did not help the Israelites, the Israelites could not defend themselves against their enemy, the Babylonians. God speaks of the Israelites being unable to defend themselves as if their legs were unsteady. Alternate translation: “you caused them to be like people whose legs are unsteady”
Ezekiel 29:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)This word adds emphasis to what is said next. This is the Lord’s message to Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring a sword against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” is a metonym for battle, and “bring a sword against you” is a metaphor for causing an enemy army to come fight against Egypt. Alternate translation: “I will cause your enemies to come fight against you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a sword against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” refers to the nation of Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will cut off both man and beast from you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “cut off man and beast” is a metaphor for destroying the people and animals. God would do this by causing the enemy army to do it.
Ezekiel 29:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am against you and against your river (0)The word “you” refers to Pharaoh. God speaks to Pharaoh as if Pharaoh were a monster in the river.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give the land of Egypt over to desolation and waste (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“I will put Egypt into the power of desolation and waste.” Desolation and waste are spoken of as if they were people who could be given power over Egypt. Alternate translation: “I will cause Egypt to become a desolate waste”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will become a wasteland (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “you” refers to Pharaoh and represents Egypt, the country he rules over. Alternate translation: “your country will become a wasteland”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the Migdol to Syene and the borders of Cush (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This refers to all of Egypt. Where these places are can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “throughout all of Egypt, from Migdol in the north to Syene in the south and the borders of Cush further south” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Migdol (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place in the far northern part of Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Syene (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This the name of a town in southern Egypt. It is now called Aswan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the borders of Cush (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These borders of Cush were south of Syene. Some versions say Sudan or Ethiopia, the modern names of countries south of Egypt.
Ezekiel 29:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No man’s foot will pass through it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “man’s foot” represents people. Alternate translation: “No man will walk through the land of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no wild animal’s foot will pass through it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “animal’s foot” represents animals. Alternate translation: “not even a wild animal will walk through it”
Ezekiel 29:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For I will make the land of Egypt a desolation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you can express the same idea with the adjective “desolate.” Alternate translation: “For I will make the land of Egypt desolate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will scatter Egypt among the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Egypt” represents the people of Egypt, and “scatter” represents causing them to move to other places. Alternate translation: “I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations” or “I will make the people of Egypt go and live among the nations” (See also: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 29:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will gather Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Egypt” is a metonym for the people of Egypt, and “gather” is a metaphor for causing them to return to Egypt. Alternate translation: “I will cause the people of Egypt to return to Egypt” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: among whom they were scattered (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “among whom I scattered them”
Ezekiel 29:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will restore the fortunes of Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “fortunes of Egypt” is a metaphor for the people of Egypt who had been taken away to other countries. Alternate translation: “I will bring back the people of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the region of Pathros (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
the southern part of Egypt between the Delta and the land of Cush. This is also called Upper Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a lowly kingdom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “lowly” represents unimportant. Alternate translation: “an unimportant kingdom”
Ezekiel 29:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the lowliest of the kingdoms (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “lowliest” represents least important. Alternate translation: “the least important of the kingdoms”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it will not be lifted up any more among the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “be lifted up” represents becoming important. Alternate translation: “it will not become important again among the nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will diminish them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“I will make them small.” Here “diminish them” represents making Egypt weak or unimportant.
Ezekiel 29:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Egyptians will no longer be a reason for confidence for the house 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 confidence, you can express the same idea with the verbs “trust” or “rely on.” Alternate translation: “The house of Israel will no longer trust in the Egyptians” or “The house of Israel will no longer rely on the Egyptians”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” or “the nation of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will be a reminder of the iniquity that Israel committed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
How Egypt would be a reminder can be stated clearly. The abstract nouns “reminder” and “iniquity” can be expressed with the verbs “remember” and “sin.” Alternate translation: “when Israel sees what I do to Egypt, Israel will remember how Israel sinned” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when they turned to Egypt for help (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “turn … for help” is a metonym for “ask … for help.” Alternate translation: “whenever they asked Egypt to help them”
Ezekiel 29:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it came about (0)This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the twenty-seventh year (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
This was after King Jehoiachin and the people of Judah were taken as exiles to Babylon. Alternate translation: “in the twenty-seventh year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the first of the first month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“on the first day of the first month.” This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the beginning of April. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 29:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to do hard work against Tyre (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The kind of hard work they did can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “to work hard at attacking Tyre”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Every head … every shoulder (0)This refers to the heads and shoulders of the Babylonian soldiers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Every head was rubbed until it was made bald (0)Either their helmets or the heavy things they carried on their heads rubbed the hair off their heads.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every shoulder was made raw (0)Either their armor or the heavy things they carried on their shoulders rubbed the skin off their shoulders. Alternate translation: “every shoulder was rubbed raw” or “every shoulder was rubbed bare”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he and his army received no payment from Tyre (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “payment” represents the valuable things that Nebuchadnezzar’s army would steal from Tyre as a reward for defeating it. God speaks of these things as if they were what God would pay them for working for him. Alternate translation: “he and his army did not get any valuable things from Tyre as reward”
Ezekiel 29:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)This word adds emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am giving the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of causing the army of Babylon to defeat Egypt as if God were giving Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar. Alternate translation: “I will cause the army of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, to defeat Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that will be his army’s wages (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of these things that Nebuchadnezzar’s army would take as if they were what God would pay them for working for him. Alternate translation: “his army will receive those things as if they were payment”
Ezekiel 29:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 29:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will make a horn sprout up for the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
An animal horn represents the animal’s strength, so horn is a metonym for strength. God speaks of making Israel strong as if Israel were an animal, and he were to cause its horn to grow. Alternate translation: “I will make the people of Israel strong” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. Here it refers to the people of Israel, the descendants of Jacob whom God called Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” or “the nation of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: speak in their midst (0)Alternate translation: “speak to them”
Ezekiel 30
Ezekiel 30 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The prophecy against Egypt and its king continues in this chapter. Babylon will destroy all the towns of Egypt and their allies will not be able to help them. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Ezekiel 30:1
General Information:
Ezekiel tells about a message that Yahweh gave him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 30:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Wail (0)cry out with grief
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Woe is the coming day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This exclamation expresses the fear that people would feel about a certain day when terrible and frightening things will happen. Alternate translation: “Oh that day” or “Oh, what a frightening day is coming”
Ezekiel 30:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The day is near (0)Alternate translation: “That day is soon” or “It will soon be that day”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The day is near for Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that on that day, Yahweh will punish people. Alternate translation: “It will soon be the day when Yahweh will punish you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a day of clouds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Dark storm clouds represent danger and fear. Alternate translation: “It will be like a day with dark clouds” or “It will be frightening like a day with dark clouds”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a time of doom for nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word doom, you can express the same idea with the phrase “terrible things will happen.” Alternate translation: “a time when terrible things will happen to the nations”
Ezekiel 30:4
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then a sword will come against Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” here represents war or an army that attacks. Alternate translation: “There will be war against Egypt” or “An enemy army will attack Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there will be anguish in Cush (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anguish, you can express the same idea in terms of how the people feel. Alternate translation: “the people of Cush will be very sad” or “the people of Cush will suffer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when they take her wealth (0)Alternate translation: “when the attackers take away the wealth of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when her foundations are ruined (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the attackers destroy the foundations of the buildings in Egypt”
Ezekiel 30:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Cush and Put, Lydia and all Arabia, and Libya (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These names refer to the people of these countries. Alternate translation: “The people of Cush and Put, Libya, and all Arabia, and Lydia”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Libya (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Libya is a country west of Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lydia (0)This probably refers to the kingdom of Lydia which was in what is now Turkey.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will all fall by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the sword represents battle. Alternate translation: “will all die in battle” or “will all die in the war”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will all fall by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The word “all” here is a generalization. It means that many people will die.
Ezekiel 30:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh says this (0)“This is what Yahweh says.” This sentence introduces what the Lord would say.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So the ones (0)Alternate translation: “In this way, the peoples” or “In this manner, the nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who support Egypt (0)Alternate translation: “who help Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will fall (0)Alternate translation: “will die” or “come to ruin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pride of her strength will go down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents Egypt no longer being proud of their strength. The reason that they will not be proud is that they will no longer be strong. Alternate translation: “Egypt will no longer be proud about being strong” or “Egypt will no longer have the strength that they were so proud of” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: From Migdol to Syene (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Ezekiel names towns on the borders of Egypt in order to refer to all of Egypt. Alternate translation: “In all of Egypt” or “From the northern border of Egypt to the southern border of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 30:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will be appalled in the midst of the abandoned lands (0)Alternate translation: “The soldiers of the allies of Egypt will be appalled when they are left surrounded by nothing but abandoned lands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the midst of (0)Alternate translation: “among” or “surrounded by”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their cities will be among all the ruined cities (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being “among” the ruined cities represents being ruined like the ruined cities of other countries. Alternate translation: “their cities will be ruined like the cities of other countries”
Ezekiel 30:8
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they (0)This could mean: (1) “Then people” or (2) “Then the Egyptians.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated as similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “they will understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “they will realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I set fire in Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “set fire in Egypt” represents sending an army to attack Egypt and set fires. Alternate translation: “when I send an army to burn Egypt with fire”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all of her helpers 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: “I destroy all of the allies of Egypt” or “when armies destroy all of those who help Egypt”
Ezekiel 30:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: messengers will go out from before me in ships to terrorize a secure Cush (0)Messengers will bring the news of Egypt’s destruction to Cush, who will be frightened by the news.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to terrorize a secure Cush (0)Alternate translation: “in order to frighten Cush, who now feels safe from danger”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there will be anguish among them on the day of Egypt’s doom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas behind the words anguish and doom, you can express the same ideas with the words “suffer” and “punish.” Alternate translation: “the people of Cush will also suffer when I punish Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold! (0)The word “behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. It can also be translated as “indeed!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is coming (0)“It” refers to the “great pain” or “great sorrow” that Cush will have when they are punished along with Egypt.
Ezekiel 30:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord Yahweh says this (0)The word “this” refers to what follows. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will make an end of the multitudes of Egypt (0)Alternate translation: “I will make it so that Egypt will no longer have many people.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar (0)Here “the hand” represents Nebuchadnezzar’s military power. Nebuchadnezzar will be the one who brings this punishment about.
Ezekiel 30:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He and his army with him … will be brought to destroy the land (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 bring Nebuchadnezzar and his army … to destroy the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He and his army … will be brought to destroy the land (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 cause him and his army … to go destroy the land of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He and his army with him, the terror of nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Yahweh calls Nebuchadnezzar “the terror of the nations” because all of the nations are greatly afraid of his army. Alternate translation: “He and his army with him, the one who terrifies many nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will draw out their swords against Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “draw out their swords” represents fighting with their swords. Alternate translation: “they will use their swords and fight against Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fill the land with those who have been killed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is an exaggeration to show that the Babylonians will kill very many Egyptians. There will be so many dead Egyptians that it will seem that their dead bodies cover all of the land of Egypt. Alternate translation: “kill so many people that it will seem like dead bodies are everywhere”
Ezekiel 30:12
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will make the rivers into dry ground (0)Alternate translation: “I will dry up the rivers of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will sell the land into the hand of wicked men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh will give the Babylonians control over Egypt just as a person who sells something gives the one who buys it control over that thing. Alternate translation: “I will give control of the land to wicked men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its fullness (0)Alternate translation: “everything in the land”
Ezekiel 30:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord Yahweh says this (0)The word “this” refers to what follows. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring an end to the worthless idols (0)Alternate translation: “I will destroy the worthless idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Memphis (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Memphis was a very important city in Egypt. It was near modern-day Cairo.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a prince in the land of Egypt (0)Alternate translation: “an important ruler in the land of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will put terror on the land of Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “put terror on the land” represents causing the people of the land to be very afraid. Alternate translation: “I will make the people of Egypt very afraid”
Ezekiel 30:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pathros (0)This was a region in southern Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set fire in Zoan (0)Alternate translation: “I will burn Zoan with fire”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zoan (0)Zoan was another important city in Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will execute acts of judgment on Thebes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The phrase “acts of judgment” refers to punishment. Alternate translation: “I will punish Thebes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Thebes (0)This was the capital city of southern Egypt.
Ezekiel 30:15
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For I will pour out my fury on Pelusium (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “pour out my fury” represents punishing the people because of his great anger. Alternate translation: “For I will act in great anger against Pelusium” or “Because I am so angry, I will punish Pelusium severely”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pelusium (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Pelusium is the name of a fortress in northern Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off the multitude of Thebes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “cut off” represents killing the people. Alternate translation: “kill the very large number of people in Thebes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Thebes (0)This was the capital city of southern Egypt. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:14.
Ezekiel 30:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then I will set fire in Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “set fire” is an idiom meaning “start a fire.” Alternate translation: “I will start a fire in Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pelusium will be in great agony (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Pelusium” is a metonym for the people of the city near Pelusium, and “be in great agony” can be translated with the verb “suffer.” Alternate translation: “The people of Pelusium will suffer terribly” or “The people of Pelusium will feel terrible pain” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Thebes will be broken up (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: “enemies will break up the walls and buildings in Thebes” or “enemies will destroy the Thebes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Memphis will face enemies every day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face enemies” represents seeing or having enemies. The name of the city is a metonym for the people who live in the city. Alternate translation: “The people of Memphis will have enemies every day” or “Enemies will fight against the people of Memphis every day”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Memphis (0)Memphis was a very important city in Egypt. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 30:13.
Ezekiel 30:17
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words about Egypt.
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Quote: Heliopolis and Bubastis (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These were cities in northern Egypt.
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Quote: will fall by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” is used here to refer to a battle or war. Alternate translation: “will die in battle” or “will die in the war”
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Quote: their cities will go into captivity (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “cities” represents the people of the cities. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word captivity, you can express the same idea the more concrete noun “captive” or the verb “capture” Alternate translation: “the people of their cities will become captives” or “their enemies will capture their people and take them away”
Ezekiel 30:18
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Quote: Tahpanhes (0)This was an important city in northern Egypt.
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Quote: the day will hold back its light (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The day is spoken of as if it were able to keep its own light from shining. Alternate translation: “the day will be dark”
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Quote: when I break the yoke of Egypt there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “yoke” here refers to Egypt’s power to oppress people. Alternate translation: “when I stop Egypt from oppressing people” or “when I end Egypt’s power to cruelly control other nations”
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Quote: the pride of her strength will be finished (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents Egypt no longer being proud of their strength. The reason that they will not be proud is that they will no longer be strong. Alternate translation: “Egypt will no longer be proud about being strong” or “Egypt will no longer have the strength that they were so proud of” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
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Quote: There will be a cloud covering her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) the dark cloud represents how sad the people of Egypt will feel. Alternate translation: “It will be as if there is a cloud over Egypt” or (2) there will be a cloud of dust over Egypt from everything that is destroyed. Alternate translation: “A cloud of dust will be over Egypt”
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Quote: her daughters (0)This could mean: (1) the people of the Egyptian towns or (2) the daughters of the Egyptian people
Ezekiel 30:19
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Quote: I will execute acts of judgment in Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The phrase “acts of judgment” refers to punishment. Alternate translation: “I will punish Egypt in many ways”
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Quote: so they (0)Alternate translation: “so the Egyptians”
Ezekiel 30:20
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesGeneral Information:
God speaks of making Pharaoh’s army weak as if he were to break Pharaoh’s arm, and of the army not being able to become strong again as if Pharaoh’s arm could not be healed.
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Quote: Then it came about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
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Quote: in the eleventh year (0)This is the eleventh year after King Jehoiachin was taken into exile in Babylon. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 26:1.
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Quote: in the first month, in the seventh day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“in the seventh day of the first month.” This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The seventh day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
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Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 30:21
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Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
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Quote: I have broken the arm of Pharaoh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables
Here “arm” represents the powerful army of a king. (See also: Metaphor)
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Quote: Behold (0)Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”
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Quote: It has not been bound up (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: “No one has bound up his arm” or “No one has wrapped up his arm”
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Quote: or set to heal with a bandage (0)Here “set to heal with a bandage” refers to the arm being wrapped tightly in a bandage so that the parts of the bone will stay together and heal.
Ezekiel 30:22
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Quote: the Lord Yahweh says this (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:11.
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Quote: both the strong one and the broken one (0)Alternate translation: “both the arm that is healthy and the arm that is already broken”
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Quote: I will make the sword fall from his hand (0)Alternate translation: “I will knock the sword out of Pharaoh’s hand”
Ezekiel 30:23
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Quote: scatter Egypt among the nations and disperse them among the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. See how you translated similar phrases in Ezekiel 12:15.
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Quote: among the lands (0)Alternate translation: “among the places in which people live”
Ezekiel 30:24
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Quote: I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon (0)Alternate translation: “I will make the arms of the king of Babylon strong”
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Quote: He will groan before the king of Babylon (0)Alternate translation: “When the king of Babylon comes to attack Egypt, Pharaoh will groan.”
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Quote: groan (0)A groan is a noise that people make when they have a lot of pain or are dying.
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Quote: with the groans of a dying man (0)Alternate translation: “as a man who is dying groans” or “like a man who is dying”
Ezekiel 30:25
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Quote: For I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “arms” are a metonym for the army. Alternate translation: “I will make the army of the king of Babylon strong”
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Quote: while Pharaoh’s arms will fall (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Pharaoh’s arms” is a metonym for his army, and “will fall” represents being weak. Alternate translation: “but Pharaoh’s army will be unable to defeat enemies”
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Quote: Then they (0)Here, the word they could refer to: (1) “the Egyptians” or (2) “all people who hear what Yahweh has done.”
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Quote: for he will attack the land of Egypt with it (0)Alternate translation: “and the king of Babylon will attack the land of Egypt with my sword”
Ezekiel 30:26
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Quote: scatter Egypt among the nations and disperse them through the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. See how you translated similar phrases in Ezekiel 12:15.
Ezekiel 31
Ezekiel 31 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The prophecy against Egypt and its king continues in this chapter. God told Egypt to remember what happened to Assyria when it became proud. This same things will now happen to Egypt. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
Ezekiel 31:1
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Quote: it came about (0)This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
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Quote: in the eleventh year (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“in year 11.” This means the eleventh year after King Jehoiachin was taken into exile in Babylon. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 26:1. Alternate translation: “in the eleventh year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
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Quote: in the third month, on the first day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
“on the first day of the third month.” This is the third month of the Hebrew calendar. This first day is near the beginning of June on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
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Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 31:2
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Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
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Quote: In your greatness, who are you like? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
“Who is as great as you are?” Yahweh uses this question to introduce a new topic. Pharaoh thought that his nation was the greatest, but God is about to talk about another great nation. Alternate translation: “You think that there is no country whose power is as great as the power of your country.”
Ezekiel 31:3
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parablesGeneral Information:
These are God’s words to Pharaoh about Assyria. God gives his message in the form of a parable about a great cedar tree.
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Quote: Behold! (0)Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
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Quote: Assyria was a cedar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables
In this parable, God speaks about Assyria as if it were a great tree to emphasize how great and powerful the Assyrians were. This parable continues until 31:9. Alternate translation: “Assyria was like a cedar”
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Quote: the branches formed its treetop (0)Some versions of the Bible translate this as “the top of the tree was in the clouds.” Alternate translation: “its top was above the branches of the other trees”
Ezekiel 31:4
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Quote: Many waters made it tall (0)Alternate translation: “Because the cedar had a lot of water, it grew very tall”
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Quote: the deep waters made it huge (0)Alternate translation: “the water deep in the ground made the cedar grow very big”
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Quote: for their channels stretched out to all the trees in the field (0)Alternate translation: “and streams flowed from the rivers to all the trees of the field”
Ezekiel 31:5
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Quote: Its great height was more than any of the other trees in the field (0)Alternate translation: “The cedar was taller than any of the other trees of the field”
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Quote: its branches became very many (0)Alternate translation: “it grew very many branches”
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Quote: because of many waters as they grew (0)Alternate translation: “because it had a lot of water”
Ezekiel 31:6
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Quote: Every bird of the heavens nested in its branches (0)Alternate translation: “All kinds of birds that fly in the sky made nests in its branches”
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Quote: while every living thing of the field gave birth to its young under its foliage (0)Alternate translation: “and all of the creatures that live in the field gave birth under the cedar’s branches”
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Quote: All of the many nations lived under its shade (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“All of the great nations lived in the shade of that tree.” Here “nations” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “The people from all the nations lived in the shade of that tree”
Ezekiel 31:7
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Quote: it was beautiful in its greatness and the length of its branches (0)Alternate translation: “It was beautiful because it was very big and its branches were very long”
Ezekiel 31:8
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Quote: Cedars in the garden of God could not equal it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Since these were God’s words to Pharaoh, it can also be translated with the first person. Alternate translation: “The cedar trees in my garden were not as great as that tree”
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Quote: the garden of God (0)This is another way of referring to “the garden of Eden.”
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Quote: None among the cypress trees matched its branches (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh was comparing how many branches the trees had. Alternate translation: “None of the cypress trees had as many branches as the cedar”
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Quote: cypress trees (0)Cypress trees have very many branches. They can grow very tall. See how you translated “cypress” in Ezekiel 27:5.
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Quote: the plane tree could not equal its boughs (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It was implied Yahweh was comparing the long branches of the cedar tree with the long branches of the plane tree. Alternate translation: “the plane tree did not have branches like the cedar tree” or “no plane tree had branches as long as the branches of the cedar tree”
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Quote: plane tree (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A plane tree was a large, leafy tree with strong branches. It is similar to a sycamore tree.
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Quote: was like it in its beauty (0)Alternate translation: “was as beautiful as the cedar tree”
Ezekiel 31:9
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Quote: I made it beautiful with its many branches (0)Alternate translation: “I made the cedar beautiful by giving it many long branches”
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Quote: envied it (0)Alternate translation: “were jealous of the cedar tree”
Ezekiel 31:10
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Quote: Therefore the Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Since Yahweh is speaking this can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “Therefore, this is what I, Yahweh the Lord, say”
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Quote: it set its treetop between its branches (0)Some versions of the Bible translate this as “the top of the tree was in the clouds.” Alternate translation: “its top was above the branches of the other trees”
Ezekiel 31:11
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Quote: I have given it into the hand of a mighty one of the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” represents control. Alternate translation: “I put it in the power of the strongest nation” or “I gave the strongest nation power over it”
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Quote: I have thrown it out (0)Alternate translation: “I sent the cedar away from the cedar’s land because the cedar was wicked”
Ezekiel 31:12
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Quote: who were the terror of all the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “afraid.” And here “nations” represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: “who made the people of all the nations afraid” (See also: Metonymy)
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Quote: cut it off (0)Alternate translation: “cut the cedar down”
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Quote: its boughs lay broken (0)Alternate translation: “the foreigners broke the boughs of the cedar”
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Quote: boughs (0)Boughs are very large branches that grow on trees. Usually, many smaller branches grow on the boughs.
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Quote: came out from under its shade (0)Alternate translation: “left the shade of the cedar”
Ezekiel 31:13
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Quote: All the birds of the sky (0)Alternate translation: “All the birds that fly in the sky”
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Quote: rested on the trunk of the fallen tree (0)Alternate translation: “rested on the remains of the cedar”
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Quote: trunk (0)The trunk is a very thick part of the tree that comes out of the ground and holds up the rest of the tree.
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Quote: every animal of the field came to its branches (0)Alternate translation: “the wild animals lived in the branches of the cedar”
Ezekiel 31:14
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Quote: that no other trees that grow by the waters (0)Alternate translation: “that no other trees that get a lot of water”
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Quote: will lift up their foliage to the height of the tallest trees (0)Some Bibles translate this as “will set their tops among the clouds.” Alternate translation: “will grow taller than the branches of other trees”
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Quote: that no other trees that grow beside the waters will reach up to that height (0)Alternate translation: “that no other trees that get a lot of water will ever grow that tall again”
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Quote: All of them have been assigned to death, to the earth below (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 death, you can express the same idea with the verb “die.” Alternate translation: “For I made it so that they all will die and go deep under the ground” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
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Quote: among the children of humanity, with those that go down to the pit (0)Alternate translation: “to be with those people who have died and gone down to the grave”
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Quote: the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 26:20.
Ezekiel 31:15
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Quote: On the day when the cedar went down to Sheol (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “went down to Sheol” means “died.” Alternate translation: “On the day that the cedar died” or “On the day that the cedar was chopped down”
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Quote: I brought mourning to the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word mourning, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I caused the earth to mourn”
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Quote: I covered the deep waters over it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “covered” possibly refers to putting on clothes for mourning. Alternate translation: “I made the water from the springs mourn for the cedar” or “it was as though the springs that watered it mourned for it”
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Quote: I held back the ocean waters (0)Alternate translation: “I kept the water in the ocean from watering the earth”
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Quote: I kept back the great waters (0)Alternate translation: “I made it so that there would not be a lot of water anymore”
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Quote: I brought mourning to Lebanon for him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word mourning, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I made Lebanon mourn for the cedar”
Ezekiel 31:16
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Quote: when I threw it down to Sheol with those who went down into the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “threw it down to Sheol” is an idiom that means to kill. “The pit” refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 31:14. Alternate translation: “when I killed the cedar and it went to Sheol with everyone else that is dead” (See also: Metonymy)
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Quote: in the lowest parts of the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“that were already deep down in the ground.” This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that had already died and are now in Sheol”
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Quote: the choicest and best trees of Lebanon; the trees that drank the waters (0)“the best trees of Lebanon that everyone would want; trees that got a lot of water.” This is describing the trees of Eden that were in the lowest parts of the earth.
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Quote: the choicest (0)This is something that everyone would want because it is very good.
Ezekiel 31:17
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Quote: they also went down with it to Sheol (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “went down … to Sheol” is an idiom that means to die. Alternate translation: “those trees of Lebanon also died and went down to Sheol with the cedar”
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Quote: who had been killed by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Here “sword” represents enemies who fought them in battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom enemies had killed with swords” or “who had died in battle” (See also: Metonymy)
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Quote: These were its strong arm (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“These trees of Lebanon were its strong arm.” The phrase “strong arm” represents “power.” Alternate translation: “These trees of Lebanon were the power of the cedar” or “These trees strengthened the cedar”
Ezekiel 31:18
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Quote: Which of the trees in Eden was your equal in glory and greatness? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
“Which of these trees in Eden had as much glory as you and was as great as you?” God asks Pharaoh this question to show him that the parable applies to him and his country. It can start with “So Pharaoh” or “So Egypt.” Alternate translation: “None of the trees in Eden was your equal in glory and greatness!”
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Quote: For you will be brought down (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: “For I will bring you down”
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Quote: with the trees of Eden (0)Alternate translation: “like the other trees of Eden”
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Quote: to the lowest parts of the earth (0)Alternate translation: “to a place deep in the ground”
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Quote: among the uncircumcised (0)Alternate translation: “where you will be with people who are not circumcised”
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Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 32
Ezekiel 32 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The prophecy against Egypt and its king concludes in this chapter. Egypt will have its army destroyed, just as happened to so many other nations. Beginning in verse 1, the land of Egypt is addressed through Pharaoh, its king, so God refers to Egypt as “he” and “him.” However, beginning in verse 12, Egypt is referred to as “she” and “her,” as if she were a woman. It was common in Hebrew for lands and countries to be referred to as if they were women. (See: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 32:1
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Quote: Then it happened (0)This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
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Quote: in the twelfth month … on the first of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the twelfth and final month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the end of February. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
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Quote: of the twelfth year (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
This refers to the twelfth year of the reign of King Jehoiachin. Alternate translation: “of the twelfth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
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Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 32:2
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Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
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Quote: lift up (0)Alternate translation: “sing”
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Quote: You are like a young lion … like a monster in the seas (0)This could mean: (1) he thought he was like a lion, but he was really only a monster, or (2) he was like a lion and a monster.
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Quote: like a young lion among the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Egypt was stronger than other nations, like lions are stronger than other animals.
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Quote: like a monster in the seas (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Pharaoh was powerful, but he only caused trouble for others, like this monster in the water.
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Quote: monster (0)A monster is an animal that is big and dangerous. This one might be a crocodile. See how you translated this word in Ezekiel 29:3.
Ezekiel 32:3
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Quote: The Lord Yahweh says this (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:5.
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Quote: So I will spread my net over you in the assembly of many peoples (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s punishment of Pharaoh is spoken of as if the king were the river monster caught in a net. Alternate translation: “So I will gather many peoples and throw my net over you”
Ezekiel 32:4
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Quote: I will abandon you in the land (0)“I will leave you helpless on the land.” The monster that was fearsome and powerful when it was in the water cannot do anything when it is left on dry land.
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Quote: all the birds of the heavens (0)Alternate translation: “all the birds that fly in the sky”
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Quote: the hunger of all living animals on earth will be satisfied by you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “I will let all the animals of the earth eat your body until they are hungry no longer”
Ezekiel 32:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your worm-filled corpse (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The worms help the dead body to rot. Alternate translation: “your rotting body”
Ezekiel 32:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the stream beds will be filled with your blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “I will fill the streams with your blood”
Ezekiel 32:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I extinguish you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
It was common to speak of a person’s life as if it were a lamp that could be put out. Alternate translation: “When I destroy you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will cover the heavens (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of making the stars dark as if he were putting a cover over the sky. Alternate translation: “I will make everything in the sky go dark”
Ezekiel 32:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 32:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will terrify the heart of many peoples (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents the people’s emotions. Alternate translation: “I will make the hearts of many peoples afraid” or “I will cause many people to be terrified”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in lands that you do not know (0)The way that Yahweh destroys Egypt will make afraid even people in lands that Pharaoh never knew about.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I bring about your collapse among the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The nation of Egypt, symbolized by its king, is spoken of as if it were a building that was collapsing. Alternate translation: “when nations hear about the way I destroyed you”
Ezekiel 32:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I swing my sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here swinging a sword represents using the sword. Alternate translation: “when I use my sword”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Every moment each one will tremble because of you (0)Here “tremble” is an action that people often do when they are very afraid. Alternate translation: “Every one of them will keep shaking because of their fear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the day of your downfall (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The idea of falling down (“downfall”) represents dying. Alternate translation: “when I destroy you”
Ezekiel 32:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The sword of the king of Babylon will come against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” represents an army. Alternate translation: “The army of the king of Babylon will attack you”
Ezekiel 32:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: each warrior a terror of nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “terrifies” or “afraid.” Alternate translation: “Each warrior terrifies the nations” or “each one of them makes the nations afraid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will devastate the pride of Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word pride, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “proud.” Alternate translation: “will cause the Egyptians to no longer be proud”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: destroy all of its multitudes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here “all” is probably a generalization that refers to the killing of large numbers of soldiers, and perhaps other people also. Alternate translation: “kill a very large number of people who live in Egypt”
Ezekiel 32:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from beside the plentiful waters (0)Alternate translation: “in the places where there is a lot of water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the foot of man will no longer stir the waters up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The foot here is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “people will no longer stir the waters up with their feet”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stir the waters (0)make clear water muddy
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hooves of cattle stir them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The hoof is a synecdoche for cattle. Alternate translation: “cattle stir them with their hooves”
Ezekiel 32:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then I will calm their waters (0)This could mean: (1) “I will make the water calm” or (2) “I will make the water clear.” When no one stirs up the water, the dirt settles down and the water becomes clear.
Ezekiel 32:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When I make the land of Egypt an abandoned place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “When I make the land of Egypt a place where no one is living”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when the land is made bare of all its fullness (0)Alternate translation: “when the country is made to lose all its wealth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I attack all the inhabitants in her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the idea of attacking represents destroying. Alternate translation: “when I destroy all who live in her”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
It was normal in biblical language to represent countries and lands as if they were women. Alternate translation: “in it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 32:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: over her (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
It was normal in biblical language to represent countries and lands as if they were women. Alternate translation: “over it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the daughters of the nations (0)This could mean: (1) “the women of other nations” or (2) “people of other nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: over Egypt, over all her multitudes (0)Alternate translation: “about Egypt, about all her multitudes” or “about the disaster that happened to Egypt, about the disaster that happened to all her multitudes”
Ezekiel 32:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then it happened (0)This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new message. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the twelfth year (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) This happened in the twelfth year after the Babylonians took the Israelites to Babylon or (2) this happened in the twelfth year after the Babylonians took Jehoiachin to Babylon.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 32:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bring them down—her and the daughters of majestic nations (0)God is perhaps telling Ezekiel to cause this to happen by giving a prophetic command.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her (0)Once again, the land of Egypt is referred to as a woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the daughters of majestic nations (0)This could mean: (1) “the people of powerful nations” or (2) “other powerful nations.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the lowest earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“to the places under the ground.” When people died, they were put in the ground. So “bring them down … to the lowest earth” means “make them die.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with those who have gone down to the pit (0)Alternate translation: “with everyone else who has died and gone into the ground”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“The pit” refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 31:16.
Ezekiel 32:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are you really more beautiful than anyone else? Go down and lie down with the uncircumcised. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is a question and command that the prophet is to ask the Egyptians. Alternate translation: “Go down and lie down with the uncircumcised. Ask them all: ‘Are you really more beautiful than anyone else?’”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Go down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they must go down to Sheol. Alternate translation: “Go down to Sheol”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lie down (0)as in death. If your language has a word for dead people lying down that is different from the word for live people lying down to sleep, use it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are you really more beautiful than anyone else? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question really makes a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not more beautiful than anyone else.”
Ezekiel 32:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will fall (0)Alternate translation: “Egypt and her people will fall”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who were killed by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The word “sword” is a metonym for a soldier who kills people with a sword.This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “whom enemy soldiers killed with swords” or “who died in battle” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The sword has been drawn! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” here is a metonym for war that people fight with swords. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “War has begun” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: She has been given to the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “I have given Egypt to the sword”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will seize her and her multitudes (0)Alternate translation: “her enemies will seize Egypt and her people”
Ezekiel 32:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: about Egypt and her allies (0)Alternate translation: “about the Egyptians and those who join them”
Ezekiel 32:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Assyria is there with all her assembly (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land of Assyria is represented as a woman. Alternate translation: “The people of Assyria and all its army are there in Sheol”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her assembly (0)Alternate translation: “all her people together”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all of them were killed by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who use swords to kill people. This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “Soldiers used swords to kill them all” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 32:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are set in the recesses of the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“The pit” refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all of those who were killed, who fell by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “all those whom enemies killed in battle” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fell by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The word “fell” here is a euphemism for “died.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who brought terror on the land of the living (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “afraid.” Alternate translation: “those who, when they were still alive, caused people to be extremely afraid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land of the living (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents the people who were alive.
Ezekiel 32:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Elam is there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Elam” refers to the people of that country. Alternate translation: “The people of Elam are also there in Sheol”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her multitudes (0)This could mean: (1) her many people or (2) her army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Her graves surround her (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:22.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all of them were killed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “Her enemies killed them all”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those who fell by the sword (0)Translate “who fell by the sword” as in Ezekiel 32:23.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the sword” is a metonym for soldiers who use swords to kill people. Alternate translation: “in battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who have gone down uncircumcised (0)Alternate translation: “who were uncircumcised when they went down”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the lowest parts of the earth (0)“to places deep down in the ground” or “to the land deep down in the ground.” See how you translated “in the lowest realms of the earth” in Ezekiel 26:20.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who brought their terrors (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terrors, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “afraid.” See how you translated “brought terror” in Ezekiel 32:23. Alternate translation: “those who, when they were still alive, caused people to be extremely afraid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land of the living (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents the people who were alive. See how you translated “the land of the living” in Ezekiel 32:23.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who carry their own shame (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Shame is spoken of as if it were an object that one could carry where he goes. Alternate translation: “who feel ashamed” or “who are now disgraced”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“The pit” refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:23.
Ezekiel 32:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They set a bedroll for Elam and all her multitudes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Space being made in Sheol for the dead is spoken of as if the dead were given beds to lie on. Alternate translation: “They gave beds to Elam and all its people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the midst of the slain (0)Alternate translation: “with all the other people who were killed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All of them are uncircumcised (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The Israelites did not respect people who were not circumcised.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pierced by the sword, because (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “pierced” here is a metonym for “killed.” This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “their enemies have killed them with swords because”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Elam is among all those who were killed (0)This is very similar to the first part of the verse. Alternate translation: “The dead people gave Elam a place to lie among themselves”
Ezekiel 32:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues speaking to Ezekiel about nations in Sheol.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Meshech … Tubal (0)See how you translated these names in Ezekiel 27:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their graves surround them (0)See how you translated “her graves surround her” in Ezekiel 32:22.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: killed by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the sword” represents warfare. Alternate translation: “killed in battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they had brought their terrors on the land of the living (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Causing people to fear is spoken of as if it were the act of bringing an object to them. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terrors, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they terrified everyone in the land of the living”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All of them … land of the living (0)See how you translated “All of them … land of the living” in Ezekiel 32:25.
Ezekiel 32:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their iniquities over their bones (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The warriors’ iniquities cover their bodies, although one would expect that their shields would cover them in death.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were the terror of warriors in the land of the living (0)Alternate translation: “while they were still alive, they made other warriors very afraid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the land of the living (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The time during which these warriors were living is spoken of as if it were a place. Alternate translation: “while they were alive”
Ezekiel 32:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you … will be broken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
“Broken” here represents “destroyed.” This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “I will destroy you” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the midst of (0)Alternate translation: “in the middle of”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who were pierced (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “pierced” here is a metonym for “killed.” This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:25. Alternate translation: “those whose enemies have killed them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents being in warfare. Alternate translation: “in battle”
Ezekiel 32:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Edom is there with her kings and all her leaders (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Edom” represents all the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “the people of Edom are in Sheol with their kings and all their leaders”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“The pit” refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:25.
Ezekiel 32:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The princes of the north (0)Alternate translation: “The princes who ruled nations in the north”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are there (0)Alternate translation: “are in Sheol”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went down (0)Alternate translation: “went down to Sheol”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had been pierced (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “pierced” here is a metonym for “killed.” This can be translated in active form. See how you translated similar words in Ezekiel 32:25. Alternate translation: “whom enemies had killed with swords”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents being in warfare. Alternate translation: “in battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They carry their own shame (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Shame is spoken of as if it were an object that one could carry where he goes. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:25. Alternate translation: “who feel ashamed” or “who are now disgraced”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)“The pit” refers to the grave; because the grave was thought to be the entrance to the world of the dead, the pit also represents that world. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:29.
Ezekiel 32:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pharaoh will look (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be made explicit who Pharaoh will see. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh will see all the dead people from other nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be comforted about all his multitudes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that Pharaoh will be comforted because the armies of other great kings also died. Alternate translation: “will comfort himself that he was not the only king whose entire army died” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 32:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I put him as my terrifying one in the land of the living (0)Alternate translation: “While Pharaoh was still alive, I made him to terrify people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will be laid down in the midst of the uncircumcised (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be put in active form. Alternate translation: “Others will lay him in the midst of the uncircumcised”
Ezekiel 33
Ezekiel 33 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Repentance
God does not want sinners to die. He wants them to repent and live. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and repent, repentance)
Ezekiel 33:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 33:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a sword against any land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” refers to an enemy army that attacks. Also, “land” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “an army to attack the people of any land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make him a watchman (0)Alternate translation: “appoint him as a guard” or “make him guard”
Ezekiel 33:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He looks for the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” represents an enemy army. Alternate translation: “He looks for an enemy army”
Ezekiel 33:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not pay attention (0)Alternate translation: “ignore the warning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: each one’s blood is on his own head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” represents death. The phrase “on his own head” is an idiom that means the person will be held responsible. Alternate translation: “it is their own fault if they die” (See also: Idiom)
Ezekiel 33:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his blood is on him (0)Here “blood” represents a person’s death. The phrase “on him” is an idiom that means that person is considered responsible. Alternate translation: “it will be his own fault that he dies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: save his own life (0)Alternate translation: “will keep himself from dying”
Ezekiel 33:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sword as it is coming (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” refers to an enemy army. Alternate translation: “the enemy army as it is coming”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with the result that the people are not warned (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 he does not warn the people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sword comes and takes anyone’s life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” represents an enemy army. Alternate translation: “the enemy army comes and kills anyone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that person dies in his own sin (0)Alternate translation: “that person dies because of his own sin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will require his blood from the watchman (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” represents a person’s death. The phrase “I will require his blood from” is an idiom that means to consider someone responsible. Alternate translation: “I will consider that person’s death to be the fault of the watchman” (See also: Idiom)
Ezekiel 33:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will hear the words from my mouth and warn them on my behalf (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “mouth” represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “you will hear the message that I speak and you will warn them on my behalf”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: warn them on my behalf (0)Alternate translation: “warn them as my representative” or “give them the warning from me”
Ezekiel 33:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not announce this (0)Alternate translation: “do not say this”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: about his way (0)“the way he acts” or “the things he does.” See how you translated “your ways” in Ezekiel 7:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will require his blood from your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” represents a person’s death. The phrase “require … from your hand” is an idiom that means to consider someone responsible. Alternate translation: “I will consider you responsible for his death” (See also: Idiom)
Ezekiel 33:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he might turn back from it, and if he does not turn back from his way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person no longer behaving in a certain way is spoken of as if he physically turns and goes back on a path. Alternate translation: “he might stop doing bad things, and if he does not stop doing bad things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will have saved your own life (0)Alternate translation: “will have kept yourself alive”
Ezekiel 33:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are saying this (0)Alternate translation: “This is what you have said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Our transgressions and our sins are on us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) “on us” is a metaphor that means they feel guilty for their transgressions and sins or (2) “on us” is a metaphor that means they realize that Yahweh is punishing them for their transgressions and sins.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we are decaying in them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“we are rotting away because of them.” Being destroyed because of sin is spoken of as if the person’s flesh were rotting. Alternate translation: “they are destroying us” or “they are killing us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in them (0)Alternate translation: “because of them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How can we live? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The people ask this question to emphasize that they have no hope of living. Alternate translation: “We have no hope of living.” or “We will certainly die.”
Ezekiel 33:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I do not delight in the death of the wicked (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word death, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “die.” And the nominal adjective “the wicked” can be stated as “wicked people.” Alternate translation: “It does not make me happy when wicked people die” (See also: Nominal Adjectives)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if the wicked repents from his way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “way” represents how a person behaves. Alternate translation: “if the wicked person stops doing bad things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For why should you die, house of Israel? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he does not want the people of Israel to die. Alternate translation: “Do not choose to die, house of Israel!”
Ezekiel 33:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The righteousness of a righteous person will not save him if he sins! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “right.” It is implied that they will not be saved from God’s punishment. Alternate translation: “If righteous people start to sin, the fact that they did what was right before will not stop me from punishing them” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The wickedness of a wicked person will not cause him to perish (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wickedness, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “wicked.” Alternate translation: “A person who does what is wicked will not perish”
Ezekiel 33:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if he trusts in his righteousness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The person thinks that because he was righteous, Yahweh will not punish him, even if he sins. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “right.” Alternate translation: “if he depends on the right things he has done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: commits injustice (0)Alternate translation: “does what is evil” or “does wicked things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not call to mind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will not think about” or “I will not recall”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the wickedness he committed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wickedness, you can express the same idea with an adjective such as “wicked” Alternate translation: “because of the wicked things he has done”
Ezekiel 33:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the wicked (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The nominal adjective “the wicked” can be stated as “the wicked person.” Alternate translation: “to the wicked person”
Ezekiel 33:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if he restores the loan guarantee (0)Alternate translation: “if he gives back the loan guarantee”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: loan guarantee (0)something a person leaves with another person to show that he will keep his promise to pay back what he has borrowed
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: makes restitution for what he has stolen (0)Alternate translation: “returns what he has stolen” or “pays back the value of what he stole”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walks in the statutes that give life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Acting or behaving in a certain way is spoken of as if it were walking. Alternate translation: “lives according to the laws that give life”
Ezekiel 33:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be called to mind for him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “call to mind” is an idiom that means to remember. The phrase “will be called” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “will I think about” or “will I recall” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 33:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your people (0)These are the people of Israel. The word “your” refers to Ezekiel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The way of the Lord … your ways that are not fair (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Behaviors or actions is spoken of as if they were a way or road on which a person travels. Alternate translation: “What the Lord does … the things you do that are not fair”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but it is your ways (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The word “your” refers to the people of Israel. This can be stated in third person. Alternate translation: “but it is their ways”
Ezekiel 33:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turns away from his righteousness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
No longer doing something is spoken of as if it were physically turning away from something. Alternate translation: “stops doing what is right”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: die in it (0)Alternate translation: “die because of his sins”
Ezekiel 33:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turns away from his wickedness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
No longer doing something is spoken of as if it were physically turning away from something. Alternate translation: “stops doing wicked things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of those things (0)Alternate translation: “because he does what is just and righteous”
Ezekiel 33:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you people (0)These are the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “people of Israel”
Ezekiel 33:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It happened (0)This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the twelfth year … fifth day … tenth month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“year 12 … day 5 … month 10”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the fifth day of the tenth month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifth day is near the beginning of January on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of our captivity (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here “our” refers to Ezekiel and the Israelites who have been in Babylon since the time the Babylonians forced King Jehoiachin to leave Jerusalem, but not to the reader. Alternate translation: “after we became captives” or “after the Babylonians took us as captives to Babylon” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a fugitive came to me from Jerusalem (0)“someone escaped from Jerusalem and came to me” The Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem and killed the people of Jerusalem, but a few people escaped.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The city has been captured (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The phrase “the city” refers to “Jerusalem.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Babylonians have destroyed Jerusalem”
Ezekiel 33:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The hand of Yahweh had been on me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” is often used to refer to someone’s power or action. A person with his hand on another person has power over that person. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 1:3. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was controlling me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my mouth was opened (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase is an idiom that means to be able to speak. It can be stated in active form. See how you translated “I will open your mouth” in Ezekiel 3:27. Alternate translation: “I was able to speak” or “Yahweh enabled me to speak” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dawn (0)The word “dawn” refers to the time early in the morning when the light of the sun first appears.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was no longer mute (0)“I was no longer forced to be silent” or “I was no longer unable to speak” Ezekiel had been unable to speak anything except prophetic words since Ezekiel 3:26.
Ezekiel 33:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 33:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those ruins (0)This could mean: (1) “those ruined buildings” or (2) “those ruined cities”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he inherited the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh giving the land to Abraham is spoken of as if Abraham inherited the land. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave him the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land (0)Alternate translation: “the land of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The land has been given to us (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 has given us the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as a possession (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word possession, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “possess.” Alternate translation: “so that we can possess it”
Ezekiel 33:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You eat blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they eat blood by eating meat that still has blood in it. Yahweh had commanded them to drain out the blood. Alternate translation: “You eat meat with blood in it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you lift up your eyes towards your idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“you look to your idols” This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you worship your idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you pour out people’s blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” represents a person’s life. To pour out blood is an idiom that means to murder. Alternate translation: “you murder people” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should you really possess the land? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh used this question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: “You should not possess this land!” or “You do not deserve this land!”
Ezekiel 33:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have depended on your swords (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “swords” represent doing violent things. Alternate translation: “You have committed violent acts with your swords to get what you want”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: done disgusting things (0)Alternate translation: “done things that I hate very much”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: each man defiles his neighbor’s wife (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they defile their neighbor’s wives by sleeping with them. Alternate translation: “each man sleeps with his neighbor’s wife”
Ezekiel 33:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As I live (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“As surely as I am alive.” Yahweh uses this expression to show that what he says next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the ones in the ruins will fall by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “fall by the sword” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “enemies will kill the ones living in the ruins”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those in fortresses and in caves will die of plagues (0)Alternate translation: “plagues will kill the people who live in fortresses and caves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fortresses (0)A fortress is a building that people build to protect themselves from enemies who attack them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: caves (0)Caves are natural holes in the side of a mountain or down in the ground. They are usually made of rock.
Ezekiel 33:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pride of its might will end (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “it” refers to the land, which refers to the people of the land. Alternate translation: “the people of the land will not be proud anymore that they are strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mountains of Israel will be deserted (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: “no one will live in the mountains of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there will be no one to pass through them (0)Alternate translation: “there will be no one left to travel through the land or over the mountains”
Ezekiel 33:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the abominations that they have done (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abominations, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “things I hate.” Alternate translation: “all the things they have done that I hate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have done (0)Alternate translation: “the people have done”
Ezekiel 33:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that comes out from Yahweh (0)Alternate translation: “that Yahweh tells him to speak” or “that Yahweh gives him”
Ezekiel 33:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Right words are in their mouths, but their hearts are going after unjust profit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “mouths” represent speaking. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “They speak about loving me, but their hearts are going after unjust profit” or (2) Alternate translation: “They speak about the things they lust after, and their hearts are going after unjust profit”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their hearts are going after unjust profit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hearts” represents desire. Alternate translation: “in their hearts they want to get their unjust profit” or “they desire to get things in ways that are not just”
Ezekiel 33:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are like a lovely song to them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “you” refers to Ezekiel, and here he represents the message he speaks. This compares Ezekiel’s message to a lovely song, which means the people enjoy listening to him, but they do not think his message is important enough to obey. Alternate translation: “they think that your words are like a lovely song” (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a lovely song (0)This could mean: (1) “a beautiful song” or (2) “a love song” or “a song about love.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that is well played on a stringed instrument (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 someone plays very well on a stringed instrument”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stringed instrument (0)something that has strings and people use to make music
Ezekiel 33:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold! (0)The word “behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “indeed!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that a prophet has been among them (0)Alternate translation: “that I really sent you as a prophet to them”
Ezekiel 34
Ezekiel 34 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
God protects the people
God is against those who exploit others. He will protect and take care of his people. (See: people of God)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
The people of Israel are compared to sheep and God and the son of David as good shepherds. This is a common metaphor in scripture. (See: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 34:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
In chapter 34, Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and the leaders of Israel were the shepherds that were supposed to care for the flock but have not.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 34:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the shepherds of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The leaders of Israel are spoken as if they were shepherds. They were supposed to take care of their people like shepherds take care of their flock. Alternate translation: “the leaders of Israel who are like shepherds”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are shepherding themselves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The leaders taking care of themselves instead of the people are spoken of as if they were shepherding themselves. AT “are feeding and taking care of themselves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should not shepherds guard the flock? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses this question to scold the leaders for not taking care of the people. Alternate translation: “Shepherds should feed the flock and take care of it.”
Ezekiel 34:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You eat the fatty portions … dress in wool (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This continues speaking of the leaders of Israel as if they were bad shepherds that kill the best animals in their flock for food and clothing. Alternate translation: “You are like shepherds who eat the fatty portions … dress in wool”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You eat the fatty portions (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The fatty portions come from the sheep and the goats. Alternate translation: “You eat the fatty parts of the sheep and goats” or “You eat the best parts of the sheep and goats”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dress in wool (0)Alternate translation: “wear the wool from the sheep”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fatlings (0)Alternate translation: “the youngest and fattest sheep and goats”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not shepherd at all (0)Alternate translation: “do not feed and take care of the flock”
Ezekiel 34:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have diseases (0)This could mean: (1) “are sick” or (2) “are weak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You do not bind up the ones who are broken (0)Alternate translation: “You do not wrap cloth around the broken bones of those who are wounded”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the ones who are broken (0)Alternate translation: “the sheep that have broken bones” or “the sheep that are injured”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you do not restore (0)Alternate translation: “you do not bring back”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the outcasts (0)Alternate translation: “the sheep that have been chased away” or “those that others have chased away”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the lost (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “the sheep or goats” are left out of this phrase, but they are intended to be understood. Alternate translation: “the sheep or goats that are lost”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: through strength and violence (0)Alternate translation: “forcefully and cruelly”
Ezekiel 34:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they were scattered without a shepherd (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 they scattered because they did not have a shepherd”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they became food for all the living beasts in the fields (0)Alternate translation: “all of the wild animals could attack and eat them”
Ezekiel 34:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is dispersed over the entire surface of the earth (0)Alternate translation: “my flock is spread out all over the earth”
Ezekiel 34:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hear the word of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “listen to Yahweh’s message”
Ezekiel 34:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because my flock has become plunder and food for all the beasts in the fields (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: “because all the beasts in the fields steal my flock and eat them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plunder (0)things that are stolen
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the beasts in the fields (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here “all” is a generalization that refers to all the wild animals that eat sheep. Alternate translation: “all the wild animals in the fields”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because there was no shepherd (0)Alternate translation: “because they did not have a shepherd”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: none of my shepherds sought my flock (0)Alternate translation: “none of my shepherds tried to find my flock”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: guarded themselves (0)Alternate translation: “shepherded themselves” or “fed and cared for themselves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did not shepherd my flock (0)Alternate translation: “did not feed and care for my flock”
Ezekiel 34:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hear the word of Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“listen to Yahweh’s message.” This is an idiom that is used to introduce a special message from God.
Ezekiel 34:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)The word “Behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am against the shepherds (0)Alternate translation: “I am opposed to the shepherds”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will require my flock from their hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “require … from their hand” is an idiom that means to hold or consider someone responsible for something. Alternate translation: “I will hold them responsible for all the bad things that happen to my flock” or “I will punish them for all the bad things they let happen to my flock”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will dismiss them from shepherding the flock (0)Alternate translation: “I will not let them shepherd the flock any longer” or “I will not let them be the shepherds of the flock any longer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shepherd themselves (0)Alternate translation: “feed and take care of themselves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from their mouths (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “mouths” represent eating. Alternate translation: “so they cannot eat them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my flock will no longer be food for them (0)Alternate translation: “the shepherds will no longer eat the sheep and the goats of my flock”
Ezekiel 34:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “For this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)The word “Behold” here alerts the shepherds to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will seek out (0)Alternate translation: “will look for”
Ezekiel 34:12
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Quote: within the midst of his scattered flock (0)Alternate translation: “with his scattered flock”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were scattered (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the animals in the flock scattered because they did not have a shepherd to care for them or protect them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they scattered because they did not have a shepherd to care for them” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the day of clouds and darkness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“on the cloudy and dark day.” Disasters are spoken of as if they were a day of darkness. Alternate translation: “when terrible disasters happened to them”
Ezekiel 34:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bring them (0)Alternate translation: “bring my sheep and my goats” or “bring my flock”
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Quote: from among the peoples (0)Alternate translation: “from the places where they lived with other peoples”
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Quote: I will put them in pastures … every settlement in the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh bringing his people back from exile to their land so that he can care for them and keep them safe is spoken of as if he were their shepherd who puts his flock in a place where there is plenty of land, food, and water.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pastures (0)land that has grass and small plants that sheep and goats can eat
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: settlement (0)This is a place where people live. Usually they live in houses in a settlement.
Ezekiel 34:14
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Quote: their grazing places (0)Alternate translation: “places where they can eat”
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Quote: abundant pastures (0)Alternate translation: “lands that have a lot of grass and plants to eat”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: graze (0)eat grass and other plants
Ezekiel 34:15
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Quote: I myself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
The word “myself” adds emphasis. God would do this because the shepherds were not doing it.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will shepherd (0)Alternate translation: “will feed and take care of”
Ezekiel 34:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the lost (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “the sheep or goats” are left out of this phrase, but they are intended to be understood. Alternate translation: “the sheep or goats that are lost”
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Quote: restore the outcast (0)Alternate translation: “bring back those that others have chased away”
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Quote: bind up the broken sheep (0)Alternate translation: “wrap a cloth around any sheep’s broken bone” or “wrap a cloth around any sheep’s wound”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fat and the strong (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “sheep” is understood. Alternate translation: “the fat sheep and the strong sheep”
Ezekiel 34:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold, I (0)Alternate translation: “pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important, I”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be a judge between sheep and sheep (0)Alternate translation: “I will judge between one sheep and another”
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Quote: rams and male goats (0)The male sheep and goats are usually the strongest in the flock and can get whatever they want from the other animals in the flock.
Ezekiel 34:18
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Quote: Is it not enough … feet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God uses these questions to scold Israel’s leaders, who are spoken of as if they were the stronger animals in the flock that were unkind to the weaker ones. You can translate this as a statement as in the UST. (See also: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 34:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to them (0)Alternate translation: “to my flock”
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Quote: Behold! (0)The word “Behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed!”
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Quote: I myself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
The word “myself” emphasizes that it is Yahweh who will judge.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will judge between the fat sheep and the thin ones (0)Alternate translation: “will make sure that the fat sheep and goats and the skinny sheep and goats are treating each other fairly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fat sheep and the thin ones (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The leaders and strong people in Israel are spoken of as if they were fat and strong animals in the flock. The poor and weak people in Israel are spoken of as if they were the thin and weak animals in the flock.
Ezekiel 34:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for you (0)The word “you” refers to the sheep and goats that were not treating other sheep and goats well.
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Quote: with your sides (0)Alternate translation: “with the sides of your body”
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Quote: have gored (0)This could mean: (1) “have pushed” or “have shoved” (2) “have stabbed” or “have pierced”
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Quote: scattered them (0)Alternate translation: “made them go in many different directions”
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Quote: away from the land (0)Alternate translation: “away from the land of Israel”
Ezekiel 34:22
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Quote: they will no longer be plunder (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 not allow anyone to plunder them” or “I will not allow anyone to steal them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will no longer be plunder (0)“will no longer be things that are stolen.” The shepherds and wild animals have been stealing the sheep and the goats from Yahweh’s flock.
Ezekiel 34:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will set over them one shepherd (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “set over” is an idiom that means to cause a person to rule someone else. Alternate translation: “I will assign one shepherd to be in charge of my sheep and the goats”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my servant David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “David” refers to a descendant of David. Alternate translation: “a descendant of my servant David”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will shepherd them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The descendant of David who will be king over the people of Israel is spoken of as if he would be their shepherd.
Ezekiel 34:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a covenant of peace (0)Alternate translation: “a covenant that brings peace”
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Quote: the evil wild animals (0)These are wild animals that could kill the sheep and the goats.
Ezekiel 34:26
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Quote: I will also bring blessings on them and on the places around my hill (0)Some versions of the Bible translate this as “I will also turn them and the places around my hill into a blessing.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hill (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to Mount Zion.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will send out showers (0)Alternate translation: “I will cause it to rain”
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Quote: in due season (0)Alternate translation: “at the right time”
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Quote: These will be showers of blessing (0)Alternate translation: “This rain will be a blessing”
Ezekiel 34:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the earth will yield its produce (0)Alternate translation: “the earth will grow food” or “food will grow on the earth”
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Quote: will be secure (0)Alternate translation: “will be safe”
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Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I break the bars of their yoke (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Slavery is spoken of as if it were a yoke that people wear like some animals. Alternate translation: “when I free them from being slaves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the hand of those who enslaved them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “from the control of those who made them slaves” or “from those who made them slaves”
Ezekiel 34:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will no longer be plunder for the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nations” represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: “The people of the nations will no longer steal from them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plunder (0)These are things that are stolen or taken by force. See how you translated “plunder” in Ezekiel 7:21.
Ezekiel 34:29
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Quote: be victims of famine (0)Alternate translation: “be starved” or “be starving because of lack of food”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will not bear the scorn of the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nations” represents the people of the nations. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word scorn, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they will no longer hear the people of the nations insult them” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Ezekiel 34:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I, Yahweh their God, am with them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “I … am with them” is an idiom that means Yahweh helps them. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh their God, am helping them”
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Quote: with them. They are my people (0)This can be stated as one sentence. Alternate translation: “with them, and that they are my people”
Ezekiel 34:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For you are my sheep, the flock of my pasture (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and Yahweh is their shepherd.
Ezekiel 35
Ezekiel 35 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Edom
Because the people of Edom rejoiced at the destruction of Israel, they too will be destroyed.
Ezekiel 35:1
General Information:
Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak a prophecy. Ezekiel is to speak to Mount Seir, but the message is for all of the people of Edom.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 35:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your face against Mount Seir (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Mount Seir was far away, so Ezekiel could not see it, but Yahweh commands him to stare in that direction as a symbol of harming the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 6:2. Alternate translation: “turn toward Mount Seir and stare” or “stare toward Mount Seir so that the people there will be harmed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mount Seir and prophesy against it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“the mountain of Seir.” Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to Mount Seir as if it could hear him. The message is for all of the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “Mount Seir and prophesy against it because of what the people of Edom have done”
Ezekiel 35:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to it (0)Alternate translation: “to the mountain” or “to the people of Edom”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will strike you with my hand and make you a desolation and a waste (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to Mount Seir as if it could hear him. The message is for all of the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “Listen, Mount Seir, I will strike you with my hand and make you a desolation and a waste because of what your people did”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)The word “Behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Listen!” or “Indeed!”
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Quote: I am against you (0)Alternate translation: “I am your enemy” or “I oppose you”
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Quote: I will strike you with my hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power. Alternate translation: “I will use my power to strike you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make you a desolation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “make you desolate”
Ezekiel 35:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 35:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you poured them out into the hands of the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor could mean: (1) “you gave them over to their enemies who killed them with swords” or (2) “you killed them with swords.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the time of their distress (0)Alternate translation: “at a time of disaster”
Ezekiel 35:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will prepare you for bloodshed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “bloodshed” is a metonym for killing. Alternate translation: “I will make it easy for your enemies to kill many of you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bloodshed will pursue you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “bloodshed” is a metonym for killing. Yahweh speaks of bloodshed as if it were a person who could chase them. Alternate translation: “your enemies will chase you down and kill you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Since you did not hate bloodshed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “bloodshed” is a metonym for killing. Alternate translation: “Since you did not hate it when enemies brutally killed the people of Israel”
Ezekiel 35:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I cut off from it anyone who passes through and returns again (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) “cut off” is a metaphor that means to destroy. Alternate translation: “I will destroy anyone who enters it or leaves it” or (2) “cut off” is a metaphor that means to stop someone from doing something. Alternate translation: “I will make it so that people do not travel back and forth through it”
Ezekiel 35:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who were killed by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Here “sword” represents enemies who fought them in battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 31:17. Alternate translation: “those whom enemies have killed with swords” or “those who have died in battle” (See also: Metonymy)
Ezekiel 35:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a perpetual desolation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
“desolate forever.” This may be an exaggeration to emphasize the destruction.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your cities will not be inhabited (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 may be an exaggeration for emphasis. Alternate translation: “People will not live in your cities” (See also: Hyperbole)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but you will know (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “you” is plural. God is speaking to the people of Mount Seir, rather than to a single mountain.
Ezekiel 35:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have said (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The word “You” refers to the mountain of Seir. Ezekiel is to speak to the mountain as if it can hear him. The message is for the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “Your people said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: these two lands (0)Alternate translation: “the lands of Israel and Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will become mine (0)The word “mine” can be stated in plural form. Alternate translation: “will become ours”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we (0)The word “we” refers to the people of Edom.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even when Yahweh was present with them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that Yahweh was protecting Israel and Judah. Alternate translation: “but Yahweh was there protecting Israel and Judah”
Ezekiel 35:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will do according to your anger and according to your jealousy (0)This could mean: (1) “I will punish you because of your anger and jealousy” or (2) “just as you acted against the people of Israel with anger and jealousy, I will act against you with anger and jealousy.”
Ezekiel 35:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against the mountains of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “mountains” represents the whole land of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They have been destroyed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They are in ruins”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have been given over to us to devour (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people of Mount Seir taking the land of Israel and using it for themselves is spoken of as if they were wild animals that would devour the mountains of Israel. Alternate translation: “they are here for us to devour” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 35:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “This is what I, the Lord Yahweh, say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will make you a desolation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “you” refers to Mount Seir, but the message is for the people of Edom. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Because of what your people did I will make you desolate” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the entire earth rejoices (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “earth” represents the people of the earth. The word “entire” is a generalization that refers only to people near Mount Seir. Alternate translation: “people who know that I have destroyed you rejoice”
Ezekiel 35:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the people of Israel because of its desolation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the land that Yahweh gave to the Israelites as their inheritance. Alternate translation: “As you rejoiced when I made the land of the Israelites desolate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will do the same to you (0)This could mean: (1) I will make your land desolate” or (2) “I will rejoice when your land is desolate” or (3) “I will make other people rejoice because of your desolation.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they will know (0)The word they possibly refers to (1) “the people of the earth” or (2) “the people of Israel and Judah.”
Ezekiel 36
Ezekiel 36 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Israel restored
Israel is promised to be restored by Yahweh. Because of his honor, God will bring Israel back to their land. (See: promise, promised and restore, restoration)
New hearts
God will forgive Israel’s sin and give them the desire to obey him. This is expressed by the metonym “heart.” (See: forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Ezekiel 36:1
General Information:
Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak a prophecy. Ezekiel is to speak to the mountains of Israel, but the message is for all of the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prophesy to the mountains of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
God wants Ezekiel to speak to the mountains as if they were people. The message is for the people of Israel.
Ezekiel 36:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aha (0)This is an expression of joy. It can be translated as “I am very happy” or “This is great.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The ancient high places (0)“The very old mountains.” This refers to the high mountains of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have become our possession (0)Alternate translation: “now belong to us”
Ezekiel 36:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Because of your desolation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “desolate.” Alternate translation: “Because you, mountains of Israel, have become desolate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of the attacks that came on you from all sides (0)Alternate translation: “because you were attacked from every direction” or “because your enemies attacked you from every direction”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have been the subject of slanderous lips and tongues, and of people’s stories (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here, “lips” and “tongues” represent people speaking. Alternate translation: “people are saying bad things about you, and the nations are telling bad stories about you”
Ezekiel 36:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: listen to the word of the Lord Yahweh (0)Alternate translation: “listen to the message of the Lord Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the uninhabited desolations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolations, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “desolate cities.” Alternate translation: “the desolate cities which have no people living in them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the forsaken cities (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 cities that people have left behind”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that have become plunder (0)Alternate translation: “that enemies have stolen from”
Ezekiel 36:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the fire of my fury (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of Yahweh’s fury as if it were a fire. Yahweh loves Israel very much, so he becomes jealous and angry when other nations mock it. Alternate translation: “because of my intense jealousy” or “because of my very strong anger”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against Edom and all (0)Alternate translation: “and against all of Edom”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had both joy in their heart and disdain in their spirit, as they seized my land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” and “spirit” represent a person’s inner being. The ideas of having joy and disdain can be expressed with the verbs “rejoiced” and “despised.” Alternate translation: “who despised the people of Israel and rejoiced while they took my land”
Ezekiel 36:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)The word “Behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In my fury and in my anger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “fury” and “anger” mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize the intensity of his anger. Alternate translation: “Because I am extremely angry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have borne the insults of nations (0)Alternate translation: “other nations have insulted you” or “other nations have mocked you”
Ezekiel 36:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I myself will lift up my hand to swear (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Here “lift up my hand” is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that the nations that surround you will certainly carry their own shame (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people experiencing shame are spoken of as if they will carry their shame. Alternate translation: “that people will certainly mock the nations that surround you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: surround you (0)The word “you” refers to the mountains of Israel.
Ezekiel 36:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will grow branches and bear fruit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “you” refers to the mountain of Israel which here represents the trees on the mountain that will grow fruit. Alternate translation: “your trees will grow branches and bear fruit”
Ezekiel 36:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold, I (0)Alternate translation: “pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am for you (0)“I want to do good things to you.” The word “you” refers to the mountains of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I treat you with favor (0)Alternate translation: “I will be kind to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will be plowed and sown with seed (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: “my people, Israel, will plow your ground and sow it with seed”
Ezekiel 36:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So I will multiply upon you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is speaking to the mountains. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “So, mountains of Israel, I will multiply upon you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even the whole house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “all of the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The cities will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt (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 people will live in the cities and will rebuild the ruins”
Ezekiel 36:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will multiply and be fruitful (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “be fruitful” is an idiom that means to have many children and descendants. Alternate translation: “they will become very many people and have very many children”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you to be inhabited as you previously were (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: “people to live on you mountains as they did before”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 36:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will possess you, and you will be their inheritance (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people living in the mountains and land of Israel permanently is spoke of as if the people would inherit them. Alternate translation: “They will possess you permanently”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will no longer cause their children to die (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that in the past children died because there was not enough food in the land. Now the land would produce enough food.
Ezekiel 36:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are saying to you (0)Alternate translation: “other nations are saying to you mountains”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You devour men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Not enough food growing in Israel so that people die is spoken of as if the mountains of Israel were devouring the people. Alternate translation: “You cause many people to die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bereaving your nation of children (0)Alternate translation: “you cause your people’s children to die”
Ezekiel 36:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will not consume people any longer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Not enough food growing in Israel so that people die is spoken of as if the mountains of Israel were consuming the people. Alternate translation: “you will no longer cause the people to die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “This is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “This is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 36:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Nor will I allow you to hear the insults of the nations any longer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks of the mountains as if they were able to hear when people insult them. Alternate translation: “I will no longer allow the other nations to insult you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will no longer have to bear the shame of the peoples (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Experiencing shame is spoken of as if the mountains could bear shame. Alternate translation: “the peoples will no longer cause you to feel ashamed” (See also: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 36:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 36:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with their ways and their deeds (0)Alternate translation: “by the way they lived and the things they did”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their ways were like the unclean menstruation of a woman before me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This compares how the people behaved to a woman’s unclean menstruation rags. This emphasizes how disgusting their behaviors were to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Their ways were as disgusting to me as the unclean menstruation of a woman”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: menstruation of a woman (0)the time every month when a woman bleeds from her womb
Ezekiel 36:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I poured out my fury against them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh punishing people because he is angry is spoken of as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out. Alternate translation: “I did things to them that showed how angry I was”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the blood that they poured out on the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that refers to killing someone. Alternate translation: “because they made the blood of many people spill onto the land” or “because they murdered many people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for their pollution of it by their idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people worshiping idols is spoken of as if the idols made the land physically dirty. Alternate translation: “because they defiled the land with their idols”
Ezekiel 36:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I scattered them among the nations; they were dispersed through the lands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 12:15. Alternate translation: “I caused them to separate and live in separate lands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were dispersed through the lands (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 dispersed them through the lands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their ways and their deeds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here “ways” and “deeds” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “the things that they have done”
Ezekiel 36:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they profaned my holy name (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents Yahweh and his reputation. Alternate translation: “they mocked me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when people (0)Alternate translation: “because other people said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Are these really the people of Yahweh? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The people use a question to express their surprise at what they saw. Alternate translation: “I cannot believe these are really the people of Yahweh!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For they have been thrown out of his land (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: “For Yahweh has forced them out of his land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his land (0)This refers to the land of Israel.
Ezekiel 36:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But I had compassion for my holy name that the house of Israel had defiled among the nations, when they went there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents Yahweh and his reputation. Alternate translation: “When the house of Israel went among the nations, they caused me disgrace, but I wanted people to know that I am holy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I had compassion for my holy name (0)Alternate translation: “I cared about my holy name”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
Ezekiel 36:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for your sake (0)Alternate translation: “because of you” or “in order to help you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but for my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations everywhere you have gone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents Yahweh and his reputation. Alternate translation: “but so that the people of the nations, who mock me because of you, will know that I am holy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have profaned among the nations everywhere you have gone (0)Alternate translation: “you have caused the people of the nations to mock everywhere you have gone”
Ezekiel 36:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will sprinkle pure water on you so you will be purified from all of your impurities, and I will purify you from all of your idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh forgiving the people and causing them to no longer sin is spoken of as if he would cleanse them with water. The phrase “you will be purified” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will purify you as if I were sprinkling you with pure water, and I will cause you to stop worshiping idols” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all of your impurities (0)Alternate translation: “all the things that made you unclean”
Ezekiel 36:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give you a new heart and a new spirit in your innermost parts, and I will take away the heart of stone from your flesh. For I will give you a heart of flesh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh causing the people to no longer be stubborn but to love and serve Yahweh is spoken of as if he will take away their old heart and give them a new heart and spirit.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a new heart and a new spirit (0)Here “heart” and “spirit” represent a person’s thoughts, attitudes, and emotions. See how you translated “heart” and “spirit” in Ezekiel 11:19.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your innermost parts (0)Alternate translation: “within you” or “inside of you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the heart of stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of people being stubborn as if their hearts were made of stone. See how you translated “stone heart” in Ezekiel 11:19. Alternate translation: “the heart that is as hard as stone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your flesh (0)Alternate translation: “your body”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a heart of flesh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People being willing to serve Yahweh is spoken of as if their hearts were soft like flesh. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 11:19. Alternate translation: “a heart that is soft like flesh”
Ezekiel 36:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: enable you to walk in my statutes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person acting or behaving in a certain way is spoken of is if it were a person walking. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 11:20. Alternate translation: “enable you to obey my statutes”
Ezekiel 36:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For I will save you from all of your uncleanness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Something that is unacceptable to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. Alternate translation: “For I will save you from everything that made me reject you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will summon the grain (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“I will call the grain to come.” This phrase presents the grain as a servant of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will cause there to be grain in the land of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will no longer put famine upon you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh causing a famine in the land is spoken of as if he put famine on the people. Alternate translation: “I will no longer cause there to be a famine” or “I will no longer cause there to be no food”
Ezekiel 36:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will no longer bear the shame of famine among the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Experiencing shame is spoken of as if the people had to carry the shame. Alternate translation: “the nations will no longer make you feel ashamed because you suffer from famine”
Ezekiel 36:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let this be known to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
“know this” or “you can be sure of this.” Yahweh says this to emphasize that it is not because the people are good that he will restore them. This phrase can be moved to the beginning of the verse.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So be ashamed and disgraced (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “ashamed” and “disgraced” share similar meanings. Together they emphasize the intensity of the shame. Alternate translation: “So be very ashamed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of your ways (0)Alternate translation: “because of what you do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents people. Alternate translation: “people of Israel”
Ezekiel 36:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will plow the ruined land (0)Alternate translation: “you will farm the ruined land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before the eyes of all who pass by (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The eyes represent sight. Alternate translation: “to those who pass by and see it”
Ezekiel 36:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they (0)The word “they” refers to the people who walk through the land of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the uninhabited ruins (0)Alternate translation: “the ruins that no one lived in”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that were torn down (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) Alternate translation: “that enemies had torn down” or (2) Alternate translation: “that people could not get into”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are now fortified and inhabited (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 people have now rebuilt them and have started living there again”
Ezekiel 36:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that I built up the ruins (0)Alternate translation: “and that I built up the cities that enemies had torn down”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: replanted the abandoned places (0)Alternate translation: “planted crops in the desolate land”
Ezekiel 36:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be asked by the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “house” represents people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel will ask me” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to increase them like a flock of people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh causing the people to multiply greatly and quickly is spoken of as if they were a flock of sheep. Sheep multiply very quickly. Alternate translation: “to make them multiply like a flock of sheep” or “to make the people multiply quickly like sheep”
Ezekiel 36:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Like the flock is set apart for sacrifices, like the flock in Jerusalem at her appointed feasts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The phrase “is set apart” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Like the great number of sheep that the people set apart for sacrifices or bring to Jerusalem for the appointed feasts”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so will the great number of people be who will be living in the cities that are now ruined but the people will rebuild” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 37
Ezekiel 37 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Israel restored
God will unite the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah and the Messiah will rule over them. This will come in a prophesied day of restoration. (See: Christ, Messiah and restore, restoration)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
The people are discouraged and compare themselves to skeletons, but God will cause them to become a nation again. (See: Metaphor)
Ezekiel 37:1
General Information:
Ezekiel is speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The hand of Yahweh was upon me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” is often used to refer to someone’s power or action. A person with his hand on another person has power over that other person. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 1:3. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was controlling me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the midst (0)Alternate translation: “in the middle”
Ezekiel 37:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: round and round (0)Alternate translation: “in every direction”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)The word “Behold” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
Ezekiel 37:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
Ezekiel 37:4
General Information:
Yahweh speaks to Ezekiel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Listen to the word of Yahweh (0)Alternate translation: “Listen to Yahweh’s message”
Ezekiel 37:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to put breath into you (0)The noun “breath” can be stated as the verb “breathe.” Alternate translation: “I will cause you to breathe”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: breath (0)The Hebrew word translated as “breath” in these verses is translated as “spirit” by a few modern versions. It is also translated as “wind” in Ezekiel 37:9.
Ezekiel 37:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sinews (0)the tissue that connects muscles to bones
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 37:7
General Information:
Ezekiel is speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as I was commanded (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: “as Yahweh had commanded me to speak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold (0)The word “behold” here shows that Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw.
Ezekiel 37:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sinews (0)This refers to the parts of human bodies that are like hard strings and hold the bones and muscles together. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 37:6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But there was still no breath in them (0)The noun “breath” can be stated as the verb “breathing.” Alternate translation: “But they were not breathing” or “But they were not alive”
Ezekiel 37:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the breath (0)Possible meanings are: (1) “breath” or (2) “spirit” or (3) “wind.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the four winds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“from the four directions that the wind can blow in.” This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “from every direction”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: these who have 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: “these people that enemies and disasters have killed”
Ezekiel 37:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as I was commanded (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: “as Yahweh had commanded me”
Ezekiel 37:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the entire house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)The word “Behold” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We have been cut off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people being destroyed and removed from their land is spoken of as if they had been cut off like a person would cut off a branch or piece of cloth. Alternate translation: “Our nation is destroyed”
Ezekiel 37:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will open your graves and lift you out from them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh restoring the people and bringing them back to their land is spoken of as if he will bring them back to life again.
Ezekiel 37:13
General Information:
These are Yahweh’s words to the house of Israel.
Ezekiel 37:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to rest in your land (0)Alternate translation: “to live peacefully in your own land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 37:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 37:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For Judah (0)Here “For” means “representing.” Alternate translation: “Representing Judah” or “Belonging to Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The tribe of Judah lived in the southern kingdom of Israel which was called Judah. Here the name is used to refer to the whole southern kingdom.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the people of Israel, his companions (0)This refers to the Israelites who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah. Alternate translation: “all the tribes of Judah” or “the tribes of Israel who are part of the kingdom of Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For Joseph, the branch of Ephraim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Joseph was Ephraim’s father. The tribe of Ephraim lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. Here the names are used to represent the whole northern kingdom.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the people of Israel, their companions (0)This refers to the Israelites who lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “all the tribes of Israel” or “the Israelites who were part of the kingdom of Israel”
Ezekiel 37:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into one stick (0)Alternate translation: “so that they become one stick”
Ezekiel 37:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what these things of yours mean (0)Alternate translation: “what your sticks mean” or “why you have these sticks”
Ezekiel 37:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the branch of Joseph (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“the stick of Joseph.” This represents the kingdom of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that is in the hand of Ephraim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “that is in the power of Ephraim” or “that the tribe of Ephraim rules over”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the tribes of Israel his companions (0)Alternate translation: “the other tribes of Israel who are his companions” or “the other tribes of Israel who are part of that kingdom”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the branch of Judah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“the stick of Judah.” This represents the kingdom of Judah.
Ezekiel 37:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before their 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: “while they watched you”
Ezekiel 37:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
Ezekiel 37:23
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Quote: they will be my people and I will be their God (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 11:20.
Ezekiel 37:24
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Quote: David my servant (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh said “David” to refer to a descendant of David. See how you translated “my servant David” in Ezekiel 34:23. Alternate translation: “A descendant of my servant David”
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Quote: one shepherd over them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of a king ruling a people as if he were a shepherd leading sheep. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 34:23.
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Quote: over them (0)Alternate translation: “over the people of Israel”
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Quote: will walk according to my decrees (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of acting or behaving in a certain way as if it were a person walking. Alternate translation: “will live as I have commanded”
Ezekiel 37:25
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Quote: had stayed (0)Alternate translation: “had lived”
Ezekiel 37:26
General Information:
Yahweh is speaking about the people of Israel.
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Quote: I will establish (0)Alternate translation: “I will set up” or “I will create”
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Quote: a covenant of peace (0)“a covenant that brings peace.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 34:25.
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Quote: I will establish them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It was implied that Yahweh would establish them in the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “I will set them in the land of Israel” or “I will cause them to live securely in the land of Israel”
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Quote: multiply them (0)Alternate translation: “cause their people to increase in number”
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Quote: my holy place (0)Alternate translation: “my holy sanctuary” or “my holy temple”
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Quote: in their midst (0)Alternate translation: “among them”
Ezekiel 37:27
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Quote: My dwelling place (0)Alternate translation: “The place where I live”
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Quote: I will be their God, and they will be my people (0)See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 11:20.
Ezekiel 38
Ezekiel 38 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins a section prophesying against Gog. Later Gog will try to conquer Israel.
Ezekiel 38:1
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Quote: The word of Yahweh came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:16. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words”
Ezekiel 38:2
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Quote: set your face toward Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince … Tubal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a command to stare at Gog and Magog as a symbol of punishing the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 4:3. Alternate translation: “Stare at the land of Magog and at Gog, the chief prince … Tubal” or “Stare at Gog, the chief prince … Tubal, and at the land of Magog so that they will be harmed”
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Quote: set your face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “face” is a metonym for attention or gaze, and “set your face” represents staring. Alternate translation: “stare”
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Quote: Gog, the land of Magog (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that Magog is the land over which Gog rules. Alternate translation: “Gog who rules over the land of Magog”
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Quote: Gog (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a leader or king who ruled in the land of Magog.
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Quote: Magog (0)This is the name of an ancient nation that was probably located in the land that is now Turkey. Magog might be the ancient nation of Lydia.
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Quote: the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This expression occurs twice in these verses. Some modern versions, however, interpret the Hebrew expression as “the chief of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.” This is another title for Gog. Alternate translation: “who is the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal”
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Quote: Meshech … Tubal (0)See how you translated these names in Ezekiel 32:26.
Ezekiel 38:3
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Quote: Behold! (0)This emphasizes the importance of the statement that follows. It can be translated as “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
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Quote: I am against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means “I am your enemy.”
Ezekiel 38:4
General Information:
These verses list the various nations who will join Gog’s army.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues speaking to Gog.
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Quote: set hooks in your jaw (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “hooks in your jaw” represents God’s control over Gog. People put hooks in the mouths of animals so that they could lead the animals wherever they wanted.
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Quote: in full armor … holding swords (0)These phrases describe an army that is ready for battle.
Ezekiel 38:5
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Quote: with shields and helmets (0)This phrase describes an army that is ready for battle.
Ezekiel 38:6
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Quote: Gomer (0)a nation that lived north of the Black Sea
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Quote: Beth Togarmah (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:14.
Ezekiel 38:7
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues speaking to Gog.
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Quote: your troops assembled with you (0)Alternate translation: “all of your troops that you have gathered to yourself” or “all of your army that you have brought together for yourself”
Ezekiel 38:8
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Quote: You will be called (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 call you to come for war”
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Quote: recovered from the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “sword” represents war. Alternate translation: “recovered from war”
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Quote: that has been gathered (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 gathered together”
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Quote: from many peoples (0)Alternate translation: “from many nations”
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Quote: a continuous ruin (0)Alternate translation: “destroyed for a long time”
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Quote: the land’s people will be brought out (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 bring the Israelites out”
Ezekiel 38:9
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Quote: you will go up as a storm goes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile means Gog will bring destruction like a large storm does.
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Quote: a cloud covering the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile means the army will be so large that it will cover the entire land.
Ezekiel 38:10
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues speaking to Gog.
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Quote: on that day that (0)Alternate translation: “at that time”
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Quote: plans will form in your heart … you will devise wicked schemes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These phrases mean the same thing and can be combined into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “you will plan to do something very evil”
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Quote: plans will form in your heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” refers to his thinking. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will think of plans”
Ezekiel 38:11
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Quote: I will (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Gog will not do these things alone. His army will do most of them. Alternate translation: “My army and I will”
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Quote: the open land (0)The following phrases explain that this refers to a land without walls or bars or gates.
Ezekiel 38:12
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Quote: capture booty and steal plunder (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These phrases mean the same thing and can be combined into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “take away all their valuable possessions”
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Quote: bring my hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to Gog’s military power.
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Quote: against the ruins (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “ruins” refers to the people who live in the destroyed cities. Alternate translation: “against the people who live in the ruins”
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Quote: at the center of the earth (0)Alternate translation: “in the middle of the most important countries in the world”
Ezekiel 38:13
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues speaking to Gog.
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Quote: Sheba (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 27:22.
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Quote: Dedan (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 25:13.
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Quote: Have you come to plunder? Have you assembled your armies … to haul away much plunder? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These two questions are used to accuse Gog of attacking Israel without cause. These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “It is not right for you to assemble your army to plunder, to carry off silver and gold, to take their livestock and property, and to haul away much plunder!”
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Quote: to take their livestock and property … to haul away much plunder (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These phrases have similar meaning and can be combined into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to take away their livestock and all their valuable possessions”
Ezekiel 38:14
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh tells Ezekiel what he is to say to Gog.
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Quote: son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”
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Quote: On that day … learn about them? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Gog will indeed hear about the people living in Israel. Alternate translation: “On that day, when my people Israel are living securely, you will hear about them.”
Ezekiel 38:16
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Quote: like a cloud that covers the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile means the army will be so large that it will cover the entire land. See how you translated a similar phrase in Ezekiel 38:9.
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Quote: In the latter days (0)This refers to the distant future before the world ends. Alternate translation: “In the last days” or “At the end of time” or “In the distant future”
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Quote: In the latter days … to be holy before their eyes (0)All the nations will understand that Yahweh is holy when they see what he does to Gog.
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Quote: might know me (0)Alternate translation: “might know who I am”
Ezekiel 38:17
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues telling Ezekiel what he is to say to Gog.
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Quote: Are you not the one … bring you against them? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he was the one who brought Gog to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “You are the one … bring you against them.”
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Quote: of whom I spoke (0)Alternate translation: “that I spoke about”
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Quote: in former days (0)Alternate translation: “in the past” or “a long time ago”
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Quote: by the hand of my servants (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to the fact that these prophets wrote down Yahweh’s message. Alternate translation: “by means of my servants” or “through my servants”
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Quote: against them (0)Alternate translation: “against the people of Israel”
Ezekiel 38:18
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Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
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Quote: my wrath will mount up in my anger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “mount up” means “rise up” and expresses that his wrath will increase. The words “wrath” and “anger” mean the same thing and emphasize how intense his anger will be. Alternate translation: “my anger will greatly increase” or “I will be very angry with you” (See also: Doublet)
Ezekiel 38:19
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Quote: In my zeal (0)Here “zeal” refers to Yahweh’s desire to defend his honor against Gog’s attacks.
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Quote: in the fire of my anger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The intensity of Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as if it were as hot as fire. Alternate translation: “because my anger was intense”
Ezekiel 38:20
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Quote: The mountains will be thrown down (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 make mountains fall down”
Ezekiel 38:21
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Quote: I will summon a sword against him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “sword” here is a metonym for soldiers who use swords to kill people. Alternate translation: “I will cause soldiers to attack him”
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Quote: each man’s sword will be against his brother (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” is a metonym for the person who uses the sword to fight. Alternate translation: “all of his soldiers will fight each other”
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Quote: his brother (0)Alternate translation: “his fellow soldier”
Ezekiel 38:22
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Quote: I will judge him by plague and blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” is a metonym for injury and death. Alternate translation: “I will judge him by causing him to be sick and by sending soldiers to kill him”
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Quote: overflowing rain and hailstones and burning sulfur I will rain down upon him (0)It may be helpful to change the order of this sentence. Alternate translation: “I will rain down overflowing rain and hailstones and burning sulfur upon him”
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Quote: hailstones (0)ice that falls out of the sky
Ezekiel 38:23
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Quote: show my greatness and my holiness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “greatness” and “holiness” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “show that I am great and holy”
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Quote: I will make myself known in the eyes of the many nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “eyes” refers to sight, which is a metonym for understanding. Alternate translation: “I will cause many nations to understand who I am”
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Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 39
Ezekiel 39 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter concludes the prophecy against Gog. God will destroy Gog and his army.
Ezekiel 39:1
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh gives Ezekiel his message to Gog.
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Quote: son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”
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Quote: Behold! (0)This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
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Quote: I am against you (0)Alternate translation: “I am your enemy”
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Quote: chief of Meshech and Tubal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Some modern versions interpret the Hebrew expression as “prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.” This is another title for Gog. See how you translated these names in Ezekiel 38:2. Alternate translation: “who is the prince of Meshech and Tubal”
Ezekiel 39:2
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Quote: I will turn you and lead you on (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of leading Gog as if Gog was an animal.
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Quote: bring you up (0)God speaks of bringing Gog “up” to Israel because it was located in the mountains.
Ezekiel 39:3
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Quote: I will knock your bow out of your left hand and make the arrows fall from your right hand. (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Knocking Gog’s bow and arrows out of his hands is spoken of as if God is destroying Gog’s military power.
Ezekiel 39:4
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Gog.
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Quote: your troops and the soldiers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These refer to the same people. It can be stated as a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all your soldiers”
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Quote: I will give you to the birds of prey and the wild beasts of the fields for food (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The scavengers eating the corpses is spoken of as if Yahweh was giving food to them.
Ezekiel 39:5
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Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 39:6
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Quote: I will send out fire on Magog (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) Yahweh will send literal fire down on Gog and his army or (2) “fire” is a metonym for the destruction that it causes.
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Quote: Magog (0)This is the name of an ancient nation that probably lived in the land that is now Turkey. Magog might be the ancient nation of Lydia. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 38:2.
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Quote: know that I am Yahweh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh says that people will know that he is Yahweh, he is implying that they will know that he is the one true God who has supreme authority and power. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:7. Alternate translation: “understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God” or “realize that I, Yahweh, have supreme power and authority”
Ezekiel 39:7
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Gog.
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Quote: I will make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “my holy name” refers to Yahweh’s character. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will make my people, Israel, know that I am holy” (See also: Active or Passive)
Ezekiel 39:8
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Quote: Behold! (0)This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you!”
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Quote: is coming … will take place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases have similar meaning and emphasize the fact that this will really happen. Alternate translation: “is surely going to happen”
Ezekiel 39:9
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Gog.
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Quote: to kindle and make fires (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean the same thing. The Israelites will use the wood from the weapons as kindling for fires. Alternate translation: “to start fires”
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Quote: small shields, large shields, bows, arrows, the clubs and spears (0)This list includes all the typical weapons of war of that day. It may represent weapons in general.
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Quote: clubs (0)wooden sticks used as a weapon
Ezekiel 39:10
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Quote: wanted to take … wanted to plunder (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here “to take” and “to plunder” mean the same thing. Gog intended to take Israel’s possessions, but Yahweh prevented him so that he was not able to do that.
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Quote: will plunder … wanted to plunder (0)Translate “plunder” as in Ezekiel 23:46.
Ezekiel 39:11
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh begins to tell Ezekiel what will happen to Gog.
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Quote: it will happen on that day that (0)This signals an important event. If your language has a way for doing this, you could use it here.
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Quote: to the east of the sea (0)A few modern versions interpret the Hebrew expression here as “to the east toward the sea.”
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Quote: It will block (0)This could mean: (1) “The grave will block” or (2) “The dead army will block.”
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Quote: There they (0)Alternate translation: “There the house of Israel”
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Quote: They will call it (0)Alternate translation: “People will call it”
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Quote: Valley of Hamon Gog (0)Alternate translation: “Valley of the Great Army of Gog”
Ezekiel 39:12
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to tell Ezekiel what will happen to Gog.
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Quote: seven months (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“7 months.”
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Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
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Quote: will bury them in order to purify the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In Jewish law, a dead body defiled anything it touched and made it “unclean.” Burying these bodies is spoken of as cleansing or purifying the land.
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Quote: bury them (0)Alternate translation: “bury the soldiers of Gog’s army”
Ezekiel 39:13
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Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 39:14
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to tell Ezekiel what will happen to Gog.
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Quote: through the land (0)Alternate translation: “through the land of Israel”
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Quote: those who were traveling through, but who died and their bodies remained on the surface of the land (0)This refers to the dead bodies of Gog’s soldiers whom Yahweh killed as they entered the land.
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Quote: so that they may bury them (0)Alternate translation: “so that the designated men may bury the dead bodies”
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Quote: to cleanse the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In Jewish law, a dead body defiled anything it touched and made it “unclean.” Burying these bodies is spoken of as cleansing or purifying the land. (See also: Metaphor)
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Quote: seventh month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
This “seventh” is the ordinal number for seven.
Ezekiel 39:15
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Quote: any human bone (0)Bones would be all that remained of the corpses after a period of time.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will put a marker by it, until gravediggers come and bury it (0)There are apparently two groups of men. The first will mark the location of corpses, and the second group will bury them.
Ezekiel 39:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: purify the land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In Jewish law, a dead body defiled anything it touched and made it “unclean.” Burying these bodies is spoken of as cleansing or purifying the land. (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hamonah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This name means “Great Army.”
Ezekiel 39:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh gives Ezekiel a message for the birds and the wild animals about what they will do to Gog.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “mortal person” or “human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the sacrifice (0)“to the feast” or “to the slaughter.” Yahweh means that he will give the birds and animals a very good meal and not that he is worshiping them.
Ezekiel 39:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will be rams, lambs, goats, and bulls (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Yahweh is speaking with irony. Normally people sacrificed animals to God. Here, God is sacrificing people to animals. Alternate translation: “as if they were male sheep, lambs, goats, and bulls”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were all fattened in Bashan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
That can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they all became fat while grazing in Bashan”
Ezekiel 39:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to give Ezekiel a message for the birds and the wild animals about what they will do to Gog.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to your satisfaction (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word satisfaction, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “until you are satisfied”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until drunkenness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word drunkenness, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “until you become drunk” or “until you are intoxicated”
Ezekiel 39:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: chariot (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The metonym “chariot” refers to the men in the chariots. Alternate translation: “chariot driver”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 39:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh gives Ezekiel a message about what will happen to Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will set my glory among the nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of his glory as if he will place it in the middle of the nations where they can see it. Alternate translation: “I will make the nations see my glory”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my judgment that I perform and my hand that I have set against them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both of these phrases refer to the punishment that Yahweh will inflict upon Israel and are repeated for emphasis. They can be combined into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the way that I will judge them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “hand” refers to Yahweh’s power that he uses to bring punishment.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against them (0)Alternate translation: “against Gog and his great army”
Ezekiel 39:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 39:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to give Ezekiel a message about what will happen to Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of their iniquity by which they betrayed me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word iniquity, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “because they sinned and betrayed me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I hid my face from them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “face” refers to Yahweh’s help and protection. Alternate translation: “I stopped protecting them and taking care of them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave them into the hand of their adversaries (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “gave their enemies power over them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all of them fell by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here falling represents being killed, and the sword represents battle. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 32:23. Alternate translation: “their enemies killed them all in battle”
Ezekiel 39:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their uncleanness and their sins (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the people’s disgusting behavior as if they were physically unclean. Here “uncleanness” means basically the same as “sins.” Alternate translation: “their disgusting behavior and their sins” or “their sins” (See also: Doublet)
Ezekiel 39:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to give Ezekiel a message about what will happen to Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will restore the fortunes of Jacob (0)Translate “will restore the fortunes” as in Ezekiel 16:53. However, some modern versions interpret the Hebrew expression here as “will bring Jacob back from captivity.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: act with zeal for my holy name (0)Alternate translation: “make sure that they honor me”
Ezekiel 39:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will bear their shame and all the treason (0)Experts do not agree on the meaning of this phrase. This could mean: (1) “they will regret their shame and all the treason” or (2) “they will forget their shame and all the treason.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the treason (0)Alternate translation: “the unfaithfulness”
Ezekiel 39:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will show myself to be holy in the sight of many nations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sight” is a metonym for understanding. Alternate translation: “many nations will understand that I am holy because of what I did for the house of Israel”
Ezekiel 39:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to give Ezekiel a message about what will happen to Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I sent them into captivity … I will gather them back to their land (0)At the time when Ezekiel wrote, Israel was still in captivity in Babylon.
Ezekiel 39:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will no longer hide my face from them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “no longer hide my face” is an idiom that means Yahweh will not continue to abandon Israel to exile in Babylon. Alternate translation: “I will no longer abandon them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here to give the Spirit abundantly is spoken of as to “pour out” the Spirit. Alternate translation: “when I generously give my Spirit to the house of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 40
Ezekiel 40 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The new temple and city
In a vision, Ezekiel saw a man measuring the wall of a new temple. The next chapters will give precise measurements for the construction of a temple to be built. This was not the temple of Ezra’s day. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Ezekiel 40:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-fifth … tenth … fourteenth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
These words are the ordinal forms of 25, 10, and 14.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of our captivity (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “our” refers to Ezekiel and the Israelites who have been in Babylon since the Babylonians forced King Jehoiachin to leave Jerusalem, but not to the reader. Alternate translation: “after we became captives” or “after the Babylonians took us as captives to Babylon” (See also: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the beginning of the year on the tenth day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is in April on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city was captured (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Babylonians captured the city of Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of Yahweh (0)Here “hand” refers to Yahweh’s power to show Ezekiel supernatural visions. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:3.
Ezekiel 40:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He brought me to rest (0)Alternate translation: “He put me down”
Ezekiel 40:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he brought me there (0)Alternate translation: “Yahweh brought me to the place that had the buildings”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His appearance was like the appearance of bronze (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The way he appeared was like the way bronze appears”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: linen cord (0)“a rope made of linen.” This is a tool for measuring very long distances.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: linen (0)This is a type of cloth. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: measuring stick (0)This is a tool for measuring shorter distances.
Ezekiel 40:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fix your mind on (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means “pay attention to” or “think about.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 40:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: surrounding the temple area (0)Alternate translation: “entirely around the temple area”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Each long cubit was a cubit and a handbreadth in length (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each “long cubit” was about 54 centimeters. You may choose not to include this information if you give modern measurements instead of “cubits” as the UST does. Alternate translation: “These were the long cubits, which were the length of a regular cubit plus a handbreadth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a handbreadth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
“the width of a hand.” This was about 8 centimeters.
Ezekiel 40:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one stick (0)“it was one stick wide.” This was about 3.2 meters.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the temple gate that faced east (0)This gate was part of the wall that surrounded the temple area. It was not part of the temple building itself. Alternate translation: “the gate on the eastern side of the wall surrounding the temple” or “the gate on the eastern wall of the temple courtyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: up its steps (0)Alternate translation: “up the steps of the gate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in depth (0)Alternate translation: “from the front edge of the threshold to its back edge”
Ezekiel 40:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The guard chambers (0)These were rooms that were built inside of the gate where guards stayed to protect the gate.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 2.7 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there were five cubits between any two of the chambers (0)Alternate translation: “the chambers next to each other were five cubits apart” or “there were five cubits between a chamber and the one next to it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the chambers (0)Alternate translation: “the rooms”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (0)This was a covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
Ezekiel 40:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (0)This was a covering in front of a doorway or gateway with columns or posts for support. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one stick (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5.
Ezekiel 40:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the portico of the gate facing the temple (0)Here “facing the temple” means that the portico was attached to the gate in the temple courtyard. Alternate translation: “the portico of the gate on the inner side of the wall that surrounded the temple”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about one meter
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
Ezekiel 40:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had the same measurement (0)Alternate translation: “were the same size”
Ezekiel 40:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 5.4 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thirteen cubits (0)about 7 meters
Ezekiel 40:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The chambers measured six cubits (0)Alternate translation: “The chambers were 6 cubits long”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six cubits (0)about 3.2 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one cubit (0)Alternate translation: “54 centimeters” or “about one-half meter”
Ezekiel 40:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-five cubits (0)about 13.5 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that of the second (0)Alternate translation: “the entrance of the second chamber”
Ezekiel 40:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sixty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 32 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (0)This was a covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
Ezekiel 40:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifty cubits (0)about 27 meters
Ezekiel 40:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: closed windows (0)This could mean: (1) “closed windows” or (2) “windows with shutters” or (3) “narrow windows.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: likewise for the porches (0)Alternate translation: “the porches also had closed windows all around”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: each jamb (0)jambs are the sides of a wooden frame of a door
Ezekiel 40:17
General Information:
There were two walls surrounding the temple. The outer wall surrounded the outer courtyard, and within that, the inner wall surrounded the inner courtyard. The inner courtyard was higher than the outer courtyard. Each wall had gates on the east, north, and south sides.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the man brought me to the outer courtyard of the temple (0)Alternate translation: “The man brought me from outside the temple area into the outer courtyard of the temple”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: outer courtyard (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)The word “Behold” here indicates that Ezekiel saw something interesting.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pavement (0)a flat floor that is made out of rocks
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with thirty rooms next to the pavement (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“and there were 30 rooms all around the pavement”
Ezekiel 40:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went up to (0)Alternate translation: “went all the way to”
Ezekiel 40:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the front of the lower gate to the front of the inner gate (0)The lower gate was on the wall of the outer courtyard, and the inner gate was on the wall of the inner courtyard. Alternate translation: “the front of the outer gate to the front of the inner gate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one hundred cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 54 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the same on the north side (0)Alternate translation: “it was the same on the north side” or “on the north side, the distance from the outer gate to the inner gate was also one hundred cubits”
Ezekiel 40:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: chambers (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: measured the same (0)Alternate translation: “had the same measurement”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 27 meters.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-five cubits (0)about 13.5 meters
Ezekiel 40:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Its windows (0)The word “Its” refers to the gate that was on the north side of the outer courtyard. Alternate translation: “The northern gate’s windows”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: chambers (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: corresponded to the gate that faced east (0)Alternate translation: “were like those of the eastern gate” or “were like those of the eastern gate of the outer courtyard”
Ezekiel 40:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: inner courtyard (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in front of the gate facing north (0)Alternate translation: “directly across from the northern gate” or “across the outer courtyard from the northern gate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gate facing north (0)Alternate translation: “the gate on the northern side of the outer courtyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: just as also there was a gate to the east (0)Alternate translation: “just as there was a eastern gate to the inner courtyard” or “just as there was a gate to the inner courtyard in front of the eastern gate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one hundred cubits (0)about 54 meters
Ezekiel 40:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: measured the same as the other outer gates (0)Alternate translation: “had the same measurements as the northern and eastern gates”
Ezekiel 40:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 27 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-five cubits (0)about 13.5 meters
Ezekiel 40:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on either side (0)Alternate translation: “on both sides”
Ezekiel 40:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one hundred cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 54 meters
Ezekiel 40:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: inner courtyard (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by way of its southern gate (0)Alternate translation: “through its southern gate”
Ezekiel 40:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: chambers (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: porticos (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: measured the same (0)Alternate translation: “had the same measurements”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 27 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-five cubits (0)about 13.5 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five cubits (0)about 2.7 meters
Ezekiel 40:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This portico faced the outer courtyard (0)Alternate translation: “The portico’s entrance was towards the outer courtyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with carved palm trees (0)Alternate translation: “and it had carvings of palm trees”
Ezekiel 40:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the inner courtyard by the eastern way (0)Alternate translation: “to the east side of the inner courtyard”
Ezekiel 40:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 27 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-five cubits (0)about 13.5 meters
Ezekiel 40:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Its portico faced the outer courtyard (0)The entrance of its portico was towards the outer courtyard
Ezekiel 40:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: measured the same (0)Alternate translation: “had the same measurements”
Ezekiel 40:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 27 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-five cubits (0)about 13.5 meters
Ezekiel 40:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Its portico faced the outer courtyard (0)Alternate translation: “The entrance of its portico was toward the outer courtyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on either side of it (0)Alternate translation: “on both sides of it”
Ezekiel 40:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by each of the inner gateways (0)Alternate translation: “in each of the inner gates”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they rinsed the burnt offerings (0)Here, the word they could mean: (1) the people who were bringing offerings or (2) the priests who killed the animals.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the burnt offerings (0)the animals that would be killed and burned as offerings
Ezekiel 40:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There were two tables on each side of each portico (0)there were four tables—two on each side of each portico
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the burnt offering was slaughtered (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: “they killed the burnt offering” or “they killed the animals that they would burn as an offering”
Ezekiel 40:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There were four tables of cut stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These were apparently different tables than the eight tables on which the sacrifices were killed. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “There were also four tables of cut stone” or “There were four other tables made of cut stone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of cut stone (0)Alternate translation: “that were made out of stone that had been cut”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one and a half cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 0.8 meter
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one cubit (0)about one-half meter
Ezekiel 40:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Two-pronged hooks a handbreadth in length were fastened in the portico all around (0)Alternate translation: “All around the portico, people had attached hooks that were a handbreadth long and had two prongs each”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Two-pronged hooks (0)something that has two long curved points, which people can hang things on
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a handbreadth in length (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 8 centimeters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the flesh of the offerings would be put on the tables (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: “they would put the flesh of the offerings on the tables”
Ezekiel 40:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the inner gate (0)This is the inner gate on the north.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: singers’ chambers (0)“rooms for singers.” However, some ancient and modern versions read only “chambers” without the reference to singers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one on the north side facing south, and the other on the south side facing north (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “chamber” or “room” is understood from the previous phrase. The phrase “facing south” means that its door is on its south side, and “facing north” means that its door is on its north side. Alternate translation: “one room on the north side facing south, and the other room on the south side facing north”
Ezekiel 40:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This room facing south (0)This refers to the chamber on the north side of the inner courtyard. Alternate translation: “This room whose door is on its south side” or “This room on the north side of the inner courtyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who are on duty in the temple (0)Alternate translation: “who are working in the temple” or “who are responsible for guarding the temple”
Ezekiel 40:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The room facing north (0)This refers to the room on the south side of the inner courtyard. The door of the room was on the north side of the room. Alternate translation: “This room whose door is on its north side” or “This room on the south side of the inner courtyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the priests on duty at the altar (0)Alternate translation: “the priests who were offering sacrifices on the altar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: come near to Yahweh to serve him (0)Alternate translation: “approach Yahweh in his temple in order to serve him”
Ezekiel 40:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he measured (0)Alternate translation: “the man measured”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one hundred cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 54 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with the altar (0)Alternate translation: “and the altar was”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house (0)This refers to the temple.
Ezekiel 40:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house (0)this refers to the temple
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 2.7 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fourteen cubits (0)about 7.5 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three cubits (0)about 1.6 meters
Ezekiel 40:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty cubits (0)about 11 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eleven cubits (0)about 6 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: columns (0)pieces of stone that were tall and narrow and supported the roof of the building
Ezekiel 41
Ezekiel 41 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. This chapter focuses on the courtyard of the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Ezekiel 41:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the temple’s holy place (0)the room in the temple in front of the “most holy place”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six cubits in width on either side (0)These cubits were the “long” cubits (Ezekiel 40:5), 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. “they were six cubits in width on both sides”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 3.2 meters.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5.
Ezekiel 41:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 5.4 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 2.7 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the dimensions (0)Alternate translation: “the size”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 22 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 11 meters
Ezekiel 41:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 1.1 meter
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 3.2 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seven cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 3.8 meters
Ezekiel 41:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 11 meters
Ezekiel 41:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house (0)the temple
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 3.2 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four cubits (0)about 2 meters
Ezekiel 41:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three levels (0)Alternate translation: “three stories”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There were ledges around the wall of the house (0)“The house had ledges all around for the side rooms all around.” This way the side rooms could rest on the ledge of the wall.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to support (0)Alternate translation: “so that the ledges could support”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for there was no support put in the wall of the house (0)“for there were no supports in the wall of the house.” The people who built the temple did not want stones or wood that would support the side rooms to be sticking out from the wall of the sanctuary.
Ezekiel 41:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a raised part (0)a platform
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: chambers (0)small rooms
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a full stick (0)Translate “stick” as in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: six cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 3.2 meters
Ezekiel 41:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 2.7 meters
Ezekiel 41:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the priests’ outer side rooms (0)Alternate translation: “the side rooms of the priests that were further out from the sanctuary”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 11 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
See how you translated these “long” cubits in Ezekiel 40:5.
Ezekiel 41:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
about 2.7 meters
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The width of this open area was five cubits all around (0)Alternate translation: “The entire space between the chambers and the temple was five cubits wide, all around the temple”
Ezekiel 41:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The building that faced the courtyard on the west side was seventy cubits in width (0)This can be stated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “There was a building on the west side of the temple area, and its entrance was towards the courtyard. It was seventy cubits in width”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy cubits … five cubits … ninety cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. “70 cubits … 5 cubits … 90 cubits” or “about 38 meters … about 2.7 meters … about 49 meters”
Ezekiel 41:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one hundred cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. “100 cubits” or “about 54 meters”
Ezekiel 41:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the galleries (0)“the balconies.” The balconies were places that were built higher up than the rest of the building. People could go into balconies and look down on the main floor of the building.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one hundred cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. “100 cubits” or “about 54 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the portico (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
Ezekiel 41:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was decorated (0)Alternate translation: “was made beautiful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cherubim (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cherub (0)This is the singular form of “cherubim.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:9.
Ezekiel 41:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house (0)Alternate translation: “the temple”
Ezekiel 41:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wooden altar in front of the holy place, which was (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
These words are the end of the sentence that begins with the words “Their appearance was like the appearance of” in verse 21. This sentence could mean: (1) as it is translated in the ULT or (2) “The appearance of one was like the appearance of the other. The wooden altar in front of the holy place was.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “They appeared the same way the wooden altar in front of the holy place appeared. They were”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: three cubits … two cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 1.6 meters … about 1.1 meters”
Ezekiel 41:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There were double doors for the holy place and the most holy place (0)Alternate translation: “The holy place and the most holy place both had two doors”
Ezekiel 41:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: These doors had two hinged door panels each (0)“Each door had two parts that were on hinges.” Hinges connect doors to the wall and allow the doors to swing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two panels for one door and two panels for the other (0)Alternate translation: “both of the doors for both the holy place and the most holy place had two parts”
Ezekiel 41:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: just as the walls were decorated (0)Alternate translation: “just as the walls also had carvings of cherubim and palm trees”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (0)covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
Ezekiel 42
Ezekiel 42 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. This chapter focused on the storerooms for keeping the holy things of the temple. (See: temple, house, house of God and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)
Ezekiel 42:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the outer courtyard (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:5.
Ezekiel 42:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one hundred cubits … fifty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “100 cubits … 50 cubits” or “about 54 meters … about 27 meters”
Ezekiel 42:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “20 cubits” or “about 11 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Some of those rooms faced the inner courtyard (0)Alternate translation: “Some of those rooms were toward the inner courtyard” or “The entrance of some of those rooms was toward the inner courtyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: inner courtyard (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were open to them (0)Alternate translation: “looked out onto the inner courtyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: having a walkway (0)Alternate translation: “because there was a place where one could walk along the rooms”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Some of the rooms looked out onto the outer courtyard (0)Alternate translation: “Some of the rooms were toward the outer courtyard” or “The entrance of some of the rooms was toward the outer courtyard”
Ezekiel 42:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ten cubits … one hundred cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “10 cubits … 100 cubits” or “about 5.4 meters … about 54 meters”
Ezekiel 42:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: smaller in size compared to the rooms (0)Alternate translation: “smaller than the rooms”
Ezekiel 42:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifty cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “50 cubits” or “about 27 meters”
Ezekiel 42:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fifty cubits … one hundred cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “50 cubits … 100 cubits” or “about 27 meters … about 54 meters”
Ezekiel 42:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were as the appearance of the rooms on the northern side (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The way the rooms on the northern side appeared was the way these rooms appeared”
Ezekiel 42:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at its head (0)Alternate translation: “at its beginning”
Ezekiel 42:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the food offering (0)the grain or flour that the people offered to show that they were thankful to God
Ezekiel 42:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the gate that faced the east (0)Alternate translation: “out to the east gate” or “out through the east gate”
Ezekiel 42:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He measured (0)The word “he” refers to the man who looked like bronze (Ezekiel 40:3).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: measuring stick (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five hundred cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “500 cubits” or “about 270 meters”
Ezekiel 42:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It had a wall around it (0)Alternate translation: “The house had a wall all around it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five hundred cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “500 cubits” or “about 270 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: common (0)not holy
Ezekiel 43
Ezekiel 43 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. God entered the temple. He told the people not to defile the temple by being idol worshipers or by having the funerals of their kings in the temple courtyard. He also told them what offerings to make each day. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Ezekiel 43:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)The word “Behold” here alerts the reader to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: many waters (0)This simply means “a lot of water.” It could refer to a loud river or a large waterfall or the waves crashing at the ocean. All of these are very loud. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:24.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the earth shone with his glory (0)Alternate translation: “the earth was full of bright light from his glory”
Ezekiel 43:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It was (0)Alternate translation: “The glory of God coming from the east was”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It was according to the appearance of the vision that I saw, according to the vision that I saw when he had come to destroy the city (0)This could mean: (1) the second phrase beginning with “according to” explains the meaning of the first phrase beginning with “according to.” Alternate translation: “It was according to the appearance of the vision that I saw when he had come to destroy the city” or (2) the first phrase refers to the vision that Ezekiel had just seen of God’s glory. Alternate translation: “The appearance of this vision that I saw was according to the vision that I saw when he had come to destroy the city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: according to the appearance of the vision (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word appearance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “just like what appeared in the vision”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: according to the vision (0)Alternate translation: “like the vision”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when he had come to destroy the city (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“when the God of Israel had come to destroy the city.” If the earlier Hebrew reading “when I had come to destroy the city” is used, then “destroy the city” is a synecdoche for “prophesy that the city will be destroyed.” Alternate translation: “when I had come to prophesy that the city will be destroyed” or “when I had come to prophesy that the God of Israel will destroy the city”
Ezekiel 43:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (0)Your language may have a different word to show that Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw.
Ezekiel 43:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the corpses of their kings (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The idols that the people’s kings worshiped are spoken of as if they are corpses because the idols are not alive. Alternate translation: “the lifeless idols that their kings worshiped”
Ezekiel 43:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They profaned (0)Alternate translation: “The Israelites profaned”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disgusting actions (0)“the disgusting things they did.” God was angry because the people were worshiping idols and false gods. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: consumed them with my anger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “consumed” here means “completely destroyed.” Alternate translation: “completely destroyed them because I was angry”
Ezekiel 43:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the corpses of their kings (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The idols that the people’s kings worshiped are spoken of as if they are corpses because the idols are not alive. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:7. Alternate translation: “the lifeless idols that their kings worshiped”
Ezekiel 43:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this description (0)Alternate translation: “this pattern” or “this plan”
Ezekiel 43:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before their eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the Israelites are referred to by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 21:6. Alternate translation: “before them” or “before the Israelite people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will keep to all its design (0)Alternate translation: “will keep its pattern”
Ezekiel 43:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the regulation (0)Alternate translation: “the instruction” or “the rule”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the surrounding border (0)The word “border” probably refers to the wall that goes all the way around the temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: most holy (0)Alternate translation: “absolutely holy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold! (0)“This is important!” Your language may have a way of indicating that the words that follow are important.
Ezekiel 43:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a cubit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each “long cubit” was about 54 centimeters. You may choose not to include this information if you give modern measurements instead of “cubits” as the UST does. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 54 centimeters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The border around its surrounding edge (0)Alternate translation: “The border going around its edge”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one span (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
A span was 23 centimeters. You may choose not to include this information if you give modern measurements instead of “cubits” as the UST does. Alternate translation: “about 23 centimeters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This will be the base of the altar (0)Alternate translation: “These will be the measurements of the base of the altar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the base of the altar (0)Alternate translation: “the bottom supporting the altar” or “the foundation of the altar”
Ezekiel 43:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two cubits … four cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each “long cubit” was about 54 centimeters. You may choose not to include this information if you give modern measurements instead of “cubits” as the UST does. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 1.1 meters … about 2.2 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ledge (0)a narrow and flat surface that sticks out from a wall
Ezekiel 43:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The hearth (0)the place where sacrifices were either cooked or burnt up with fire
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each “long cubit” was about 54 centimeters. You may choose not to include this information if you give modern measurements instead of “cubits” as the UST does. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 2.2 meters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: horns (0)The horns were the parts of the altar at the four corners of the altar that stuck up above the rest of the altar.
Ezekiel 43:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twelve cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each “long cubit” was about 54 centimeters. You may choose not to include this information if you give modern measurements instead of “cubits” as the UST does. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 2.2 meters”
Ezekiel 43:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fourteen cubits … a half cubit … a cubit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each “long cubit” was about 54 centimeters. You may choose not to include this information if you give modern measurements instead of “cubits” as the UST does. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 7.6 meters … about 27 centimeters … about 54 centimeters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with its steps facing east (0)Alternate translation: “with steps on the east side of the altar” or “and the altar’s steps are on its east side”
Ezekiel 43:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he said (0)Alternate translation: “Yahweh said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the regulations (0)Alternate translation: “the rules” or “the instructions”
Ezekiel 43:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is singular.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 43:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then you will take (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is singular. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:19.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: four horns (0)The horns were the parts of the altar at the four corners of the altar that stuck up above the rest of the altar. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:15.
Ezekiel 43:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will offer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
The word “you” and the command refer to Ezekiel and so are singular. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:19. (See also: Forms of You)
Ezekiel 43:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you finish … offer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
All instances of “you” and the commands refer to Ezekiel and so are singular. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:19. (See also: Forms of You)
Ezekiel 43:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Offer them before Yahweh (0)The altar on which they will sacrifice the bull and ram is in front of the temple, where the presence of Yahweh dwells.
Ezekiel 43:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You must prepare (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
This is spoken to Ezekiel and so the word “You” is singular. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:19. (See also: Forms of You)
Ezekiel 43:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it will come about that (0)This phrase is used here to mark an important part of the instructions. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your burnt offerings … your peace offerings … accept you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
The words “your” and “you” are second person plural and refer to the people of Israel in general. (See also: Forms of You)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will accept you (0)Alternate translation: “will gladly receive you”
Ezekiel 44
Ezekiel 44 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. Foreigners and the Levites who have worshiped idols are not allowed in the temple. The priests alone will do the temple work. (See: temple, house, house of God and priest, priesthood)
Ezekiel 44:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the outer sanctuary gate that faced east (0)Alternate translation: “to the outer sanctuary gate on the east side of the temple”
Ezekiel 44:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it will not be opened (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will open it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of Israel (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:4.
Ezekiel 44:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will enter by way of the gate’s portico and go out the same way (0)He will enter the courtyard through another gate and then sit in the portico of the east gate and eat.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (0)covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support. In this case, the portico opens into the courtyard and is between the entrance to the temple and the inside of the gate. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before Yahweh (0)Alternate translation: “in front of Yahweh” or “in the presence of Yahweh”
Ezekiel 44:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then he (0)This could mean: (1) “Then the man” or (2) “Then Yahweh.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold (0)The word “behold” here shows that Ezekiel was surprised by what he saw.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the glory of Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I fell to my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“I bowed down to the ground” or “I lay on the ground.” Ezekiel did not fall by accident. He went down to the ground to show that he respected and feared Yahweh. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 1:28.
Ezekiel 44:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“pay attention to” or “think about.” Translate as you translated “fix your mind on” in Ezekiel 40:4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all its regulations (0)Alternate translation: “all the instructions about the house of Yahweh”
Ezekiel 44:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let all of your disgusting actions be enough for you (0)Alternate translation: “Your disgusting actions have been more than enough for you” or “You have done far too many disgusting deeds”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disgusting actions (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:9.
Ezekiel 44:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went far from me … wandered away from me, going after their idols (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The way a person lives is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: “stopped worshiping me … stopped doing what I wanted them to do. Instead, they worshiped their idols”
Ezekiel 44:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are servants in my sanctuary (0)Alternate translation: “will be the servants in my temple”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: watching the gates of the house (0)Alternate translation: “performing guard duty at the gates of the house”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will stand before the people and serve them (0)Alternate translation: “these Levites will stand before the people, so that they can serve the people”
Ezekiel 44:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: became stumbling blocks for sin for the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who causes another person to sin is spoken of as if he were something on a path over which people stumble. Alternate translation: “became people who caused the house of Israel to sin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will lift up my hand to swear an oath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In those days a person would raise his right hand to show that he realized that God would punish him if he did not do what he swore to do. See how you translated these words in Ezekiel 20:6. Alternate translation: “I will solemnly swear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against them (0)Alternate translation: “that I will punish them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will bear their punishment (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word punishment, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I will certainly punish them”
Ezekiel 44:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They (0)the Levites (Ezekiel 44:10)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will not come near (0)“I will not permit them to come near.” Yahweh does not want them to come to him the way a servant comes to a king to receive commands, as the descendants of Zadok will do (Ezekiel 40:46).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will bear their reproach and their guilt (0)Alternate translation: “will be ashamed and suffer when I punish them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disgusting actions (0)“the disgusting things you do.” God was angry because the people were worshiping idols and false gods. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:9.
Ezekiel 44:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keepers (0)people who guard or take care of something
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that is done in it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “that they need to do in it”
Ezekiel 44:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those sons of Zadok who fulfilled (0)Alternate translation: “who are descendants of Zadok and fulfilled”
Ezekiel 44:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So it will be that (0)Alternate translation: “So”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the inner courtyard (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: linen (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 9:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wool (0)cloth or clothing made of the soft hair of sheep
Ezekiel 44:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turbans (0)A turban is a head covering that is that is made of a long cloth wrapped around the head.
Ezekiel 44:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: outer courtyard (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:5.
Ezekiel 44:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: must trim the hair of their heads (0)must keep their hair neat
Ezekiel 44:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: widow (0)a woman whose husband has died
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the line of the house of Israel (0)Alternate translation: “who is a descendant of the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 44:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In a dispute they will stand to judge with my decrees (0)Alternate translation: “When people are arguing, they will be the ones who decide who is right by applying my laws”
Ezekiel 44:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 44:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
The word “you” refers to the people of Israel and so is plural.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: property (0)land that a person owns and uses to provide for the needs of his family
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Israel (0)Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel”
Ezekiel 44:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every contribution, anything from all of your contributions (0)Alternate translation: “every gift of whatever kind from all your gifts” or “all gifts of every sort of all of your gifts”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that blessing may rest on your house (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase means “so that I will bless your family and everything that belongs to you.”
Ezekiel 44:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: or animal torn by a beast, whether bird or beast (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “or any creature that a bird or a wild animal has torn apart”
Ezekiel 45
Ezekiel 45 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. There should be an area around the temple complex for the homes of the priests and Levites who work at the temple. People should celebrate the festivals. (See: temple, house, house of God and priest, priesthood)
Ezekiel 45:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-five thousand cubits in length … ten thousand cubits in width (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits long … 10,000 cubits wide” or “about 13.5 kilometers long … about 5.4 kilometers wide”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all its area round about (0)Alternate translation: “all of the area inside of the borders around it”
Ezekiel 45:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five hundred cubits … fifty cubits in width (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each cubit was about 54 centimeters. Alternate translation: “500 cubits … 50 cubits wide” or “about 270 meters … about 27 meters wide”
Ezekiel 45:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this area (0)the temple and the border surrounding it
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a portion (0)Alternate translation: “a portion of land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty-five thousand cubits … ten thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits … 10,000 cubits” or “about 13.5 kilometers … about 5.4 kilometers”
Ezekiel 45:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: five thousand cubits … twenty-five thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “5,000 cubits … 25,000 cubits” or “about 2.7 kilometers … about 13.5 kilometers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: reserved for the holy place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you gave for the holy place”
Ezekiel 45:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The length will correspond to the length of one of those portions (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that Ezekiel is comparing the prince’s land with the size of the land given to each of the tribes. Alternate translation: “The length will be the same as the length of one of the portions given to the tribes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the west to the east (0)It is implied that these are the western and eastern borders of the land of Israel. “from the western border of Israel at the sea to the eastern border at the Jordan River”
Ezekiel 45:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This land will be property for the prince in Israel (0)Alternate translation: “This portion of the land will be the property of the prince among the people of Israel”
Ezekiel 45:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is enough for you (0)Alternate translation: “You have done too many bad things” or “You have been acting badly for far too long”
Ezekiel 45:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scales (0)an instrument that was used to weigh things that people sold or bought
Ezekiel 45:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that a bath will be a tenth of a homer (0)Alternate translation: “so that ten baths will be the same amount as a homer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: homer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
about 220 liters
Ezekiel 45:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shekel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
about 11 grams
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gerahs (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
about 0.55 grams
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mina (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
about 660 grams
Ezekiel 45:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for every homer of wheat (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that this is the amount of wheat that the people harvest. Alternate translation: “for every homer of wheat from the harvest”
Ezekiel 45:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The regulation offering of oil will be a tenth of a bath (0)Alternate translation: “You must offer one tenth of a bath of oil”
Ezekiel 45:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the watered regions of Israel (0)Alternate translation: “the parts of Israel that get a good amount of water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be used for (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “you will use for”
Ezekiel 45:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fixed festivals (0)the festivals that happen at the same time every year or month or week
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob over many years. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 3:1. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people group”
Ezekiel 45:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to remind Ezekiel and the people that what he is saying is important. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:11. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the first month, on the first day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the end of March on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will take (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is singular and refers to whoever is the prince in Israel.
Ezekiel 45:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the seventh of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
“on the seventh day of the first month”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for each person’s sin by accident or ignorance (0)Alternate translation: “for each person who had sinned without meaning to or because he did not know he was sinning” or “for each person who had sinned by accident or because he did not now what was right”
Ezekiel 45:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the first month on the fourteenth day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is plural and refers to the prince and the rest of the people of the house of Israel.
Ezekiel 45:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Seven bulls and seven unblemished rams (0)Alternate translation: “Seven bulls and seven rams that are completely healthy”
Ezekiel 45:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: food offering (0)This is also called a “grain offering.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: an ephah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “twenty-two liters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a hin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “four liters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: each ephah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume
You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “each twenty-two liters”
Ezekiel 45:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the seventh month on the fifteenth day of the month (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth day is near the beginning of October. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the festival (0)This is a different festival from the festival Ezekiel was describing before.
Ezekiel 46
Ezekiel 46 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. This chapter focuses on many of the temple’s rules. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Ezekiel 46:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to remind Ezekiel and the people that what he is saying is important. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:11. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The gate of the inner courtyard, facing east (0)Alternate translation: “the gate on the east side of the inner courtyard” or “the eastern gate of the inner courtyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: inner courtyard (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
Ezekiel 46:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: inner gate (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:19.
Ezekiel 46:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before Yahweh (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 43:24.
Ezekiel 46:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unblemished (0)perfectly healthy and normal
Ezekiel 46:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: portico (0)covering in front of an entrance with columns or posts for support. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:16.
Ezekiel 46:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before Yahweh (0)“in front of Yahweh” or “in the presence of Yahweh.” See how you translated this in Ezekiel 44:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: appointed festivals (0)Translate as you translated “appointed feasts” in Ezekiel 36:37.
Ezekiel 46:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gate facing east will be opened for 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: “the Levites will open the gate facing east for him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gate facing east (0)Alternate translation: “the eastern gate” or “the gate on the east side of the courtyard”
Ezekiel 46:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to moisten (0)Alternate translation: “which will soak”
Ezekiel 46:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord Yahweh says this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to remind Ezekiel and the people that what he is saying is important. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 6:11. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, say this”
Ezekiel 46:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: year of liberty (0)This is the year that a servant gains freedom. This is also called the “Year of Jubilee.”
Ezekiel 46:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: which faced north (0)Alternate translation: “which had their main entrances to the north”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behold! (0)Ezekiel saw something interesting.
Ezekiel 46:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: outer courtyard (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:5.
Ezekiel 46:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: outer courtyard (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 10:5.
Ezekiel 46:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty cubits … thirty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “40 cubits … 30 cubits” or “about 21.6 meters … about 16.2 meters”
Ezekiel 46:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cooking hearths (0)places where people can build fire and cook food
Ezekiel 47
Ezekiel 47 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. There was a river flowing from the temple. The land was to be divided among the tribes. The landscape of Jerusalem will have changed in a significant way. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Ezekiel 47:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the right of the altar (0)This is the right side of the altar when a person looks at it while they are facing east, so it is on the south side of the altar. Alternate translation: “on the south side of the altar”
Ezekiel 47:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gate facing east (0)Alternate translation: “the eastern gate” or “the eastern gate of the outer wall”
Ezekiel 47:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: measuring line (0)a string or a rope that people use to measure longer distances
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one thousand cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. Alternate translation: “1,000 cubits” or “about 540 meters”
Ezekiel 47:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a river that could not be crossed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “a river that no one could cross on foot”
Ezekiel 47:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Son of man (0)God calls Ezekiel this to emphasize that Ezekiel is only a human being. God is eternal and powerful, but humans are not. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 2:1. Alternate translation: “Mortal person” or “Human”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do you see this? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is commanding Ezekiel to think about what he has just seen. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 8:15. Alternate translation: “think about this.”
Ezekiel 47:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then it will happen (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 21:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: En Gedi (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a very large spring on the western side of the Salt Sea.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a place to dry out the fishing nets (0)Alternate translation: “a place for people to dry out their fishing nets”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: En Eglaim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a large spring on the eastern side of the Salt Sea.
Ezekiel 47:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: swamps (0)places with shallow water and trees growing in deep mud
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: marshes (0)places with shallow water and grasses growing in deep mud
Ezekiel 47:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joseph will have two portions (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The person is a metonym for his descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Joseph will receive two areas of land”
Ezekiel 47:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I lifted up my hand and swore (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In those days a person would raise his right hand to show that he realized that God would punish him if he did not do what he swore to do.
Ezekiel 47:15
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Quote: boundary (0)the end of an area of land
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Quote: Hethlon … Zedad (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of towns.
Ezekiel 47:16
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Quote: Berothah … Sibraim … Hazer Hattikon … Hauran (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of towns.
Ezekiel 47:17
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Quote: Hazar Enan (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
the name of a town
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Quote: border (0)where two areas of land meet
Ezekiel 47:18
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Quote: Hauran (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town.
Ezekiel 47:19
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Quote: Tamar … Meribah Kadesh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of towns.
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Quote: the brook of Egypt (0)a very large ravine in the northeast part of the Sinai
Ezekiel 47:20
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Quote: Hamath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town.
Ezekiel 47:23
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Quote: Then it will happen that (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 21:7.
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Quote: this is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 48
Ezekiel 48 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Instructions for the new temple and city continue in this chapter. There is more dividing of the land between the tribes in this chapter as well.
Ezekiel 48:1
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Quote: one portion of land (0)Alternate translation: “one piece of the land that you will distribute”
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Quote: boundary will run … boundary will go (0)Alternate translation: “boundary will be … boundary will be”
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Quote: Hethlon (0)This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 47:15.
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Quote: Lebo Hamath (0)This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 47:15 or Ezekiel 47:20
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Quote: Hazar Enan (0)This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 47:17.
Ezekiel 48:4
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Quote: one portion (0)Translate as you translated “one portion of land” in Ezekiel 48:1.
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Quote: from the east side to the west (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 48:3.
Ezekiel 48:8
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Quote: twenty-five thousand cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits” or “13.5 kilometers”
Ezekiel 48:9
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Quote: twenty-five thousand cubits … ten thousand cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits … 10,000 cubits” or “13.5 kilometers … 5.4 kilometers”
Ezekiel 48:10
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Quote: The priests will have land assigned to them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The leaders of the Israelites will assign land to the priests”
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Quote: twenty-five thousand cubits … ten thousand cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits … 10,000 cubits” or “13.5 kilometers … 5.4 kilometers”
Ezekiel 48:12
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Quote: The offering for them will be a portion of this most holy land (0)Alternate translation: “This smaller portion within the holy portion of the land will belong to these priests, a portion that is more holy than the rest of the holy portion of the land”
Ezekiel 48:13
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Quote: twenty-five thousand cubits … ten thousand cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits … 10,000 cubits” or “13.5 kilometers … 5.4 kilometers”
Ezekiel 48:14
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Quote: this firstfruits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“this land which is the firstfruits.” Here “firstfruits” probably means the best things among all the offerings set aside to give to God. This land is spoken of in that way, as land set aside for Yahweh’s use.
Ezekiel 48:15
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Quote: five thousand cubits … twenty-five thousand cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“5,000 cubits … 25,000 cubits.” Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “almost 2.3 kilometers … about 13.5 kilometers” (See also: Biblical Distance)
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Quote: will be for the collective use of the city (0)Alternate translation: “will be an area that all the people of the city will share and use”
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Quote: the houses, and the pastureland (0)Alternate translation: “as a place for houses and for an open space”
Ezekiel 48:16
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Quote: 4,500 cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“four thousand five hundred cubits.” Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 2.4 kilometers” (See also: Biblical Distance)
Ezekiel 48:17
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Quote: 250 cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“two hundred and fifty cubits.” A cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 135 meters” (See also: Biblical Distance)
Ezekiel 48:18
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Quote: ten thousand cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“10,000 cubits.” A cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 5.4 kilometers” (See also: Biblical Distance)
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Quote: its produce (0)Alternate translation: “the food that grows there”
Ezekiel 48:20
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Quote: twenty-five thousand cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits” or “about 13.5 kilometers”
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Quote: In this way you will make the holy offering of land, together with the land for the city. (0)Alternate translation: “You will offer the holy offering and also the property of the city”
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Quote: you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
This is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
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Quote: the holy offering (0)the land that the people of Israel gave to Yahweh for the Levites, the priests, and the temple
Ezekiel 48:21
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Quote: the holy offering (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 48:18.
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Quote: twenty-five thousand cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “25,000 cubits” or “about 13.5 kilometers”
Ezekiel 48:23
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Quote: one portion (0)Translate as you translated “one portion of land” in Ezekiel 48:1.
Ezekiel 48:28
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Quote: Tamar … Meribah Kadesh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of towns. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 47:19.
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Quote: the brook of Egypt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
a very large ravine in the northeast part of the Sinai. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 47:19.
Ezekiel 48:29
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Quote: you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
This is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
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Quote: cast lots (0)See how you translated this in Ezekiel 45:1.
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Quote: This is the Lord Yahweh’s declaration (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 5:11. Alternate translation: “This is what the Lord Yahweh has declared” or “This is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared”
Ezekiel 48:30
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Quote: 4,500 cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“four thousand five hundred cubits.” Each long cubit was about 54 centimeters. See how you translated this in Ezekiel 40:5. Alternate translation: “about 2.4 kilometers” (See also: Biblical Distance)
Ezekiel 48:33
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Quote: 4,500 cubits (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“four thousand five hunded cubits.” This is about 2.4 kilometers. (See also: Biblical Distance)