Revelation

Revelation front

Introduction to Revelation

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of Revelation

1. Opening (1:1–20)
2. Letters to the seven churches (2:1–3:22)
3. Vision of God and the Lamb in heaven (4:1–5:14)
4. The seven seals (6:1–8:1)
5. The seven trumpets (8:2–13:18)
6. Worship of the Lamb and judgment against Babylon (14:1–20)
7. The seven bowls (15:1–18:24)
8. Worship in heaven (19:1–10)
9. The destruction of the beast (19:11–21)
10. The thousand years, destruction of Satan, and final judgment (20:1–15)
11. The new creation and the new Jerusalem (21:1–22:5)
12. Closing (22:6–21)

Many interpreters believe that a phrase in 1:19, “what you have seen, and what is, and what is about to happen after these things,” describes three main divisions of the book. “What you have seen” would describe John’s vision of Jesus in chapter 1. “What is” would describe the current situation of the churches, addressed in chapters 2 and 3. “What is about to happen after these things” would describe the visions of the future in the rest of the book.

Who wrote the book of Revelation?

The author identifies himself as John. Many interpreters believe that this means he was the apostle John. However, other interpreters believe this was a different man named John, a prophet who had a ministry among the seven churches described in chapters 2 and 3. In either case, this man wrote the book while on the island of Patmos. The Romans had exiled him there for teaching people about Jesus.

What type of writing is the book of Revelation?

John used a special style of writing to describe his visions. John described what he saw by using many symbols. This style of writing is called symbolic prophecy or apocalyptic literature, and a book written in this style is called an apocalypse.

No other book of the Bible is written entirely in apocalyptic style like the book of Revelation. However, some passages in the books of Ezekiel, Zechariah, and especially Daniel are similar in content and style to Revelation. It may be beneficial to translate Revelation at the same time as Daniel since those two books have a similar style and some shared imagery. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

How should we translate the title of this book?

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

What is the book of Revelation about?

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

Does one need to understand the book of Revelation in order to translate it?

The book provides the reader with some idea of how to understand its symbols by interpreting a few of them at the beginning (1:20) and near the end (19:8). But one does not need to understand all of the symbols in the book of Revelation in order to translate it properly. Translators should not suggest possible meanings for the symbols in their translations. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Are the events of Revelation past or future?

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

Translators do not need to decide about the time reference of the visions in this book in order to translate it, and they should be careful not to let their own beliefs influence how they translate. They should leave the prophecies in the tenses that are used in the ULT.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Angels

People in this culture recognized that God uses created spirits called angels to carry out his purposes. In the book of Revelation, John describes seeing visions of angels announcing and executing God’s judgments.

In chapters 1–3 there may be some special uses of the word “angel.” That word can also mean “messenger,” and so the “angels of the seven churches” (1:20) could mean messengers whom those churches had sent to John or whom John was sending to those churches. The word might also refer symbolically to leaders of those seven churches. In 1:1, John says that either God or Jesus “sent through his angel” to make this revelation known. If John is saying that it was God who sent, the “angel” could figuratively mean Jesus as a messenger of God. If John is saying that it was Jesus who sent, the “angel” could mean the actual angel with whom John speaks in 19:10 and 22:9.

In any event, translators should use the word “angel” throughout the book, wherever it appears in the ULT, and not offer interpretations of the word in their translations. (See: angel, archangel)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Language that would be figurative in other contexts

If your language does not generally use figures of speech, and if you have previously translated other books of the Bible, you may be accustomed to using literal language to translate figurative language. However, that would not be appropriate in this book, since John is describing what he actually saw and heard in his visions. For example, John says in 16:7, “I heard the altar saying.” In other contexts, this might mean that John heard someone standing at the altar saying something. But within the world of these visions, the altar itself could have spoken. In 16:14, John speaks of “the kings of the whole world.” In other contexts, this might be a generalization for emphasis, and it might be appropriate to translate it as “kings throughout the world.” But in this book, this kind of generalization applies to everyone John saw in his vision, so it can be translated literally. In other contexts, the phrase “the throne of God” might refer figuratively to the presence of God (as it does in Hebrews 4:16, for example). But here it literally means the royal throne upon which God sits as the ruler of the universe. It would be appropriate in all such cases to retain John’s actual language and not translate it as if it were representing something else.

Verb tenses

As John describes his visions, he sometimes changes back and forth between the present and past tenses or between the present and future tenses. You can make these verb tenses consistent in your translation. For example, in 16:21, where John says, “And great hail, about a talent, comes down from heaven upon men, and men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail, because that plague is exceedingly great,” you could say, “And great hail, about a talent, came down from heaven upon men, and men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail, because that plague was exceedingly great.” In 21:24, where John says, “the nations will walk by the light of her, and the kings of the earth bring their glory into her,” you could say, “the nations will walk by the light of her, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into her.”

Singular and plural “you”

Many languages have separate forms for singular and plural “you.” In most contexts in the book of Revelation, it is clear whether one person or a group of people is being addressed and so it is obvious what form to use. Notes will specify which form of the word the book is using when this may not be clear.

Periods of time

John refers to various periods of time in Revelation. For example, there are references to three and a half days, ten days, 1,260 days, and forty-two months. Some scholars think these time periods are symbolic. Other scholars think these are actual time periods. The translator should translate these expressions as referencing actual periods of time. It is a matter of interpretation, not translation, to determine their significance or possible symbolic reference.

“Saints”

John often uses the term “saints” to describe people who believe in Jesus and obey him faithfully. John uses the term by association with the way these people are set apart as holy for God. You language may have a term or expression of its own that would convey this meaning. In your translation you could also express the meaning plainly by using a phrase such as “disciples of Jesus” or “believers in Jesus.” (See: Metonymy)

“Amen”

John uses the word “Amen” many times in this book. This is a Hebrew word that people used to express agreement and the wish that something someone said would actually happen. John spells out the word using Greek letters so that his readers will know how it sounds. In your translation you could also spell this word the way it sounds in your language, especially if people in the churches in your area use the word and your readers are likely to understand its meaning. If the word would not be familiar, you could translate it with a phrase that expresses its meaning, as the UST does by translating “Amen” as “May it be so.” However, in 3:14, where Jesus describes himself as “the Amen,” it would probably be most appropriate to spell the word the way it sounds, rather than have Jesus call himself “the May It Be So.” (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

“Behold”

As John describes what he saw in his visions, he frequently uses the word “behold” to focus the attention of his listeners on what he is about to say. Jesus also uses the word that way in his letters to the seven churches, and characters in the visions that John sees also use the word in the same sense. The word literally means “look!” or “see!” However, in this usage, the expression means to “see” in the figurative sense of giving notice and attention. If it would be helpful in your language, in your translation you could express the meaning plainly by using an expression such as “listen carefully!” (See: Metaphor)

“Keep”

In this book, John uses the word “keep” many times to mean “obey.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. For example, in 1:3 you could say “obeying” rather than “keeping.” However, there are two places, 3:10 and 16:15, where the word means “preserve” instead. In 3:10, Jesus actually contrasts these two meanings. He says, “Because you have kept the word of my steadfastness, I will also keep you from the hour of testing.” This means, “Because you have obeyed the word of my steadfastness, I will also preserve you from the hour of testing.” In 16:15, the phrase “the one keeping his garments” means “the one preserving his garments,” that is, keeping them in good repair, “so that he might not walk around naked.” Notes will address these specific uses; in other contexts, translators may find that “obey” is a good way to translate the term “keep.” (See: Idiom)

“Certainly not”

In many places throughout the book of Revelation, the ULT uses the expression “certainly not” to translate a double negative that John uses for emphasis. The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction in these places. (See: Double Negatives)

“the ones living on the earth”

John uses the expression “the ones living on the earth” in a specific sense in several places in the book (3:10, 6:10, 8:13, 11:10, 13:8, 13:12, 13:14, 17:2, 17:8). In these places John is not referring in general to humans who live in the world. He means specifically people who will disobey God and worship idols at the time of the events that the book of Revelation describes. You may have an expression in your language that you could use in these places with this meaning, such as “worldly people.”

Revelation 1

Revelation 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

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

• Prologue (1:1-8)

  Preface (1:1-3) Address and Doxology (1:4-6) Theme (1:7-8)

• John’s Vision of Christ (1:9-20)

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

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Language that would be figurative in other contexts

To describe the way he saw Jesus in the opening vision that this chapter relates, John uses much language that would be treated as figurative in other contexts. For example, John says in verse 16 that Jesus had “a sharp, double-edged sword coming out of his mouth,” and yet Jesus was still able to speak. Since Hebrews 4:12 describes the word of God as like a double-edged sword, we might therefore think that this image actually indicates that Jesus speaks the very words of God because he is God himself. But as the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, it would not be appropriate to use literal language like that in your translation to explain the meaning of what John saw. John is describing what he actually saw and heard in his visions, and you should simply translate his descriptions rather than interpreting them.

Seven churches

John wrote this book to seven actual churches in the Roman province of Asia. That province was located in the western part of what is now the country of Turkey. The churches themselves would be found in the southwestern area of Turkey. The list of the churches in verse 11 follows a particular order. The list begins with Ephesus, the most important city at the time, and moves clockwise around the cities, ending with Laodicea, which was the southernmost city. The letters in chapters 2 and 3 follow this same order.

Revelation 1:1

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him

Quote: ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἣν ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ Θεὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of revelation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “The things that God revealed to Jesus Christ” or “The things that Jesus Christ revealed, which God gave him”

The revelation of Jesus Christ

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

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

to his servants

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

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

he signified

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

The word translated signified could mean implicitly (1) that Jesus used signs or symbols to communicate this revelation. Alternate translation: “he showed this by signs” (2) that Jesus made known what must happen soon. Alternate translation: “he made this known”

to his servant John

Quote: τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ, Ἰωάννῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

John is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “to me, John, his servant”

John

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

The word John is the name of a man. See the General Introduction to Revelation for a discussion of who this man may have been.

Revelation 1:2

who attested

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

Although John uses the past tense and says testified, he means that he is testifying to what he saw by sending this written record of his visions to the believers in the seven churches. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who is testifying, by sending you this written record of his visions,”

the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ

Quote: τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to what God told Jesus Christ to disclose”

the word of God

Quote: τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, John uses word figuratively to refer to the message that God spoke by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the message that God spoke”

the testimony of Jesus Christ

Quote: τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to the things about which Jesus Christ testified”

Revelation 1:3

the one reading

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

In this context, the word reading implicitly means “reading aloud.” In John's culture, a message to a church, such as the one he is sending to the seven churches in this book, would have been read aloud to the assembled believers. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. (Revelation is not simply declaring a blessing upon any believer today who would read the book out loud in private.) Alternate translation: “the one reading aloud” or “the one reading for others to hear”

the one reading

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

Here, the one reading does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who reads the words of the prophecy aloud. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anyone who reads aloud”

keeping

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

See the discussion of the term “keep” in the General Introduction to Revelation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this expression plainly here and elsewhere throughout the book. Alternate translation: “obeying”

the things having been written in it

Quote: τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ γεγραμμένα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the things that I have written in it”

for the time

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

Here, the time refers specifically to the appointed time when God will make the prophecies in this book come true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “for the time for the fulfillment of what is written in this book”

Revelation 1:4

John

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

In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. If your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, you could also use that. Alternate translation: “From John” or (with no comma following) “I, John, am writing this letter”

to the seven churches in Asia

Quote: ταῖς ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησίαις ταῖς ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would then say to whom they were writing, naming those people in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “to you who are members of the seven churches in Asia”

Grace to you and peace from the one being and the one having been and the one coming and from the seven spirits who {are} before his throne

Quote: χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων, ἃ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

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

Grace to you and peace from the one being and the one having been and the one coming and from the seven spirits who {are} before his throne

Quote: χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων, ἃ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of grace and peace, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “May the one who is and who was and who is coming and the seven spirits who are before his throne treat you kindly and make you peaceful”

to you

Quote: ὑμῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word you is plural here because it refers to all of the believers to whom John is writing. So use the plural form here in your translation if your language marks that distinction, and use the singular or plural form in the rest of the book as the context indicates. (As the General Introduction to Revelation explains, these notes will generally only identify forms as singular or plural if that might not be clear from the context.)

the one being and the one having been and the one coming

Quote: ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

These three phrases do not describe three different people. They all refer to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God, who is and who was and who is coming”

the seven spirits

Quote: τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

Here, the seven spirits could refer to: (1) the Spirit of God, that is, the Holy Spirit. The Bible can use the number seven as a symbol for completeness and perfection, for example, it describes the Holy Spirit with seven attributes in Isaiah 11:2. If this phrase refers to the Holy Spirit, then John is giving a Trinitarian benediction by mentioning God the Father and the Holy Spirit in this verse and Jesus Christ in the next verse. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit” (2) seven individual spirits who serve God. Alternate translation: “the seven spirit beings” or “the seven angelic spirits”

who {are} before his throne

Quote: ἃ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

If these are individual spirits, is not entirely clear who they are, but they would be seven individual spiritual beings who had important responsibilities serving God. John indicates this by association by noting that they are before his throne, that is, in God's presence and ready to serve him whenever needed. Some interpreters believe that they may be the “seven angels” whom John describes in 8:2. Alternate translation: “who are always ready to serve him in important ways”

Revelation 1:5

and from Jesus Christ

Quote: καὶ ἀπὸ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The first half of this verse continues the sentence from the previous verse. It may be helpful to indicate this by repeating some of the information from the previous verse. It may also be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “And may grace and peace also be to you from Jesus Christ”

the faithful witness,” “the firstborn” from the dead and “the ruler of the kings of the earth

Quote: ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστός, ὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν, καὶ ὁ ἄρχων τῶν βασιλέων τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

In this verse, John is alluding several times to Psalm 89. In that psalm, God speaks of King David as his “firstborn” and says that he will make him “the most exalted of the kings of the earth.” God also says that he will establish David’s throne forever like the moon, “the faithful witness” in the sky. Psalm 89 as a whole is a meditation on the promises that God gave to David in 2 Samuel 7. So all of these allusions indicate that Jesus Christ is the one who fulfills God’s promises to David. You may want to explain this in a footnote. You may also want to mark the phrases that are Old Testament allusions by putting them in quotation marks, as the ULT does.

the firstborn” from the dead

Quote: ὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if Jesus was literally “born” when he became alive again after he died. Since Jesus was the first person to do this, John says that he is the firstborn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the first person to become alive again after dying”

from the dead

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

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “from among people who have died”

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge

A new sentence begins here that continues through the rest of the next verse. This sentence praises Jesus. To make this clear for your readers, you could create a verse bridge for verses 5–6 and begin with John’s wish that would Jesus receive glory and power. A verse bridge might say something like this: “May the glory and the power forever be to Jesus because he is the one who loves us and who has released us from our sins by his blood and who has made us a kingdom, priests for his God and Father. Amen.”

To the one loving us

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

Here, the one refers to Jesus Christ. If this is not clear to your readers, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “To Jesus Christ, who loves us”

us … us … our

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

By us and our, John means both himself and his readers. So use the inclusive form of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

having released us from our sins

Quote: λύσαντι ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking of sins as if they were something that had held him and his readers captive and from which they needed to be released. He means that Jesus obtained forgiveness from God for people’s sins. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one having obtained forgiveness for us for our sins”

by his blood

Quote: ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John is using the word blood to refer by association to the sacrificial death of Jesus, since Jesus shed his blood when he died for our sins. Alternate translation: “by his sacrificial death”

Revelation 1:6

he has made … his … to him

Quote: ἐποίησεν & αὐτοῦ & αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns he, his, and him all refer to Jesus. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Jesus has made … his … to Jesus”

a kingdom, priests to God and his Father

Quote: βασιλείαν, ἱερεῖς τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. The phrase a kingdom, priests to God is an allusion to Exodus 19:6, where God tells the Israelites, “You will be to me a kingdom of priests.” This means that the Israelites will have the God as their king and that they will lead the other people of the world to worship God. Alternate translation: “people who obey God, the Father of Jesus Christ, as their king and who lead others to worship him”

to God and his Father

Quote: τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The phrase his Father tells who God is. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “to God, who is his Father”

Father

Quote: Πατρί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

Father is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation.

to him {be} the glory and the power

Quote: αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for glory or power, you could express these ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “may all of creation acknowledge how glorious and powerful he is”

to the ages

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

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forever”

Amen

Quote: ἀμήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate

See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation about how to represent the word Amen in your translation here and in its other occurrences throughout the book.

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him,” and all the tribes of the earth “will mourn because of him

Quote: ἰδοὺ, ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν, καὶ ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς, καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

Behold, he is coming with the clouds is a quotation from Daniel 7:13. The phrases every eye will see him, even those who pierced him and will mourn because of him are quotations from Zechariah 12:10. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off these Old Testament quotations with quotation marks, as the ULT does, or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.

Behold

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

As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, here John is using the term Behold to focus his listeners’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, in this instance and throughout the book. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully!”

he is coming with the clouds

Quote: ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun he here refers to Jesus Christ. If this is unclear to your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus is coming with the clouds”

he is coming with the clouds

Quote: ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to Jesus returning from heaven through the sky by association with the clouds that are in the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will return visibly in the sky”

every eye will see him

Quote: ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

John is using one part of a person, the eye, to mean all of a person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every person will see him”

those who pierced him

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

John is using one thing that people did to Jesus when they killed him, they pierced him, to mean all that they did when they killed him. (Jesus’ hands and feet were pierced with nails when he was hung on the cross, and later a soldier pierced his side with a spear to see whether he was dead.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who killed him”

Yes, Amen

Quote: ναί! ἀμήν! (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms Yes and Amen mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “It will certainly be so!”

Revelation 1:8

I am the alpha and the omega,” says the Lord God, “the one being and the one having been and the one coming, the Ruler of All

Quote: ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος, ὁ Θεός, ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ὁ Παντοκράτωρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here, says the Lord God indicates that the clauses that come before and after this phrase are quotations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could move this phrase to the beginning or end of the verse. Alternate translation: “The Lord God says, ‘I am the alpha and the omega, the one being and the one having been and the one coming, the Ruler of All’”

the alpha and the omega,” says the Lord

Quote: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some versions add the phrase “the Beginning and the End” after this statement. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the reading of the ULT and not include the extra phrase.

the alpha and the omega

Quote: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are alpha and omega. When God says that he is these letters, he means that he is the one who was at the beginning of all things and who will be at the end of all things. If you wish to retain this image in your translation, you could use the first and last letters of your own alphabet. Alternatively, you could use plain language. See the next two notes for further possibilities. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the one who was at the beginning of all things and who will be at the end of all things”

the alpha and the omega

Quote: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication of God having been at the beginning of all things may be that God created all things, and the implication of that fact that God will be at the end of all things may be that God will bring all things to their appropriate end. In other words, God may be asserting his identity as the creator of the world and the ultimate judge of the world. Alternate translation: “the creator and the ultimate judge of the world”

the alpha and the omega

Quote: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

God may also be using the first and last letters of the alphabet to represent two extremes of time, the beginning and end of time, in order to mean those extremes and all of the time in between. In that case, this expression would be equivalent to what God says in the rest of the quotation in this verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who has always existed”

the one being and the one having been and the one coming

Quote: ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See how you translated this phrase in 1:4.

Revelation 1:9

brother

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

John is using the term brother to indicate that he has the same faith as the people to whom he is writing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fellow believer”

partner in the suffering and kingdom and endurance {that are} in Jesus

Quote: συνκοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει, καὶ βασιλείᾳ, καὶ ὑπομονῇ, ἐν Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of suffering, kingdom, and endurance, you could express these ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “someone who is patiently enduring while suffering just as you are because we are loyal to Jesus as our king”

that are} in Jesus

Quote: ἐν Ἰησοῦ (1)

Alternate translation: “that people who follow Jesus experience”

the island called Patmos

Quote: τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

the word of God

Quote: τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is using the term word to mean the message from God that he had shared by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the message from God”

the testimony of Jesus

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

In this possessive form, Jesus is the object rather than the subject of testimony. This does not mean testimony that Jesus himself gave; it means testimony that John gave about Jesus. Alternate translation: “the testimony that I proclaimed about Jesus”

Revelation 1:10

I was in the Spirit

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

Here, in the Spirit could mean: (1) God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, influenced John so that he could receive divine revelation. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit influenced me” (2) God caused John’s spirit to be in a state in which he could perceive revelation. Alternate translation: “God influenced my spirit”

on the Lord’s day

Quote: ἐν τῇ Κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the Lord’s day means the first day of the week, which was the day on which believers gathered to worship because that was the day on which Jesus rose from the dead. In your translation, you could use the term in your language for the first day of the week. Alternate translation: “one Sunday”

a loud voice like a trumpet

Quote: φωνὴν μεγάλην ὡς σάλπιγγος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is not that the sound of the voice was like the sound of a trumpet but that the voice was loud like a trumpet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a voice as loud as a trumpet”

a loud voice

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

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someone speaking loudly”

Revelation 1:11

saying

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

The word saying introduces a quotation. What follows is what the voice that John described in the previous verse said. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. It may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “That voice said”

Ephesus … Smyrna … Pergamum … Thyatira … Sardis … Philadelphia … Laodicea

Quote: Ἔφεσον & Σμύρναν & Πέργαμον & Θυάτειρα & Σάρδεις & Φιλαδέλφιαν & Λαοδίκιαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea are the names of cities. See the General Notes to this chapter for more information.

Revelation 1:12

the voice that

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

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what person”

Revelation 1:13

one} like a son of man

Quote: ὅμοιον Υἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The expression like a son of man is an allusion to Daniel 7:13. It means “like a human being.” The point of this comparison is that the figure whom John saw looked like a human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a figure who was human in form”

and a golden sash wrapped around {his} chest

Quote: καὶ περιεζωσμένον πρὸς τοῖς μαστοῖς ζώνην χρυσᾶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He had wrapped a golden sash around his chest”

a golden sash

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

A sash was a strip of cloth that someone would wrap around the chest to keep a robe closed. Your language may have a term of its own for such an article that you can use in your translation, or you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “a wide strip of golden cloth”

Revelation 1:14

his head and hair

Quote: ἡ & κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ αἱ τρίχες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

John is not saying that both the head (that is, the skin of the head) and the hair of this person were while. Rather, this phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word head tells where this hair was. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “his hair”

were} white as wool—white as snow

Quote: λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

If your readers would not be familiar with snow or wool, in your translation you could use the names of things they would be familiar with, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “were white as cotton, white as egret feathers” or “were brilliantly white”

were} white as wool—white as snow

Quote: λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The phrases white as wool and white as snow indicate the same thing. John is using the two phrases together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “as white as the whitest things on earth”

his eyes {were} like a flame of fire

Quote: οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ ὡς φλὸξ πυρός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the eyes of this person were very bright, like a flame. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his eyes were as bright as a flame of fire”

a flame of fire

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

It might seem that the expression a flame of fire contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “a flame”

Revelation 1:15

his feet {were} like bronze as having been refined in a furnace

Quote: οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμένης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the feet of this person were shining brightly, as refined bronze does. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his feet were shining brightly, as bronze does when it has been refined in a furnace”

bronze as having been refined in a furnace

Quote: χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμένης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “bronze that someone had refined in a furnace”

his voice {was} like the sound of many waters

Quote: ἡ φωνὴ αὐτοῦ ὡς φωνὴ ὑδάτων πολλῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the voice of this person was very loud, like the sound of many waters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his voice was very loud, like the sound of many waters”

of many waters

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

By many waters, John could mean a loud waterfall or raging floodwaters. Alternate translation: “of a waterfall” or “of raging floodwaters”

Revelation 1:16

and having

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

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could start a new sentence here and indicate the subject of having explicitly. Alternate translation: “This one who was like a son of man had”

coming out of his mouth

Quote: ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ & ἐκπορευομένη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

Be sure it is clear in your translation that this means that the blade of the sword was protruding from his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion. Alternate translation: “protruding from his mouth”

his face as the sun shines

Quote: ἡ ὄψις αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος φαίνει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “his face was shining as the sun shines”

his face as the sun shines

Quote: ἡ ὄψις αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος φαίνει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the face of this person was shining as brightly as the sun shines. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his face was shining as brightly as the sun shines”

in its strength

Quote: ἐν τῇ δυνάμει αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression refers to the greatest brightness of the sun, which occurs at noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at its greatest brightness” or “when it is highest in the sky”

Revelation 1:17

at his feet

Quote: πρὸς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression means that John fell to the ground in front of this person. It does not mean that he landed right on his feet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “onto the ground in front of him”

like a dead man

Quote: ὡς νεκρός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that just as a dead man is lifeless, John was so overcome by fear that he did not even have the energy to keep standing up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “because I was so overcome by fear that I lost all my energy and became like a lifeless dead man”

he placed his right hand on me

Quote: ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Jesus placed his right hand on John as a symbolic action to express comfort and assurance to him because he needed encouragement in this moment of fear. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “he placed his right hand encouragingly on me”

Do not be afraid

Quote: μὴ φοβοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb be afraid. Alternate translation: “Take courage”

the first and the last

Quote: ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This expression has the same meaning as “the alpha and the omega” in 1:8. See how you translated that expression there. Alternate translation: “the one who was at the beginning of all things and who will be at the end of all things” or “the one who created everything and who will bring all things to an end” or “the one who has always existed”

Revelation 1:18

and the one living

Quote: καὶ ὁ ζῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

If you translated “I am the first and the last” in the previous verse as “I am the one who has always existed,” then the phrase “and the one living” means basically the same thing. Jesus would be using repetition for emphasis. In your translation, you could connect these phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation, following a comma at the end of the previous verse: “yes, I have always been alive”

to the ages of the ages

Quote: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:6. Alternate translation: “forever”

I have the keys of death and of Hades

Quote: ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if he possesses literal keys to death and Hades. He means that he has authority over the realm of the dead. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have authority over death and Hades”

I have the keys of death and of Hades

Quote: ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

In this context, the terms death and Hades mean the same thing. They both refer to the abode of the dead. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “I have complete authority over the realm of the dead”

I have the keys of death and of Hades

Quote: ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Jesus is able to give life to those who have died and let them out of Hades. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am able to give life to people who have died and let them out of Hades”

of death and of Hades

Quote: τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate

The word Hades is the Greek name for the abode of the dead. In your translation, you could spell this word the way it sounds in your language and then explain its meaning. Alternatively, you could use a word for the abode of the dead in your language. Alternate translation: “of Hades, the abode of the dead”

Revelation 1:19

what you have seen, and what is, and what is about to happen after these things

Quote: ἃ εἶδες, καὶ ἃ εἰσὶν, καὶ ἃ μέλλει γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

See the discussion of this phrase in the General Introduction to Revelation. Jesus may be referring to the vision John is presently having of him, the letters he will tell John to write, and the visions John will later see. If that is the case, then Jesus is describing everything he wants John to write by naming its major components. Translate this phrase in such a way that this potential meaning would be clear.

Revelation 1:20

The mystery

Quote: τὸ μυστήριον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be helpful in your language. Alternate translation: “I will explain the mystery”

the angels of the seven churches

Quote: ἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In chapters 2 and 3, Jesus will dictate a letter to each of the angels of the seven churches as if those angels were the churches themselves. So in this vision in chapter 1, these angels, symbolized by the stars in Jesus’ right hand, seem to personify the churches. That is, the angels represent the churches as if the churches were people. These angels could be: (1) actual angels, that is, spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “angels who represent the seven churches” (2) leaders of the churches, whom Jesus is describing as angels. Alternate translation: “leaders of the seven churches” (3) messengers bringing news of the churches to John and carrying John’s letters back to the churches. Alternate translation: “messengers of the seven churches”

Revelation 2

Revelation 2 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

• The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)

• The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)

• The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)

• The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)

You may wish to set each letter apart so that your readers can easily see that these are separate letters. You could, for example, put a blank line between these letters in your translation.

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

Special concepts in this chapter

“the angel of the church”

Jesus addresses each of his letters to the “angel” of the church he is writing to. As a note to 1:20 discusses, the word “angel” could have a literal sense, or it could mean “leader” or “messenger.” You should translate “angel” in the introduction to these letters in the same way you decided to translate it in 1:20.

Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel

In two of the letters in this chapter, Jesus refers to people whose stories are told in the Old Testament. In the letter to Pergamum, in 2:14, he refers to Balaam and Balak, and in the letter to Thyatira, in 2:20, he refers to Jezebel. These were all people who tried to harm the Israelites by cursing them or by making them want to stop obeying God. Notes to these verses suggest ways of indicating that Jesus is referring to people whose stories are told in the Bible.

Nicolaitans

In the letter to Ephesus, in 2:6, and in the letter to Pergamum, in 2:15, Jesus refers to the “Nicolaitans.” This name describes people who followed the teachings or practices of a man named Nicolaus. It is no longer known who he was or what he taught. It is possible that he encouraged believers in Jesus, based on a misunderstanding of what it meant to be spiritual or to have Christian freedom, to take part in feasts at the temples of idols and in the immorality that happened during these feasts. In 2:14–15, Jesus seems to associate the teaching of Nicolaus with the teaching of Balaam, who got the Israelites “to eat food sacrificed to idols and to be sexually immoral.” The Hebrew name Balaam has the same meaning as the Greek name Nicolas, “one who conquers the people,” so when Jesus says in 2:14 that some in Pergamum follow the teaching of Nicolaus “in the same way” that they follow the teaching of Balaam, he may be saying that the contemporary teaching of Nicolaus is the same as the ancient teaching of Balaam. However, none of this is certain, so it would be best in your translation simply to refer to “the works of the Nicolaitans” in 2:6 and to “the teaching of the Nicolaitans” in 2:15 without trying to explain those things any further.

Translation issues in this chapter

Levels of quotation

The opening of each of the letters to the seven churches is a quotation within a quotation, and the main body of each letter is a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. If your language would not put one direct quotation inside another, you can translate the opening of each letter so that its main body is a simple direct quotation. You could end the quotation that begins at 1:17 at the end of 1:20, and you could then have John resume his narrative of his encounter with Jesus at the beginning of each letter. For example, for the first letter, to Ephesus, you could translate 2:1 this way: “Jesus then told me to write to the angel of the church in Ephesus that the one holding the seven stars in his right hand, the one walking in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, said the following things.” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

The use of the second-person singular in letters to groups

Since each of the letters to the seven churches is addressed to an individual “angel,” the words “you” and “your” are singular and the verb forms are second-person singular. However, since the angel represents the church—Jesus is addressing the angel as if the angel were the church—“you” and “your” and the singular verbs are plural in their implied references to the believers in the churches. If singular forms would not be natural in your language in such a context, you could use plural forms in your translation. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

In several places, Jesus switches to the second-person plural to speak more directly to the believers themselves. Notes indicate where this happens and suggest using the second-person plural in your translation if that would be natural in your language.

“The one … says these things”

Jesus begins each of the letters to the seven churches by identifying himself with some of the symbols from the vision that John relates in chapter 1. As he does this, he speaks of himself in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person in your translation. For example, you could say in2:1, “I, Jesus, the one holding the seven stars in my right hand and walking in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, say these things.”

“I know”

At the beginning of each of the letters to the seven churches, Jesus uses the phrase “I know” to express his personal familiarity with what is happening in the churches. This phrase communicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current religious, social, and moral circumstances in which the Christians are living. While the phrase is usually positive, sometimes it expresses a critical assessment. Thus the phrase indicates more than just a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus. It also implicitly asserts a claim to be in a position to make an authoritative judgment, critical if necessary, about how the believers are responding to these circumstances. To show this, you might consider translating “I know” at the start of each letter as “I am well aware of” or with some similar phrase. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“I have against you”

In several of the letters, Jesus tells the believers in a given church, “I have” something “against you.” This phrase makes a negative, critical statement, even though it is typically found among other, positive statements. It means “there is something about you of which I disapprove.” You could translate this expression with a phrase such as “I disapprove of you because” or “I have a criticism to make of you, that.”

“you have this”

Conversely, in several of the letters Jesus makes a positive statement by telling the believers “you have this” and then naming something about them of which he approves. You could translate this expression with a phrase such as “this is to your credit” or “here is a good thing that you are doing.”

“Let the one who has an ear hear”

Toward the end of each letter, Jesus says, “Let the one having an ear hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Jesus says this to emphasize that what he has just said is important and that it may take some effort to understand and put into practice. This expression presents four translation issues that could be addressed in various ways.

• The expression uses a third-person imperative. If your language does not use that form, you could express the meaning in another way that is natural in your language. For example, you could say, “May the one having an ear hear” or “The one who has an ear should hear.” (See: Third-Person Imperatives)

• The expression might seem to be speaking of a specific person, but it really means any person who fits its description. In your translation, express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. For example, you might say, “Anyone who has an ear should hear” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

• Through this expression, Jesus is addressing his audience in the third person, even though he is speaking directly to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the expression in the second person. You could say, for example, “If you have an ear, then hear” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

• The phrase “having an ear” represents the willingness to understand and obey, by association with the part of the body by which people would have received the spoken teaching of Jesus. In your translation, you might say something such as, “Anyone who is willing should understand and obey” (See: Metonymy)

“to the one conquering”

At the end of each letter, Jesus makes a promise “to the one conquering.” This expression describes someone who wins a victory, such as on the battlefield or in a sports contest. In the context of the book of Revelation, it refers to a person who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death. The expression is therefore paradoxical: The person is said to conquer or win a victory, even though it appears that his enemies have defeated him, since they have put him in prison or even killed him. In your translation, you may wish to express the meaning plainly by saying something such as “to the one who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death.” (See: Metaphor)

The expression “to the one conquering” might seem to be speaking of a specific person, but it really means any person who fits its description. In your translation, express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. For example, you might say “to anyone who conquers” or “to anyone who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death.” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Revelation 2:1

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The one holding the seven stars in his right hand, the one walking in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, says these {things

Quote: τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον: τάδε λέγει ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

See the General Notes to this chapter for a discussion of how you could translate this verse so that there is not a quotation within a quotation and so that the letter that follows in verses 2–7 is not a quotation within a quotation within a quotation.

To the angel of the church in Ephesus

Quote: τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and in verses 8, 12, and 18 you should translate the term angel the way you did in 1:20. Alternate translation: “To the angel who represents the church in Ephesus” or “To the leader of the church in Ephesus” or “To the messenger of the church in Ephesus”

The one holding the seven stars in his right hand, … says these {things

Quote: τάδε λέγει ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Jesus is identifying himself by referring to symbols from the vision that John describes in chapter 1. As Jesus does this, he speaks of himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, Jesus, the one holding the seven stars in my right hand … say these things”

Revelation 2:2

I know

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

See the discussion of the phrase I know in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “I am well aware of”

your … your … you can not … you have tested … you have found

Quote: σου & σου & οὐ δύνῃ & ἐπείρασας & εὗρες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of how Jesus is using the second-person singular to address the “angel” of this church. Throughout this letter and the other letters in chapters 2 and 3, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of second-person pronouns and verbs, since Jesus is actually addressing all of the believers in the churches.

evil ones

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

Jesus is using the adjective evil as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. The word is plural, and the ULT adds the word ones to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “evil people”

Revelation 2:3

because of my name

Quote: διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “because of me”

have not grown weary

Quote: οὐ κεκοπίακες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb grown weary. Alternate translation: “have remained strong”

have not grown weary

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

Jesus is referring to giving up by association with the way that people who have grown weary often give up what they have been doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have not given up” or “have not abandoned your faith in me”

Revelation 2:4

I have against you that

Quote: ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ, ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See the discussion of the expression I have against you in the General Notes to this chapter to decide how to translate the expression here and in its other occurrences in these letters. Alternate translation: “I disapprove of you because” or “I have a criticism to make of you, that”

Revelation 2:5

from where you have fallen

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

Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Ephesus have literally fallen from a height. He means that they are no longer devoted to him in the way they originally were. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how much you once loved me”

do the first works

Quote: τὰ πρῶτα ἔργα ποίησον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the word first indicates earliest in time rather than chief in importance. Alternate translation: “demonstrate your devotion to me in the way you did originally”

I will remove your lampstand from its place

Quote: κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is not speaking of a literal lampstand here; when he says that he will remove this lampstand, he means that the assembly of believers in Ephesus will no longer exist. However, since Jesus refers to the lampstands in John’s vision at the opening of this letter, it would be good to show the connection between the reference there and the reference here. In your translation, you might translate the term lampstand directly here but then explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “I will remove your lampstand from its place, yes, you will no longer be a church”

Revelation 2:6

you have this, that you hate

Quote: τοῦτο ἔχεις, ὅτι μισεῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See the discussion of the expression you have this in the General Notes to this chapter to decide how to translate the expression here and in its other occurrences in these letters. Alternate translation: “this is to your credit, that you hate” or “here is a good thing that you are doing: you hate”

of the Nicolaitans

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

The word Nicolaitans is the name for people who followed the teachings and practices of a man named Nicolaus. See the General Notes to this chapter for a discussion of the Nicolaitans.

Revelation 2:7

Let the one having an ear hear

Quote: ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of how to translate this third-person imperative, found here and towards the end of each of the letters, if your language does not use that form. Alternate translation: “May the one having an ear hear” or “The one who has an ear should hear”

Let the one having an ear hear

Quote: ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of how to translate this expression that might seem to be speaking of a specific person but which really refers to any person who fits its description. Alternate translation: “Anyone who has an ear should hear”

Let the one having an ear hear

Quote: ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Through this expression, Jesus is addressing his audience in the third person, even though he is speaking directly to them. As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, if it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the expression in the second person, here and in its other occurrences in chapters 2 and 3. Alternate translation: “If you have an ear, then hear”

Let the one having an ear hear

Quote: ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the phrase “having an ear” represents the willingness to understand and obey, by association with the part of the body by which people would have received the spoken teaching of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Anyone who is willing should understand and obey”

To the one conquering

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

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Jesus is speaking as if the person to whom he is making this promise will win a victory. He is actually referring to a person who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death. In your translation, you may wish to express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “To the one who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death”

To the one conquering

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

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, while the expression “to the one conquering” might seem to be speaking of a specific person, it really means any person who fits its description. Alternate translation: “to anyone who conquers” or “to anyone who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death”

the tree of life

Quote: τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Jesus is using this possessive form to identify this tree not as having life but as giving life. In other words, Jesus means not a living tree but a life-giving tree. Alternate translation: “the life-giving tree”

the tree of life

Quote: τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This is a reference to the description in Genesis 2:9 of the tree of life that was in the Garden of Eden. The fruit of that tree enabled anyone who ate it to live forever. So Jesus is saying by implication that he will give everlasting life to anyone who remains faithful to him. However, since the tree of life appears in the closing vision of the book, in 22:2, it would be good to retain the image here rather than simply express its meaning in plain language. So you might translate the phrase tree of life directly but then explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “I will grant to him to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God, yes, I will grant him everlasting life”

Revelation 2:8

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who became dead but lived, says these things

Quote: καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σμύρνῃ ἐκκλησίας γράψον: τάδε λέγει ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If you translated the letter to Ephesus in verses 1–7 so that its main body was a simple direct quotation, you can continue to do that with each of the letters. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus told me to write to the angel of the church in Smyrna that the first and the last, who became dead but lived, said these things”

The first and the last, who became dead but lived, says these things

Quote: τάδε λέγει ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

If you have decided to use the second person to translate these opening statements in which Jesus refers to himself in the third person, you can continue to do that here. Alternate translation: “I, Jesus, the first and the last, who became dead but lived, say these things”

The first and the last

Quote: ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

See how you translated the phrase The first and the last in 1:17.

Revelation 2:9

you are rich

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

Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Smyrna were literally rich, even though he has just acknowledged their poverty. He means that they are spiritually rich because God will reward them for their faithfulness and suffering. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will reward you richly”

but they are not

Quote: καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

Jesus is speaking as if the people who are slandering the believers in Smyrna are literally not Jews. He means that they are acting as if they were not Jews, since they are persecuting people who sincerely worship the God of Israel. This makes them not Jews in some spiritual sense. Alternate translation: “but who are not acting in the way that Jews should”

are} a synagogue of Satan

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

Jesus is speaking as if the synagogue where these Jews gathered was literally devoted to the worship of Satan instead of the God of Israel. He means that when these Jews gather together and slander genuine believers, they are serving Satan’s purposes rather than God’s. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that plainly. Alternate translation: “their gatherings really serve Satan’s purposes rather than God’s”

Revelation 2:10

to throw {some} of you into prison

Quote: βάλλειν & ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Jesus does not mean that the devil will literally throw some of the believers in Smyrna into prison. That is, the devil will not pick them up and heave them through the air. Alternate translation: “to have some of you put in prison”

to throw {some} of you into prison

Quote: βάλλειν & ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Jesus is speaking of the devil as the person who will do this action, but Jesus is using the devil to represent everyone who will responsible for it. The Jews in Smyrna would actually have the believers put in prison, acting under the devil’s influence. Alternate translation: “to influence people to put some of you in prison”

so that you will be tested

Quote: ἵνα πειρασθῆτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

so that you will be tested

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

The words so that introduce the purpose for which the devil will throw some of the believers into prison. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Be sure that it is clear to your readers that this is a purpose that the devil is pursuing. Jesus is not saying that he is going to use the devil to test the believers to see if they will remain faithful. Alternate translation: “to try to get you to abandon your faith”

you … you will be tested, … you will have

Quote: ὑμῶν & πειρασθῆτε & ἕξετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word you is plural in these instances. Jesus is speaking more directly to the believers in Smyrna to warn them about the suffering they are about to experience. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural forms of “you” and if you have been using the singular forms of “you” and “your” in these letters because they are addressed to individual angels, you may consider using the plural form of “you” here if that would be natural in your language.

for ten days

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

As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, time references such as this one may have symbolic significance. In this case, by allusion to Daniel 1:14, ten days may represent a short or limited amount of time for testing. However, as the Introduction explains, it would be appropriate to translate this as a literal period of time rather than offering an interpretation of the phrase such as “for a short time of testing.”

the crown of life

Quote: τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking he will literally give these believers life as a crown to wear. He is using the word crown to mean “reward.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everlasting life as your reward”

Revelation 2:11

Let the one having an ear hear … The one conquering

Quote: ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω & ὁ νικῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

See how you translated these phrases in 2:7.

The one conquering will certainly not be hurt by the second death

Quote: ὁ νικῶν οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The second death will certainly not hurt anyone who conquers”

certainly not

Quote: οὐ μὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, John frequently uses a double negative for emphasis that the ULT translates with the expression “certainly not,” as in this case. The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here and in the other instances of this double negative throughout the book.

the second death

Quote: τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “death number two” or “the next death”

will certainly not be hurt by the second death

Quote: οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if people who had died would die a second time. By the second death, he means separation from God. That is spiritual death, just as physical death involves the separation of the human soul and spirit from the human body. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will certainly not experience separation from God after he dies physically”

Revelation 2:12

the sharp, double-edged sword

Quote: τὴν ῥομφαίαν τὴν δίστομον τὴν ὀξεῖαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

See how you translated this phrase in 1:16.

Revelation 2:13

where the throne of Satan {is

Quote: ὅπου ὁ θρόνος τοῦ Σατανᾶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if Satan literally had a throne in the city of Pergamum. He means that Satan has great influence in that city. (This could be a reference to a giant altar to the god Zeus that existed in Pergamum at this time.) Alternate translation: “in a city where Satan has great influence”

you hold my name

Quote: κρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “you hold on to me”

you hold my name

Quote: κρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Pergamum were literally holding on to him. He means that they are continuing to trust him despite the suffering they are experiencing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you continue to trust me”

you did not deny my faith

Quote: οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὴν πίστιν μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb deny. Alternate translation: “you continued to believe in me”

my faith

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

In this possessive form, Jesus is the object rather than the subject of faith. That is, this does not mean faith that Jesus has, it means the faith that these believers have in Jesus. Alternate translation: “your faith in me”

in the days of Antipas

Quote: ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Ἀντιπᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Jesus is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “during the time of Antipas”

of Antipas

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

The word Antipas is the name of a man.

my faithful one

Quote: ὁ πιστός μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Jesus is using the adjective faithful as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “who was faithful to me”

who was killed

Quote: ὃς ἀπεκτάνθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

you

Quote: ὑμῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word you is plural in this instance. Jesus is speaking more directly to the believers in Pergamum because of the suffering they all experienced when Antipas was killed. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural forms of “you” and if you have been using the singular forms of “you” and “your” in these letters, you may consider using the plural form of “you” here if that would be natural in your language.

where Satan lives

Quote: ὅπου ὁ Σατανᾶς κατοικεῖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if Satan literally lived in Pergamum. He means that Satan has great influence in that city. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “where Satan has such great influence”

Revelation 2:14

I have a few things against you

Quote: ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὀλίγα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the similar phrase in 2:4.

ones holding the teaching of Balaam

Quote: κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Pergamum were literally holding the teaching of Balaam. He means that they are doing what this teaching instructs them to do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people who are obeying the teaching of Balaam”

ones holding the teaching of Balaam

Quote: κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Jesus is referring to teaching that condones practicing sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols by association with the way that Balaam advised Balak to get the Israelites to do those things. (See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people who teach the same things that Balaam did”

of Balaam, … Balak

Quote: Βαλαάμ & τῷ Βαλὰκ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Balaam and Balak are the names of men. Their story is told in Numbers 22:1-24:45. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could identify them further in your translation. Alternate translation: “of the ancient prophet Balaam … Balak, the king of Moab,”

to throw a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat idol-offerings and to be sexually immoral

Quote: βαλεῖν σκάνδαλον ἐνώπιον τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ, φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα καὶ πορνεῦσαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if Balak had literally thrown a stumbling block, something that would make people trip and fall, in front of the Israelites. He means that Balaak tempted them and got them to sin. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how to tempt the sons of Israel into sinning by eating food sacrificed to idols and being sexually immoral”

the sons of Israel

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

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

idol-offerings

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

The word translated idol-food describes food that was offered to idols. People then often ate this food as a way of worshiping the idols. Alternate translation: “food sacrificed to idols”

Revelation 2:15

ones holding the teaching

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

See how you translated the similar phrase in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “people who are obeying the teaching”

of the Nicolaitans

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

See how you translated the word Nicolaitans in 2:6.

Revelation 2:16

But if not

Quote: εἰ δὲ μή (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “But if you do not repent”

them

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

The pronoun them refers to the “ones holding the teaching of the Nicolaitans,” whom Jesus describes in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “these people who obey the teachings of the Nicolaitans”

wage war against them with the sword of my mouth

Quote: πολεμήσω μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ στόματός μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if he will literally wage war against the disobedient believers in Pergamum with the sword in his mouth. He likely means that he will announce a punishment against them that will become effective as soon as he speaks it. You could say that in your translation. The UST models one way to do that. However, since the symbol of the sword comes from the opening vision in the book, and since Jesus uses it to identify himself at the beginning of this letter, and since the symbol also appears in one of the last visions in the book, in 19:15-21, you may wish to retain the symbol in your translation rather than state the meaning plainly here.

Revelation 2:17

of the hidden manna

Quote: τοῦ μάννα τοῦ κεκρυμμένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word hidden manna, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “some manna that I have hidden”

a new name written

Quote: ὄνομα καινὸν γεγραμμένον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word written, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a new name that I have written”

no one knows except the one receiving it

Quote: οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, εἰ μὴ ὁ λαμβάνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions

If it would appear in your language that Jesus is contradicting himself by saying that no one knows the new name but then saying that the one receiving it knows this name, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “only the person receiving it knows”

Revelation 2:18

The Son of God

Quote: ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

Son is an important title that describes the relationship between Jesus and God. Be sure to retain this title in your translation.

the one having his eyes like a flame of fire and his feet like bronze

Quote: ὁ ἔχων τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ ὡς φλόγα πυρός, καὶ οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

See how you translated these phrases in 1:14 and 1:15.

Revelation 2:19

love and faith and service and your endurance

Quote: τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language would not use an abstract nouns for the ideas of love, faith, service, and endurance, you could could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “how you have loved and trusted and served me and how you have endured”

your last works {are} greater than the first

Quote: τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “your last works are greater than the first works you did”

Revelation 2:20

Jezebel

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

The word Jezebel is the name of a woman. It is not clear whether this is the actual name of this woman or whether Jesus is calling her by this name because she is like the wicked Queen Jezebel whose story is told in the Old Testament. The UST models one way of indicating that this may be an allusion to the Old Testament rather than the actual name of this woman.

she teaches and deceives

Quote: διδάσκει καὶ πλανᾷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word deceives tells what the result is of what Jezebel teaches. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “she deceptively teaches”

Revelation 2:22

I will throw her onto a bed

Quote: βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Jesus is referring to punishing Jezebel with sickness by association with the bed that she would have to lie on because she was sick. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will punish her by making her gravely ill”

the ones committing adultery with her into great tribulation

Quote: τοὺς μοιχεύοντας μετ’ αὐτῆς εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I will throw the ones committing adultery with her into great tribulation”

the ones committing adultery with her into great tribulation

Quote: τοὺς μοιχεύοντας μετ’ αὐτῆς εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Jesus does not mean that he will literally throw the disobedient believers in Thyatira into tribulation. That is, he will not pick them up and heave them through the air. Alternate translation: “I will cause the ones committing adultery with her to experience great tribulation”

Revelation 2:23

her children

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

The word children could mean: (1) literal children of Jezebel and the men who, as verse 22 describes, have been “committing adultery” with her. Alternate translation: “the children she has had with her adulterous lovers” (2) the disciples of Jezebel. (However, since Jesus says in the previous verse that he will cause these disciples to experience tribulation if they do not repent, it appears that Jesus is giving them the opportunity to repent, so it seems unlikely that he would immediately pronounce a death sentence against them here.} Alternate translation: “her disciples”

I am the one searching kidneys and hearts

Quote: ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἐραυνῶν νεφροὺς καὶ καρδίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, kidneys represent people’s thoughts and hearts represent their emotions. Alternate translation: “I am able to determine exactly what each person is thinking and feeling”

of you … your

Quote: ὑμῖν & ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word you is plural in these instances. Jesus is speaking more directly to the believers in Thyatira in order to warn them that he is going to judge them imminently. You may consider using the plural form of “you” here if that would be natural in your language.

Revelation 2:24

to you, … you

Quote: ὑμῖν & ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word you is plural in these instances. Jesus is speaking more directly to the faithful believers in Thyatira in order to encourage them. You may consider using the plural form of “you” here if that would be natural in your language.

the deep things of Satan, as they call them

Quote: τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ, ὡς λέγουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The people Jesus is quoting have been using the adjective deep as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. The adjective is plural, and the ULT adds the word things to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the things pertaining to Satan that they call deep”

as they call them

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

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. Jesus is using this indefinite construction to focus on what is being said rather than on who is saying it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “as the people who do hold this teaching call them”

I do not put another burden on you

Quote: οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that I do not put another burden on you”

I do not put another burden on you

Quote: οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a positive statement. Alternate translation: "I put only this one burden on you"

I do not put another burden on you

Quote: οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if he might literally put a burden on the believers in Thyatira. He is referring to something he might require of them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I do not require anything else of you”

another burden

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

By another burden, Jesus means implicitly no burden other than the one he is about to mention. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “any burden on you other than the following:”

Revelation 2:25

only hold what you have until I come

Quote: πλὴν ὃ ἔχετε, κρατήσατε ἄχρι οὗ ἂν ἥξω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If you translated the beginning of this quotation in the previous verse as an indirect quotation so that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can also translate the end of the quotation here as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “except to hold on to what you have until I come”

hold what you have

Quote: ὃ ἔχετε, κρατήσατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

By what you have, Jesus means implicitly the good things that the faithful believers in Thyatira have been doing. (See the discussion of the phrase “you have” in the General Notes to this chapter.) Alternate translation: “continue to do the good things that you are doing”

hold what you have

Quote: ὃ ἔχετε, κρατήσατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if he wants the believers in Pergamum literally to hold on to the good things that they have been doing. He means that he wants the believers to continue doing these things. Alternate translation: “continue to do the good things that you have been doing”

hold … you have

Quote: ἔχετε, κρατήσατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Jesus is continuing to use the plural form of you as he speaks to the faithful believers in Thyatira in order to encourage them. You may consider using the plural form of “you” here if that would be natural in your language.

Revelation 2:26

the one conquering and the one keeping

Quote: ὁ νικῶν καὶ ὁ τηρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here Jesus is expressing a single idea by using two phrases connected with and. The phrase the one keeping tells how the one conquering is able to conquer. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “the one conquering by keeping”

the one conquering and the one keeping

Quote: ὁ νικῶν καὶ ὁ τηρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Jesus is not referring to a specific person who is conquering in this way. He means any person who conquers in this way. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anyone conquering by keeping”

the one keeping my works

Quote: ὁ τηρῶν & τὰ ἔργα μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation of the word “keep.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this expression plainly. Alternate translation: “the one obediently doing what I command”

the one keeping my works

Quote: ὁ τηρῶν & τὰ ἔργα μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

The possessive form my works describes not what Jesus does but what Jesus commands believers to do. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one doing the works that I command”

Revelation 2:27

And he will rule them with an iron sceptre, as clay jars are shattered

Quote: καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This verse is a quotation of Psalm 2:9. You may wish to indicate this in your translation by putting the words of this verse within quotation marks or by using some other punctuation or convention that your language uses to indicate a quotation.

he will rule them

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

The pronoun he refers to “the one conquering” and the pronoun them refers “the nations” in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the one conquering will rule the nations”

with an iron sceptre

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

Jesus is speaking as if the one conquering will literally use an iron scepter to rule the nations. He means that he will rule with great strength, by association with the way that iron is very strong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. However, since Jesus is quoting this image from Psalm 2, and since the image recurs in 12:5 and 19:15, you may wish to retain the image in your translation. Alternate translation: “with great strength”

as clay jars are shattered

Quote: ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the one conquering will defeat his enemies as easily as clay jars are shattered. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “defeating his enemies as easily as clay jars are shattered”

as clay jars are shattered

Quote: ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 2:28

as I also have received

Quote: ὡς κἀγὼ εἴληφα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “as I also have received authority”

my Father

Quote: τοῦ πατρός μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

Father is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation.

the morning star

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

Jesus is speaking as if he will literally give the faithful believers in Thyatira the morning star. This could mean: (1) confident hope about the future, just as the appearance of the morning star (that is, the planet Venus) shows that a new day is about to begin. (2) a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus, who says in 22:16, “I am … the bright morning star.” You could say either of these things in your translation. The UST models one way to express the first possibility. However, since this image recurs later in the book, you may wish to retain it here by translating the phrase the morning star directly.

Revelation 3

Revelation 3 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

• The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)

• The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)

• The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)

You may wish to set each letter apart so that your readers can easily see that these are separate letters. You could, for example, put a blank line between these letters in your translation.

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

Special Concepts in this Chapter

“The angel of the church”

See the discussion of this concept in the General Notes to chapter 2.

Translation issues in this chapter

See the discussion in the General Notes to chapter 2 of the translation issues in the letters to the seven churches.

Revelation 3:1

you have a name that you are alive

Quote: ὄνομα ἔχεις ὅτι ζῇς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents the reputation of a person or group. Alternate translation: “you have a reputation for being alive”

that you are alive, but you are dead

Quote: ὅτι ζῇς, καὶ νεκρὸς εἶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

When Jesus says that the believers in Sardis have a reputation for being alive, he does not mean literally alive, but spiritually vibrant, that is, obeying and honoring God and experiencing God’s presence and power. Similarly, when Jesus speaks as if the believers in Sardis were literally dead, he means that they are not spiritually vibrant. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for being spiritually vibrant, but actually you are not”

Revelation 3:2

Becoming waking

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

Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Pergamum were asleep and needed to wake up. He means that they are complacent and need to become concerned about their spiritual state. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Become concerned about your spiritual state”

strengthen the remainder that is about to die

Quote: στήρισον τὰ λοιπὰ, ἃ ἔμελλον ἀποθανεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

When Jesus says that there are some remaining things in Sardis that are about to die, as in the previous verse, he is speaking of the absence of spiritual vibrancy as if it were literally death. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “strengthen the few things about you that are still spiritually vibrant”

for I have not found your works completed

Quote: οὐ γὰρ εὕρηκά σου τὰ ἔργα, πεπληρωμένα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

before my God

Quote: ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the expression before my God means “in front of my God,” that is, “where my God can see them.” Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. Alternate translation: “from my God’s perspective”

Revelation 3:3

how you have received and heard

Quote: πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word heard tells by what means the believers in Sardis learned the things about Jesus that they received (that is, believed). If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “how you received the things that you heard”

how you have received and heard

Quote: πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Jesus means implicitly the things that the believers in Sardis heard and received (believed) about him. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “how you believed the teaching about me when you heard it”

be keeping and repent

Quote: τήρει καὶ μετανόησον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

The believers in Sardis first need to repent before they can be keeping (that is, obeying) the things that they received when they first heard about Jesus, so it might be more natural to put the word “repent” before the word “keeping.” Alternate translation: “repent and be obedient”

if you should not be awake

Quote: ἐὰν & μὴ γρηγορήσῃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

As in the previous verse, Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Pergamum were asleep and needed to wake up. Once again he means that they are complacent and need to become concerned about their spiritual state. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if you do not become concerned about your spiritual state”

I will come like a thief

Quote: ἥξω ὡς κλέπτης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that just as a thief comes unexpectedly, so Jesus will come unexpectedly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “I will come unexpectedly like a thief”

Revelation 3:4

But you have

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

See the discussion of the phrase “you have” in the General Notes to chapter 2. Alternate translation: “But this is to your credit, that there are”

names

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

Here, names represent people by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “people”

have not stained their clothes

Quote: οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb stained. Alternate translation: “have kept their clothes clean”

have not stained their clothes

Quote: οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if the disobedient believers in Sardis had literally stained their clothes while the obedient ones had not. He means that the obedient believers have not compromised their character by sinning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. However, since Jesus continues the clothing image in the next phrase, you may wish to retain it here by translating the phrase stained their clothes directly Alternate translation: “have not compromised their character by sinning”

they will walk with me

Quote: περιπατήσουσιν μετ’ ἐμοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

In this context, the word walk refers to how people live and behave. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will live in relationship with me”

in white

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

Jesus is using the adjective white as a noun to mean a certain kind of clothing. He specifies in the next verse that he means "white garments." Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “in white garments”

in white

Quote: ἐν λευκοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Jesus may mean that faithful and obedient believers actually will wear white clothing when they live with him as their everlasting reward, since this is depicted several times in the course of the book. If so, wearing this white clothing would be a symbolic action indicating the purity of their lives and their devotion to Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “in white clothing that is symbolic of their purity”

Revelation 3:5

will be clothed thus in white garments

Quote: οὕτως περιβαλεῖται ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

I will certainly not wipe out his name

Quote: οὐ μὴ ἐξαλείψω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb wipe out. Alternate translation: “I will certainly keep his name in the Book of Life”

I will confess his name

Quote: ὁμολογήσω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “I will acknowledge him” or “I will acknowledge that he belongs to me”

before my Father and before his angels

Quote: ἐνώπιον τοῦ Πατρός μου, καὶ ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of my Father and in the presence of his angels”

Father

Quote: τοῦ Πατρός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

Father is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation.

his angels

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

See how you translated angel in 1:20.

Revelation 3:6

Let the one having an ear hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches

Quote: ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω τί τὸ Πνεῦμα λέγει ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

You can translate this statement in its three occurrences in this chapter the same way you translated it in its four occurrences in chapter 2.

Revelation 3:7

The Holy One, the True One

Quote: ὁ Ἅγιος, ὁ Ἀληθινός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Jesus is using the adjectives Holy and True as nouns to describe himself as a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases, as the ULT does by adding the word One in each case.

the one having the key of David

Quote: ὁ ἔχων τὴν κλεῖν Δαυείδ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is not referring to a literal key. Rather, he is quoting from Isaiah 22:22, where God says that he will make a man named Eliakim the administrator of the royal palace in Jerusalem and give him the “key of the house of David,” symbolizing authority over the kingdom that the dynasty of David rules. As the Messiah, Jesus now has David’s royal authority. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one having royal authority as the Messiah”

the one opening and no one will shut and shutting and no one opens

Quote: ὁ ἀνοίγων καὶ οὐδεὶς κλείσει, καὶ κλείων καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀνοίγει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This is a continuation of the quotation and the image of the key from Isaiah 22:22. These two phrases say the same thing in opposite ways. God, speaking through Isaiah, was using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express, that he would give this new palace administrator authority that no one could defy. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases or express their meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who decides definitively whether to open a door or to lock it shut” or “whose authority no one can defy”

Revelation 3:8

behold, I have put before you an opened door that no one is able to shut it

Quote: ἰδοὺ, δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην, ἣν οὐδεὶς δύναται κλεῖσαι αὐτήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

In order to keep what Jesus says he knows about the believers in Philadelphia together with the phrase I know your works, you may wish to move this statement to the end of the verse and make it a separate sentence.

I have put before you an opened door

Quote: δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This opened door could symbolize: (1) an opportunity to proclaim the gospel or (2) entrance into everlasting life with Jesus. However, since the image of the door continues the image of the key from the previous verse, you may wish to retain the image by translating the phrase I have put before you an opened door directly.

I have put before you an opened door

Quote: δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have opened a door before you”

I have put before you an opened door

Quote: δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the word before means “in front of.” The implication is that the believers in Philadelphia can go through this door, since it is open right in front of them. Alternate translation: “I have opened a door in front of you that you can go through”

that no one is able to shut it

Quote: ἣν οὐδεὶς δύναται κλεῖσαι αὐτήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “that no one is able to shut”

you have kept my word

Quote: ἐτήρησάς μου τὸν λόγον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Jesus is using the term word to mean the commandments he has given by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have obeyed my commandments”

you have not denied my name

Quote: οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὸ ὄνομά μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “you have not denied me”

you have not denied my name

Quote: οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὸ ὄνομά μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb denied. Alternate translation: “you have acknowledged me” or “you have acknowledged that you believe in me”

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will give {those} of the synagogue of Satan, the ones saying themselves to be Jews, but they are not, rather, they are lying, behold, I will make them so that they will come

Quote: ἰδοὺ, διδῶ ἐκ τῆς συναγωγῆς τοῦ Σατανᾶ, τῶν λεγόντων ἑαυτοὺς Ἰουδαίους εἶναι, καὶ οὐκ εἰσὶν, ἀλλὰ ψεύδονται; ἰδοὺ, ποιήσω αὐτοὺς, ἵνα ἥξουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that this sentence contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it by saying behold just once and by saying only I will make and not also I will give. Alternate translation: “Behold, those of the synagogue of Satan, the ones saying themselves to be Jews, but they are not, rather, they are lying, I will make them so that they will come”

those} of the synagogue of Satan

Quote: ἐκ τῆς συναγωγῆς τοῦ Σατανᾶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated the expression synagogue of Satan in 2:9. Alternate translation: “those whose gatherings really serve Satan’s purposes rather than God’s”

but they are not, rather, they are lying

Quote: καὶ οὐκ εἰσὶν, ἀλλὰ ψεύδονται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated the similar expression in 2:9. Alternate translation: “but who are not acting in the way that Jews should”

bow down before your feet

Quote: προσκυνήσουσιν ἐνώπιον τῶν ποδῶν σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The enemies of the believers in Philadelphia would come and bown down at their feet as a symbolic action to show that they honored and respected these believers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “to bow down before your feet as a gesture of honor and respect”

before your feet

Quote: ἐνώπιον τῶν ποδῶν σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Jesus is using one part of the believers in Philadelpha, their feet, to mean their entire beings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you” or “in front of you”

I have loved you

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

For emphasis, Jesus is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb have loved. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of expressing this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I have certainly loved you”

Revelation 3:10

you have kept my word of endurance

Quote: ἐτήρησας τὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Jesus is using the term word to a command he has given by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have kept my command of endurance”

you have kept my word of endurance

Quote: ἐτήρησας τὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Jesus is using this possessive form to describe a word or statement that commands endurance, not a statement characterized by endurance (that is, one that endures). Alternate translation: “you have obeyed my command to endure”

my word of endurance

Quote: τὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of steadfastness, you could express it with the verb “to endure.” See how you translated this word in 1:9 and in 2:2. Alternate translation: “my admonition to suffer patiently”

you have kept … I will also keep you

Quote: ἐτήρησας & κἀγώ σε τηρήσω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation of the various ways in which the word keep is used in this book. Alternate translation: “you have obeyed … I also will protect you”

the hour of testing

Quote: τῆς ὥρας τοῦ πειρασμοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Jesus is using the term hour to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time of testing”

the ones living on the earth

Quote: τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation of how to translate this phrase. Alternate translation: “worldly people”

Revelation 3:11

I am coming quickly

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

The implication is that Jesus is coming quickly to judge people for whether or not they have remained faithful to him. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am coming quickly to judge”

Hold what you have

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

Alternate translation: “Continue doing the things that are to your credit”

so that no one may take your crown

Quote: ἵνα μηδεὶς λάβῃ τὸν στέφανόν σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the verb that is negative in this context, take. Alternate translation: “so that you will indeed have your crown”

crown

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

See how you translated crown in 2:10. Alternate translation: “your reward”

Revelation 3:12

I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God

Quote: ποιήσω αὐτὸν στῦλον ἐν τῷ ναῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if he would literally make a faithful and victorious believer a pillar in God’s temple. This likely symbolizes that the believer will always be in God’s temple, just as a pillar is a permanent fixture. (Indeed, Jesus says specifically that this believer will not leave the temple anymore.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will have him remain always in the temple of my God”

Jerusalem

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

The word Jerusalem is the name of a city.

Revelation 3:14

The Amen

Quote: ὁ Ἀμήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate

See how you translated the word Amen in 1:5, and see the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation of how to translate this word.

faithful and true

Quote: ὁ πιστὸς καὶ ἀληθινός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

the beginning of the creation of God

Quote: ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς κτίσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Jesus is most likely using this possessive form to describe himself as the one who began the creation of God, that is, the one through whom God created all things. Jesus is likely using this phrase to mean the same thing as he does when he describes himself as “the alpha” or “the first.” Jesus is not saying that he was the first creature God created. Jesus is not a created being, he is the eternally begotten Son of God. Alternate translation: “the one through whom God created all things”

Revelation 3:15

cold nor hot. … cold or hot

Quote: ψυχρὸς & οὔτε ζεστός & ψυχρὸς & ἢ ζεστός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Laodicea were literally water that was a certain temperature. He is using the word hot to mean diligently obedient to God and the word cold to mean stubbornly resistant to God, so he means that the Laodiceans are complacent and indifferent. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “disobedient nor obedient … disobedient or obedient”

Revelation 3:16

lukewarm and neither hot nor cold

Quote: χλιαρὸς & καὶ οὔτε ψυχρός, οὔτε ζεστὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

In this verse, Jesus continues to develop the image of water temperature that he introduced in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “complacent and neither obedient nor disobedient”

I am about to spew you out of my mouth

Quote: μέλλω σε ἐμέσαι ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

In the context of this image, when Jesus that says he will spew or spit the Laodiceans out of his mouth, he means that he will reject them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “I am about to reject you as I would spit out lukewarm water”

Revelation 3:17

For you say, ‘I am rich and have become wealthy and have no need

Quote: ὅτι λέγεις, ὅτι πλούσιός εἰμι, καὶ πεπλούτηκα, καὶ οὐδὲν χρείαν ἔχω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “For you say that you are rich and have become wealthy and have no need”

the miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked one

Quote: ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Jesus is using the adjectives miserable, pitiable, poor, blind and naked as nouns to describe a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. Other languages may have other ways of showing this meaning, such as the ULT does by adding the word one. Alternate translation: “a person who is miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked”

the miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked one

Quote: ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if the Laodiceans were literally miserable, pitiable, poor, blind and naked. He means that this is what they are like spiritually. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “spiritually very needy and unhealthy”

the miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked one

Quote: ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words miserable, pitiable, and poor mean similar things. Jesus is using these terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “extremely poor as well as blind and naked”

Revelation 3:18

to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you might become rich

Quote: ἀγοράσαι παρ’ ἐμοῦ χρυσίον πεπυρωμένον ἐκ πυρὸς, ἵνα πλουτήσῃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if he wants the believers in Laodicea literally to buy gold from him. He is using gold to symbolize spiritual riches, meaning things such as a profound knowledge of God and a life transformed into the image of Christ. When Jesus says that this gold is refined by fire, he means that it is pure gold, that is, genuine wealth; by contrast, the riches that the Laodiceans have are not true riches. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to seek genuine spiritual riches from me so that you will be truly wealthy”

gold refined by fire

Quote: χρυσίον πεπυρωμένον ἐκ πυρὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

white garments so that you might clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness might not be shown

Quote: ἱμάτια λευκὰ, ἵνα περιβάλῃ, καὶ μὴ φανερωθῇ ἡ αἰσχύνη τῆς γυμνότητός σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if he wants the believers in Pergamum literally to buy white garments from him. As in 3:4, white clothing symbolizes purity of life and devotion to Jesus. Accordingly, nakedness symbolizes a sinful life and indifference towards Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to seek my help in being devoted to me so that you will live a pure life and not be shamefully disobedient”

might not be shown

Quote: μὴ φανερωθῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

salve to anoint your eyes so that you might see

Quote: κολλούριον ἐγχρῖσαι τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς σου, ἵνα βλέπῃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if he wants the believers in Pergamum literally to buy salve from him to anoint their eyes. He said in the previous verse that they were “blind,” and this likely symbolized their lack of spiritual discernment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to seek my help in becoming spiritually discerning”

Revelation 3:19

I, as many as I love, rebuke and discipline

Quote: ἐγὼ ὅσους ἐὰν φιλῶ, ἐλέγχω καὶ παιδεύω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

For emphasis, Jesus is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verbs rebuke and discipline. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of expressing this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I certainly rebuke and discipline as many as I love”

rebuke and discipline

Quote: ἐλέγχω καὶ παιδεύω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms rebuke and discipline mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “diligently correct”

be zealous and repent

Quote: ζήλευε & καὶ μετανόησον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The verb be zealous tells how Jesus wants the Laodiceans to repent. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “repent zealously”

Revelation 3:20

I stand at the door and knock. If anyone should hear my voice and open the door, I will indeed enter to him and will eat with him, and he with me

Quote: ἕστηκα ἐπὶ τὴν θύραν καὶ κρούω; ἐάν τις ἀκούσῃ τῆς φωνῆς μου καὶ ἀνοίξῃ τὴν θύραν, καὶ εἰσελεύσομαι πρὸς αὐτὸν, καὶ δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὐτὸς μετ’ ἐμοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if he were literally standing outside a door and seeking entrance to a house. He means that he is seeking to have personal fellowship with each of the Laodiceans to whom he is writing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am seeking personal fellowship with each one of you. If anyone recognizes this and wants to have fellowship with me as well, I will certainly enter into a relationship with him of the most intimate kind”

knock

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

To knock at a door means to hit it a few times to let a person inside the house know you are standing outside. You could translate this expression with the way people in your culture show that they have arrived at a house, such as “call out” or “cough” or “clap.”

my voice

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

The word voice could mean: (1) by implication, that in addition to knocking on the door, Jesus is also calling out to the person inside the house. Alternate translation: “me calling as I knock” (2) the sound of the knocking. Alternate translation: “the sound of me knocking”

will eat with him, and he with me

Quote: δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὐτὸς μετ’ ἐμοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I will eat with him and he will eat with me”

will eat with him, and he with me

Quote: δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὐτὸς μετ’ ἐμοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Since people share table fellowship with others in their homes only if they have a close relationship, Jesus is using eating together to symbolize that he will become a good friend of the person who welcomes him. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I will eat with him and he will eat with me, as good friends do”

Revelation 3:21

to sit with me on my throne

Quote: καθίσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐν τῷ θρόνῳ μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if a victorious believer would literally sit with him on his throne. He means that the believer will share his ruling authority. He means the same thing when he says that he has sat with his Father on his throne. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will share my ruling authority with him, as I also … have come to share my Father’s ruling authority”

Father

Quote: τοῦ Πατρός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

Father is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation.

Revelation 3:22

Let the one having an ear hear

Quote: ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

See how you translated this phrase in 2:7.

Let the one having an ear hear

Quote: ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

See how you translated this phrase in 2:7.

the Spirit

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

Here, the Spirit most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in 1:10. In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter 2 and for chapter 3 to read this same explanatory note.

Revelation 4

Revelation 4 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

At this point in the book of Revelation, John has finished describing the letters to the churches. In this chapter he begins to describe a vision of heaven that God showed him.

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

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Jasper, carnelian, and emerald

These words refer to special stones that the people in John’s culture valued for their beauty. If the people in your culture do not consider stones to be valuable, in your translation you can emphasize that it was the beauty of the stones that made such an impression on John.

Twenty-four elders

John does not explain who or what he means by “elders” when he describes seeing them in the vision he relates in this chapter. These 24 elders may be symbolic of the whole people of God through the ages. There were 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament Israel and 12 apostles of Jesus in the New Testament church. In chapter 21, John describes seeing the names of the 12 tribes of Israel on the gates of the New Jerusalem and the names of the 12 apostles on the foundations of that city. However, it is not necessary to offer an explanation in your translation of who these elders might be. If your language has a word for a distinguished older person who is a leader in the society, it would be appropriate to use it without any further explanation.

Giving glory to God

God’s glory is the great beauty and radiant majesty that God has because he is God. Other Bible writers describe it as if it were a light so bright that no one can look at it. No one can give God this kind of glory, because it is already his. When people give glory to God or when God receives glory, people say that God has the glory that is his, that it is right for God to have that glory, and that people should worship God because he has that glory. In your translation, be sure that it is clear that when people “give glory” to God, they are not giving God something that he does not already have. Instead, people are acknowledging that God is already glorious. (See: glory, glorious, glorify and INVALID bible/kt/worthy and prostrate, bow down, worship)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Difficult images

Such things as bolts of lightning coming from the throne, lamps that are spirits, and a sea in front of the throne may be difficult to imagine. However, John is describing what he actually saw and heard in his visions, so you can translate his descriptions directly. See the discussion of this in the General Introduction to Revelation. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Revelation 4:1

a door opened in heaven and the first voice

Quote: θύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἡ φωνὴ ἡ πρώτη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I saw a door opened in heaven and I heard the first voice”

a door opened in heaven

Quote: θύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

a door opened in heaven

Quote: θύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if there were literally a door leading into heaven through which he could see. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I could see through an opening into heaven”

like a trumpet

Quote: ὡς σάλπιγγος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is not that the sound of the voice was like the sound of a trumpet but that the voice was loud like a trumpet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “that had been loud like the sound of a trumpet”

Revelation 4:2

I was in the Spirit

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

See how you translated this expression in 1:10. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit influenced me”

on the throne one sitting

Quote: ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον καθήμενος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “on the throne there was one sitting” or “someone was sitting on the throne”

Revelation 4:3

was} like in appearance to a jasper stone and to a carnelian, … like in appearance to an emerald

Quote: ὅμοιος ὁράσει λίθῳ, ἰάσπιδι καὶ σαρδίῳ & ὅμοιος ὁράσει σμαραγδίνῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The point of these comparisons is that the one sitting on the throne and the rainbow were dazzling in their appearance, like the gemstones John describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “was dazzling in appearance, like a jasper stone and a carnelian … dazzling in appearance like an emerald”

to a jasper stone and to a carnelian, … to an emerald

Quote: λίθῳ, ἰάσπιδι καὶ σαρδίῳ & σμαραγδίνῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The terms jasper, carnelian, and emerald describe gemstones. Jasper is often red, carnelian is often orange, and emerald is usually brilliant green. If your readers would not be familiar with these precious stones, in your translation you could use the name of comparable gems that they would recognize, or you could use general expressions. Alternate translation: “to a red or orange gemstone … to a brilliant green gemstone”

Revelation 4:4

dressed in white garments

Quote: περιβεβλημένους ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 4:5

sounds and thunders

Quote: φωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί (1)

The word translated sounds could mean: (1) noises, in which case sounds and thunders might be a phrase that expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word thunders would tell what kind of noises these are. Alternate translation: “rumblings of thunder” (2) voices. Alternate translation: “voices and thunders”

lamps of fire

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

This possessive form does not mean that the lamps were made of fire but that they burned with fire. Alternate translation: “flaming lamps”

the seven spirits

Quote: τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

See how you translated this expression in 1:4.

Revelation 4:6

was} as a glass sea, like crystal

Quote: ὡς θάλασσα ὑαλίνη, ὁμοία κρυστάλλῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The point of these comparisons could be that the sea was (1) clear or (2) sparkling, like glass and crystal. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “was a sea that was as clear as glass or crystal” or “was a sea that was sparkling like glass or crystal”

before and behind

Quote: ἔμπροσθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

John is using two sides of the body, the front and the back (what is before and behind a being), to mean the whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “over their whole bodies”

Revelation 4:8

around and underneath

Quote: κυκλόθεν καὶ ἔσωθεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

John is using two sides of the body, the top and the bottom (what is around and underneath a being), to mean the whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “over their whole bodies”

do not have … night and day, saying

Quote: οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς λέγοντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the verb rest, which in this context means to “stop.” Alternate translation: “saying continuously night and day”

night and day

Quote: ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The living creatures are using the two main components of time, night and day, to mean all the time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “at any time”

Revelation 4:9

will give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting

Quote: δώσουσιν & δόξαν, καὶ τιμὴν, καὶ εὐχαριστίαν, τῷ καθημένῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of glory, honor, and thanks, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “glorify and honor and thank the one sitting”

to the ages of the ages

Quote: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the same expression in 1:18.

Revelation 4:10

will fall

Quote: πεσοῦνται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the elders do not fall down accidentally. They bow down in front of the throne as a gesture to honor God. Alternate translation: “will bow down respectfully”

they will lay their crowns before the throne

Quote: βαλοῦσιν τοὺς στεφάνους αὐτῶν ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The elders respectfully place their crowns on the ground to show that they are submitting to God’s authority over them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “they will lay their crowns on the ground in front of God's throne to show that they are submitting to him”

Revelation 4:11

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power

Quote: ἄξιος εἶ, ὁ Κύριος καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, λαβεῖν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν καὶ τὴν δύναμιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the idea of glory, honor, and power, you could express the same ideas in another way. The UST models one way to do this.

you have created

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

For emphasis, the elders are stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb have created. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of expressing this emphasis. Alternate translation: “it was you who created”

they existed and were created

Quote: ἦσαν, καὶ ἐκτίσθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The expressions existed and were created mean similar things. The elders are using the two expressions together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “they came into being”

Revelation 5

Revelation 5 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter, John continues to describe a vision of heaven that God showed him.

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

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Sealed scroll

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

Twenty-four elders

The 24 elders whom John introduced in chapter 4 appear in this chapter as well. In your translation, you can use the same term for them here as you did there.

Revelation 5:1

written on the inside and on the back

Quote: γεγραμμένον ἔσωθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “with writing on the front and the back”

having been sealed with seven seals

Quote: κατεσφραγισμένον σφραγῖσιν ἑπτά (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God had sealed the scroll with seven seals”

Revelation 5:2

I saw

Quote: εἶδον (1)

It may be more natural in your language to say “heard” rather than saw in this context. Alternate translation: “I heard”

to open the scroll and to break its seals

Quote: ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events

Since someone would need to break the seals in order to open the scroll, in your translation you may wish to relate these events in the order in which they would have to happen. Alternate translation: “to break the seals and open the scroll”

Revelation 5:3

in heaven or on the earth or under the earth

Quote: ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, οὐδὲ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

John is using the main components of creation—heaven, earth, and the underworld—to mean all of creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “anywhere in creation”

Revelation 5:4

I was weeping much because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to read it

Quote: ἔκλαιον πολὺ, ὅτι οὐδεὶς ἄξιος εὑρέθη ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, οὔτε βλέπειν αὐτό (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to read it, I was weeping much”

no one was found

Quote: οὐδεὶς & εὑρέθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

no one was found

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

Here the expression no one was found could simply mean “there was no one.” You could say that as an alternate translation.

Revelation 5:3

or to read it

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

The word or introduces the purpose for which someone would open the scroll. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order to read it”

Revelation 5:5

the Lion from the tribe of Judah

Quote: ὁ λέων ὁ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰούδα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This elder is alluding to the prophecy in Genesis 49:8-10 in which Jacob says that a ruler for Israel will come from the tribe of Judah and in which Jacob compares that ruler to a strong Lion. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the promised ruler from the tribe of Judah”

the Root of David

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

This elder is also alluding to the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1 that speaks of the Messiah as if he were a “shoot” from the “stump of Jesse” (the father of King David), a “branch from his roots.” In that prophecy Isaiah then refers to this “shoot” as the “root of Jesse” itself. The elder is speaking similarly here. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Descendant of David” or “the Messiah descended from David”

has conquered to open

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

The words has conquered introduce the reason for the result that the words to open describe. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “has conquered so as to be worthy to open”

Revelation 5:6

as having been

Quote: ὡς ἐσφαγμένον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The meaning is that the Lamb, although he was alive, had marks or cuts that indicated that at one point others had killed him with violence. Alternate translation: “who had marks that showed that others had once killed him violently”

of God sent

Quote: τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀπεσταλμένοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 5:7

he came

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

The pronoun he refers to the Lamb, not to the elder who was speaking with John. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the Lamb came”

Revelation 5:8

fell before

Quote: ἔπεσαν ἐνώπιον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the living creatures and elders did not fall down accidentally. They bowed down in front of the Lamb as a gesture to honor him. Alternate translation: “bowed down respectfully to”

each one having

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

It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. This could mean: (1) that each of the elders had a harp and golden bowls of incense. Alternate translation: “Each of the elders had” (2) that each of the living creatures and elders had a harp and golden bowls of incense. Alternate translation: “Each of the living creatures and elders had”

which are the prayers of the saints

Quote: αἵ εἰσιν αἱ προσευχαὶ τῶν ἁγίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

When John says that these golden bowls are the prayers of the saints, he likely means by association that the incense in the bowls represents the prayers, since prayers ascend to God in heaven similarly to the way that incense rises through the air and pleasantly attracts attention. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this by using a singular verb that would refer to the incense rather than a plural verb that would refer to the bowls. Alternate translation: “which is the prayers of the saints”

of the saints

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

As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, John often uses the term saints to describe people who believe in Jesus and obey him faithfully. John uses the term by association with the way these people are set apart as holy for God. Your language may have a term or expression of its own that would convey this meaning that you could use throughout the book. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “of the disciples of Jesus” or “of believers in Jesus”

Revelation 5:9

you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought {people} for God

Quote: ἐσφάγης, καὶ ἠγόρασας τῷ Θεῷ ἐν τῷ αἵματί σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you allowed people to slaughter you so that with your blood you could buy people for God”

with your blood

Quote: ἐν τῷ αἵματί σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) the actual blood that Jesus offered as a sacrifice for sin. In that case, you could use the word for “blood” in your language with literal meaning and say “with your blood” as the ULT does. (2) the sacrificial death of Jesus, by association with the blood that Jesus shed when he died. Alternate translation: “through your sacrificial death”

you bought {people

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

The living creatures and elders are speaking as if the Lamb literally bought people for God. They mean that through his sacrificial death, the Lamb saved them by setting them free from the guilt and power of sin. Your language may have a term that you can use in your translation that describes someone paying a price or making a sacrifice to set someone else free. Alternate translation: “you redeemed people”

from every tribe and language and people and nation

Quote: ἐκ πάσης φυλῆς, καὶ γλώσσης, καὶ λαοῦ, καὶ ἔθνους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms tribe, language, people, and nation mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “from every different people group”

Revelation 5:10

a kingdom and priests

Quote: βασιλείαν καὶ ἱερεῖς (1)

See how you translated the similar phrase in 1:6.

on the earth

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

John is using the term earth to mean by association the people who live on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “over the people of the earth”

Revelation 5:11

myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands

Quote: μυριάδες μυριάδων καὶ χιλιάδες χιλιάδων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Since myriads are larger than thousands and John wants to convey what a great number of angels he saw and heard, it might be more natural to put the smaller number first and build up to the larger number. Alternate translation: “thousands of thousands and myriads of myriads”

myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands

Quote: μυριάδες μυριάδων καὶ χιλιάδες χιλιάδων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John may be using these multiples of large numbers to indicate implicitly that the number of angels was too great to count. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “too great to count”

myriads of myriads

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

A myriad is a hundred hundred or ten thousand. Your language may have its own term for this number. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “tens of thousands of tens of thousands” or "hundreds of millions"

Revelation 5:12

having been slaughtered

Quote: τὸ ἐσφαγμένον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who allowed others to slaughter him”

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing

Quote: λαβεῖν τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ πλοῦτον, καὶ σοφίαν, καὶ ἰσχὺν, καὶ τιμὴν, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ εὐλογίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise**, you could express the same ideas in other ways. See how you translated the similar expression in 4:11.

Revelation 5:13

every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea and everything in them

Quote: πᾶν κτίσμα ὃ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης, καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτοῖς πάντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

The phrase everything in them means basically the same thing as the phrase every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first phrase by repeating the same idea with different words. John is describing his vision in a way reminiscent of Hebrew poetry, which was based on this kind of repetition. It would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if the repetition might be confusing, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, yes, everything in them”

in heaven and on earth and under the earth

Quote: ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

John is using the main components of creation—heaven, earth, the underworld, and the sea—to mean all of creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. See how you translated the similar expression in 5:3. Alternate translation: “everywhere in creation”

To the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb {be} praise and honor and glory and power

Quote: τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ ἡ εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ τὸ κράτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the idea of praise, honor, glory, and power, you could express the same ideas in another way. See how you translated the similar expressions in 4:11 and 5:12.

to the ages of the ages

Quote: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the same expression in 1:18. Alternate translation: “forever”

Revelation 5:14

the elders fell down and worshiped

Quote: οἱ πρεσβύτεροι ἔπεσαν καὶ προσεκύνησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some ancient manuscripts read the elders fell down and worshiped. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “the one who lives to the ages of the ages.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

Amen

Quote: ἀμήν! (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

See how you translated Amen in 1:6.

fell down

Quote: ἔπεσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Alternate translation: “bowed down respectfully”

Revelation 6

Revelation 6 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter describes what John saw happen when the Lamb opened each of the first six seals on the scroll that God gave him. (The Lamb does not open the seventh seal until chapter 8.)

• The first seal (6:1–2)
• The second seal (6:3–4)
• The third seal (6:5–6)
• The fourth seal (6:7–8)
• The fifth seal (6:9–11)
• The sixth seal (6:12–16)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Seven seals

See the discussion in the General Notes to chapter 5 of the seals that kept important documents secure in this culture.

Four horsemen

As the Lamb opens each of the first four seals, John describes seeing horsemen riding differently colored horses. The colors of the horses may symbolize how each rider will affect the earth. However, it is not necessary to suggest the meaning of these colors in your translation. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Translation issues in this chapter

Ordinal numbers

John uses the ordinal numbers “second” through “sixth” in verses 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers or equivalent expressions in your translation. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Similes

In verses 12–14, John makes several comparisons in order to describe the images he saw in his vision. He compares these images to everyday things. Notes to these verses suggest ways you might indicate the points of these comparisons in your translation. (See: Simile)

Revelation 6:1

as with a voice of thunder

Quote: ὡς φωνῇ βροντῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that just as thunder is loud, so the voice of this living creature was loud. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “in a voice that was as loud as thunder”

Revelation 6:2

a crown was given to him

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῷ στέφανος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he received a crown” or “God gave him a crown”

he went out conquering and that he might conquer

Quote: ἐξῆλθεν νικῶν, καὶ ἵνα νικήσῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

John may mean that the rider on the white horse went out “as a conquering one,” that is, with all the capacity of a conqueror. In that case, for emphasis he would be using a construction in which a subject and its verb come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “he went out as a conqueror who was going to conquer”

Revelation 6:3

he opened

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

The pronoun he refers to the Lamb. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, here and in verses 5, 7, 9, and 12. Alternate translation: “the Lamb opened”

the second seal, … the second living creature

Quote: τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν δευτέραν & τοῦ δευτέρου ζῴου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, if your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers or equivalent expressions in these instances. Alternate translation: “seal number two … living creature number two”

Revelation 6:4

to the one sitting on it, it was granted to him

Quote: τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, ἐδόθη αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God allowed the one sitting on it”

to take peace from the earth

Quote: λαβεῖν τὴν εἰρήνην ἐκ τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to keep the earth from being peaceful”

to take peace from the earth

Quote: λαβεῖν τὴν εἰρήνην ἐκ τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is using the term earth to mean by association the people who live on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to keep the people living on the earth from being peaceful”

they will slaughter

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

The pronoun they refers generally to the people living on the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “people will slaughter”

a great sword was given to him

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῷ μάχαιρα μεγάλη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave him a great sword”

Revelation 6:5

a balance

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

The word balance describes an instrument for determining the weight of an object or comparing the weight of two objects. It consists of a central post with a crossbar from which two pans are hung. An object may be placed in one pan and known weights placed in the other pan until the crossbar remains level, meaning that both pans contain an equal weight. Or one object may be placed in one pan and a different object in the other pan; the pan that hangs lower contains the heavier object. Since John is describing what he saw, it would be appropriate to use the name or a description of the ancient tool rather than use the name of a modern device for weighing things. Alternate translation: “a balancing scale” or “a weighing instrument”

Revelation 6:6

saying

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

This voice is giving instructions to the rider on the black horse. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “saying to the rider on the black horse”

A choenix of wheat for a denarius and three choenices of barley for a denarius

Quote: χοῖνιξ σίτου δηναρίου, καὶ τρεῖς χοίνικες κριθῶν δηναρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that there would be famine, so that wheat and barley, the staple crops in this culture, would become scarce and very expensive. (The balance that John describes the third rider holding in the previous verse may symbolize weighing grain for sale.) You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Create famine that will cause grain to become so scarce that a choenix of wheat will cost a denarius and three choenices of barley will cost a denarius”

A choenix of wheat … three choenices of barley

Quote: χοῖνιξ σίτου & τρεῖς χοίνικες κριθῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume

A choenix was a measure equivalent to about one liter or one quart. The plural of choenix is choenices. Alternate translation: “one liter of wheat … three liters of barley” or “one quart of wheat … three quarts of barley”

for a denarius … for a denarius

Quote: δηναρίου & δηναρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney

The denarius was a silver coin that was worth a day’s wages for a laborer. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you could use a general expression or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation, in each instance: “for one silver coin” or “for the pay for one day of work”

do not harm

Quote: μὴ ἀδικήσῃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb harm. Alternate translation: “be careful to preserve”

Revelation 6:7

I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying

Quote: ἤκουσα φωνὴν τοῦ τετάρτου ζῴου λέγοντος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

John is using one part of the fourth living creature, its voice, to mean all of it in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I heard the fourth living creature saying”

Revelation 6:8

Hades

Quote: ὁ ᾍδης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate

See how you translated the term Hades in 1:18.

authority was given to them

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἐξουσία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

one fourth of the earth

Quote: τὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

one fourth of the earth

Quote: τὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction

Here, one fourth means one part out of four equal parts. Alternate translation: “one out of every four people on the earth”

the sword

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

John is using the term sword to mean warfare by association with the way the people of his time used swords as weapons in warfare. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “warfare”

death

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

John is likely using the general term death to mean one specific cause of death, disease. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “disease”

Revelation 6:9

the altar

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

John mentions an altar here without having described it previously while relating what he saw in this vision. He seems to mean a golden altar that was in front of God’s throne, as he later describes in 8:3 and 9:13. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a golden altar that was in front of God’s throne”

of the ones having been slaughtered

Quote: τῶν ἐσφαγμένων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

because of the word of God and because of the testimony that they were having

Quote: διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ , καὶ διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν εἶχον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “because they testified to the word of God”

because of the word of God

Quote: διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is using the term word to mean the message that God communicated to believers by using words and that God wants believers to share by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because they shared the message from God”

because of the testimony that they were having

Quote: διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν εἶχον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because they testified about Jesus”

Revelation 6:10

Until when, holy and true Ruler, do you not judge and avenge our blood from the ones living on the earth

Quote: ἕως πότε ὁ Δεσπότης ὁ ἅγιος καὶ ἀληθινός, οὐ κρίνεις καὶ ἐκδικεῖς τὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν, ἐκ τῶν κατοικούντων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The souls are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Holy and true Ruler, we want you to judge and avenge our blood from the ones living on the earth without any further delay!”

do you not judge and avenge our blood from the ones living on the earth

Quote: οὐ κρίνεις καὶ ἐκδικεῖς τὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν, ἐκ τῶν κατοικούντων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Since the souls actually want God to judge the ones living on the earth and avenge their blood, it may be more natural to present the phrases in that order . Alternate translation: “do you not judge the ones living on the earth and avenge our blood from them”

avenge our blood from the ones living on the earth

Quote: ἐκδικεῖς τὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν, ἐκ τῶν κατοικούντων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The souls are using the term blood by association to mean their deaths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “punish the ones living on the earth to avenge our deaths”

the ones living on the earth

Quote: τῶν κατοικούντων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The souls are implicitly saying that they want God to judge and punish the ones living on the earth who killed them. See how you translated this expression in 3:10. Alternate translation: “the worldly people who killed us”

Revelation 6:11

a white robe was given to each of them, and it was said to them

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἑκάστῳ στολὴ λευκή, καὶ ἐρρέθη αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave each of them a white robe and told them”

should be completed both

Quote: πληρωθῶσιν καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

both their fellow servants and their brothers

Quote: καὶ οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτῶν, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms fellow servants and brothers mean similar things. The two terms are being used together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all of those who believed in Jesus as they did”

brothers

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

Here the term brothers describes people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fellow believers”

brothers

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

Although the term brothers is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters”

Revelation 6:12

a great earthquake

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

An earthquake is a natural disaster in which the ground shakes, often destroying buildings, bridges, and other structures. Your language and culture may have a term for an earthquake that you can use in your translation. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a great shaking of the ground”

like sackcloth {made} of hair

Quote: ὡς σάκκος τρίχινος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The word sackcloth describes clothing for mourning that in this culture was woven from black goat hair. In this culture, the color black was associated with death. Alternate translation: “like mourning clothing” or “like the feathers of a raven”

the full moon became like blood

Quote: ἡ σελήνη ὅλη ἐγένετο ὡς αἷμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that just as blood is red, the full moon turned read. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “the full moon became red like blood”

Revelation 6:13

the stars of the sky

Quote: οἱ ἀστέρες τοῦ οὐρανοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that the expression the stars of the sky contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “the stars”

fell

Quote: ἔπεσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that just as all the fruit on a fig tree might fall at once if a great wind shook the tree, so John saw all of the stars fall at once. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “all fell at once”

being shaken by a great wind

Quote: ὑπὸ ἀνέμου μεγάλου σειομένη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation, with no comma preceding: “when a great wind shakes it”

as a fig tree drops its unseasonable fruit

Quote: ὡς συκῆ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

If your readers would not be familiar with a fig tree, you could use the name of a fruit tree that they would recognize or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “as a fruit tree drops its late-ripening fruit”

unseasonable fruit

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

The term unripe describes fruit that normally remains on a tree and ripens later. Alternate translation: “later-ripening fruit”

Revelation 6:14

the sky was split like a scroll being rolled up

Quote: ὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sky rolled up as a scroll does when it splits”

the sky was split like a scroll being rolled up

Quote: ὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the sky went away, just as a scroll would roll away to the two sides of a surface if it split while someone had it spread out on that surface. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “the sky rolled away and disappeared, just as a scroll rolls up in two pieces if it splits”

were removed from their places

Quote: ἐκ τῶν τόπων αὐτῶν ἐκινήθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

were removed from their places

Quote: ἐκ τῶν τόπων αὐτῶν ἐκινήθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the mountains and islands disappeared when they were removed from their places. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “moved from their places and disappeared”

Revelation 6:15

chiliarchs

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

The word chiliarchs describes officers in the Roman army who were in charge of groups of 1,000 soldiers. If your readers would not recognize this term, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “military officers”

the rich and the powerful

Quote: οἱ πλούσιοι, καὶ οἱ ἰσχυροὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using the adjectives rich and powerful as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “rich people and powerful people”

and every slave and free {person

Quote: καὶ πᾶς δοῦλος καὶ ἐλεύθερος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

John may not be mentioning people who were slave and free in addition to all of the preceding people on this list. Instead, he may be using the two main civil statuses in his culture, slave and free, to mean all people. So this would be a summary of everyone on the list. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this in plain language. Alternate translation, preceded by a comma: “indeed, all people, regardless of their status,”

Revelation 6:16

they say to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us

Quote: λέγουσιν τοῖς ὄρεσιν καὶ ταῖς πέτραις, πέσετε ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς, καὶ κρύψατε ἡμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

The people are addressing things that they know cannot hear them, the mountains and the rocks, in order to express in a strong way what they are feeling. If your readers might not recognize what the people are doing, you could translate this in a way that would make that clear. Alternate translation: “they were saying that they wished the mountains and rocks would fall on them and hide them”

the face

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

The people are using the word face to mean by association the area in front of the one sitting on the throne where he can see people and things. Alternate translation: “the view”

Revelation 6:17

the great day of their anger

Quote: ἡ ἡμέρα ἡ μεγάλη τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

While this was happening on a certain day, the people may be using the word day to mean a specific time, the time when God had chosen to judge the world. Alternate translation: “the momentous time when they will punish sin”

who is able to stand

Quote: τίς δύναται σταθῆναι? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The people are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “no one is able to stand!”

who is able to stand

Quote: τίς δύναται σταθῆναι? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word stand means to be declared innocent when judged, as in Psalm 130:3, “If you, Yahweh, would mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?” which means, “If you, Yahweh, kept a record of sins, no one would be declared innocent.” Alternate translation: “and everyone will be punished, because no one is innocent!”

Revelation 7

Revelation 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter take place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal but before he opens the seventh seal. John describes a vision of 144,000 servants of God whom angels mark with a seal. John then describes a second vision about a great multitude praising God.

• The 144,000 servants (7:1–8)
• The great multitude (7:9–17)

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

Translation issues in this Chapter

Large numbers

Translate the large numbers in verses 5–8 in the way that would be most natural in your language. Some languages may need to supply a noun after the number to express the meaning. For example, in verse 5 you might say “144,000” or “one hundred forty-four thousand people.” In verses 6–8 you might say “12,000” or “twelve thousand people.”

The order of the tribes

Translators should be aware that the tribes of the people of Israel are not listed in this chapter in the same order as they are generally listed in the Old Testament. This seems to be intentional, and scholars have offered various interpretations for it. In your translation, it would be appropriate to list the tribes in the order in which John presents them here, rather than listing them in the usual Old Testament order.

Revelation 7:1

standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth

Quote: ἑστῶτας ἐπὶ τὰς τέσσαρας γωνίας τῆς γῆς, κρατοῦντας τοὺς τέσσαρας ἀνέμους τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if the earth had four corners. He is referring from his own standpoint to locations to the north, south, east, and west of him. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could state the meaning plainly, using your own language's words for these primary directions. Alternate translation: “at places on the earth where they could hold back the north, south, east, and west winds”

on the land or on the sea or on any tree

Quote: ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, μήτε ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης, μήτε ἐπὶ πᾶν δένδρον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

After John says that the wind would not blow on the land or on the sea, he may add or on any tree for emphasis, perhaps alluding to his reference in 6:13 to a great wind shaking a tree. In that case the two phrases would mean similar things, as the next two notes explain. John would be using the repetition for emphasis. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the two phrases. Alternate translation: “on any place on the land or in the sea”

on the land or on the sea

Quote: ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, μήτε ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

John seems to be using the two main components of the world, the land and the sea, to mean everywhere in the world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “anywhere in the world”

or on any tree

Quote: μήτε ἐπὶ πᾶν δένδρον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

John may be using one place where the wind might blow, against a tree, to mean every place where the wind might blow. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, preceded by a comma: “no, not anywhere at all”

Revelation 7:2

the rising of the sun

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

This expression refers to a specific direction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, using your own language’s term for that direction. Alternate translation: “the east”

the seal of the living God

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

In this case the word seal refers to a tool that a person would use to compress and mark wax in order to create a “seal” in the sense in which John uses that word in chapters 5 and 6. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the sealing tool that belongs to the living God”

to whom it was given to them

Quote: οἷς ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

to harm the earth and the sea

Quote: ἀδικῆσαι τὴν γῆν καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that these angels would harm the earth and the sea by not allowing any winds to blow on them. This would, for example, prevent any rainstorms from forming and watering crops. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to harm the earth and the sea by holding back the winds”

Revelation 7:3

Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees

Quote: μὴ ἀδικήσητε τὴν γῆν, μήτε τὴν θάλασσαν μήτε τὰ δένδρα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb harm. Alternate translation: “allow the winds to blow on the earth and the sea and the trees”

Revelation 7:4

of the ones having been sealed

Quote: τῶν ἐσφραγισμένων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

144 thousands

Quote: ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, you may translate the large number here and the large numbers in verses 6–8 in the way that would be most natural in your language. Some languages may need to supply a noun after the number to express the meaning. Alternate translation: “144,000” or “one hundred forty-four thousand people”

having been sealed

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The angels had sealed them”

of the sons of Israel

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

Here the word sons could mean: (1) the literal sons of Israel (that is, Jacob) who were the ancestors of the 12 tribes. If this is the meaning, it would be appropriate to retain the term “sons” in your translation. (2) the descendants of Israel (Jacob), who formed 12 tribes. Alternate translation: “of the descendants of Israel”

Revelation 7:5

of Judah, … of Reuben, … of Gad

Quote: Ἰούδα & Ῥουβὴν & Γὰδ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Judah, Reuben, and Gad are the names of men.

12 thousands

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

Alternate translation: “12,000” or “twelve thousand people”

12 thousands having been sealed

Quote: δώδεκα χιλιάδες ἐσφραγισμένοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the angels sealed 12 thousands”

Revelation 7:6

of Asher, … of Naphtali, … of Manasseh

Quote: Ἀσὴρ & Νεφθαλεὶμ & Μανασσῆ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh are the names of men.

Revelation 7:7

of Simeon, … of Levi, … of Issachar

Quote: Συμεὼν & Λευεὶ & Ἰσσαχὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Simeon, Levi, and Issachar are the names of men.

Revelation 7:8

of Zebulun, … of Joseph, … of Benjamin

Quote: Ζαβουλὼν & Ἰωσὴφ & Βενιαμεὶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin are the names of men.

12 thousands been sealed

Quote: δώδεκα χιλιάδες ἐσφραγισμένοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the angels sealed 12 thousands”

Revelation 7:9

that, to number it, no one was able

Quote: ὃν ἀριθμῆσαι αὐτὸν οὐδεὶς ἐδύνατο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “that no one was able to number”

from every nation and tribe and people and language

Quote: ἐκ παντὸς ἔθνους, καὶ φυλῶν, καὶ λαῶν, καὶ γλωσσῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

See how you translated the similar expression in 5:9. Alternate translation: “from every different people group”

having been clothed in white robes

Quote: περιβεβλημένους στολὰς λευκάς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

in white robes

Quote: στολὰς λευκάς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

See how you translated the similar expression in 3:4.. Alternate translation: “white robes symbolic of their purity”

palm branches

Quote: φοίνικες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

In this culture, people would wave palm branches on special occasions, especially to celebrate a victory. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “palm branches for a victory celebration”

Revelation 7:10

Salvation {is} to our God, the one sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb

Quote: ἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of Salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Our God, who is the one sitting on the throne, and the Lamb are the ones who have saved us”

the one sitting on the throne

Quote: τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The people in the great multitude are describing God’s supreme ruling power and authority by association with the way he is sitting on the throne, a symbol of that power and authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ruler of all”

Revelation 7:11

they fell on their faces

Quote: ἔπεσαν & ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the angels and elders and living creatures did not fall down accidentally. They bowed down in front of the throne as a gesture to honor God. Alternate translation: “they bowed down with their faces to the ground”

Revelation 7:12

Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength {be} to our God

Quote: ἡ εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν (1)

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength**, you could express the same ideas in other ways. See how you translated the similar expression in 4:11. Alternate translation: “May everyone praise, glorify, thank, and honor our God and acknowledge how wise, powerful, and strong he is”

to the ages of the ages

Quote: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the same expression in 1:18. Alternate translation: “forever”

Revelation 7:13

responded, saying to me

Quote: ἀπεκρίθη & λέγων μοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word responded indicates that this elder was saying these things to John in response to what John was seeing in this vision. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “asked me”

These, the ones having been clothed in white robes, who are they, and where have they come from

Quote: οὗτοι, οἱ περιβεβλημένοι τὰς στολὰς τὰς λευκὰς, τίνες εἰσὶν καὶ πόθεν ἦλθον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This elder is using the question form to introduce something he wants to make sure John understands. Since John answers the question in the next verse, it would be appropriate to retain the question form in your translation, but if it would be helpful to your readers, you could word the question in a way that would show its purpose. Alternate translation: “Do you know who these people are who are wearing white robes and where they have come from”

the ones having been clothed in white robes

Quote: περιβεβλημένοι τὰς στολὰς τὰς λευκὰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 7:14

My lord, you know

Quote: κύριέ μου, σὺ οἶδας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness

John is answering the elder politely. You may translate this the way someone would respond politely in your language to a question whose answer they did not know. Alternate translation: “I do not know, please tell me”

the great tribulation

Quote: τῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of tribulatron, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the time when believers in Jesus will be greatly persecuted”

they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb

Quote: ἔπλυναν τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐλεύκαναν αὐτὰς ἐν τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

As in 3:4 and other passages in the book, robes that are white represent purity of life and devotion to Jesus. The blood of the Lamb is the blood that Jesus shed when he died on the cross as the Savior. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The UST models one way to do this.

Revelation 7:15

day and night

Quote: ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The elder is using the two main components of time, day and night, to mean all the time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “constantly”

will tabernacle over them

Quote: σκηνώσει ἐπ’ αὐτούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The elder is speaking as if God would literally tabernacle over these believers, that is, set up a tent in which he lives so that it shelters them as well. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will live with them and keep them safe”

Revelation 7:16

They will not hunger anymore, nor will they thirst anymore

Quote: οὐ πεινάσουσιν ἔτι, οὐδὲ διψήσουσιν ἔτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate these double negatives that consist of the negative particle not and the negative verbs hunger and thirst. The UST models one way to do this.

nor will the sun fall on them at all, nor any heat

Quote: οὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος, οὐδὲ πᾶν καῦμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with or. The word sun tells where this heat comes from. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “or.” Alternate translation: “nor will the heat of the sun fall on them at all”

nor will the sun fall on them at all, nor any heat

Quote: οὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος, οὐδὲ πᾶν καῦμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

By referring to the sun and its heat, this elder may mean by association that these people will never again have to work hard in the hot sun to make a living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they will no longer have to work hard in the hot sun to make a living”

Revelation 7:17

will shepherd them

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

The elder is speaking as if Jesus would literally shepherd these believers. He means that Jesus will care for them, as a shepherd cares for sheep. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will take care of them”

guide them to springs of the waters of life, … God will wipe away every tear from their eyes

Quote: ὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ ζωῆς πηγὰς ὑδάτων & ἐξαλείψει ὁ Θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

These are quotations from the Old Testament, from Isaiah 49:10 and Isaiah 25:8. Since they occur within John’s quotation of what this elder told him, they are second-level quotations. You may be able to indicate this by using second-level quotation marks or some other punctuation or convention of your language. You may also wish to use special formatting to set off these quotations, as the ULT does.

guide them to springs of the waters of life

Quote: ὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ ζωῆς πηγὰς ὑδάτων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The elder is speaking as if Jesus would literally guide these believers to springs of water. He is using water to represent the everlasting life that Jesus gives believers. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will give them everlasting life”

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes

Quote: ἐξαλείψει ὁ Θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The elder is using the word tear to mean by association the sorrow that people feel that leads them to shed tears. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will comfort their every sorrow” or “God will comfort them for every sorrow that they have experienced”

Revelation 8

Revelation 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

• The Lamb opens the seventh seal (8:1–5)
• The first trumpet (8:6–7)
• The second trumpet (8:8–9)
• The third trumpet (8:10–11)
• The fourth trumpet (8:12–13)

Translation issues in this chapter

Ordinal numbers

John uses the ordinal numbers “first” through “fourth” in verses 7, 8, 10, and 12. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers or equivalent expressions in your translation. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

The fraction “one third”

Many times in this chapter John uses the expression “one third.” This means one part out of three equal parts. Translate this in the way that would be most natural in your language. (See: Fractions)

Revelation 8:1

he opened

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

The pronoun he refers to the Lamb. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the Lamb opened”

the seventh seal

Quote: τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἑβδόμην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “seal number seven” or “the last seal”

for about half an hour

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

An hour was the shortest interval of time that this culture measured. So half an hour may implicitly mean just a short time. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “for a moment”

Revelation 8:2

stand before

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

In this context, while these angels may indeed position themselves in front of God's throne, the phrase stand before means to stay in the presence of another person in order to serve that person whenever and however needed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who remain ready to serve”

seven trumpets were given to them

Quote: ἐδόθησαν αὐτοῖς ἑπτὰ σάλπιγγες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave each of them a trumpet”

Revelation 8:3

was stationed … much incense was given to him

Quote: ἐστάθη & ἐδόθη αὐτῷ θυμιάματα πολλὰ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “stationed himself … God gave him much incense”

Revelation 8:4

from the hand of the angel

Quote: ἐκ χειρὸς τοῦ ἀγγέλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, hand refers to the censer in the angel’s hand. Alternate translation: “from the censer that the angel was holding”

Revelation 8:5

filled it from the fire of the altar

Quote: ἐγέμισεν αὐτὸν ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This is probably a reference to coals that were on fire on the altar. Alternate translation: “filled it with burning coals from the fire on the altar”

threw {it

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

While the pronoun it refers to the censer in its first instance, in its second instance it refers to the fire from the altar. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “threw the fire” or “threw the burning coals”

Revelation 8:6

trumpets … they might trumpet

Quote: σάλπιγγας & σαλπίσωσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

John is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. The verb translated trumpet has the same root as the word translated trumpets. The repetition of the sounds may be intended to have a musical effect. You may be able to use the same construction in your translation if your language has similar words for this kind of instrument and for the action of playing it.

Revelation 8:7

the first trumpeted

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

The word first implicitly means the first angel, and the word sounded implicitly means that he sounded his trumpet. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the first angel sounded his trumpet”

the first

Quote: ὁ πρῶτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, if your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers or equivalent expressions here and in verses 8, 10, and 12. Alternate translation: “angel number one”

it was thrown … was burned up, … were burned up, … was burned up

Quote: ἐβλήθη & κατεκάη & κατεκάη & κατεκάη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the angel threw it … burned up … burned up … burned up”

a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up

Quote: τὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν δένδρων κατεκάη, καὶ πᾶς χόρτος χλωρὸς κατεκάη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

and a third of the earth was burned up

Quote: καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some ancient manuscripts include the phrase and a third of the earth was burned up. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include that phrase. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

Revelation 8:8

something} like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown

Quote: ὡς ὄρος μέγα πυρὶ καιόμενον, ἐβλήθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the angel threw something like a great mountain burning with fire”

a third of the sea became blood

Quote: ἐγένετο τὸ τρίτον τῆς θαλάσσης αἷμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the expression one third means one part out of three equal parts. Here and throughout the chapter, translate the expression in the way that would be most natural in your language.

Revelation 8:9

a third of the ships were destroyed

Quote: τὸ τρίτον τῶν πλοίων διεφθάρησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the bloody water destroyed a third of the ships”

Revelation 8:11

the name of the star is called Wormwood

Quote: τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ ἀστέρος λέγεται ὁ Ἄψινθος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “the name of the star is Wormwood”

Wormwood

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

Wormwood is a woody shrub that tastes bitter. Because of its bitter taste, people in this culture believed that the shrub was poisonous. Your language may have a term for this shrub or for a similar one that you can use in your translation. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “Bitter Shrub”

became wormwood

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

John means by association that the water became bitter and poisonous, as if it were the bitter wormwood shrub that people in his culture believed was poisonous. Alternate translation: “became poisonous like wormwood”

many of the men

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

John is not referring to a specific group of men. He means people in general. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “many people”

Revelation 8:12

a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon and a third of the stars

Quote: ἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῆς σελήνης, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀστέρων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck”

a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened

Quote: ἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῆς σελήνης, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀστέρων; ἵνα σκοτισθῇ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God struck a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars so that a third of them turned dark”

a third of them were darkened

Quote: σκοτισθῇ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The phrase a third of them were darkened could mean: (1) one third of the time, the sun, moon, and stars were dark, or (2) one third of the sun, one third of the moon, and one third of the stars became dark. You could say either of these things as an alternate translation.

the day, a third of it did not shine

Quote: ἡ ἡμέρα μὴ φάνῃ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

When John says of a third of the day that it did not shine, he means by association that the sun did not shine during a third of the day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sun did not shine during one third of the day”

and likewise the night

Quote: καὶ ἡ νὺξ ὁμοίως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and likewise a third of the night did not shine” or “and likewise the moon and the stars did not shine during one third of the night”

Revelation 8:13

eagle

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

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

Woe, woe, woe

Quote: οὐαὶ, οὐαὶ, οὐαὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

The eagle may be repeating the word woe for emphasis. If it would not be natural in your language to repeat a word in that way, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “What great woe the ones living on the earth will experience” or see the next note for another possibility.

Woe, woe, woe

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

Since 9:12 and 11:14 speak of a first, second, and third “woe,” the eagle may be announcing implicitly that three terrible events are about to occur. The UST models a way to express this possible meaning of the phrase woe, woe, woe.

the remaining sounds of the trumpet of the three angels who are going to trumpet

Quote: τῶν λοιπῶν φωνῶν τῆς σάλπιγγος τῶν τριῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν μελλόντων σαλπίζειν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This does not mean that the three angels only have one trumpet among them. Alternate translation: “the blasts that the remaining three angels will make on their trumpets when they blow them”

Revelation 9

Revelation 9 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

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

• The Fifth Trumpet (9:1-12)
• The Sixth Trumpet (9:13-21)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Woe

John describes several “woes” in the book of Revelation. This chapter begins to describe the three “woes” announced at the end of Chapter 8. Woes signify calamity, disaster, or terrible events.

Animal imagery

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

Abaddon and Apollyon

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

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Simile

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

Generic Sense

Several times in this chapter John uses the masculine word “men” in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women such as “people” or “humanity.” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Revelation 9:1

the fifth angel

Quote: ὁ πέμπτος ἄγγελος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number five”

the key of the shaft of the abyss was given to it

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἡ κλεὶς τοῦ φρέατος τῆς Ἀβύσσου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the star received the key to the shaft of the abyss”

Revelation 9:2

smoke went up from the shaft like the smoke of a great furnace

Quote: ἀνέβη καπνὸς ἐκ τοῦ φρέατος, ὡς καπνὸς καμίνου μεγάλης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that a large quantity of smoke came from the shaft, just as a great furnace would give off a large quantity of smoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a large quantity of smoke went up from the shaft, as does from a huge furnace”

the sun and the air were darkened from the smoke of the shaft

Quote: ἐσκοτώθη ὁ ἥλιος καὶ ὁ ἀὴρ ἐκ τοῦ καπνοῦ τοῦ φρέατος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the shaft darkened the sun and the air”

Revelation 9:3

power was given to them

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

power was given to them as scorpions of the earth have power

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία, ὡς ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν οἱ σκορπίοι τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that just as scorpions of the earth have the power to hurt people by stinging them, so these locusts from the abyss had the power to hurt people in that same way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “to hurt people by stinging them, just as scorpions on earth do”

scorpions

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

A scorpion is an insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death. If your readers would not be familiar with what a scorpion is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable insect or animal in your area. Alternate translation: “deadly stinging insects”

Revelation 9:4

it was told to them

Quote: ἐρρέθη αὐταῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

it was told to them that they should not harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, if not the men who did not have the seal of God on {their} foreheads

Quote: ἐρρέθη αὐταῖς, ἵνα μὴ ἀδικήσουσιν τὸν χόρτον τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ πᾶν χλωρὸν, οὐδὲ πᾶν δένδρον, εἰ μὴ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους οἵτινες οὐκ ἔχουσι τὴν σφραγῖδα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “And they were told, ‘Do not harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads’”

the men

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

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and in several other places in this chapter John uses the masculine word men in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people”

Revelation 9:5

it was given to them that they should not kill them, but that they would be tormented

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἵνα μὴ ἀποκτείνωσιν αὐτούς, ἀλλ’ ἵνα βασανισθήσονται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “God did not allow the locusts to kill these people but to torment them for five months

it was given to them that they should not kill them

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἵνα μὴ ἀποκτείνωσιν αὐτούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The them refers in its first instance to the locusts John describes in 9:3 and in its second instance the people John describes in 9:4 who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “it was given to the locusts that they should not kill these people”

their torment {would be} like the torment of a scorpion when it might strike a man

Quote: ὁ βασανισμὸς αὐτῶν ὡς βασανισμὸς σκορπίου, ὅταν παίσῃ ἄνθρωπον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that just as the sting of a scorpion is very painful, the torment that people would experience after these locusts stung them would be very painful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “their torment when the locusts stung them would be very painful, as the sting of a scorpion is very painful for a person”

Revelation 9:6

in those days

Quote: ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

John is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time”

men will seek death, but they will certainly not find it, and they will long to die, but death flees from them

Quote: ζητήσουσιν οἱ ἄνθρωποι τὸν θάνατον, καὶ οὐ μὴ εὑρήσουσιν αὐτόν, καὶ ἐπιθυμήσουσιν ἀποθανεῖν, καὶ φεύγει ὁ θάνατος ἀπ’ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “even though people will want very much to die, they will not be able to die”

death

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

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

death flees from them

Quote: φεύγει ὁ θάνατος ἀπ’ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking figuratively of death as if it were a living thing that could run away or flee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will not be able to die”

Revelation 9:7

prepared for war

Quote: ἡτοιμασμένοις εἰς πόλεμον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 9:8

hair like the hair of women

Quote: τρίχας ὡς τρίχας γυναικῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

In this culture women typically wore their hair long. So the point of this comparison is that the locusts had long hair. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “hair that was long like the hair of women”

their teeth were as of lions

Quote: οἱ ὀδόντες αὐτῶν ὡς λεόντων ἦσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “their teeth were as the teeth of lions”

their teeth were as of lions

Quote: οἱ ὀδόντες αὐτῶν ὡς λεόντων ἦσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the locusts had teeth that were sharp, large, and strong, like the teeth of lions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “their teeth were sharp, large, and strong like lions’ teeth”

Revelation 9:9

they had breastplates like iron breastplates

Quote: εἶχον θώρακας ὡς θώρακας σιδηροῦς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if these locusts literally had breastplates. He probably means that the skin on the front of their bodies was very hard. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the hard skin on the front of their bodies was like iron breastplates”

they had breastplates like iron breastplates

Quote: εἶχον θώρακας ὡς θώρακας σιδηροῦς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the skin on the front of the locusts’ bodies was very strong, as if it were made of iron. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “the hard skin on the front of their bodies was very strong, like an iron breastplate”

iron breastplates

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

A breastplate was a piece of armor that covered and protected the chest. If your readers would not be familiar with what a breastplate is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “pieces of armor made of iron to protect a soldier’s chest”

the sound of their wings {was} like the sound of many chariots of horses

Quote: ἡ φωνὴ τῶν πτερύγων αὐτῶν ὡς φωνὴ ἁρμάτων ἵππων πολλῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the wings of all the locusts flying around made a very loud sound, like the sound of chariots. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “the sound of their wings was very loud, like the sound of many chariots of horses”

of … chariots of horses

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

John is using this possessive form to describe chariots that horses pull into battle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning without using a possessive form. Alternate translation: “horse-drawn chariots”

running into battle

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

John is speaking as if these chariots were themselves literally running into battle, though it is the horses pulling the chariots which would be running and the drivers of the chariots who would be hurrying to get into the battle. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whose drivers are hurrying them into battle”

Revelation 9:10

scorpions

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

See how you translated the term "scorpion" in 9:3.

for five months

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

This could mean implicitly: (1) that the locusts had power for five months to harm people. Alternate translation: “over a period of five months” (2) that the locusts could sting people and the people would be in pain for five months. Alternate translation: “with a sting that will cause them pain for five months”

Revelation 9:11

of the abyss

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

See how you translated the term abyss in 9:1.

the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew {is} Abaddon, and in Greek he has the name Apollyon

Quote: τὸν ἄγγελον τῆς Ἀβύσσου; ὄνομα αὐτῷ Ἑβραϊστὶ, Ἀβαδδών, καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἑλληνικῇ ὄνομα ἔχει, Ἀπολλύων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate

The word Abaddon is a Hebrew name that John spells out using Greek letters so that his readers will know how it sounds. John then tells his readers a Greek name, Apollyon, with the same meaning, so that his readers will know what it means. Both names mean Destroyer. In your translation you can spell both names the way they sound in your language and then explain their meaning. Alternate translation: “His Hebrew name is Abaddon and his Greek name is Apollyon; both names mean Destroyer”

Revelation 9:12

The first woe has passed

Quote: ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ μία ἀπῆλθεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See how you translated the term woe in 8:13. Alternate translation: “One terrible event is over”

The first woe

Quote: ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ μία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “woe number one”

woe

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

See how you translated the term woe in 8:13. Alternate translation: “terrible event”

Revelation 9:13

the sixth angel

Quote: ὁ ἕκτος ἄγγελος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number six”

a voice

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

John is using one part of a person, his voice, to represent all of the person in the act of speaking. John does not say who the speaker was, but it may have been God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someone speaking”

horns

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

John is referring to the horn-shaped extensions that were at each of the four corners of the top of the altar. He calls them horns by association with their shape. If it would be clearer for your readers, in your translation you could just refer to the “corners” of the altar, as UST does.

before God

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

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. The Jews believed that God was especially present at his altar. Alternate translation: “that is in the presence of God”

Revelation 9:14

to the sixth angel

Quote: τῷ ἕκτῳ ἀγγέλῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “to angel number six”

having been bound

Quote: τοὺς δεδεμένους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The text does not say who bound these four angels, but it implies that God did it or commanded his own angels to do it. Alternate translation: “whom God had bound” or “whom God had commanded his own angels to bind

Euphrates

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

The word Euphrates is the name of a river.

Revelation 9:15

the four angels having been prepared for the hour and day and month and year were released

Quote: ἐλύθησαν οἱ τέσσαρες ἄγγελοι, οἱ ἡτοιμασμένοι εἰς τὴν ὥραν, καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ μῆνα, καὶ ἐνιαυτόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sixth angel released the four angels whom God had prepared for the hour and day and month and year”

the hour and day and month and year

Quote: τὴν ὥραν, καὶ ἡμέραν, καὶ μῆνα, καὶ ἐνιαυτόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These words all refer to specific periods of time. John is using them together to emphasize that this is a very specific time. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “that specific time”

a third of men

Quote: τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction

A third means one part out of three equal parts. Alternate translation: “one out of every three men”

Revelation 9:16

the number of the horse soldiers {was} two myriads of myriads; I heard their number

Quote: ὁ ἀριθμὸς τῶν στρατευμάτων τοῦ ἱππικοῦ δύο μυριάδες μυριάδων; ἤκουσα τὸν ἀριθμὸν αὐτῶν. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

John typically says I heard or “I saw” before describing what he heard or saw, so it might be more natural to put that information first. Alternate translation: “I heard the number of the horse soldiers; it was two myriads of myriads”

was} two myriads of myriads

Quote: δύο μυριάδες μυριάδων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

A myriad is a hundred hundreds, or ten thousand. Express this number in the way that would be most natural in your language. See how you translated a similar large number in 5:11. Alternate translation: “200,000,000” or see next note for another possibility.

Revelation 9:17

fiery and hyacinth and sulfurous breastplates

Quote: θώρακας πυρίνους, καὶ ὑακινθίνους, καὶ θειώδεις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is describing the colors of the breastplates by association with other things that are those colors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use objects from your own culture that are these colors or express the meaning plainly. See, for example, how you translated the word “fiery” in 6:3. Alternate translation: “breastplates that were fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow” or “bright red, dark blue, and brilliant yellow breastplates”

hyacinth

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

A hyacinth is a plant in the lily family that has dark blue flowers on spikes. If your readers would not be familiar with what a hyacinth is, in your translation you could use the name of a plant or other object in your culture that is the same color as hyacinth flowers, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “dark blue”

Revelation 9:18

By these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the sulfur coming out from their mouths, a third of men were killed

Quote: ἀπὸ τῶν τριῶν πληγῶν τούτων ἀπεκτάνθησαν τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς, καὶ τοῦ καπνοῦ, καὶ τοῦ θείου, τοῦ ἐκπορευομένου ἐκ τῶν στομάτων αὐτῶν. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “These three plagues of fire and of smoke and of sulfur coming out from their mouths killed a third of men”

Revelation 9:20

the ones not killed in these plagues

Quote: οἳ οὐκ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν ταῖς πληγαῖς ταύταις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones whom these plagues did not kill”

of the works of their hands

Quote: ἐκ τῶν ἔργων τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

John is using one part of these people, their hands, to represent all of each person in the act of doing works. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the works they were doing”

which are able neither to see nor to hear nor to walk

Quote: ἃ οὔτε βλέπειν δύνανται, οὔτε ἀκούειν, οὔτε περιπατεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms see and hear and walk all describe things that living beings are able to do. John is using the three terms together to emphasize that idols are not alive and cannot do anything for those who worship them. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “which are not alive at all”

Revelation 10

Revelation 10 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter John begins to describe a vision he had of a mighty angel holding a scroll. John is viewing what is happening from the perspective of earth, which is why he speaks of this angel “coming down from heaven.” This vision takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Seven thunders

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

“The mystery of God”

This refers to some aspect of the hidden plan of God. It is not necessary to know what this mystery is when translating this phrase. (See: INVALID bible/kt/reveal)

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Simile

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

Revelation 10:1

clothed in a cloud

Quote: περιβεβλημένον νεφέλην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

clothed in a cloud

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

John speaks of the angel as if he were wearing a cloud as his clothing. This expression could be understood as figurative. However, because very unusual things were often seen in visions, it could also be understood as a literally true statement in its context. Alternate translation: “in the midst of a cloud”

and his face like the sun and his feet like pillars of fire

Quote: καὶ τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος, καὶ οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὡς στῦλοι πυρός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of these comparisons is that the angel’s face was very bright, like the sun, and that the angel’s feet were glowing like fire. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these points explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The angel’s face was very bright, like the sun, and his feet were glowing as if they were on fire”

his feet

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

Since John compares the feet of the angel to pillars, it is likely that by feet he means “legs” by association. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his legs”

Revelation 10:2

an opened little scroll

Quote: βιβλαρίδιον ἠνεῳγμένον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a little scroll that he had opened”

and {his} left

Quote: τὸν δὲ εὐώνυμον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using the adjective left as a noun to mean a certain one of the angel’s feet. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “and his left foot”

Revelation 10:3

in a loud voice, as a lion roars

Quote: φωνῇ μεγάλῃ ὥσπερ λέων μυκᾶται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is probably that the loud voice of the angel commanded attention like the roar of a lion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “in a loud voice that commanded attention as does a lion’s roar”

the seven thunders spoke

Quote: ἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John speaks of these seven thunders as if he assumes that his readers will know what or who they are, but he has not introduced or explained them earlier in the book and interpreters are not certain of their identity. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could introduce them in such a way as to indicate that John has not identified them previously. Alternate translation: “seven thunders spoke”

the seven thunders spoke

Quote: ἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression could mean that thunder spoke or sounded seven times, rather than that seven different thunders spoke. You could say that in your translation or indicate this possibility in a footnote. Alternate translation: “thunder spoke seven times” or “thunder sounded seven times”

spoke their own voices

Quote: ἐλάλησαν & τὰς ἑαυτῶν φωνάς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that the expression spoke their own voices contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “spoke”

Revelation 10:4

I was going to write

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

The implication is that John was going to write down what the seven thunders had said. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I was going to write down what they had said”

Seal what the seven thunders said and do not write it

Quote: σφράγισον ἃ ἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταί, καὶ μὴ αὐτὰ γράψῃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The voice spoke as if John should literally seal what the thunders said. However, since the voice then specified that John was not to write anything down, the voice meant that John should keep secret what the thunders said. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Keep secret what the seven thunders said by not writing it down”

Revelation 10:5

raised his right hand to heaven

Quote: ἦρεν τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ τὴν δεξιὰν εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The angel raised his right hand to heaven as a symbolic action to show that he was swearing an oath by God. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “raised his right hand to heaven to show that he swearing an oath by God”

Revelation 10:6

by the one living to the ages of the ages

Quote: τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John assumes that his readers will understand that the angel is referring to God with this expression. You can indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “by the eternal God”

to the ages of the ages

Quote: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity”

heaven and the {things} in it and the earth and the {things} in it and the sea and the {things} in it

Quote: τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτῷ, καὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ, καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The angel is using the three parts of creation to mean all of creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the entire creation”

no more time

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

In this context, the word time means a delay. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no further delay”

Revelation 10:7

but in the days of the sound of the seventh angel, when he is going to trumpet

Quote: ἀλλ’ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς φωνῆς τοῦ ἑβδόμου ἀγγέλου, ὅταν μέλλῃ σαλπίζειν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. The angel is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “but in the days when the seventh angel is going to sound a trumpet”

of the sound of the seventh angel

Quote: τῆς φωνῆς τοῦ ἑβδόμου ἀγγέλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

This possessive form does not describe what the seventh angel sounds like. Instead, it describes a sound that the seventh angel will make. Alternate translation: “when the seventh angel makes a sound”

in the days of the sound

Quote: ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς φωνῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The angel is using the term days idiomatically to refer to a specific time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the time of the sound”

the mystery of God will be accomplished

Quote: ἐτελέσθη τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 10:8

the opened scroll in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land

Quote: τὸ βιβλίον τὸ ἠνεῳγμένον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ τοῦ ἀγγέλου, τοῦ ἑστῶτος ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the scroll that the angel standing on the sea and on the land has opened and is holding in his hand”

Revelation 10:10

my stomach was made bitter

Quote: ἐπικράνθη ἡ κοιλία μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 10:11

they said to me

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

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. John is using this indefinite construction to focus on what he was told rather than on who told it to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “I was told”

many peoples and nations and languages and kings

Quote: λαοῖς, καὶ ἔθνεσιν, καὶ γλώσσαις, καὶ βασιλεῦσιν πολλοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

In this context, the terms peoples, nations, languages, and kings mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “every different people group”

many peoples and nations and languages and kings

Quote: λαοῖς, καὶ ἔθνεσιν, καὶ γλώσσαις, καὶ βασιλεῦσιν πολλοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The angel is referring to speakers of various languages by association with the languages themselves, and John is referring to the subjects of various kingdoms by association with their kings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “many peoples and nations and speakers of many languages and subjects of many kingdoms”

Revelation 11

Revelation 11 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

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

Woes

In 8:13, an angel announced three “woes” that the people living on the earth would suffer. Chapter 9 described the first woe. This chapter describes a second one.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Gentiles

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

Two witnesses

This chapter describes two witnesses. Scholars have many different ideas about who they are. Translators do not need to understand their exact identities in order to translate this chapter accurately. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Revelation 11:1

a reed like a measuring rod was given to me, saying

Quote: ἐδόθη μοι κάλαμος ὅμοιος ῥάβδῳ λέγων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was Jesus, since the same person speaks of “my two witnesses” in verse 3. Alternate translation: “Jesus gave me a reed like a measuring rod and said”

a reed like a measuring rod

Quote: κάλαμος ὅμοιος ῥάβδῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that this reed was long and straight and John could use it to mark off distances as he could with a measuring rod. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a reed that was long and straight so that I could use it to mark off distances, as I could with a measuring rod”

Revelation 11:2

cast out the courtyard outside the temple and do not measure it

Quote: τὴν αὐλὴν τὴν ἔξωθεν τοῦ ναοῦ, ἔκβαλε ἔξω καὶ μὴ αὐτὴν μετρήσῃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “do not include the courtyard outside the temple in your measurements”

cast out the courtyard outside the temple

Quote: τὴν αὐλὴν τὴν ἔξωθεν τοῦ ναοῦ, ἔκβαλε ἔξω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The person who is giving John these instructions is speaking as if John should literally cast out the courtyard, that is, fling it away through the air. He means that John should exclude the courtyard from his measurements. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “exclude the courtyard outside the temple”

it has been given to the Gentiles

Quote: ἐδόθη τοῖς ἔθνεσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has given it to the Gentiles”

holy city

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

The person speaking with John assumes that he will understand that by the holy city he means Jerusalem. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the city of Jerusalem”

Revelation 11:3

I will grant

Quote: δώσω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The person speaking with John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I will grant authority”

clothed in sackcloth

Quote: περιβεβλημένοι σάκκους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

in sackcloth

Quote: σάκκους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

See how you translated the word sackcloth in 6:12. These witnesses wore sackcloth while prophesying in order to show their sorrow and grief over the sins that people were committing against God. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “sackcloth to show their grief and sorrow over sin”

Revelation 11:4

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth

Quote: οὗτοί εἰσιν αἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Κυρίου τῆς γῆς ἑστῶτες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

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

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth

Quote: οὗτοί εἰσιν αἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Κυρίου τῆς γῆς ἑστῶτες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John assumes that his readers will understand that he is alluding to the vision had by the prophet Zechariah, who saw two olive trees and two lampstands in Zechariah 4:2–6. In that vision, the trees and lampstands represented the governor, Zerubbabel, and the high priest, Joshua, who led the rebuilding of the temple despite opposition. In the same way, the two witnesses in John’s vision will faithfully call people to obey God despite opposition. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “These two witnesses will serve God faithfully despite opposition just as Zerubbabel and Joshua did, whom the prophet Zechariah saw depicted as two olive trees and two lampstands in a vision that God gave him”

that stand before

Quote: αἱ ἐνώπιον & ἑστῶτες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

In this context, the phrase stand before means to stay in the presence of another person in order to serve them whenever needed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who faithfully serve”

Revelation 11:5

fire comes out from their mouth

Quote: πῦρ ἐκπορεύεται ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In a context such as this, your language might say “goes” instead of comes. Alternate translation: “fire goes out from their mouth”

their mouth

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

Since John is referring to two people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of mouth or the dual form if your language has it. Alternate translation: “their mouths”

devours their enemies

Quote: κατεσθίει τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if fire literally devours or eats up anyone who would wish to harm these witnesses. He means that the fire destroys them completely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “destroys their enemies completely”

and if anyone should wish to harm them, he must be killed in this way

Quote: καὶ εἴ τις θελήσῃ αὐτοὺς ἀδικῆσαι, οὕτως δεῖ αὐτὸν ἀποκτανθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This clause is essentially a repetition of the first clause in the verse. John is speaking in something like Hebrew poetry, which was based on this kind of repetition. It would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if such repetition would not be natural in your language, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Yes, if anyone should wish to harm them, he must be killed in this way”

he must be killed

Quote: δεῖ αὐτὸν ἀποκτανθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 11:6

to close up the sky so that no rain might fall

Quote: κλεῖσαι τὸν οὐρανόν, ἵνα μὴ ὑετὸς βρέχῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if these witnesses could literally close up the sky. As he goes on to say, he means that they will be able to prevent it from raining. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to keep any rain from falling from the sky”

during the days

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

John is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “during the time”

Revelation 11:7

the beast coming up from the abyss

Quote: τὸ θηρίον τὸ ἀναβαῖνον ἐκ τῆς Ἀβύσσου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

John describes this beast starting in 13:1, so you do not need to explain anything about it here.

Revelation 11:8

of the great city

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

John assumes that his readers will understand that by the great city he means Jerusalem. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem”

which is spiritually called

Quote: ἥτις καλεῖται πνευματικῶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

which is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt

Quote: ἥτις καλεῖται πνευματικῶς, Σόδομα καὶ Αἴγυπτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of these comparisons is that God once destroyed Jerusalem because its people were so wicked, like Sodom, and that Jerusalem oppressed people who belonged to God, like Egypt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “which God destroyed for wickedness as he destroyed Sodom and which oppressed God’s people as did Egypt”

their Lord

Quote: ὁ Κύριος αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness

John is referring to Jesus by a respectful title. Use a form for addressing someone respectfully in your language. Alternate translation: “their Lord Jesus”

was crucified

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

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

Revelation 11:9

those from people and tribe and language and nation look at

Quote: βλέπουσιν ἐκ τῶν λαῶν, καὶ φυλῶν, καὶ γλωσσῶν, καὶ ἐθνῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms people, tribe, language, and nation mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “those from many different people groups look at”

those from people and tribe and language and nation look at

Quote: βλέπουσιν ἐκ τῶν λαῶν, καὶ φυλῶν, καὶ γλωσσῶν, καὶ ἐθνῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to speakers of various languages by association with the language that each one speaks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those from different people groups and tribes, speakers of various languages, and those from other nations look at”

they do not permit their corpses to be placed in a tomb

Quote: τὰ πτώματα αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀφίουσιν τεθῆναι εἰς μνῆμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they do not permit anyone to place their corpses in a tomb”

they do not permit their corpses to be placed in a tomb

Quote: τὰ πτώματα αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀφίουσιν τεθῆναι εἰς μνῆμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Leaving the corpses of the witnesses in the street, rather than burying them, is a symbolic action by which the people of Jerusalem show how much they hated the witnesses. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “out of hatred they do not permit anyone to place their corpses in a tomb”

Revelation 11:10

And the ones living on the earth rejoice over them and celebrate and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented the ones living on the earth

Quote: καὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς χαίρουσιν ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς, καὶ εὐφραίνονται, καὶ δῶρα πέμψουσιν ἀλλήλοις, ὅτι οὗτοι οἱ δύο προφῆται ἐβασάνισαν τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because these two prophets tormented the ones living on the earth, the ones living on the earth rejoice over them and celebrate and send gifts to one another”

rejoice over them and celebrate

Quote: χαίρουσιν ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς, καὶ εὐφραίνονται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that people rejoice over these witnesses because they are dead. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “rejoice that they are dead, and they celebrate”

send gifts to one another

Quote: δῶρα πέμψουσιν ἀλλήλοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The people will send gifts to one another as a symbolic action to show how happy they are that the witnesses are dead. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “send gifts to one another to show how happy they are that the witnesses are dead”

Revelation 11:11

a breath of life from God entered into them

Quote: πνεῦμα ζωῆς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς αὐτούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of this breath as if it were a living thing that entered into the bodies of these witnesses on its own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God enabled them to live and breathe again”

they stood on their feet

Quote: ἔστησαν ἐπὶ τοὺς πόδας αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “they stood up”

great fear fell on the ones seeing them

Quote: φόβος μέγας ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τοὺς θεωροῦντας αὐτούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking figuratively of fear as if it were a living thing that actively fell on people who saw the witnesses alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones seeing them became greatly afraid”

Revelation 11:12

they heard … to them, “… they went up … their … them

Quote: ἤκουσαν & αὐτοῖς & ἀνέβησαν & αὐτοὺς & αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns they, their and them all refer to the witnesses, not to the people who were seeing them alive again. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the witnesses heard … to them … the witnesses went up … their … them”

Come up here

Quote: ἀνάβατε ὧδε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual

Since the voice is speaking to two people, the implied “you” in the imperative Come up would be dual if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural.

Revelation 11:13

at that hour

Quote: ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

John is using the term hour to refer to a specific time. He does not mean that the earthquake lasted for a full hour. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time”

a tenth of the city fell

Quote: τὸ δέκατον τῆς πόλεως ἔπεσεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

John is not speaking of this tenth of the city as if it were a living thing that could fall down accidentally. He means that one tenth of the buildings in the city collapsed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “one tenth of the buildings in the city collapsed”

in the earthquake, the names of 7,000 men were killed

Quote: ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν τῷ σεισμῷ, ὀνόματα ἀνθρώπων χιλιάδες ἑπτά (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the earthquake killed the names of seven thousand men”

the names of 7,000 men

Quote: ὀνόματα ἀνθρώπων χιλιάδες ἑπτά (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, names represents people by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “seven thousand men”

of … men

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

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “of people”

gave glory to the God of heaven

Quote: ἔδωκαν δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression does not imply that God lacks glory in any way or that people have glory that they can give to God. It means the people in the city honored God, acknowledging that God was just to punish them with the earthquake for killing the two witnesses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “honored the God of heaven” or “acknowledged that the God of heaven had done the right thing”

Revelation 11:14

The second woe has passed

Quote: ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ δευτέρα ἀπῆλθεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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

Revelation 11:15

the seventh angel

Quote: ὁ ἕβδομος ἄγγελος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number seven”

The kingdom of the world has become {the kingdom} of our Lord and of his Christ

Quote: ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The kingdom of the world could mean: (1) the system of sinful interests and institutions all over the world that is opposed to God. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of our Lord and his Christ will now replace the world-wide system that formerly opposed them” (2) the right to rule the people of the world. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of our Lord and his Christ will now include all the people in the world”

The kingdom of the world has become {the kingdom} of our Lord and of his Christ

Quote: ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: (1) “Our Lord and his Christ will now rule in place of the world-wide system that formerly opposed them” or (2) “Our Lord and his Christ will now rule over all the people of the world”

to the ages of the ages

Quote: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity”

Revelation 11:16

before God

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

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of God”

fell upon their faces

Quote: ἔπεσαν ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression means that the elders lay down facing the ground. See how you translated the similar expression in 7:11. Alternate translation: “bowed down to the ground”

Revelation 11:17

the one being and the one having been

Quote: ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some ancient manuscripts read the one being and the one having been. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “and who is to come.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

Revelation 11:18

the nations were enraged

Quote: τὰ ἔθνη ὠργίσθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

your wrath has come and the time for the dead to be judged

Quote: ἦλθεν ἡ ὀργή σου, καὶ ὁ καιρὸς τῶν νεκρῶν κριθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of God’s wrath as if it were a living thing that has come to the nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are now punishing them and judging the dead"

your wrath has come and the time

Quote: ἦλθεν ἡ ὀργή σου, καὶ ὁ καιρὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “your wrath has come and the time has come”

for the dead to be judged

Quote: τῶν νεκρῶν κριθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

for the dead

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

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who have died”

to the ones fearing your name

Quote: τοῖς φοβουμένοις τὸ ὄνομά σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “the ones fearing you”

the small and the great

Quote: τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The elders are speaking as if unimportant people were literally small and as if important people were literally large or great. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the unimportant and the important”

the small and the great

Quote: τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The elders are using the adjectives small and great as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “both unimportant people and important people”

the small and the great

Quote: τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The elders are using two extremes of people, small and great, to mean them and everyone in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “whatever their status”

Revelation 11:19

the temple of God in heaven was opened and the ark of the covenant of the Lord was seen in his temple

Quote: ἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ὤφθη ἡ κιβωτὸς τῆς διαθήκης τοῦ Κυρίου ἐν τῷ ναῷ αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God opened his temple in heaven and I could see the ark of the covenant of the Lord in his temple”

the temple of God in heaven was opened

Quote: ἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

By this expression, John likely means by association that in his vision, God created some opening that allowed him to see into the temple of God in heaven. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God allowed me to look into his temple in heaven”

Revelation 12

Revelation 12 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

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

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Serpent

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

Revelation 12:1

a great sign was seen in heaven

Quote: σημεῖον μέγα ὤφθη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people saw a great sign in heaven”

clothed with the sun

Quote: περιβεβλημένη τὸν ἥλιον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 12:2

having in the womb

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

This expression means that the woman had a child in her womb, that is, she was pregnant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being pregnant”

she cries out

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

To call attention to a development in the story, here John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “she cried out”

suffering birth pains and being tormented to give birth

Quote: ὠδίνουσα, καὶ βασανιζομένη τεκεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “suffering birth pains that tormented her as she gave birth”

suffering birth pains and being tormented

Quote: ὠδίνουσα, καὶ βασανιζομένη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “suffering terrible birth pains”

Revelation 12:3

another sign was seen

Quote: ὤφθη ἄλλο σημεῖον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

a large red dragon

Quote: δράκων πυρρός μέγας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A dragon is a mythical monster that looks like a giant reptile. As 12:9 explains, in this book the dragon represents the devil. If your readers would not be familiar with what a dragon is, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “a large red monster”

Revelation 12:4

sweeps away

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

To call attention to a development in the story, here John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “swept”

a third

Quote: τὸ τρίτον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction

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

Revelation 12:5

a son, a male

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

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

a male

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

John is using the adjective male as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a male child”

with an iron scepter

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

John is speaking as if this child will literally use an iron scepter to rule all the nations. He means that the child will rule with great strength by association with the way that iron is very strong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase in 2:27. Alternate translation: “with great strength” or “with irresistible power”

an iron scepter

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

A scepter was an ornamental staff or wand that rulers carried or held as a symbol of their authority. If your readers would not be familiar with what a scepter is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a royal staff made of iron”

her child was snatched away to God and to his throne

Quote: ἡρπάσθη τὸ τέκνον αὐτῆς πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν, καὶ πρὸς τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God snatched away her child to his throne”

to God and to his throne

Quote: πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν, καὶ πρὸς τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word God tells whose throne this is. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “to God’s throne”

Revelation 12:6

where she has a place prepared by God there

Quote: ὅπου ἔχει ἐκεῖ τόπον ἡτοιμασμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that this expression, which says both where and there, contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “where she has a place prepared by God”

where she has a place prepared by God there

Quote: ὅπου ἔχει ἐκεῖ τόπον ἡτοιμασμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where God has prepared a place for her”

they might nourish her

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

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not refer to anyone in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “she might receive nourishment”

Revelation 12:8

he was not strong enough

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

The pronoun he refers to the dragon, not to Michael. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the dragon was not strong enough”

he was not strong enough

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

John means by association that the dragon was not strong enough to prevail against Michael and his army. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he was not able to prevail”

was a place found for them

Quote: τόπος εὑρέθη αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “could anyone find a place for them”

Revelation 12:9

the great dragon was thrown down

Quote: ἐβλήθη ὁ δράκων ὁ μέγας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) that God threw the dragon down after his angels defeated him. Alternate translation: “God threw down the dragon” (2) that Michael threw the dragon down to earth after defeating him in the war that they fought. Alternate translation: “Michael threw down the dragon”

the ancient serpent called

Quote: ὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος, ὁ καλούμενος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John assumes that his readers will understand that he is alluding to the way the devil appeared in the form of a serpent when he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This story is told in Genesis 3:1-15. You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who tempted Adam and Eve in the form of a serpent, who is called”

the ancient serpent

Quote: ὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A serpent is the same animal that is also called a “snake.” It is a reptile that has no legs and so slithers along the ground. If your readers would not be familiar with what a serpent or snake is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “that ancient slithering reptile”

called

Quote: ὁ καλούμενος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Diabolos

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

The word Diabolos is a name for the devil. Diabolos means “accuser” in Greek.

Satan

Quote: ὁ Σατανᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate

The word Satan is a Hebrew name that means “accuser.” So his readers will know how it sounds, John spells it out using Greek letters after giving the Greek equivalent, Diabolos, so that his readers will know what it means. In your translation you could spell Satan the way it sounds in your language and use the word for “accuser” in your own language in place of Diabolos so that your readers will know what it means.

the whole world

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

Here the term world refers to the people who live in the world. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the people of the world”

He was thrown down to the earth and his angels were thrown down with him

Quote: ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν, καὶ οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐβλήθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) that God threw the dragon down after his angels defeated him. Alternate translation: “God threw the dragon down to the earth and he threw his angels down with him” (2) that Michael threw the dragon and his angels down to earth after defeating them in the war that they fought. Alternate translation: “Michael threw the dragon down to the earth and he threw his angels down with him”

Revelation 12:10

I heard a loud voice in heaven saying

Quote: ἤκουσα φωνὴν μεγάλην ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ λέγουσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I heard someone saying loudly from heaven”

Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ

Quote: ἄρτι ἐγένετο ἡ σωτηρία, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of salvation, power, kingdom, and authority, you could express the same ideas in other ways. It may be helpful to make this more than one sentence. Alternate translation: “Now our God has begun to save people. He has acted powerfully to establish his reign. His Christ is reigning with him”

our … our … our

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

This voice is addressing believers, since he refers to our brothers, so by our in each instance, the person speaking means himself and his addressees. So use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down

Quote: ἐβλήθη ὁ κατήγορος τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has thrown down the accuser of our brothers”

of our brothers

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

John is using the term brothers figuratively to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as in UST: “of our fellow believers”

of our brothers

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

Although the term brothers is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the figurative expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “our brothers and sisters”

day and night

Quote: ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The voice is using the two parts of a full day, day and night, to mean all the time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “all the time”

Revelation 12:11

the blood

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

This could mean: (1) the actual blood that Jesus offered as a sacrifice for sin. In that case, you could use the word for “blood” in your language with literal meaning. (2) the sacrificial death of Jesus by association with the blood that Jesus shed when he died. Alternate translation: “the sacrificial death”

the word of their testimony

Quote: τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The voice is using the term word to indicate that these believers gave their testimony to Jesus by speaking words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that they spoke”

the word of their testimony

Quote: τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of word, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by what they said when they testified to others about Jesus”

they did not love their lives unto death

Quote: οὐκ ἠγάπησαν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτῶν ἄχρι θανάτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression means that these believers did not love their lives so much they would refuse death even if they needed to die in order to remain faithful to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they did not love their lives so much that they would not die for Jesus”

Revelation 12:12

rejoice, heavens, and the ones tabernacling in them

Quote: εὐφραίνεσθε οὐρανοὶ, καὶ οἱ ἐν αὐτοῖς σκηνοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The voice is speaking to the heavens as if they were a living thing that could rejoice. This may be something that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “all of you who live in the heavens, rejoice in a way that can be heard throughout the heavens”

Woe to the earth and the sea

Quote: οὐαὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The voice is speaking of the earth and the sea as if they were living things that could suffer Woe. This may be something that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “Woe to all the creatures who live on the earth and in the sea”

he has little time

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

The voice implicitly means that the devil knows that God will soon judge and punish him, and so he has little time left in which to resist God and try to turn people away from God. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he has little time left in which to keep resisting God”

Revelation 12:13

he had been thrown down

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God had thrown him down”

the male

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

John is using the adjective male as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the male child”

Revelation 12:14

two wings of a great eagle were given to the woman

Quote: ἐδόθησαν τῇ γυναικὶ δύο πτέρυγες τοῦ ἀετοῦ τοῦ μεγάλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God gave two wings of a great eagle to the woman”

where she is nourished there

Quote: ὅπου τρέφεται ἐκεῖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that this expression, which says both where and there, contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “where she is nourished”

for a time and times and half a time

Quote: καιρὸν, καὶ καιροὺς, καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual

Since the vision describes the approximate number of days in three and a half years (1,260) in 12:6 and the number of months in three and a half years (42) in 13:5, it is probable that this number is also three and a half, so times means “two times.” If your language uses the dual form, you could use that form for the word times. Otherwise, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for a time and two times and half a time”

for a time and times and half a time

Quote: καιρὸν, καὶ καιροὺς, καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Since this length of time during which the woman is nourished seems to be the same as in 12:6, it seems that three and a half years is intended. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “for a year and two years and half a year” or “for three and a half years”

the face of the serpent

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

Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “the presence of the serpent”

Revelation 12:15

water like a river

Quote: ὕδωρ ὡς ποταμόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

John says that this water was like a river to emphasize how much water there was. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a very large volume of water”

so that he might make her stream-borne

Quote: ἵνα αὐτὴν ποταμοφόρητον ποιήσῃ (1)

Alternate translation: “in order to create a flood that would carry her away”

Revelation 12:16

the earth helped the woman

Quote: ἐβοήθησεν ἡ γῆ τῇ γυναικί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of the earth as if it were a living thing that helped this woman. This may be something that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “something happened on the earth that helped the woman”

the earth opened its mouth

Quote: ἤνοιξεν ἡ γῆ τὸ στόμα αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if the earth literally had a mouth and swallowed this river. He means that some kind of chasm opened up in the earth and the river flowed down into it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a chasm opened up in the earth and the river flowed down into it”

Revelation 12:17

the dragon was enraged

Quote: ὠργίσθη ὁ δράκων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

of her seed

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

Here the term seed means offspring. It is a word picture. Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of her descendants”

keeping

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

See how you translated the word keeping in 1:3 and in 2:26. Alternate translation: “obeying”

having the testimony of Jesus

Quote: ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “testifying to their faith in Jesus”

Revelation 12:18

the sand of the sea

Quote: τὴν ἄμμον τῆς θαλάσσης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to the shore of the sea by association with the sand that is along the shore on the beach. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the shore of the sea”

Revelation 13

Revelation 13 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

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

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Similes

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

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Leopard, bear, and lion

The book of Revelation uses imagery from the Old Testament. In this chapter, John describes a beast that looked like a leopard, a bear, and a lion. This image comes from the book of Daniel. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Unknown animals

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

Revelation 13:2

a leopard … of a bear … of a lion

Quote: παρδάλει & ἄρκου & λέοντος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A leopard is a large, fierce cat that lives in the jungle. A bear is a large, heavy, powerful mammal that can be very dangerous if it feels threatened. A lion is a large, fierce cat that often lives on the plains. If your readers would not be familiar with these animals, in your translation you could the names of comparable animals that they would recognize, or you could use general descriptions.

his power and his throne

Quote: τὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to the dragon’s right to rule by association with the throne on which a ruler would sit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his power and his right to rule”

his power and his throne

Quote: τὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word throne tells what kind of power the dragon gave to this beast. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “his ruling power” or “his power to rule”

Revelation 13:3

it had been slain unto death

Quote: ἐσφαγμένην εἰς θάνατον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that the expression slain unto death contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “it had been slain”

it had been slain unto death

Quote: ἐσφαγμένην εἰς θάνατον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

its wound of death had been healed

Quote: ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ ἐθεραπεύθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it had recovered from its wound of death”

wound of death

Quote: ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

John is using a possessive form to describe a wound that led to death. Alternate translation: “deadly wound”

the whole earth was astonished

Quote: ἐθαυμάσθη ὅλη ἡ γῆ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

the whole earth

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

Here the term earth refers to the people who live on the earth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the people on earth”

after the beast

Quote: ὀπίσω τοῦ θηρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and they followed after the beast” or, if you retain the term earth, “and it followed after the beast”

after the beast

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

This expression, which is short for “followed after the beast,” means that the people on earth accepted the beast as their ruler. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they accepted the beast as their ruler” or, if you retain the term earth, “and it accepted the beast as its ruler”

Revelation 13:4

Who {is} like the beast, and who is able to war with it

Quote: τίς ὅμοιος τῷ θηρίῳ, καὶ τίς δύναται πολεμῆσαι μετ’ αὐτοῦ? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The people of the earth are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one is like the beast, and no one is able to war with it!”

Who {is} like the beast, and who is able to war with it

Quote: τίς ὅμοιος τῷ θηρίῳ, καὶ τίς δύναται πολεμῆσαι μετ’ αὐτοῦ? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. The people are using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “Who is strong enough to war with the beast?” or “No one is strong enough to war with the beast!”

Revelation 13:5

to it was given

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was the dragon. Alternate translation: “the dragon gave it”

a mouth speaking

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

John is referring to the capacity to speak by association with the mouth that people use to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the capacity to speak, and it spoke”

great {things

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

The implication is that the beast spoke great things about itself. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “great things about itself” or “boasts”

authority was given to it

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἐξουσία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was the dragon. Alternate translation: “the dragon gave it authority”

Revelation 13:6

it opened its mouth unto

Quote: ἤνοιξε τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ εἰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to the beast speaking by association with it opened its mouth in order to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it spoke”

his name

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

Here the word name stands for the reputation of a person. Alternate translation: “his reputation”

Revelation 13:7

to it was granted

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) that the dragon enabled the beast to do this. Alternate translation: “the dragon enabled it” (2) that God allowed the beast to do this. Alternate translation: “God allowed it”

authority was given to it

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἐξουσία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was the dragon. Alternate translation: “the dragon gave it authority”

every tribe and people and language and nation

Quote: πᾶσαν φυλὴν, καὶ λαὸν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ ἔθνος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms tribe, people, language, and nation mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “every different people group”

every tribe and people and language and nation

Quote: πᾶσαν φυλὴν, καὶ λαὸν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ ἔθνος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to speakers of various languages by association with the languages themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every tribe and people and speakers of every language and every nation”

Revelation 13:8

of whom his name has not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world

Quote: ὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τῆς ζωῆς τοῦ Ἀρνίου, τοῦ ἐσφαγμένου ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could mean implicitly: (1) that the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world, that is, God’s purpose from before all time was for Jesus to give his life as a sacrifice. Alternate translation: “all whose names are not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb whom God appointed from the foundation of the world to die as a sacrifice” (2) that if a person worships the beast, this means that his name was not written in the Book of Life … from the foundation of the world. Alternate translation: “all whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world”

of whom his name has not been written

Quote: ὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

Since John is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of name. Alternate translation: “those whose names have not been written”

of whom his name has not been written

Quote: ὧν οὐ γέγραπται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “those whose names God has not written”

having been slain

Quote: τοῦ ἐσφαγμένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom God appointed to die as a sacrifice”

from the foundation of the world

Quote: ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of foundation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “since God founded the world”

Revelation 13:9

If anyone has an ear, let him hear

Quote: εἴ τις ἔχει οὖς, ἀκουσάτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

John is addressing his listeners in the third person. It may be clearer in your language to use the second person. Alternate translation: “If any of you has an ear, you should hear”

If anyone has an ear

Quote: εἴ τις ἔχει οὖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to the ability to hear by association with the way having an ear enables people to hear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If anyone is able to hear”

let him hear

Quote: ἀκουσάτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may he hear” or “he should hear”

Revelation 13:10

If anyone {is} for captivity

Quote: εἴ τις εἰς αἰχμαλωσίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of captivity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “If anyone’s enemies are going to take him captive”

if anyone will be killed by the sword, it is necessary for him to be killed by the sword

Quote: εἴ τις ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτενεῖ, δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτανθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if anyone’s enemies will kill him by the sword, it is necessary for them to kill him by the sword”

if anyone will be killed by the sword, it is necessary for him to be killed by the sword

Quote: εἴ τις ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτενεῖ, δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀποκτανθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to execution by association with the way the Romans used a sword to execute people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if anyone will be executed, it is necessary for him to be executed” or “if anyone’s enemies will execute him, it is necessary for them to execute him”

Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints

Quote: ὧδέ ἐστιν ἡ ὑπομονὴ καὶ ἡ πίστις τῶν ἁγίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression Here is introduces something that the speaker is calling for. Alternate translation: “This calls for endurance and faith on the part of the saints”

Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints

Quote: ὧδέ ἐστιν ἡ ὑπομονὴ καὶ ἡ πίστις τῶν ἁγίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of endurance and faith, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “This calls for the saints to endure and to be faithful”

Revelation 13:11

it was speaking like a dragon

Quote: ἐλάλει ὡς δράκων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that this beast was speaking in a way that showed it was evil, like the dragon that is a symbol of evil in this book. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “it was speaking in a way that showed it was evil, like a dragon”

Revelation 13:12

before it

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

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in its presence”

of whom his wound of death had been healed

Quote: οὗ ἐθεραπεύθη ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who had recovered from his wound of death”

wound of death

Quote: ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

John is using a possessive form to describe a wound that led to death. Alternate translation: “deadly wound”

Revelation 13:13

signs

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

John is not using the word signs here and in the next verse to mean the same thing that he does when he speaks of signs in 12:1 and 12:3. Here he does not mean significant sights, but miracles. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “miracles”

before men

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

The term before here means “in front of.” Alternate translation: “in front of men” or “where men could see them”

men

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

Although the term man is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”

Revelation 13:14

the signs that have been granted to it to do

Quote: τὰ σημεῖα ἃ ἐδόθη αὐτῷ ποιῆσαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was the dragon. Alternate translation: “the signs that the dragon has granted it to do”

before the beast

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

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of the beast”

to the beast

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

While John says in the next verse that this was an image “of the beast,” that is, an image that looked like the beast, here the expression to the beast means “in honor of the beast.” You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in honor of the beast”

Revelation 13:15

it was granted to it

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was the dragon. Alternate translation: “the dragon enabled it”

to give breath to the image of the beast

Quote: δοῦναι πνεῦμα τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to the image of the beast coming alive by association with the breath that creatures breathe when they are alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to make the image of the beast come alive”

might cause whoever does not worship the image of the beast to be killed

Quote: ποιήσῃ ὅσοι ἐὰν μὴ προσκυνήσωσιν τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου ἀποκτανθῶσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “might cause people to kill whoever does not worship the image of the beast”

Revelation 13:16

it causes

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

The pronoun it refers to the second beast, not to the image of the first beast. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the second beast causes”

the small and the great and the rich and the poor and the free and the slave

Quote: τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους, καὶ τοὺς πλουσίους καὶ τοὺς πτωχούς, καὶ τοὺς ἐλευθέρους καὶ τοὺς δούλους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using the adjectives small, great, rich, poor, free, and slave as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “small people and great people and rich people and poor people and free people and slaves”

the small and the great and the rich and the poor and the free and the slave

Quote: τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους, καὶ τοὺς πλουσίους καὶ τοὺς πτωχούς, καὶ τοὺς ἐλευθέρους καὶ τοὺς δούλους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

John is using two extremes of importance, small and great, to mean people across the entire range of importance. John is using two extremes of wealth, rich and poor, to mean people across the entire range of wealth. John is using two extremes of status, free and slave, to mean people across the entire range of status. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent expressions or plain language. Alternate translation: “no matter what their importance and no matter what their wealth and no matter what their status”

the small and the great and the rich and the poor and the free and the slave

Quote: τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους, καὶ τοὺς πλουσίους καὶ τοὺς πτωχούς, καὶ τοὺς ἐλευθέρους καὶ τοὺς δούλους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These three phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “people of every different kind”

the small and the great

Quote: τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους, (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if unimportant people were literally small and as if important people were literally large or great. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the unimportant and the important” or “unimportant people and important people”

they might give to them

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

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not refer to anyone in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “they might have to receive”

Revelation 13:17

the number of its name

Quote: τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In this culture, people used the letters of the alphabet as symbols for numbers as well. As a result, it was possible to add up the values of the letters in someone’s name to get the number of that name. That is what John means implicitly here. If your readers would not be familiar with this practice, you could explain it in your translation. Alternate translation: “the sum of the numerical values of the letters in its name”

Revelation 13:18

Here is wisdom

Quote: ὧδε ἡ σοφία ἐστίν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression Here is introduces something that the speaker is calling for. Alternate translation: “This calls for wisdom”

let him calculate

Quote: ψηφισάτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may he calculate” or “he should calculate”

the number of the beast

Quote: τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See the note about “the number of its name” in 13:17. Here John means implicitly that this number is the sum of the numerical values of the letters in the name of a certain man. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the sum of the numerical values of the letters in the name of a certain man”

Revelation 14

Revelation 14 General Notes

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Harvest

Harvest is when people go out to gather ripe food from plants. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about him so those people can be part of God’s kingdom. This chapter speaks symbolically of two harvests. The first is a harvest of grain. This may mean the time when Jesus gathers in his people from the whole earth. The second harvest is of grapes. This may mean the time when God gathers in wicked people to punish them. (See: Metaphor and faith)

Revelation 14:1

Mount Zion

Quote: τὸ Ὄρος Σιών (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Zion is the name of the mountain on which the city of Jerusalem is located.

were} 144 thousands

Quote: ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

See how you translated this in Revelation 7:4. Alternate translation: “one hundred forty-four thousand”

having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads

Quote: ἔχουσαι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, γεγραμμένον ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “His name and the name of his Father appeared in writing on their foreheads”

of … Father

Quote: τοῦ Πατρὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

Father is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation.

Revelation 14:2

like the sound of many waters and like the sound of great thunder

Quote: ὡς φωνὴν ὑδάτων πολλῶν, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν βροντῆς μεγάλης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of these comparisons is that the sound John heard was loud and powerful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “that was loud and powerful, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of booming thunder”

of many waters

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

By sound of many waters, John could mean a loud waterfall or raging floodwaters. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:15. Alternate translation: “of a waterfall” or “of raging floodwaters”

was} like harpists harping on their harps

Quote: ὡς κιθαρῳδῶν κιθαριζόντων ἐν ταῖς κιθάραις αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the sound that John heard was also beautiful and melodious. (John explains in the next verse that it was the sound of a great number of people singing.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “beautiful and melodious, like harpists harping on their harps”

was} like harpists harping on their harps

Quote: ὡς κιθαρῳδῶν κιθαριζόντων ἐν ταῖς κιθάραις αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

John’s repetitive use of three words with the root “harp” seems to imitate the sound of music. You may wish to use three similar words in your translation if that is possible in your language.

Revelation 14:3

they sing

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

The pronoun they refers to the 144 thousands whom John describes in 14:1 and later in this verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the 144 thousands sing” or "the 144,000 people sing"

no one was able to learn the song except the 144 thousands

Quote: οὐδεὶς ἐδύνατο μαθεῖν τὴν ᾠδὴν, εἰ μὴ αἱ ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions

If it would appear in your language that John was contradicting himself by saying that no one could learn the song and then naming people who could learn the song, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “the only ones who were able to learn the song were the 144 thousands”

having been bought

Quote: οἱ ἠγορασμένοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, 5:9 indicates that it was the Lamb. Alternate translation: “whom the Lamb bought”

having been bought

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

John is speaking as if the Lamb literally bought these people. He means that through his sacrificial death, the Lamb saved them by setting them free from the guilt and power of sin. Your language may have a term that you can use in your translation that describes someone paying a price or making a sacrifice to set someone else free. See what you did in 5:9. Alternate translation: “whom the Lamb redeemed”

from the earth

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

John is referring to the inhabitants of the earth by association with the earth on which they live. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from among the inhabitants of the earth”

Revelation 14:4

These are they who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins

Quote: οὗτοί εἰσιν οἳ μετὰ γυναικῶν οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν, παρθένοι γάρ εἰσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if the people who are singing have literally never had sexual relations. In context, he most likely means that they have not worshiped idols. Having sexual relations outside of marriage, or not waiting until marriage to have sexual relations, is a common Old Testament image for idol worship. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “These are they who have not worshiped idols, for they are faithful to God”

have not been defiled with women

Quote: μετὰ γυναικῶν οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. John is not saying that women make men defiled. He is saying that sexual relations outside of marriage are sinful. In your translation, be sure that this is clear to your readers. Alternate translation: “have not committed immoral acts with women”

the ones following the Lamb wherever he goes

Quote: οἱ ἀκολουθοῦντες τῷ Ἀρνίῳ ὅπου ἂν ὑπάγει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This statement may be one that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, in the New Testament, following someone often means being that person’s disciple and obeying his teaching. That could be what John means here. Alternate translation: “the ones who obey the Lamb no matter what he asks”

These have been bought

Quote: οὗτοι ἠγοράσθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See what you did in 14:3. Alternate translation: “The Lamb bought them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

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

See how you translated this in 14:3. Alternate translation: “whom the Lamb redeemed”

from among men

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

Although the term man is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “from among humanity”

as first fruits for God and for the Lamb

Quote: ἀπαρχὴ τῷ Θεῷ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if these people were literally the first fruits of a harvest. He means that they are the first of many people who will eventually believe in Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as the first of many people who will believe in God and Jesus”

Revelation 14:5

no lie has been found in their mouth

Quote: ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

Since John is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of mouth. Alternate translation: “no lie has been found in their mouths”

no lie has been found in their mouth

Quote: ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the expression has been found means “could be found” or “was there.” Alternate translation: “there was no lie in their mouths”

no lie has been found in their mouth

Quote: ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to people speaking by association with the way that a person speaks with his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they have told no lies”

no lie has been found in their mouth

Quote: ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle no and the negative word lies. Alternate translation: “they have always told the truth”

no lie has been found in their mouth

Quote: ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν οὐχ εὑρέθη ψεῦδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that these people have told no lie about who Jesus is, despite the pressure they have been facing to deny that he is Lord and Savior. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they have always told the truth about who Jesus is”

for they are blameless

Quote: ἄμωμοί γὰρ εἰσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some ancient manuscripts read for they are blameless. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “before the throne of God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

Revelation 14:6

to every nation and tribe and language and people

Quote: ἐπὶ πᾶν ἔθνος, καὶ φυλὴν, καὶ γλῶσσαν, καὶ λαόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms nation, tribe, language, and people mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “every different people group”

Revelation 14:7

the hour of his judgment has come

Quote: ἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the hour has come when he will judge”

the hour of his judgment has come

Quote: ἦλθεν ἡ ὥρα τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The angel is using the word hour by association to mean a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time of his judgment has come” or “the time has come when he will judge”

the heaven and the earth and the sea and the springs of water

Quote: τὸν οὐρανὸν, καὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ θάλασσαν, καὶ πηγὰς ὑδάτων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The angel is using four main components of creation to mean all of creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “everything that exists”

Revelation 14:8

Fallen, fallen has Babylon the Great

Quote: ἔπεσεν, ἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This second angel is speaking as if Babylon has literally fallen down. He means that the city has been destroyed. The repetition of the word fallen is emphatic and indicates complete destruction. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Babylon the Great has been completely destroyed” or “God has completely destroyed Babylon the Great”

Babylon the Great

Quote: Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Babylon is the name of an ancient city that founded an empire whose armies destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 586 B.C.

Babylon the Great

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

Since the ancient city of Babylon was destroyed centuries earlier, the angel is not speaking literally of that city. The angel is using Babylon to symbolize some other city or empire. The specific identity of that city or empire is a matter of interpretation rather than translation. Alternate translation: “the great city that is like Babylon” or “the great empire that is like Babylon”

who caused all the nations to drink

Quote: ἣ & πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The angel is speaking of the city of Babylon as if it were a living thing that caused the nations to drink from a certain cup. The angel means that the rulers of the city did this, symbolically (See: next note). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whose rulers caused all the nations to drink”

all the nations

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

The angel says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “nations throughout the world”

caused all the nations to drink from the wine of the passion of her immorality

Quote: ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς, πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This second angel is speaking as if Babylon has literally caused the nations to drink a certain kind of wine. This means, in the first instance, that Babylon led the nations to commit sexual immorality with her. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “caused all the nations to give in to passions that led them to commit sexual immorality with her”

from the wine of the passion of her immorality

Quote: ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

In the second instance, as in 14:3, having immoral sexual relations is a symbolic image for worshiping idols. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to worship idols as she did”

Revelation 14:10

he will also drink from the wine of the wrath of God having been poured undiluted into the cup of his anger

Quote: καὶ αὐτὸς πίεται ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, τοῦ κεκερασμένου ἀκράτου ἐν τῷ ποτηρίῳ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is speaking as if anyone who worships the beast will literally drink a certain kind of wine from a certain cup. He means symbolically that God will make such a person experience the just consequences of his actions. Within this image, the fact that the wine is undiluted means that God will not show him mercy as he judges him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will make him experience the just consequences of his actions and in his anger God will not show him any mercy”

of God having been poured

Quote: τοῦ Θεοῦ, τοῦ κεκερασμένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

he will be tormented

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

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

fire and sulfur

Quote: πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word fire describes the state of the sulfur. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “fiery sulfur”

before the holy angels and before the Lamb

Quote: ἐνώπιον ἀγγέλων ἁγίων καὶ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Ἀρνίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb”

Revelation 14:11

of their torment

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

The third angel is referring to the burning sulfur with which God is tormenting these people by association with the torment itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the burning sulfur with which God is tormenting them”

to the ages of the ages

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

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity”

day and night

Quote: ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The angel is using the two parts of a full day, day and night, to mean all the time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “at any time”

if anyone receives

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

The angel is using a characteristic expression of the Greek language. Alternate translation: “anyone who receives”

Revelation 14:12

Here is the endurance of the saints

Quote: ὧδε ἡ ὑπομονὴ τῶν ἁγίων ἐστίν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression Here is introduces something that the speaker is calling for. Alternate translation: “This calls for endurance on the part of the saints”

keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus

Quote: τηροῦντες τὰς ἐντολὰς τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τὴν πίστιν Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the word keeping in 1:3 and in 2:26. Alternate translation: “obeying the commandments of God and maintaining their faith in Jesus”

the faith of Jesus

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

In this possessive form, Jesus is the object rather than the subject of faith. That is, this does not mean the faith that Jesus has, it means the faith that people have in Jesus. Alternate translation: “faith in Jesus”

Revelation 14:13

a voice from heaven saying

Quote: φωνῆς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ λεγούσης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as in UST: “I heard someone speaking from heaven and saying”

saying, “Write, ‘Blessed {are} the dead dying in the Lord from now on

Quote: λεγούσης, γράψον, μακάριοι οἱ νεκροὶ οἱ ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκοντες ἀπ’ ἄρτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that told me to write, ‘Blessed are the dead dying in the Lord from now on’”

the dead dying

Quote: οἱ νεκροὶ & ἀποθνῄσκοντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The person speaking is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who die if they die”

dying in the Lord from now on

Quote: οἱ ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκοντες ἀπ’ ἄρτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression dying in the Lord means to die while still maintaining faith in Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who die from now on while still maintaining their faith in Jesus”

in the Lord

Quote: ἐν Κυρίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness

The person speaking is referring to Jesus by a respectful title. Use a form for addressing someone respectfully in your language. Alternate translation: “in the Lord Jesus”

so

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

The word translated so introduces a result of the action that the previous sentence describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer back to that action. Alternate translation: “because they are blessed as a result of dying in the Lord,”

their deeds follow with them

Quote: τὰ & ἔργα αὐτῶν ἀκολουθεῖ μετ’ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of the deeds of these people who have died in the Lord as if those deeds could follow the people as they come into the presence of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will acknowledge as they come into his presence that they have served him diligently”

Revelation 14:14

one like

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

John is using the adjective like as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. ULT adds the word one to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a person who looked like a son of man”

a son of man

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

This could mean: (1) a human being, in a characteristic Hebrew expression that John would be borrowing. Alternate translation, as in UST: “a human being” (2) the Messiah, since “the Son of Man” is a title for the Messiah. Alternate translation: “the Messiah, the Son of Man”

a sharp sickle

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

A sickle is a tool with a curved blade that agricultural workers use to cut down standing crops in order to harvest them. If your readers would not be familiar with what a sickle is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a sharp harvesting tool”

Revelation 14:15

has been ripened

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

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

Revelation 14:16

the earth was harvested

Quote: ἐθερίσθη ἡ γῆ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 14:18

the … the one having authority over … fire

Quote: ὁ ἔχων ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τοῦ πυρός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John is referring implicitly to the fire that burned up sacrifices on the altar. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the one responsible for maintaining the altar fire”

Revelation 14:19

winepress

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

A winepress a large basin made of stone or wood. Workers put grapes in this basin and, with bare feet, trample on the grapes to extract their juice. If your readers would not be familiar with what a winepress is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “large basin”

Revelation 14:20

the winepress was trampled

Quote: ἐπατήθη ἡ ληνὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

the winepress was trampled

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

John is referring to the grapes in the winepress by association with the winepress itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “workers trampled the grapes in the winepress”

blood

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

John is referring to a stream of blood by association with the blood that ran out of the winepress. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a stream of blood”

up to the bridles of the horses

Quote: ἄχρι τῶν χαλινῶν τῶν ἵππων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The word bridles describes sets of headgear that riders use to control horses. If your readers would not be familiar with what bridles are, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “as high as horses’ heads”

1,600 stadia

Quote: σταδίων χιλίων ἑξακοσίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance

The word stadia is the plural form of “stadium,” which was a distance of about 185 meters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could give the equivalent in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “about 300 kilometers” or “about 200 miles”

Revelation 15

Revelation 15 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter, John describes events and pictures that occur in heaven.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 3–4.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

“Victorious over the beast”

These people are spiritually victorious. While most spiritual battles cannot be seen, the book of Revelation pictures spiritual battles as occurring openly. (See: spirit, wind, breath and Symbolic Prophecy)

“The temple having the tent of witness was open in heaven”

Scripture elsewhere indicates the earthly temple copied God’s perfect dwelling place in heaven. Here John seems to refer to God’s heavenly dwelling place or temple. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly and Symbolic Prophecy)

Songs

The book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. People there worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped.

Revelation 15:1

great and marvelous

Quote: μέγα καὶ θαυμαστόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

having seven final plagues

Quote: ἔχοντας πληγὰς ἑπτὰ τὰς ἐσχάτας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is speaking of these plagues as if they were something that the seven angels had in their possession. He means that God had made these angels responsible for administering the plagues. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who would be responsible for administering seven final plagues”

the wrath of God was finished

Quote: ἐτελέσθη ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to God’s punishments for sin by association with the wrath that God feels because of sin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the punishments of God were finished”

the wrath of God was finished

Quote: ἐτελέσθη ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 15:2

as it were a sea of glass

Quote: ὡς θάλασσαν ὑαλίνην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the large object made of glass looked like a sea. That is, it was wide and spacious and level. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. See how you translated the similar expression in 4:6. Alternate translation: “a large glass surface”

having been mixed with fire

Quote: μεμιγμένην πυρί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this further comparison seems to be that the glass sea was sparkling with light or reflecting the flashes of light that came from the nearby throne, as John describes in 4:5. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “that looked as if it was flashing with fire”

the ones being victorious over the beast and over his image and over the number of his name

Quote: τοὺς νικῶντας ἐκ τοῦ θηρίου, καὶ ἐκ τῆς εἰκόνος αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John means implicitly that these people were victorious because they did not worship the beast and his image and did not accept the number of his name on their right hands or foreheads. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who had not worshiped the beast or his image and who had not accepted the number of his name as a mark on their right hands or foreheads”

Revelation 15:3

they sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb

Quote: ᾄδουσιν τὴν ᾠδὴν Μωϋσέως, τοῦ δούλου τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τὴν ᾠδὴν τοῦ Ἀρνίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

This could mean implicitly: (1) that these victorious believers sing one song. Alternate translation: “they sing a song that Moses, the servant of God, sang and that the Lamb now sings” (2) that these victorious believers sing two songs. Alternate translation: “they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and they also sing the song of the Lamb”

Great and marvelous {are} your deeds

Quote: μεγάλα καὶ θαυμαστὰ τὰ ἔργα σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms Great and marvelous mean similar things. The victorious believers are using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Your deeds are amazing”

Righteous and true {are} your ways

Quote: δίκαιαι καὶ ἀληθιναὶ αἱ ὁδοί σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms Righteous and true mean similar things. The victorious believers are using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Your ways are completely righteous”

are} your ways

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

The victorious believers are singing about God’s actions as if they were ways or paths that God was walking on. Alternate translation: “are your actions”

King of the Ages

Quote: ὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

The believers are using a possessive form to describe not what God rules over but for how long God will rule. Alternate translation: “you who will be king for all eternity”

King of the Ages

Quote: ὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some ancient manuscripts read King of the Ages. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “King of the Nations.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

Revelation 15:4

Who will certainly not fear {you}, Lord, and glorify your name

Quote: τίς οὐ μὴ φοβηθῇ, Κύριε, καὶ δοξάσει τὸ ὄνομά σου & ? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The victorious believers are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Everyone should fear you, Lord, and glorify your name”

glorify your name

Quote: δοξάσει τὸ ὄνομά σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents the character and reputation of person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “praise you for your excellent character”

before you

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

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in your presence”

your righteous deeds have been manifested

Quote: τὰ δικαιώματά σου ἐφανερώθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 15:5

the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven had been opened

Quote: ἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God had opened the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven”

the temple

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

When John says that the temple had been opened, he means by association that the doors of the temple had been opened and he could see inside. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the doors of the temple”

the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven

Quote: ὁ ναὸς τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

John seems to be using this possessive form to indicate that this temple was the equivalent in heaven of the tabernacle of the testimony on earth. Alternate translation: “the temple, that is, the tabernacle of the testimony, in heaven”

the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony

Quote: ὁ ναὸς τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. The phrase “the tabernacle of the testimony” is a common Old Testament description of the tent that held the ark of the covenant. John describes in 11:19 how the ark was now in the temple in heaven. Alternate translation: “the temple, that is, the tent holding the ark of the covenant”

Revelation 15:6

having the seven plagues

Quote: οἱ ἔχοντες τὰς ἑπτὰ πληγὰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

See how you translated the similar expression in 15:1. Alternate translation: “who would be responsible for administering the seven plagues”

having been clothed with clean, bright linen and with golden sashes having been wrapped around {their} chests

Quote: ἐνδεδυμένοι λίθον καθαρὸν λαμπρὸν, καὶ περιεζωσμένοι περὶ τὰ στήθη ζώνας χρυσᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They were wearing clean, bright linen clothes and they had wrapped golden sashes around their chests”

linen

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

John is referring to linen clothes by association with the linen from which this clothing is made. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “linen clothes”

linen

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

The word linen is the name for a fine, expensive cloth that people make from the strong fibers of the inner bark of the flax plant. If your readers would not be familiar with what linen is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “clothes made from fine, expensive fabric”

Revelation 15:7

being full of the wrath of the God

Quote: γεμούσας τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to God’s punishments for sin by association with the wrath that God feels because of sin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being full of punishments from God”

living to the ages of the ages

Quote: τοῦ ζῶντος εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who lives for all eternity”

Revelation 15:8

the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power

Quote: ἐγεμίσθη ὁ ναὸς καπνοῦ ἐκ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἐκ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “smoke from the glory of God and from his power filled the temple”

from the glory of God and from his power

Quote: ἐκ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἐκ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of glory and power, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “because God was so glorious and powerful”

the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed

Quote: τελεσθῶσιν αἱ ἑπτὰ πληγαὶ τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀγγέλων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the seven angels had completed their seven plagues”

Revelation 16

Revelation 16 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues the vision that John began to describe in chapter 15. Together these two chapters describe the seven plagues that complete the wrath of God. (See: wrath, fury)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 5–7.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Seven bowls of God’s wrath

This chapter reveals severe judgments. John pictures the execution of these judgments as angels pouring out seven bowls of God’s wrath. (See: Metaphor)

Possible Translation Issues in this Chapter

• When John says that an angel “poured out his bowl,” he means that the angel poured out what was in his bowl. You can say that in your translation each time. (See: Metonymy)

• In this chapter, John uses adjectives “first” through “seventh” as nouns to identify the angels who pour out the bowls of God’s wrath. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases, for example, “the first angel,” “the second angel,” and so forth. (See: Nominal Adjectives)

• If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use cardinal numbers for these angels, for example, “angel number one,” “angel number two,” and so forth. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Revelation 16:1

a loud voice from the temple saying

Quote: μεγάλης φωνῆς ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ, λεγούσης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someone speaking loudly from the temple and saying”

of the wrath of God

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

John is referring to God’s punishments for sin by association with the wrath that God feels because of sin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that hold the punishments from God”

Revelation 16:2

the first

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

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, John is using the adjective first as a noun to identify this particular angel. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase, and you could do the same with the similar expressions that describe the other six angels. Alternate translation: “the first angel”

the first

Quote: ὁ πρῶτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, if your language does not use ordinal numbers, here and for the other six angels you could use a cardinal number or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number one”

a bad and harmful sore

Quote: ἕλκος κακὸν καὶ πονηρὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

Since John is referring to what happened to each person in a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of sore. Alternate translation: “bad and harmful sores”

bad and harmful

Quote: κακὸν καὶ πονηρὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

the men

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

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people”

Revelation 16:3

as of a corpse

Quote: ὡς νεκροῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the sea turned into blood that was foul and smelled bad, like the blood of a corpse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “that was foul and smelled bad”

every living soul

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

John is referring to living creatures by association with the soul or vital breath that keeps them alive. (Sea creatures do not breathe air, but they circulate water comparably to the way land creatures circulate air.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every living creature”

Revelation 16:4

it became

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

The pronoun it refers to the water in the rivers and springs. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the water in them became”

Revelation 16:5

the angel of the waters

Quote: τοῦ ἀγγέλου τῶν ὑδάτων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

John is using this possessive form to indicate that God had given this angel authority over the waters (the rivers and springs) and responsibility for maintaining them. The angel is affirming that God has done the right thing even though this has damaged the waters. Alternate translation: “the angel who was responsible for the waters”

the one being and the one who was, the Holy One

Quote: ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, ὁ Ὅσιος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Even though the angel is addressing God, the angel is speaking about God in the third person. You could make this clear by using the word “you” in your translation. Alternate translation: “you who are and who were, you who are holy”

the one being and the one who was, the Holy One

Quote: ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, ὁ Ὅσιος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some ancient manuscripts read the one being and the one who was, the Holy One. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “O Lord, the one being and the one who was and who is to be.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

the Holy One

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

The angel is using the adjective Holy as a noun. He is referring to God by one of his essential attributes. ULT adds the word One to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the Holy God”

these

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

The pronoun these refers to the people who have killed the saints and prophets, as the angel describes in the next verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “these people”

Revelation 16:6

they poured out the blood of the saints and prophets

Quote: αἷμα ἁγίων καὶ προφητῶν ἐξέχεαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The angel is referring to the fact that these people killed the saints and prophets by association with the way they shed their *blood when they killed them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they shed the blood of the saints and prophets when they killed them”

they are worthy

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

The angel of the waters means implicitly that the people who killed the saints and prophets are worthy of this punishment, that is, they deserve it. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They deserve this punishment”

Revelation 16:7

I heard the altar saying

Quote: ἤκουσα τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου λέγοντος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is describing the altar as a living thing that can speak. As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, within the world of this vision, this is not a figure of speech and so you can translate it literally even if your language does not use figures of speech.

are} true and righteous

Quote: ἀληθιναὶ καὶ δίκαιαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

Revelation 16:8

it was granted to it

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God permitted it”

it was granted to it

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of the sun as if it were a living thing that could receive permission to do something. As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, within the world of this vision, this may not be a figure of speech, and so you could translate it literally even if your language does not use figures of speech. However, if it would be clearer in your language, you could consider it a figure of speech and provide an equivalent translation. Alternate translation: “God caused it”

men

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

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”

fire

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

John is speaking as if the sun were literally scorching people with fire. He means that the sun’s rays became so hot that they burned people just as badly as fire burns people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the heat of its rays”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

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

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”

Revelation 16:9

men were scorched a great scorch

Quote: ἐκαυματίσθησαν οἱ ἄνθρωποι καῦμα μέγα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

they blasphemed the name of the God

Quote: ἐβλασφήμησαν τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents the character and reputation of person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “they maligned the character of the God”

they did not repent to give him glory

Quote: οὐ μετενόησαν δοῦναι αὐτῷ δόξαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

In the Bible, a person giving God glory often means that person acknowledging that he has sinned and that God is justly punishing him. Alternate translation: “they did not repent of their sin and acknowledge that God was punishing them for it justly”

to give him glory

Quote: δοῦναι αὐτῷ δόξαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If you wish to retain the biblical idiom in your translation but your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and glorify him”

Revelation 16:10

its kingdom became darkened

Quote: ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ ἐσκοτωμένη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God darkened its kingdom”

its kingdom became darkened

Quote: ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ ἐσκοτωμένη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John does not say specifically how God darkened the entire area where the beast ruled and so you may not wish to offer any explicit explanation in your translation. However, if your language would not describe something like this without saying how it happened, you could suggest an explanation. Alternate translation: “God made thick clouds cover the sun in order to darken its kingdom” or “God caused an eclipse of the sun in order to darken its kingdom”

its kingdom

Quote: ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the area that the beast ruled as king”

they were chewing their tongues

Quote: ἐμασῶντο τὰς γλώσσας αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun they refers to the people whom God afflicted with painful sores, as John describes in 16:2 and as he makes clear in the next verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the people whom God had punished with sores were chewing their tongues”

Revelation 16:11

because of their pain and because of their sores

Quote: ἐκ τῶν πόνων αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἑλκῶν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word pain tells what kind of sores these were. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “because of their painful sores”

Revelation 16:12

the Euphrates

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

The word Euphrates is the name of a river. See how you translated it in 9:14.

its water was dried up so that the way of the kings from the rising of the sun might be prepared

Quote: ἐξηράνθη τὸ ὕδωρ αὐτοῦ, ἵνα ἑτοιμασθῇ ἡ ὁδὸς τῶν βασιλέων τῶν ἀπὸ ἀνατολῆς ἡλίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God dried up its water in order to prepare the way for the kings from the rising of the sun”

from the rising of the sun

Quote: τῶν ἀπὸ ἀνατολῆς ἡλίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression refers to a particular direction from the perspective of the speaker. Your language may have its own way of referring to this direction. Alternate translation: “from the east”

Revelation 16:13

like frogs

Quote: ὡς βάτραχοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

John does not seem to be drawing a comparison between these unclean spirits and frogs in order to indicate something about the character of the spirits. Rather, he seems to be describing the appearance of the spirits. This appearance may have some symbolic significance, but that is a matter of interpretation rather than translation. Alternate translation: “that looked like frogs”

Revelation 16:14

signs

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

John is using the word signs here in the same sense as in 13:13. See how you translated the word there. Alternate translation: “miracles”

Revelation 16:15

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In this verse, Jesus breaks into John’s narrative of his vision to address the believers who are listening to it or reading it. ULT puts the verse in parentheses to show this. There may be a comparable convention in your language that you can use in your translation. You can also state explicitly that the Lord Jesus said this, as UST does.

I am coming like a thief

Quote: ἔρχομαι ὡς κλέπτης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that Jesus is coming at a time when people will not be expecting him, just as a thief comes when people are not expecting him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “I am coming at a time when you are not expecting me”

keeping his garments so that he might not walk around naked and they see his indecency

Quote: τηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ, ἵνα μὴ γυμνὸς περιπατῇ, καὶ βλέπωσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, here the term “keeping” means “preserving,” that is, maintaining the garments in good repair. This represents living in a way that pleases God. Walking around naked similarly stands for living in a way that displeases God, that is, committing sins. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “continuing to live in a way that pleases God and not committing sins that others can see”

keeping his garments

Quote: τηρῶν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression means to keep one’s garments on, that is, to continue to wear clothes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “continuing to wear clothes”

and they see his indecency

Quote: καὶ βλέπωσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not refer to anyone in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “so that people can see his indecency”

indecency

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

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

Revelation 16:16

they brought them together

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

The pronoun they refers to the spirits of demons that John describes in 16:14 and the pronoun them refer to the kings John describes in that same verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the spirits of demons brought the kings together”

called

Quote: τὸν καλούμενον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Armageddon

Quote: Ἁρμαγεδών (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate

The word Armageddon is a Hebrew word that John spells out using Greek letters so his readers will know how it sounds. In your translation you can spell it the way it sounds in your language.

Armageddon

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

The word Armageddon is the name of a valley.

Revelation 16:17

a loud voice came out from the temple from the throne, saying

Quote: ἐξῆλθεν φωνὴ μεγάλη ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ θρόνου λέγουσα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I heard the one who was sitting on the throne in the temple say loudly”

It has happened

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

This expression means that the speaker has accomplished what he intended to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, indicating that God is the one sitting on the throne in the temple. Alternate translation: “I, God, have accomplished what I intended to do”

Revelation 16:18

sounds and thunder

Quote: φωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word sounds describes what the thunder produced. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “crashes of thunder”

man

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

Although the term man is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “humanity”

Revelation 16:19

the great city

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

John assumes that his readers will understand that by the great city he means Babylon the Great, as he says later in the verse. You can use the name here as well if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Babylon the Great”

the cities

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

John is using these cities as a whole to mean the individual parts of them, that is, their buildings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the buildings in the cities”

fell

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

John is not speaking of these cities or their buildings as if they were living things that could fall down accidentally. He means that the buildings in the cities collapsed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “collapsed”

Babylon the Great was remembered before God to give to her

Quote: Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, δοῦναι αὐτῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God remembered Babylon the Great to give to her”

Babylon the Great was remembered before God to give to her

Quote: Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, δοῦναι αὐτῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

John is not suggesting that God had forgotten about Babylon the Great but now remembered the city. He is using a common biblical expression that means that God took action with regard to a person or entity of which he was already aware, either to help or to punish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God punished Babylon the Great by giving her”

Babylon the Great was remembered

Quote: Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to the people who live in the city of Babylon by association with that city itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the great city of Babylon were remembered”

to give to her the cup of the wine of the wrath of his anger

Quote: δοῦναι αὐτῇ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is alluding to what the angel said in 14:10 about the “wine of the wrath” of God’s “anger” that was in his “cup.” It is likely that he is therefore referring symbolically, as the angel was, to God making people and entities experience the just consequences of their actions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to make her experience the just consequences of her actions that have made God so angry”

Revelation 16:20

And every island fled, and the mountains were not found

Quote: καὶ πᾶσα νῆσος ἔφυγεν, καὶ ὄρη οὐχ εὑρέθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John means implicitly that these things also happened as a result of the earthquake. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. UST models one way to do that.

fled

Quote: ἔφυγεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of each island as if it were a living thing that fled. He means that the islands disappeared beneath the surface of the ocean. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sank into the ocean”

the mountains were not found

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

Here the expression were not found means “could not be found” or “were not there.” Alternate translation: “there were no mountains anymore”

Revelation 16:21

great hail, about a talent in weight

Quote: χάλαζα μεγάλη, ὡς ταλαντιαία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “great hail, in hailstones weighing about a talent each”

about a talent in weight

Quote: ὡς ταλαντιαία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight

A talent was a weight of about 33 kilograms or about 70 pounds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could give the equivalent in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “in hailstones weighing about 33 kilograms each” or “in hailstones weighing about 70 pounds each”

men, … men

Quote: τοὺς ἀνθρώπους & οἱ ἄνθρωποι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”

Revelation 17

Revelation 17 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter begins to describe how God will destroy the entity that the book of Revelation calls Babylon.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The great prostitute

Those who have sex with prostitutes are unfaithful to God’s purposes for sexual relations to take place within marriage. The “great prostitute” in this chapter may therefore represent some person or entity that leads people to be unfaithful to God spiritually. But it is not necessary to try to identify this person or entity in your translation. (See: Symbolic Prophecy)

Seven hills

An angel tells John in 17:9, “The seven heads are seven hills where the woman is sitting.” This could mean that the woman represents the city of Rome, which is known as the City of Seven Hills. However, since this is a matter of interpretation rather than translation, it would not be appropriate to say explicitly in your translation that the seven hills indicate the city of Rome. br>

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Metaphors

John uses many different metaphors in this chapter. He explains some of their meanings, but allows them to remain relatively unclear. The translator should do the same. (See: Metaphor)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

“The beast that you saw was and is not but is about to come up”

This and similar phrases in this chapter contrast the beast with Jesus. Jesus is called “the one who is and who was and who is to come” elsewhere in the book of Revelation. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Paradox

A paradox is a statement that asserts as true two things that seemingly cannot both be true at the same time. This sentence in 17:11 is a paradox: “the beast … is itself also an eighth, but it is from the seven.” The translator should not attempt to explain how both of these things can be true; that should remain a paradox.

Revelation 17:1

the judgment of the great prostitute

Quote: τὸ κρίμα τῆς πόρνης τῆς μεγάλης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how God will judge the great prostitute”

of the great prostitute sitting on many waters

Quote: τῆς πόρνης τῆς μεγάλης τῆς καθημένης ἐπὶ ὑδάτων πολλῶν, (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

Since the angel explains the meaning of the great prostitute in verse 18 and the meaning of the waters in verse 15, you do not need to say anything in your translation about their meaning here.

sitting on many waters

Quote: τῆς καθημένης ἐπὶ ὑδάτων πολλῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The angel is using the word waters to mean a specific body of water by association. The phrase sitting on many waters is an allusion to Jeremiah 51:13, where the same phrase describes the ancient city of Babylon and its location on the great Euphrates River. (The Hebrew word that Jeremiah uses can mean both “sit” and “dwell.”) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who lives next to a great river”

Revelation 17:2

with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality

Quote: μεθ’ ἧς ἐπόρνευσαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is speaking as if the kings of the earth had literally committed sexual immorality with this prostitute. But that is not literally the case even within the world of this vision, since the angel explains in verse 18 that the prostitute symbolizes a city. So the sexual immorality likely symbolizes idolatry and, in light of chapter 18, greed. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The kings of the earth joined her in being idolatrous and greedy”

the ones living {on} the earth were intoxicated from the wine of her sexual immorality

Quote: ἐμεθύσθησαν οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν γῆν ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is speaking as if the sexual immorality of the prostitute had been wine and that the ones inhabiting the earth had literally been intoxicated by that wine. But once again these things are not literally the case even within the world of this vision. The sexual immorality likely represents idolatry and greed and the intoxication likely represents deception. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she deceived the ones inhabiting the earth to make them indulge in idolatry and greed”

the ones living {on} the earth were intoxicated from the wine of her sexual immorality

Quote: ἐμεθύσθησαν οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν γῆν ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the wine of her sexual immorality intoxicated the ones inhabiting the earth”

Revelation 17:3

he carried me away in the Spirit to a wilderness

Quote: ἀπήνεγκέν με εἰς ἔρημον ἐν Πνεύματι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression in the Spirit in 1:10 and 4:2. Alternate translation: “as he carried me away to a wilderness, the Holy Spirit inspired me so that I could receive further revelation”

being full of blasphemous names

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

This expression means that blasphemous names were written all over this beast. Your language may have its own way of stating this. Alternate translation: “covered with blasphemous names”

Revelation 17:4

the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet and adorned with gold and precious stone and pearls

Quote: ἡ γυνὴ ἦν περιβεβλημένη πορφυροῦν καὶ κόκκινον, καὶ κεχρυσωμένη χρυσῷ, καὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ, καὶ μαργαρίταις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to the clothing and jewelry that the woman was wearing by association with the materials out of which they were made. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet robes and adorned with gold jewelry in which precious stones and pearls were set”

the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet and adorned with gold and precious stone and pearls

Quote: ἡ γυνὴ ἦν περιβεβλημένη πορφυροῦν καὶ κόκκινον, καὶ κεχρυσωμένη χρυσῷ, καὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ, καὶ μαργαρίταις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the woman was wearing purple and scarlet clothing and she had adorned herself with gold jewelry in which precious stones and pearls were set”

precious stone

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

The term precious stone refers to a beautiful and valuable piece of mineral or rock, such as is often used in jewelry. It may be more natural in your language to use a plural form here. Alternate translation: “gemstones”

pearls

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

The word pearls describes beautiful and valuable white beads that form inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean.

of abominations and the impurities

Quote: βδελυγμάτων καὶ τὰ ἀκάθαρτα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word abominations describes the impurities of the woman’s conduct. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “the abominable impurities”

Revelation 17:5

on her forehead had been written

Quote: ἐπὶ τὸ μέτωπον αὐτῆς & γεγραμμένον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone had written on her forehead”

a name, a mystery

Quote: ὄνομα & Μυστήριον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words together. The word mystery tells what kind of name was written on the woman’s forehead. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a mysterious name” or “a name that had a symbolic meaning”

a name, a mystery

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

Some interpreters consider the word mystery to be part of the name of this woman. Alternate translation: “a name: Mystery,”

Revelation 17:6

from the blood of the saints and from the blood of the witnesses of Jesus

Quote: ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος τῶν ἁγίων, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος τῶν μαρτύρων Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “from the blood of the saints who had borne witness to Jesus”

I wondered a great wonder

Quote: ἐθαύμασα & θαῦμα μέγα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

John is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have its own way of expressing the same meaning. Alternate translation: “I wondered greatly”

Revelation 17:7

Why are you wondering

Quote: διὰ τί ἐθαύμασας? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The angel is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You do not need to wonder!”

Revelation 17:8

it is going to destruction

Quote: εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is going to be destroyed”

have not been written

Quote: οὐ γέγραπται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has not written”

from the foundation of the world

Quote: ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

See how you translated this expression in 13:8. Alternate translation: “since God founded the world”

Revelation 17:9

Here {is} the mind having wisdom

Quote: ὧδε ὁ νοῦς ὁ ἔχων σοφίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression Here is introduces something that the speaker is calling for. Alternate translation: “This calls for a mind that has wisdom”

Here {is} the mind having wisdom

Quote: ὧδε ὁ νοῦς ὁ ἔχων σοφίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “This calls for a wise mind”

where the woman is sitting on them

Quote: ὅπου ἡ γυνὴ κάθηται ἐπ’ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “where the woman is sitting”

Revelation 17:10

the five … the one … the other

Quote: οἱ πέντε & ὁ εἷς & ὁ ἄλλος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using the adjectives five, one, and other as nouns to mean these kings. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “the first five kings … one more of the kings … the other king”

have fallen

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

The angel is speaking of these five kings as if they have literally fallen. He means that they have died. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have died”

a little

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

The angel is using the adjective little as a noun to mean a certain length of time. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “for a little while”

Revelation 17:11

an eighth, … the seven

Quote: ὄγδοός & τῶν ἑπτά (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The angel is using the adjectives eighth and seven as nouns to mean these kings. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “an eighth king … the seven kings”

an eighth

Quote: ὄγδοός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “king number eight”

is going to destruction

Quote: εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is going to be destroyed”

Revelation 17:12

a kingdom

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “authority to rule as kings”

for one hour

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

In the ancient world, an hour was the shortest time span that people envisioned. In this context, the term does not mean a literal hour of 60 minutes. It means the shortest time imaginable. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for just a little while”

Revelation 17:13

These have one mind

Quote: οὗτοι μίαν γνώμην ἔχουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression means to be in complete agreement. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “These kings are in complete agreement”

their power and authority

Quote: τὴν δύναμιν καὶ τὴν ἐξουσίαν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms power and authority mean similar things. The angel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all of their authority”

Revelation 17:14

the ones with him {are} called and chosen and faithful

Quote: οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ, κλητοὶ, καὶ ἐκλεκτοὶ, καὶ πιστοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

The words called and chosen are not passive verbal forms, they are adjectives. However, if your language does not use passive forms, it might be clearer for your readers to use expressions that do not seem to be passive verbal forms. Alternate translation: “God has called and chosen the ones with him and they are faithful”

Revelation 17:15

are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages

Quote: λαοὶ καὶ ὄχλοι εἰσὶν, καὶ ἔθνη καὶ γλῶσσαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “every different people group”

languages

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

The angel is referring to speakers of various languages by association with the languages themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “speakers of various languages”

Revelation 17:16

they will make her desolated and naked

Quote: ἠρημωμένην ποιήσουσιν αὐτὴν καὶ γυμνήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms desolated and naked mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “they will take away everything she has”

desolated

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

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

they will consume her flesh

Quote: τὰς σάρκας αὐτῆς φάγονται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is speaking as if these horns (that is, these kings) and the beast will literally consume the flesh of the prostitute. But even within the world of this vision, that is not literally true. This is a common biblical image for destroying someone. If it would be clearer in your language, and especially if it would be helpful to your readers to know that cannibalism has no part in God’s judgments against evil, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will destroy her”

they will burn her completely with fire

Quote: αὐτὴν κατακαύσουσιν πυρί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “they will burn her up completely”

Revelation 17:17

God has put into their hearts

Quote: ὁ & Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the heart represents the desires. Alternate translation: “God has put into their desires”

God has put into their hearts

Quote: ὁ & Θεὸς ἔδωκεν εἰς τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is speaking as if God has literally put something into the hearts of these kings. He means that God has led them to want to do something. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God has led them to have the desire”

to do his purpose and to do one purpose and

Quote: ποιῆσαι τὴν γνώμην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ποιῆσαι μίαν γνώμην, καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two shorter phrases connected with and. The phrase to do one purpose tells how the kings will do his purpose, that is, God’s purpose. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “to do God’s purpose by agreeing”

to do one purpose

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

This expression means to be in complete agreement. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to be in complete agreement”

their kingdom

Quote: τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “their authority to rule as kings”

their kingdom

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

Since the angel is referring to things that belong to several people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of kingdom. Alternate translation: “their kingdoms”

until the words of God will be fulfilled

Quote: ἄχρι τελεσθήσονται οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until God has fulfilled his words”

until the words of God will be fulfilled

Quote: ἄχρι τελεσθήσονται οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The angel is using the term words to mean things that God has spoken by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “until God has fulfilled what he has spoken”

Revelation 17:18

the great city having a kingdom over

Quote: ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ ἔχουσα βασιλείαν ἐπὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The angel is referring to the king who rules from the great city by association with that city itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the great city whose king has a kingdom over”

the great city having a kingdom over

Quote: ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, ἡ ἔχουσα βασιλείαν ἐπὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of kingdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the great city that rules over” or “the great city whose king rules over”

Revelation 18

Revelation 18 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with all or part of verses 1–8, 10, 16–17, and 19–24.

Translation Issues in this Chapter

### “in one hour”

Characters in the narrative use the expression “in one hour” in verses 10, 17, 19. In the ancient world, an “hour” was the shortest time span that people envisioned. In this context, the term does not mean a literal hour of 60 minutes. It means the shortest time imaginable. You may wish to translate this phrase with a comparable phrase in your language such as “in such a short time.” (See: Idiom)

“woe, woe”

In verses 10, 16, and 19, kings and merchants repeat the word “woe” for emphasis. If it would not be natural in your language to repeat a word like that, you could express the emphasis in another way, for example, by using a different expression and including the word “very,” as the UST does.

“she,” “her”

People in this culture conventionally referred to cities by using feminine pronouns. Accordingly, throughout this chapter, various speakers refer to the city of Babylon as “she” and “her.” Your language may use a different gender, so you might say “it” and “its” in your translation. You could also use a noun and say “that city.” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

“will not be see/heard/found anymore”

In verses 21, 22, and 23, an angel speaks a series of similar phrases describing what will not be “found” or “heard” or “seen” in Babylon “anymore.” The repetition of such phrases is a figure of speech for emphasis. The angel is emphasizing how thoroughly God will destroy Babylon. If possible, use similar statements in your own translation. You may also wish to make each of these verses a separate paragraph, as ULT does, or use formatting in some other way to highlight the repeated phrases. (See: Litany)

Revelation 18:1

the earth was illuminated by his glory

Quote: ἡ γῆ ἐφωτίσθη ἐκ τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 18:2

Babylon the Great has fallen

Quote: ἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated the similar expression in 14:8. Alternate translation: “Babylon the Great has been destroyed” or “God has destroyed Babylon the Great”

Babylon the Great has fallen

Quote: ἔπεσεν, Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some ancient manuscripts read, Babylon the Great has fallen. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

she has become

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

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the pronoun she refers to the city of Babylon. People in this culture conventionally referred to cities with feminine pronouns. Your language may use a different gender. You could also use a noun. Alternate translation: “it has become” or “that city has become”

a habitation of demons and a hold of every unclean spirit

Quote: κατοικητήριον δαιμονίων, καὶ φυλακὴ παντὸς πνεύματος ἀκαθάρτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. The angel is speaking in a Hebrew style of poetry, and Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition. It would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if such repetition would not be natural in your language, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “an abode of demons, yes, a hold of every unclean spirit”

a hold of every unclean spirit and a hold of every unclean and detested bird

Quote: φυλακὴ παντὸς πνεύματος ἀκαθάρτου , καὶ φυλακὴ παντὸς ὀρνέου ἀκαθάρτου, καὶ μεμισημένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

The angel says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “she has become overrun with unclean spirits and with unclean and detested birds”

a hold of every unclean spirit and a hold of every unclean and detested bird

Quote: φυλακὴ παντὸς πνεύματος ἀκαθάρτου , καὶ φυλακὴ παντὸς ὀρνέου ἀκαθάρτου, καὶ μεμισημένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is speaking as if these spirits and birds were literally in a hold, that is, a prison or other place where they were watched or guarded and could not leave. He means that the spirits and birds are now able to linger in the ruins of Babylon. Your language may have terms for places where animals and birds stay. Alternate translation: “a den of every unclean spirit and a roost of every unclean and detested bird”

of … unclean and detested bird

Quote: ὀρνέου ἀκαθάρτου, καὶ μεμισημένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms unclean and detested mean similar things. The angel is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “loathsome bird”

of … unclean and detested bird

Quote: ὀρνέου ἀκαθάρτου, καὶ μεμισημένου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The angel assumes that his listeners will understand that these birds are unclean and detested according to the law of Moses because they eat dead animals. You can say that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “unclean and detested bird that eats dead animals” or “loathsome bird that eats dead animals”

detested

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

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

Revelation 18:3

all the nations have drunk from the wine of her immoral passion

Quote: ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς, πέπτωκαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated the similar expression in 17:2. Here, as there, this statement is not intended literally even within the world of this vision. Alternate translation: “all the nations have indulged in idolatry and greed with her”

all the nations

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

The angel says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “nations throughout the world”

the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality with her

Quote: οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς μετ’ αὐτῆς ἐπόρνευσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated the similar expression in 17:2. This statement too is not intended literally. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “the kings of the earth have joined her in being idolatrous and greedy”

Revelation 18:4

I heard another voice from heaven saying

Quote: ἤκουσα ἄλλην φωνὴν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ λέγουσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to someone speaking by association with the voice that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I heard someone speaking from heaven and saying”

Revelation 18:5

her sins have been heaped as far as heaven

Quote: ἐκολλήθησαν αὐτῆς αἱ ἁμαρτίαι ἄχρι τοῦ οὐρανοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “the heap of her sins is as high as heaven” (2) Alternate translation: “the heap of her sins is as high as the sky”

her sins have been heaped as far as heaven

Quote: ἐκολλήθησαν αὐτῆς αἱ ἁμαρτίαι ἄχρι τοῦ οὐρανοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The voice is speaking as if the sins of Babylon were literally in a very high pile. He means that Babylon has committed very many sins. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she has committed very many sins”

God has remembered her offenses

Quote: ἐμνημόνευσεν ὁ Θεὸς τὰ ἀδικήματα αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The voice is not suggesting that God had forgotten about Babylon but has now remembered the city’s offenses. The angel is using a common biblical expression that means that God has taken action with regard to a person or entity of which he was already aware, either to help or to punish. See how you translated the similar expression in 16:19. Alternate translation: “God has punished her for her offenses”

Revelation 18:6

Give back to her even as she has given, and double doubles {to her} according to her deeds

Quote: ἀπόδοτε αὐτῇ ὡς καὶ αὐτὴ ἀπέδωκεν, καὶ διπλώσατε τὰ διπλᾶ, κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

The voice from heaven is using a characteristic form of Hebrew speech. The voice is naming a number and then, for emphasis, naming the next higher number. An example of this is in Amos 1:3, “For three sins of Damascus, even for four, I will not turn away punishment.” If it might seem to your readers that the voice from heaven was contradicting itself, first saying to punish Babylon one way (just as much as the city hurt others) and then saying to punish Babylon a different way (twice as much as the city hurt others), you could show in your translation that this is actually a progression for emphasis. UST models one way to do this.

Give back … double … to her} … mix

Quote: ἀπόδοτε & διπλώσατε & κεράσατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

All of these imperatives are plural. (They seem to address the angels whom God has appointed to punish Babylon, as UST indicates.) So use plural imperatives in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

double doubles {to her} according to her deeds; in the cup that she mixed, mix double for her

Quote: διπλώσατε τὰ διπλᾶ, κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῆς; ἐν τῷ ποτηρίῳ ᾧ ἐκέρασεν, κεράσατε αὐτῇ διπλοῦν, (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. The voice from heaven is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. The first phrase expresses it literally and the second phrase expresses it figuratively. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the two phrases. UST models one way of doing this.

double doubles {to her

Quote: διπλώσατε τὰ διπλᾶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

The voice is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have its own way of expressing the same meaning. Alternate translation: “repay her double”

in the cup that she mixed, mix double for her

Quote: ἐν τῷ ποτηρίῳ ᾧ ἐκέρασεν, κεράσατε αὐτῇ διπλοῦν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The voice is speaking as if Babylon had literally mixed a cup of wine for others to drink. This is a reprise of the image in 14:8. However, the emphasis here is on how drinking too much wine makes a person stagger. This is an image of how Babylon will stagger from God’s punishments. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “punish her in a way that will make her stagger twice as much as she made others stagger”

Revelation 18:7

she says in her heart, I sit {as} a queen and I am not a widow and I will certainly not see mourning

Quote: ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς λέγει, ὅτι κάθημαι βασίλισσα & καὶ χήρα οὐκ εἰμί καὶ πένθος οὐ μὴ ἴδω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “she says in her heart that she sits as a queen and that she is not a widow and that she will not see mourning at all”

she says in her heart

Quote: ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς λέγει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: “she thinks to herself”

I sit {as} a queen

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

Here the word sit means “to be.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am a queen”

I am not a widow

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

Babylon is referring to herself as not being dependent on anyone by association with the way that a widow in this culture likely would be dependent on others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not dependent on anyone”

I will certainly not see mourning

Quote: πένθος οὐ μὴ ἴδω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the word see means “to experience.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not experience any mourning at all”

Revelation 18:8

in one day

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

The voice is using the term day to mean a short time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in just a short time”

she will be consumed by fire

Quote: ἐν πυρὶ κατακαυθήσεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 18:9

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

Some versions continue the quotation of the voice from heaven that begins in verse 4 through to the end of this chapter. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to punctuate the quotation the way it does. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to punctuate the quotation the way ULT does and end it with verse 8.

the … ones having committed sexual immorality

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

Here as in 14:3, committing sexual immorality is a symbolic image for worshiping idols. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones having worshiped idols”

will weep and wail

Quote: κλαύσονται καὶ κόψονται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

the smoke of her burning

Quote: τὸν καπνὸν τῆς πυρώσεως αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to the fire that will burn Babylon by association with the burning itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the fire that is burning her”

Revelation 18:10

because of the fear of her torment

Quote: διὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to the fire that is burning up and tormenting Babylon by association with the torment itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because they are afraid of the fire that is tormenting her”

Woe, woe

Quote: οὐαὶ, οὐαί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the speakers are repeating the word woe for emphasis. If it would not be natural in your language to repeat a word like that, you could express the emphasis in another way, for example, by using a different expression and including the word “very,” as the UST does.

For in one hour your judgment has come

Quote: ὅτι μιᾷ ὥρᾳ ἦλθεν ἡ κρίσις σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

The kings are speaking directly to the city of Babylon even though they know that the city cannot hear them. They are doing this to show in a very strong way to the people who can hear them, their fellow kings, how they feel about what is happening to Babylon. If someone speaking your language would not do this, you could translate this as the merchants speaking to one another about Babylon rather than to Babylon. Alternate translation: “For in one hour her judgment has come”

in one hour

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

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, in the ancient world, an hour was the shortest time span that people envisioned. In contexts such as this one, the term does not mean a literal hour of sixty minutes. It means the shortest time imaginable. Alternate translation: “in such a short time”

your judgment has come

Quote: ἦλθεν ἡ κρίσις σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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

Revelation 18:11

weep and mourn

Quote: κλαίουσιν καὶ πενθοῦσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

Revelation 18:12

precious stone

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

See how you translated the term precious stone in 17:4. Alternate translation: “gemstones”

fine linen and purple cloth and silk and scarlet cloth

Quote: βυσσίνου, καὶ πορφύρας, καὶ σιρικοῦ, καὶ κοκκίνου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

See how you translated fine linen, the term for an expensive cloth made from flax, in 15:6; purple cloth is a dark red-blue cloth that was very expensive at this time; silk is a soft, strong cloth made from the fine string that silkworms make when they form their cocoons; scarlet cloth was an expensive red cloth. If some or all of these terms might be unfamiliar to your readers, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “many kinds of expensive cloth”

every citron wood and every ivory vessel and every vessel from the costliest wood and bronze and iron and marble

Quote: πᾶν ξύλον θύϊνον, καὶ πᾶν σκεῦος ἐλεφάντινον, καὶ πᾶν σκεῦος ἐκ ξύλου τιμιωτάτου, καὶ χαλκοῦ, καὶ σιδήρου, καὶ μαρμάρου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

John says every in these cases as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “many kinds of fragrant wood and many kinds of ivory vessels and many kinds of vessels made from precious wood and bronze and iron and marble”

every citron wood

Quote: πᾶν ξύλον θύϊνον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The wood of the citron tree is desirable because it is fragrant. If your readers would not be familiar with citron wood, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “every fragrant wood”

every citron wood

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

Since there is only one kind of citron tree, by every citron wood, John means by association many kinds of wood that are fragrant like citron wood. Alternate translation: “every fragrant wood”

ivory vessel

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

The word ivory describes a beautiful, hard, white material that people get from the tusks or teeth of very large animals such as elephants and walruses. Alternate translation: “beautiful containers made from tusks” or “containers made from valuable animal teeth”

marble

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

The word marble describes a beautiful, valuable stone that people use in buildings and to make statues, furniture, and many other things. If your readers might not be familiar with marble, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “beautiful stone”

Revelation 18:13

cinnamon and spice

Quote: κιννάμωμον, καὶ ἄμωμον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Since cinnamon is one kind of spice, John means implicitly that cinnamon was one example of the spices that the merchants sold. You can indicate this your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “cinnamon and other spices”

cinnamon and spice

Quote: κιννάμωμον, καὶ ἄμωμον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The word cinnamon describes a fragrant spice that people make from the bark of a certain tree. If your readers would not be familiar with what cinnamon is, you could use a general term. Alternate translation: “spice from tree bark and other spices”

incense and myrrh and frankincense

Quote: θυμιάματα, καὶ μύρον, καὶ λίβανον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Since myrrh and frankincense are two kinds of incense, John means implicitly that these are two examples of the incense that the merchants sold. You can indicate this your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “myrrh and frankincense and other kinds of incense”

bodies and souls of men

Quote: σωμάτων, καὶ ψυχὰς ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

In this context, the expressions bodies and souls of men mean the same thing. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. He is first stating how things look on the outside: The bodies of the slaves whom the merchants are trading appear to be just another physical cargo. But John is then stating the real truth: This traffic in slaves is a traffic in human souls. You could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “slaves, that is, the souls of men”

souls of men

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

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “human souls”

Revelation 18:14

your autumn fruit of the desire of {your} soul has gone away from you, and all the luxurious and the splendid has perished from you

Quote: ἡ ὀπώρα σου τῆς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ψυχῆς ἀπῆλθεν ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ πάντα τὰ λιπαρὰ καὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ ἀπώλετο ἀπὸ σοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

As John relates this vision, here he addresses something that he knows cannot hear him, the city of Babylon in the vision, in order to show his readers in a strong way how he feels about it. If someone speaking your language would not do this, you could translate this as John speaking about Babylon rather than to Babylon. Alternate translation: “her autumn fruit, the desire of her soul, has gone away from her, and all the luxurious and the splendid has perished from her”

your autumn fruit of the desire of {your} soul

Quote: ἡ ὀπώρα σου τῆς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ψυχῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

In this possessive form, fruit is the object of desire rather than the result of desire. That is, this does not mean fruit that the soul’s desire has borne, but it means fruit that the soul desires to have. Alternate translation: “the autumn fruit that your soul desires to have”

your autumn fruit of the desire of {your} soul has gone away

Quote: ἡ ὀπώρα σου τῆς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ψυχῆς ἀπῆλθεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the term soul represents the whole person by association with the way that each person has a soul. Alternate translation: “the autumn fruit that you desired has gone away”

autumn fruit

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

John is referring to ripe fruit by association with the way fruit ripens in the autumn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “ripe fruit”

autumn fruit … has gone away

Quote: ἡ ὀπώρα & ἀπῆλθεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is using autumn fruit to represent the rich pleasures that Babylon desired. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “rich pleasures … have gone away”

all the luxurious and the splendid has perished from you, and they will certainly not be found any longer

Quote: πάντα τὰ λιπαρὰ καὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ ἀπώλετο ἀπὸ σοῦ, καὶ οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “all the luxurious and the splendid has perished from you forever”

all the luxurious and the splendid

Quote: πάντα τὰ λιπαρὰ καὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using the adjectives luxurious and splendid as nouns to mean certain kinds of goods. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this phrase with an equivalent one. Alternate translation: “all the luxurious and splendid goods” or “everything that is luxurious and splendid”

all the luxurious and the splendid

Quote: πάντα τὰ λιπαρὰ καὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

they will certainly not be found any longer

Quote: οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the expression will not be found means “will not be able to be found” or “will not be there.” Alternate translation: “they will not be there any longer”

they will certainly not be found any longer

Quote: οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

The merchants are actually using a double negative here, “they will not be found at all no longer.” The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation.

they will certainly not be found

Quote: οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “certainly no one will find them”

Revelation 18:15

because of the fear of her torment

Quote: διὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

See how you translated this same expression in 18:10. Alternate translation: “because they are afraid of the fire that is tormenting her”

weeping and mourning

Quote: κλαίοντες καὶ πενθοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

Revelation 18:16

having been dressed in fine linen and purple and scarlet and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls

Quote: ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον, καὶ πορφυροῦν, καὶ κόκκινον, καὶ κεχρυσωμένη ἐν χρυσίῳ, καὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ, καὶ μαργαρίτῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The merchants are speaking as if the city of Babylon had literally been dressed in expensive clothing and adorned with jewels. They mean that the people of the city lived in luxury. Even if your language does not ordinarily use figures of speech, you may wish to preserve this figure of speech in your translation so that your readers can see how the merchants were speaking about Babylon. One way to do that would be to translate it as a simile, as UST does.

having been dressed in fine linen and purple and scarlet and adorned

Quote: ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον, καὶ πορφυροῦν, καὶ κόκκινον, καὶ κεχρυσωμένη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that dressed in fine linen and purple and scarlet and adorned herself”

fine linen and purple and scarlet … gold and precious stones and pearls

Quote: βύσσινον, καὶ πορφυροῦν, καὶ κόκκινον & χρυσίῳ, καὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ, καὶ μαργαρίτῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

See how you translated each of these terms in 18:12.

Revelation 18:17

so much wealth has been destroyed

Quote: ἠρημώθη ὁ τοσοῦτος πλοῦτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has destroyed so much wealth”

shipmaster

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

The word shipmaster refers to a particular member of a ship’s crew. In this context, this could mean: (1) the captain of a ship. Alternate translation, as in UST: “ship captain” (2) the person who steers a ship. Alternate translation: “navigator”

as many as work the sea

Quote: ὅσοι τὴν θάλασσαν ἐργάζονται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

John is using this general expression to mean anyone else who, like the previous three kinds of people he mentions in this verse, earns a living from the sea in some way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as many others as earn their living from the sea”

Revelation 18:18

the smoke of her burning

Quote: τὸν καπνὸν τῆς πυρώσεως αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

See how you translated the same expression in 18:9. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the fire that is burning her”

What {is} like the great city

Quote: τίς ὁμοία τῇ πόλει τῇ μεγάλῃ? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The sea workers are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Nothing is like the great city!”

What

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

By What, the sea workers implicitly mean “What city.” You can say this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “What city” or, in an exclamation, “No other city”

Revelation 18:19

they threw dust on their heads

Quote: ἔβαλον χοῦν ἐπὶ τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The sea workers threw dust on their heads as a symbolic action to show how distressed they were that Babylon had been destroyed. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “they threw dust on their heads to show how distressed they were”

weeping and mourning

Quote: κλαίοντες καὶ πενθοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

ships in the sea

Quote: τὰ πλοῖα ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that the expression ships in the sea contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “ships”

she has been destroyed

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has destroyed her”

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice

Quote: εὐφραίνου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

The sea workers finish speaking at the end of verse 19. Someone else begins speaking here. It would be appropriate to show this in your translation by using whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to show the end of one quotation and the beginning of another.

Rejoice

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

In this verse, someone breaks into John’s narrative of his vision to speak directly to the audience in heaven and on earth. ULT puts the verse in parentheses to show this. There may be a comparable convention in your language that you can use in your translation. You can also state explicitly who is speaking, as UST does. That speaker could be: (1) the voice from heaven that spoke in 18:4–8 or another voice from heaven. (2) Jesus, as in 16:15. (3) John himself.

Rejoice

Quote: εὐφραίνου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The implied “you” in the imperative Rejoice is singular here because this imperative addresses heaven. The pronoun you is plural because it addresses the saints and apostles and prophets. So use a singular imperative and a plural pronoun in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

heaven

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

The speaker is referring to everyone who lives in heaven by association with heaven itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all of you who live in heaven”

God has judged your judgment against her

Quote: ἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ κρίμα ὑμῶν ἐξ αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God has judged her for what she did to you”

God has judged your judgment against her

Quote: ἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ κρίμα ὑμῶν ἐξ αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

The speaker is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have its own way of describing this. Alternate translation: “she deserved to be judged for what she did to you, and God has indeed judged her”

Revelation 18:21

a stone like a great millstone

Quote: λίθον ὡς μύλινον μέγαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the stone that the angel took up was very large and heavy and so it made a tremendous, dramatic splash when it hit the sea. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a stone that was very large and heavy like a great millstone”

a … millstone

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

A millstone is a large, flat, round stone that people use to crush kernels of grain against a second millstone, processing the grain into food for humans. If your readers would not be familiar with what a millstone is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture or you could use a general expression.

Thus Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down with violence

Quote: οὕτως ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God will throw down Babylon, the great city”

Thus Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down with violence

Quote: οὕτως ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is speaking as if Babylon will literally be thrown down as if from a height. He means that the city will be completely destroyed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will completely destroy Babylon, the great city”

with violence

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

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

she will certainly not be seen anymore

Quote: οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at all will see her anymore”

Revelation 18:22

and the sound of harpists and musicians and flutists and trumpeters will certainly not be heard

Quote: καὶ φωνὴ κιθαρῳδῶν, καὶ μουσικῶν, καὶ αὐλητῶν, καὶ σαλπιστῶν, οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one at all will hear the sound of harpists and musicians and flutists and trumpeters”

in you … in you … in you

Quote: ἐν σοὶ & ἐν σοὶ & ἐν σοὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

The angel is speaking directly to the city of Babylon even though he knows that the city cannot hear him. He is doing this to show in a very strong way to the people who can hear them, probably “heaven” and the “saints and apostles and prophets” from verse 20, how he feels about what is happening to Babylon. If someone speaking your language would not do this, you could translate this as the angel speaking about Babylon rather than to Babylon. Alternate translation: “in her … in her … in her”

every craftsman will certainly not be found

Quote: πᾶς τεχνίτης οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at all will find a craftsman”

every craftsman will certainly not be found

Quote: πᾶς τεχνίτης οὐ & εὑρεθῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the expression will not be found means “will not be able to be found” or “will not be there.” Alternate translation: “no craftsman will be there”

the sound of a mill will certainly not be heard

Quote: φωνὴ μύλου οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at will will hear the sound of a mill”

Revelation 18:23

in you … in you

Quote: ἐν σοὶ & ἐν σοὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

As in verse 22, for emphasis the angel is speaking directly to the city of Babylon even though he knows that the city cannot hear him. If someone speaking your language would not do this, you could translate this as the angel speaking about Babylon rather than to Babylon. Alternate translation: “in her … in her”

the voice of a bridegroom and a bride will certainly not be heard

Quote: φωνὴ νυμφίου καὶ νύμφης οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at all will hear the voice of a bridegroom and a bride”

the voice

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

Since the angel is referring to two people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of voice or the dual form if your language marks that distinction. Alternate translation: “the voices”

all the nations were deceived by your sorcery

Quote: ἐν τῇ φαρμακείᾳ σου ἐπλανήθησαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

all the nations were deceived by your sorcery

Quote: ἐν τῇ φαρμακείᾳ σου ἐπλανήθησαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is speaking as if these Babylon had literally used sorcery to deceive the nations. He likely means that Babylon made living in excessive luxury seem attractive and acceptable. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you influenced all the nations to try to live in luxury”

all the nations

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

The angel says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “nations throughout the world”

Revelation 18:24

was found

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

Here the expression was found means “could be found” or “was there.” Alternate translation: “was”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ἐν αὐτῇ αἷμα & εὑρέθη προφητῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that this blood is evidence that Babylon is guilty of killing the prophets and saints. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “she was clearly guilty of killing prophets”

of all the ones having been slain on the earth

Quote: πάντων τῶν ἐσφαγμένων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

This could mean: (1) that the angel is saying all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “of ones having been slain throughout the earth” (2) that the angel is using a passive verbal form (See: next note) to refer to all the other ones, besides prophets and saints, whom Babylon slew. Alternate translation: “of all the other ones she slew on the earth”

of all the ones having been slain

Quote: πάντων τῶν ἐσφαγμένων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 19

Revelation 19 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

• Verses 1–4 conclude the topic of the destruction of Babylon.
• Verses 5–10 introduce the topic of the wedding of the Lamb.
• Verses 11–21 describe the destruction of the beast and the false prophet.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 1-8.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Songs

The book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. They worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly)

Wedding celebration

The wedding celebration or feast is an important image in Scripture. Jewish culture often pictured paradise, or life with God after death, as a feast. Here, the wedding feast is for the Lamb, who is Jesus, and his bride, meaning all his people.

Translation Issues in this Chapter

“Hallelujah”

The word Hallelujah occurs in verses 1, 3, 4, and 6. This is a Hebrew word that John spells out using Greek letters so that his readers will know how it sounds. The word is a plural imperative that means, “Praise Yahweh!” In your translation, you could spell this word the way it sounds in your language, or you could translate its meaning by using a phrase such as, “Praise God.” (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

“us/our”

In verses 1, 5, and 6, speakers say “our,” and in verse 7 a speaker says “us.” In each case the speaker is referring to himself and to his addressees, so use the inclusive form of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Revelation 19:1

Salvation and glory and power to our God

Quote: ἡ σωτηρία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of salvation, glory, and power, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “Worship God as the one who saves us and who is glorious and powerful”

our

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

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and throughout the chapter it would be appropriate to use the inclusive form of our and “us” in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

Revelation 19:2

are} true and righteous

Quote: ἀληθιναὶ καὶ δίκαιαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms true and righteous mean similar things. John may be using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “entirely righteous”

the blood

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

John is referring to the death of God’s servants by association with the *blood that they shed when they were killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the death”

of his servants from her hand

Quote: τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ ἐκ χειρὸς αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

John is using one part of the great prostitute, her hand, to represent all of her in the act of killing or shedding the blood of God’s servants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of his servants, whom she killed”

Revelation 19:3

a second {time

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

John is using the adjective second as a noun to mean a certain time. ULT adds the word time to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “again”

the smoke of her

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

See how you translated the similar expression in 18:9. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the fire that is burning her”

to the ages of the ages

Quote: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity”

Revelation 19:4

fell down and worshiped God

Quote: ἔπεσαν & καὶ προσεκύνησαν τῷ Θεῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the elders and living creatures did not fall down accidentally. Rather, bowing or lying down in front of God was a sign of humility and respect. Alternate translation: “bowed down in front of God to worship him”

Revelation 19:5

all his servants and the ones fearing him

Quote: πάντες οἱ δοῦλοι αὐτοῦ, καὶ οἱ φοβούμενοι αὐτόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

The voice is actually not speaking in the third person about the people whom he wants to Praise … God. The voice is using a vocative form. However, if your language does not have a vocative form and it might appear as if the voice is using the third person for people whom he is addressing, you could use the second person in your translation. Alternate translation: “you his servants and you who fear him”

the ones fearing him

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

In this context, the word fearing does not mean to be afraid but to show respect and reverence. Alternate translation: “the ones who revere him” or “you who revere him”

the small and the great

Quote: οἱ μικροὶ καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The voice is speaking as if unimportant people were literally small and as if important people were literally large or great. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the unimportant and the important”

the small and the great

Quote: οἱ μικροὶ καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The voice is using the adjectives small and great as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “both unimportant people and important people”

the small and the great

Quote: οἱ μικροὶ καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The voice is using two extremes of people, small and great, to mean them and everyone in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “whatever your status”

Revelation 19:6

as it were the sound of a great crowd and as it were the sound of many waters and as it were the sound of powerful thunder

Quote: ὡς φωνὴν ὄχλου πολλοῦ, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν ὑδάτων πολλῶν, καὶ ὡς φωνὴν βροντῶν ἰσχυρῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the sound was very loud. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a sound that was very loud, like the sound of a great crowd or many waters or powerful thunder”

of many waters

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

By many waters, John could mean a loud waterfall or raging floodwaters. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:15. Alternate translation: “of a waterfall” or “of raging floodwaters”

our

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

The person speaking here is likely continuing to address those who serve and fear God. So by our, the speaker means himself and them, so use the inclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

Revelation 19:7

Let us rejoice and exult

Quote: χαίρωμεν καὶ ἀγαλλιῶμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms rejoice and exult mean similar things. The sound is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Let us rejoice greatly”

give glory to him

Quote: δῶμεν τὴν δόξαν αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression give glory to him does not mean that God lacks glory in any way or that people have glory that they can give to God. It means to honor God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “honor him”

the wedding of the Lamb has come

Quote: ἦλθεν ὁ γάμος τοῦ Ἀρνίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

If you would not speak in your language of an event as if it has come, you could express this in the way that is most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it is time for the wedding of the Lamb”

Revelation 19:8

it has been granted to her that she might be dressed

Quote: ἐδόθη αὐτῇ ἵνα περιβάληται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who has done the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has granted to her that she might dress”

For fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints

Quote: τὸ γὰρ βύσσινον τὰ δικαιώματα τῶν ἁγίων ἐστίν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

Here John provides some background information about the symbolism in his vision in order to help his readers understand what he is describing. ULT shows that this is background information by putting it in parentheses. This information is helpful for understanding the symbolic significance of fine linen and for understanding the symbolism of the book generally. See what you did with the similar background information in 1:20. Alternate translation: “The bride in my vision dressed in fine linen because that bright, clean fabric symbolically represents the righteous acts of the saints”

Revelation 19:9

he says

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

The pronoun he probably refers to the same angel who began to speak to John in 17:1. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The angel who told me he would show me the judgment of the great prostitute said”

Write, ‘Blessed {are} the ones having been called to the supper of the wedding of the Lamb

Quote: γράψον, μακάριοι οἱ εἰς τὸ δεῖπνον τοῦ γάμου τοῦ Ἀρνίου κεκλημένοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Write that the ones having been invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb are blessed”

the ones having been called

Quote: οἱ & κεκλημένοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “the ones whom God has called”

These are true words of God

Quote: οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι ἀληθινοὶ εἰσιν τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The angel is using the term words to mean the saying that he told John to Write by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is something that God has truly said”

Revelation 19:10

I fell before his feet

Quote: ἔπεσα ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that John did not fall down accidentally. Rather, bowing or lying down in front of this angel was a sign of humility and respect. Alternate translation: “I bowed down at his feet” or “I bowed down to the ground in front of him”

See not

Quote: ὅρα μή (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The angel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “See that you do not do that”

See not

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

The angel is using the term See to mean by association that John should give careful attention to what he is doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Watch out! Do not do that!” or “Be careful not to do that”

your brothers

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

The angel is using the term brothers figuratively to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow believers”

your brothers

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

Although the term brothers is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the figurative expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “your brothers and sisters”

having the testimony of Jesus

Quote: τῶν ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “who testify to their faith in Jesus”

having the testimony of Jesus

Quote: τῶν ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

In this possessive form, Jesus is the object rather than the subject of testimony. That is, this does not mean testimony that Jesus himself gives; it means testimony that believers give about their faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “who testify to their faith in Jesus”

the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy

Quote: ἡ & μαρτυρία Ἰησοῦ ἐστιν τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς προφητείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The angel is speaking of prophecy as if it were a living thing that had a spirit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the impulse to testify to Jesus is what inspires prophecy”

Revelation 19:11

I saw heaven having been opened

Quote: εἶδον τὸν οὐρανὸν ἠνεῳγμένον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

When John says that heaven had been opened, he likely means by association that in his vision, God created some opening that allowed him to see into heaven. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God allowed me to look into heaven”

heaven having been opened

Quote: τὸν οὐρανὸν ἠνεῳγμένον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “that God had opened heaven”

the one riding on it, being called Faithful and True

Quote: ὁ καθήμενος ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, Πιστὸς καλούμενος καὶ Ἀληθινός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one whom people call Faithful and True riding on it”

the one riding on it, being called Faithful and True

Quote: ὁ καθήμενος ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, Πιστὸς καλούμενος καὶ Ἀληθινός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This could mean: (1) that Faithful and True are two names by which people call Jesus. Alternate translation: “the one riding on it, two of whose names are Faithful and True” (2) that “faithful” and “true” are two qualities that people ascribe to Jesus. Alternate translation: “the one riding on it, whom people acknowledge to be faithful and true”

Faithful and True

Quote: Πιστὸς & καὶ Ἀληθινός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms Faithful and True mean similar things. John is mentioning the two names together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Supremely Faithful” or “Entirely True”

in righteousness

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

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

Revelation 19:12

his eyes also {being} a flame of fire

Quote: οἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ φλὸξ πυρός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if the eyes of the one riding on the white horse were actually a flame of fire. This is something that could be taken literally within the world of the vision, but it is more likely that John means this as a comparison, as in 1:14 and 2:18. In that case, the point of the comparison would be that Jesus has eyes that are so bright and lively that they resemble a burning flame. See how you translated this earlier in the book. Alternate translation: “whose eyes also glow like a flame of fire”

being} a flame of fire

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

It might seem that the expression a flame of fire contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “flames”

written

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

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

that no one knows except himself

Quote: ὃ οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, εἰ μὴ αὐτός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions

If it would appear in your language that John was contradicting himself by saying that no one knows this name and then saying that someone does know this name, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “that only he knows”

that no one knows except himself

Quote: ὃ οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, εἰ μὴ αὐτός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. This could mean: (1) that no one except Jesus knows the meaning of the name. Alternate translation: “Only he knows the meaning of that name” (2) that no one except Jesus knows what the name is. Alternate translation: “Only he knows what that name is”

Revelation 19:13

having been clothed with a robe dipped in blood

Quote: περιβεβλημένος ἱμάτιον βεβαμμένον αἵματι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “wearing a robe that he had dipped in blood”

his name is called

Quote: κέκληται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that the expression his name is called contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “his name is” or “he is called”

his name is called

Quote: κέκληται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 19:14

having been clothed in fine linen

Quote: ἐνδεδυμένοι βύσσινον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 19:15

from his mouth goes out a sharp sword

Quote: ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ἐκπορεύεται ῥομφαία ὀξεῖα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

Be sure it is clear in your translation, here and for the similar expression in verse 21, that this means that the blade of the sword was sticking out of his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion. See how you translated the similar phrase in 1:16.

with an iron scepter

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

See how you translated the similar phrase in 2:27 and 12:5. Alternate translation: “with great strength” or “with irresistible power”

he tramples the winepress of the wine

Quote: αὐτὸς πατεῖ τὴν ληνὸν τοῦ οἴνου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is referring to the grapes in the winepress by association with the winepress itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he tramples the grapes in the winepress to make the wine”

of the wrath of the fury

Quote: τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

Revelation 19:16

he has a name written

Quote: ἔχει & ὄνομα γεγραμμένον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

on {his} robe and on his thigh

Quote: ἐπὶ τὸ ἱμάτιον καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν μηρὸν αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two phrases connected with and. The phrase on his thigh tells where on his robe this name is written. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “on his robe at his thigh”

Revelation 19:17

in the sun

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

John is referring to the light of the sun by association with the sun itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in bright sunlight”

be gathered together

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

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

Revelation 19:18

of chiliarchs

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

The word chiliarchs describes officers in the Roman army who were in charge of groups of 1,000 soldiers. Alternate translation: “commanders”

of the mighty … of free … of small … of great

Quote: ἰσχυρῶν & ἐλευθέρων & μικρῶν & μεγάλων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using these adjectives as nouns to mean a certain kinds of persons. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. (All of these adjectives are plural.) If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “of mighty people … of free people … of small people … of great people”

of all, both of free and of slaves and of small and of great

Quote: πάντων, ἐλευθέρων τε καὶ δούλων, καὶ μικρῶν καὶ μεγάλων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

John is using two extremes of status, whether people are free or slaves, to mean people across the entire range of status. John is using two extremes of importance, whether people are small or great, to mean people across the entire range of importance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent expressions or plain language. Alternate translation: “of all people, no matter what their status and no matter what their importance”

of all, both of free and of slaves and of small and of great

Quote: πάντων, ἐλευθέρων τε καὶ δούλων, καὶ μικρῶν καὶ μεγάλων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “of people of every different kind”

of small and of great

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

John is speaking as if unimportant people were literally small and as if important people were literally large or great. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the unimportant and of the important” or “of unimportant people and of important people”

Revelation 19:19

I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies having been gathered

Quote: εἶδον τὸ θηρίον, καὶ τοὺς βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, καὶ τὰ στρατεύματα αὐτῶν, συνηγμένα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I saw that the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies had gathered”

Revelation 19:20

the beast was captured

Quote: ἐπιάσθη τὸ θηρίον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the army of the one sitting on the horse captured the beast”

before him

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

Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in his presence”

The two were thrown

Quote: ἐβλήθησαν οἱ δύο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one riding on the horse threw the two”

The two

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

John is using the adjective two as a noun to mean two particular beings. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “The beast and the false prophet”

Revelation 19:21

the rest were killed by the sword of the one sitting on the horse, coming out from his mouth

Quote: οἱ λοιποὶ ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ ἵππου, τῇ ἐξελθούσῃ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one sitting on the horse killed the rest with the sword coming out from his mouth”

the rest

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

By the rest, John implicitly means the rest of the beast’s soldiers. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the rest of the beast’s soldiers”

were gorged with their flesh

Quote: ἐχορτάσθησαν ἐκ τῶν σαρκῶν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 20

Revelation 20 General Notes

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The thousand-year reign of Christ

In this chapter, Jesus is said to reign for a thousand years, at the same time when Satan is bound. Some scholars believe that this refers to a future period of time, while others believe that it refers to Jesus reigning now from heaven. It is not necessary to decide between these options in order to translate this passage accurately. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Final rebellion

This chapter also describes what happens after the thousand years. At that time, Satan and many people will attempt to rebel against Jesus. This will result in God’s ultimate and final victory over sin and evil. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and evil, wicked, unpleasant and eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)

Great white throne

This chapter ends with a vision of God sitting on a “great white throne” and judging all the people who have ever lived. God separates people who believe in Jesus from those who do not believe in him. (See: judge, judgment and heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly and faith)

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The Book of Life

This symbolically represents eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life. However, since this is something that John actually saw in his vision, it would be appropriate to preserve this image in your translation. (See: Metaphor)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Hades and the lake of fire

These appear to be two distinct places. Hades appears to be the place where souls go after physical death, while the lake of fire appears to be the place where people experience spiritual death. The translator should be careful to choose appropriate language to describe each place, showing that these are not both the same place. (See: hell, lake of fire)

Revelation 20:2

the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan

Quote: τὸν ὄφιν τὸν ἀρχαῖον, ὅς ἐστιν Διάβολος καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

John assumes that his readers will understand that the phrase the ancient serpent is an allusion to the way the devil appeared in the form of a serpent to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as Genesis 3:1–15 describes. You can indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who appeared in the form of a serpent to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, who is the devil and Satan”

the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan

Quote: τὸν ὄφιν τὸν ἀρχαῖον, ὅς ἐστιν Διάβολος καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

It may be easier for your readers to recognize the allusion that John is making if you put the information that the dragon represents the devil and Satan before the information that this is also the ancient serpent. Alternate translation: “who is the devil and Satan, who appeared in the form of a serpent to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden”

the devil and Satan

Quote: Διάβολος καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The word devil and the name Satan refer to the same person. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the devil himself”

Revelation 20:3

until the thousand years were ended

Quote: ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

it is necessary for him to be released

Quote: δεῖ αὐτὸν λυθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, the context suggests that it may be the angel who has “the key to the abyss,” as 20:1 describes. Alternate translation: “God will command the angel to release him”

Revelation 20:4

they sat on them and judgment was given to them

Quote: ἐκάθισαν ἐπ’ αὐτούς, καὶ κρίμα ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς, (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns they and them refer to people whom John describes in the rest of the verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and these are the ones who sat on them and to whom judgment was given:”

judgment was given to them

Quote: κρίμα ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God gave judgment to them”

judgment was given to them

Quote: κρίμα ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God gave them authority to judge”

of the ones having been beheaded

Quote: τῶν πεπελεκισμένων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “of the ones whom the Roman government had beheaded”

for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God

Quote: διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “for proclaiming the message from God about Jesus”

the testimony of Jesus

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

In this possessive form, Jesus is the object rather than the subject of testimony. That is, this does not mean testimony that Jesus gives; it means testimony that people give about their faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “testifying to Jesus”

the word of God

Quote: τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is using the term word to mean the message that these believers had shared by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sharing the message from God”

on the forehead or on their hand

Quote: ἐπὶ τὸ μέτωπον, καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν χεῖρα αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the words forehead and hand are singular in form, but they refer to all of them as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “on their foreheads or on their hands”

Revelation 20:5

The rest of the dead did not live until the thousand years were ended

Quote: οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔζησαν, ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

With this sentence, John is providing background information that will help readers understand what happens next in the story. ULT puts the sentence in parentheses to show that. In your translation, present this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.

The rest of the dead did not live until the thousand years were ended

Quote: οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔζησαν, ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη (1)

It may be more natural in your language to state this positively. Alternate translation: “The rest of the dead only lived again once the thousand years had ended”

of the dead

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

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died”

until the thousand years were ended

Quote: ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

the first resurrection

Quote: ἡ ἀνάστασις ἡ πρώτη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “resurrection number one”

Revelation 20:6

Blessed and holy {is} the one having a part in the first resurrection

Quote: μακάριος καὶ ἅγιος ὁ ἔχων μέρος ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει τῇ πρώτῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Here, the one having a part in the first resurrection does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone whom God restores to life at this time. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Since John says these in the next sentence, it may be helpful to use a plural form in this sentence as well. Alternate translation: “Blessed and holy are all those who have a part in the first resurrection”

Over these the second death has no power

Quote: ἐπὶ τούτων ὁ δεύτερος θάνατος οὐκ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of the second death as if it were a living thing which could have power over someone, that is, as if it could make someone do what it wanted that person to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “These people will not experience the second death”

the second death

Quote: ὁ δεύτερος θάνατος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “death number two”

Revelation 20:7

when the thousand years are ended

Quote: ὅταν τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Satan will be released

Quote: λυθήσεται ὁ Σατανᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated the similar expression in 20:3. Alternate translation: “God will command the angel who has the key to the abyss to release Satan”

Revelation 20:8

at the four corners of the earth

Quote: τὰ ἐν ταῖς τέσσαρσι γωνίαις τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if the earth literally had four corners. He means the most distant places on the earth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the most distant places on the earth”

at the four corners of the earth

Quote: τὰ ἐν ταῖς τέσσαρσι γωνίαις τῆς γῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

John is using the most distant places on the earth to mean those places and everything between them and his location. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “everywhere in the world”

Gog and Magog

Quote: τὸν Γὼγ καὶ Μαγώγ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Gog is the name of a ruler whom the prophet Ezekiel addresses in Ezekiel 38:1–39:20. The word Magog is the name of the land that he ruled.

Gog and Magog

Quote: τὸν Γὼγ καὶ Μαγώγ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is using the ruler named Gog and his land of Magog symbolically to represent the nations whom the devil will deceive. He means that these nations will form a great army together and attack the people of God, just as Ezekiel described Gog gathering a great coalition of peoples against Israel. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forming a great coalition of peoples”

of whom their number

Quote: ὧν ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that the expression of whom their number contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “whose number”

will be} like the sand of the sea

Quote: ὡς ἡ ἄμμος τῆς θαλάσσης. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the number of soldiers in this army will be very large, just as the number of grains of sand on the shore of the sea is very large. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “will be very large, like the number of grains of sand on the seashore”

Revelation 20:9

the beloved city

Quote: τὴν πόλιν τὴν ἠγαπημένην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

the beloved city

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

John assumes that his readers will understand that by the beloved city he means Jerusalem. You can use that name in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the city of Jerusalem”

fire came down from heaven and devoured them

Quote: κατέβη πῦρ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ κατέφαγεν αὐτούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of this fire as if it were a living thing that came down from heaven and devoured this army by itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God sent fire down from heaven, and it devoured them”

devoured them

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

John is speaking as if this fire literally devoured or ate up the nations that attacked the saints. He means that the fire destroyed them completely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “destroyed them completely”

Revelation 20:10

the devil deceiving them was thrown

Quote: ὁ διάβολος, ὁ πλανῶν αὐτοὺς, ἐβλήθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God threw the devil who was deceiving them”

of fire and sulfur

Quote: τοῦ πυρὸς καὶ θείου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word fire describes the state of the sulfur. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “of fiery sulfur”

them

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

The pronoun them refers to the nations whom the devil deceived. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the nations”

they will be tormented

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, the context suggests that it will be God. Alternate translation: “God will torment them”

day and night

Quote: ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

John is using the two parts of a full day, day and night, to mean all the time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “all the time”

to the ages of the ages

Quote: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity”

Revelation 20:11

from whose face

Quote: οὗ ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “from whose presence”

earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them

Quote: ἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός, καὶ τόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “earth and heaven vanished entirely”

earth and heaven fled

Quote: ἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of earth and heaven as if they were living things that fled. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “earth and heaven disappeared”

no place was found for them

Quote: τόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one found a place for them”

no place was found for them

Quote: τόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression means “no place could be found for them” or “they were no longer there.” Alternate translation: “they were no longer there”

Revelation 20:12

the dead, … the dead

Quote: τοὺς νεκρούς & οἱ νεκροὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died … the people who had died”

both the great and the small

Quote: καὶ μεγάλους καὶ τοὺς μικρούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The voice is speaking as if important people were literally large or great and as if unimportant people were literally small. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “both the important and the unimportant”

both the great and the small

Quote: καὶ μεγάλους καὶ τοὺς μικρούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The voice is using the adjectives great and small as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “both important people and unimportant people”

both the great and the small

Quote: καὶ μεγάλους καὶ τοὺς μικρούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The voice is using two kinds of people, great and small, to mean all kinds of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “people of every status”

books were opened, and another book was opened

Quote: βιβλία ἠνοίχθησαν; καὶ ἄλλο βιβλίον ἠνεῴχθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God opened books, and God opened another book”

the dead were judged from the {things} written in the books

Quote: ἐκρίθησαν οἱ νεκροὶ ἐκ τῶν γεγραμμένων ἐν τοῖς βιβλίοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God judged the dead from the things he had written in the books”

the dead, … the dead

Quote: τοὺς νεκρούς & οἱ νεκροὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died … the people who had died”

Revelation 20:13

the sea gave up the dead in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead in them

Quote: ἔδωκεν ἡ θάλασσα τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ, καὶ ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἔδωκαν τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of the sea and of Death and Hades as if these were living things that actively gave up the people who had died and who were in them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who had died who were in the sea and in Death and Hades were not able to hide in those places”

the dead in it, … the dead in them

Quote: τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ & τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using the adjective dead as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died who were in it … the people who had died who were in them”

Death and Hades gave up the dead in them

Quote: ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἔδωκαν τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

In this context, Death and Hades are two names for the same place. John is using the names together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the underworld gave up every single person who had died who was in it” or “not a single person who had died who was in the underworld was able to hide there”

they were judged

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God judged them”

Revelation 20:14

Death and Hades were thrown

Quote: ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἐβλήθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God threw Death and Hades”

Death and Hades were thrown

Quote: ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἐβλήθησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

In this context, Death and Hades are two names for the same place. John is using the names together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the entire underworld was thrown” or “God threw the entire underworld”

the second death

Quote: ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “death number two”

Revelation 20:15

And if anyone was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown

Quote: καὶ εἴ τις οὐχ εὑρέθη ἐν τῇ βίβλῳ τῆς ζωῆς γεγραμμένος, ἐβλήθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that in each case it was God. Alternate translation: “if God did not find that he had written someone in the Book of Life, he threw him”

anyone

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

John is using the term anyone by association to mean “anyone’s name.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “anyone’s name” or “someone’s name”

Revelation 21

Revelation 21 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter gives a detailed picture of the new Jerusalem.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Second death

Death is a type of separation. The first death is physically dying, when the soul is separated from the body. The second death is being eternally separated from God. (See: INVALID bible/other/death and soul, self, person and eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Book of Life

This is a metaphor for eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life. (See: Metaphor)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

New heaven and new earth

It is unclear whether this is an entirely new heaven and earth or something remade out of the present heaven and earth. The same is also true of the new Jerusalem. It is possible that this will affect translation in some languages.

“her”

People in this culture conventionally referred to cities by using feminine pronouns. John says “her” throughout his description of the new Jerusalem in order to mean that city. Your language may use a different gender, for example, you might say “it” and “its” instead of “her.” You could also use a noun and say “that city.” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

“every precious stone”

In verses 19 and 20, John lists the precious stones that were the foundations of the city. In some cases, it is not certain exactly which precious stones these names describe. When the reference of a name is uncertain, ULT spells out the name using English letters. If your readers would not be familiar with some of the precious stones listed here, or if you are not certain what stone a name describes, in your translation you can spell the names the way they sound in your language. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

Revelation 21:1

the first heaven and the first earth

Quote: ὁ & πρῶτος οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ πρώτη γῆ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use cardinal numbers here or equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “heaven number one and earth number one” or “the former heaven and the former earth”

had gone away

Quote: ἀπῆλθαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of the first heaven and the first earth as if they were living things that had gone away on their own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no longer existed”

Revelation 21:2

prepared like a bride adorned for her husband

Quote: ἡτοιμασμένην ὡς νύμφην, κεκοσμημένην τῷ ἀνδρὶ αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God had prepared the city the way a bride adorns herself for her husband”

prepared like a bride adorned for her husband

Quote: ἡτοιμασμένην ὡς νύμφην, κεκοσμημένην τῷ ἀνδρὶ αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the city looked beautiful, just as a bride makes herself beautiful to please her husband on their wedding day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God had made the city beautiful, just as a bride makes herself beautiful for her husband on their wedding day”

Revelation 21:3

The tabernacle of God {is} with men, and he will tabernacle with them

Quote: ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ σκηνώσει μετ’ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “God will now tabernacle right in the midst of men”

The tabernacle of God {is} with men, and he will tabernacle with them

Quote: ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ σκηνώσει μετ’ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

John is using a noun and a verb from the same root together for emphasis. You may be able to do the same thing in your own language. Alternate translation: “The dwelling of God is with men, and he will dwell with them”

men

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

Although the term men is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”

God himself will be with them

Quote: αὐτὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἔσται μετ’ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some ancient manuscripts read, God himself will be with them. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “as their God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

Revelation 21:4

he will wipe away every tear from their eyes

Quote: ἐξαλείψει πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

By using one thing that a person might do to console another person, John is representing all that someone might do to console someone else. If it would be helpful in your language, you could name something that someone might do similarly in your culture, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will console them”

death will not be any longer, nor grieving, nor crying, nor pain

Quote: ὁ θάνατος οὐκ ἔσται ἔτι, οὔτε πένθος, οὔτε κραυγὴ, οὔτε πόνος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “death will not be any longer, and grieving will not be any longer, and crying will not be any longer, and pain will not be any longer”

the first {things

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

John is using the adjective first as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. ULT adds the word things to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the things that existed first”

the first {things

Quote: τὰ πρῶτα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the former things”

have gone away

Quote: ἀπῆλθαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

John is speaking of the first things as if they were living things that have gone away on their own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no longer exist”

Revelation 21:5

these words are

Quote: οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι & εἰσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

God is using the term word to mean the statement that he has just made by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have just said is”

trustworthy and true

Quote: πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms trustworthy and true mean similar things. God on the throne is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “entirely trustworthy”

Revelation 21:6

the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end

Quote: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “the very beginning and the very end”

the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end

Quote: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

God is using two pairs of extremes, the Alpha and the Omega and the beginning and the end, to mean those extremes and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who began everything and who will finish everything”

the Alpha and the Omega

Quote: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

God is speaking as if he were literally two letters of the alphabet. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter, so God means that he has existed from all eternity and will exist to all eternity. If your language uses figures of speech, you could use the first and last letters of your own alphabet. Alternatively, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the First and the Last”

To the one thirsting I will give freely from the spring of the water of life

Quote: ἐγὼ τῷ διψῶντι δώσω ἐκ τῆς πηγῆς τοῦ ὕδατος τῆς ζωῆς δωρεάν. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

God is speaking as if he would literally give water to someone who was thirsting. He is using thirst to represent a person’s desire for everlasting life and he is using drinking life-giving water to represent that person receiving everlasting life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will give everlasting life to the one who eagerly desires to have it”

Revelation 21:7

The one conquering

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

The one conquering does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who conquers in the sense that Jesus uses that term in the letters to the seven churches and as John uses it in 20:11. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Everyone who conquers”

I will be his God, and he will be my son

Quote: ἔσομαι αὐτῷ Θεὸς, καὶ αὐτὸς ἔσται μοι υἱός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term son is masculine, God is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “I will be the God of that person, and that person will be my child”

Revelation 21:8

But for the cowardly and the unbelieving

Quote: τοῖς δὲ δειλοῖς, καὶ ἀπίστοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using the adjectives cowardly and unbelieving as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “for cowardly people and unbelieving people”

the abhorred

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who do things that make God abhor them”

with fire and sulfur

Quote: πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word fire describes the state of the sulfur. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “with fiery sulfur”

the second death

Quote: ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερος. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “death number two”

Revelation 21:9

the bride, the wife of the Lamb

Quote: τὴν νύμφην, τὴν γυναῖκα τοῦ Ἀρνίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is speaking as if the new Jerusalem were literally a bride who was going to marry the Lamb. He means that God’s people will now be united forever with Jesus their Savior. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how the people of God will be united forever with Jesus”

Revelation 21:10

he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain

Quote: ἀπήνεγκέν με ἐν Πνεύματι ἐπὶ ὄρος μέγα καὶ ὑψηλόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression in the Spirit in 1:10 and 4:2. Alternate translation: “as he carried me away to a great and high mountain, the Holy Spirit inspired me so that I could receive further revelation”

great and high

Quote: μέγα καὶ ὑψηλόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms great and high mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation, as in UST: “very high”

Revelation 21:11

its brilliance {being} like a most precious stone

Quote: ὁ φωστὴρ αὐτῆς ὅμοιος λίθῳ τιμιωτάτῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the brilliance or luster of the city was bright and beautiful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “its brilliance was bright and beautiful, like that of a most precious stone”

being} like a most precious stone, like a stone of jasper

Quote: ὅμοιος λίθῳ τιμιωτάτῳ, ὡς λίθῳ ἰάσπιδι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean the same thing. The first is a general statement and the second is a specific example. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “like a very precious jasper stone”

of jasper shining like crystal

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

See how you translated the word jasper in 4:3 and the word crystal in 4:6.

Revelation 21:12

having a great and high wall

Quote: ἔχουσα τεῖχος μέγα καὶ ὑψηλόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms great and high mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The city had a very high wall”

names having been written that are the 12 tribes

Quote: ὀνόματα ἐπιγεγραμμένα, ἅ ἐστιν τῶν δώδεκα φυλῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “names having been written on the gates that are the names of the 12 tribes”

names having been written

Quote: ὀνόματα ἐπιγεγραμμένα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “names that God had written”

of the sons of Israel

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

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

Revelation 21:15

her gates and her wall

Quote: τοὺς πυλῶνας αὐτῆς, καὶ τὸ τεῖχος αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, people in this culture conventionally referred to cities by using feminine pronouns. Your language may use a different gender. You could also use a noun and say “that city.” Alternate translation: “its gates and its wall” or “the gates and wall of that city”

Revelation 21:16

12,000 stadia

Quote: σταδίων δώδεκα χιλιάδων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance

The word stadia is the plural form of “stadium,” which was a distance of about 185 meters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could give the equivalent in modern measurements. However, you might also wish to retain the ancient measurement, since there may be some symbolic significance to the number 12,000. Alternate translation: “about 2,200 kilometers” or “about 1,300 miles”

Revelation 21:17

he measured her wall, 144 cubits

Quote: ἐμέτρησεν τὸ τεῖχος αὐτῆς, ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “he measured her wall and found it to be 144 cubits”

144 cubits

Quote: ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could be the measurement: (1) of the height of the wall. Alternate translation: “144 cubits high” (2) of the thickness of the wall. Alternate translation: “144 cubits thick”

144 cubits

Quote: ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance

A cubit was the measurement of the distance from a person’s elbow to his longest fingertip, typically about half a meter or about 18 inches. If it would be helpful in your language, you could give the equivalent in modern measurements. However, you might also wish to retain the ancient measurement, since there may be some symbolic significance to the number 144. Alternate translation: “about 70 meters” or “about 200 feet”

by the measurement of a man, which is of an angel

Quote: μέτρον ἀνθρώπου ὅ ἐστιν ἀγγέλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Since cubits were the distance from an elbow to a fingertip, John needs to specify from what size person the angel determined this measurement. This could mean: (1) that the angel appeared to John in human form and so the distance from his elbow to his fingertip was the same as that of a human. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The angel appeared in human form, and so he used an ordinary human cubit to measure” (2) that the angel may have been a giant compared with humans, but the angel still used a human-sized cubit. Alternate translation: “The angel used the cubit measure that people ordinarily use”

Revelation 21:18

is} pure gold, like pure glass

Quote: χρυσίον καθαρὸν, ὅμοιον ὑάλῳ καθαρῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that the gold from which the city was made was clear and bright, just as pure glass has no imperfections that keep it from reflecting light or letting light through. Alternate translation: “is gold that is as clear and bright as pure glass”

Revelation 21:19

The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned

Quote: οἱ θεμέλιοι τοῦ τείχους τῆς πόλεως & κεκοσμημένοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God had adorned the foundations of the wall of the city”

with every precious stone

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

John says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “with many different precious stones”

the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald

Quote: ὁ δεύτερος σάπφειρος, ὁ τρίτος χαλκηδών, ὁ τέταρτος σμάραγδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the second foundation was sapphire, the third foundation was chalcedony, the fourth foundation was emerald”

The first foundation {was} jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald

Quote: ὁ θεμέλιος ὁ πρῶτος ἴασπις, ὁ δεύτερος σάπφειρος, ὁ τρίτος χαλκηδών, ὁ τέταρτος σμάραγδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use cardinal numbers here or equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “Foundation number one was jasper, foundation number two was sapphire, foundation number three was chalcedony, foundation number four was emerald”

was} jasper, … sapphire, … chalcedony, … emerald

Quote: ἴασπις & σάπφειρος & χαλκηδών & σμάραγδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, in some cases it is not certain what precious stones the names in this verse and the next verse describe. When the reference of a name is uncertain, ULT spells out the name using English letters. If your readers would not be familiar with some of the precious stones listed here, in your translation you can spell their names the way they sound in your language.

Revelation 21:20

the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst

Quote: ὁ πέμπτος σαρδόνυξ, ὁ ἕκτος σάρδιον, ὁ ἕβδομος χρυσόλιθος, ὁ ὄγδοος βήρυλλος, ὁ ἔνατος τοπάζιον, ὁ δέκατος χρυσόπρασος, ὁ ἑνδέκατος ὑάκινθος, ὁ δωδέκατος ἀμέθυστος. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the fifth foundation was sardonyx, the sixth foundation was carnelian, the seventh foundation was chrysolite, the eighth foundation was beryl, the ninth foundation was topaz, the tenth foundation was chrysoprase, the eleventh foundation was jacinth, the twelfth foundation was amethyst”

the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst

Quote: ὁ πέμπτος σαρδόνυξ, ὁ ἕκτος σάρδιον, ὁ ἕβδομος χρυσόλιθος, ὁ ὄγδοος βήρυλλος, ὁ ἔνατος τοπάζιον, ὁ δέκατος χρυσόπρασος, ὁ ἑνδέκατος ὑάκινθος, ὁ δωδέκατος ἀμέθυστος. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use cardinal numbers here or equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “foundation number five was sardonyx, foundation number six was carnelian, foundation number seven was chrysolite, foundation number eight was beryl, foundation number nine was topaz, foundation number ten was chrysoprase, foundation number eleven was jacinth, foundation number twelve was amethyst”

Revelation 21:21

each one of the gates individually

Quote: ἀνὰ εἷς ἕκαστος τῶν πυλώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

It might seem that this phrase contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “each of the gates”

was} pure gold, like transparent glass

Quote: χρυσίον καθαρὸν ὡς ὕαλος διαυγής. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

See how you translated the similar expression in 21:18. Alternate translation: “was gold that was as clear and bright as transparent glass”

Revelation 21:22

the Lord God, the Ruler of All, is her temple, and the Lamb

Quote: ὁ & Κύριος ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ ναὸς αὐτῆς ἐστιν, καὶ τὸ Ἀρνίον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

It may be more natural to put the information about the Lamb with the information about the Lord God. Alternate translation: “the Lord God, the Ruler of All, and the Lamb are her temple”

the Lord God, the Ruler of All, is her temple, and the Lamb

Quote: ὁ & Κύριος ὁ Θεός ὁ Παντοκράτωρ ναὸς αὐτῆς ἐστιν, καὶ τὸ Ἀρνίον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Since John has just said that there is no temple in the city, he does not mean that the Lord God and the Lamb are literally a temple. Rather, he means that the people in the city can be in God’s presence all the time without having to go to a temple. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Lord God, the Ruler of All, and the Lamb are always present in the city”

Revelation 21:23

nor of the moon

Quote: οὐδὲ τῆς σελήνης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “nor does the city have need of the moon”

her lamp {is} the Lamb

Quote: ὁ λύχνος αὐτῆς τὸ Ἀρνίον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if the Lamb were literally a lamp that lit up the city. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “her light is the Lamb” or “its light is the Lamb” or “the light of that city is the Lamb”

Revelation 21:24

the nations will walk by the light of her

Quote: περιπατήσουσιν τὰ ἔθνη διὰ τοῦ φωτὸς αὐτῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

John is speaking as if the nations would literally know where to walk because they would see well by the light from the city. In this context, the word walk figuratively means how people live and behave, and so the word light represents good guidance about how to live and behave. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people in the city will live in such a way as to guide the nations about how to live as God wishes”

the nations

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

Some ancient manuscripts read the nations. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the nations that are saved.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

the kings of the earth bring their glory into her

Quote: οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς φέρουσιν τὴν δόξαν αὐτῶν εἰς αὐτήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

By their glory, John may mean by association symbols of royal power, such as crowns, scepters, and robes. He may be describing a situation like the one in 4:10, where he saw the 24 elders “lay their crowns before the throne” to acknowledge God as the Supreme Ruler. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the kings of the earth will come into the city and lay their royal crowns, scepters, and robes before God’s throne to acknowledge him as the Supreme Ruler”

Revelation 21:25

her gates will certainly not be shut

Quote: οἱ πυλῶνες αὐτῆς οὐ μὴ κλεισθῶσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at all will shut her gates”

her gates will certainly not be shut

Quote: οἱ πυλῶνες αὐτῆς οὐ μὴ κλεισθῶσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb shut. Alternate translation: “her gates will always be open”

Revelation 21:26

they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations

Quote: οἴσουσιν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν τῶν ἐθνῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun they seems to refer to people from the nations. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations will bring their glory and honor”

they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations

Quote: οἴσουσιν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν τῶν ἐθνῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is likely referring to wealth, by association with the way wealth is stored in things that are considered to have glory and honor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. This could mean: (1) that the nations will send valuable gifts to God in the city as expressions of their devotion. Alternate translation: “they will bring valuable gifts from the nations” (2) that the nations will send tribute payments to God. Alternate translation: “they will bring tribute from the nations”

the glory and the honor

Quote: τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

Revelation 21:27

everything unclean will certainly not enter into her and the one doing abomination and falsehood

Quote: οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτὴν πᾶν κοινὸν, καὶ ὁ ποιῶν βδέλυγμα καὶ ψεῦδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

It may be more natural to put the information about the one doing abomination and falsehood with the information about the everything unclean. Alternate translation: “everything unclean and the one doing abomination and falsehood will not at all enter into her”

the one doing abomination and falsehood

Quote: ὁ ποιῶν βδέλυγμα καὶ ψεῦδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of abomination and falsehood, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “anyone who does abominable things and tells lies”

if not

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

This expression limits the meaning of enter to the people it introduces. Your language may have its own way of expressing this idea. Alternate translation: “but only”

the ones having been written

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

John is referring to the names of people by association with the people themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones whose names have been written”

the ones having been written

Quote: οἱ γεγραμμένοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “the ones whom God has written” or “the ones whose names God has written”

Revelation 22

Revelation 22 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter emphasizes that Jesus is coming soon.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

Tree of life

There is probably an intended connection between the tree of life in the Garden of Eden and the tree of life mentioned in this chapter. The curse that began in Eden will end at this time.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Alpha and omega

These are the names of the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. The ULT spells out their names in English. This strategy can serve as a model for translators. Some translators, however, may decide to use the first and last letters in their own alphabet. That would be A and Z in English.

Revelation 22:1

he showed

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

The pronoun he refers to the angel who had one of the seven bowls, who began speaking to John in 21:9 and who was showing him the new Jerusalem. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the angel who had been showing me the city showed”

from the throne of God and of the Lamb

Quote: ἐκ τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ Ἀρνίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. That may help clarify that God and the Lamb do not share a single throne. Alternate translation: “from the throne of God and from the throne of the Lamb”

Revelation 22:2

in the middle of its public square. And

Quote: ἐν μέσῳ τῆς πλατείας αὐτῆς καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This phrase could refer implicitly to: (1) where the river flowed. That is the interpretation that ULT and UST follow. (2) where the tree of life was. In that case this would be the beginning of a new sentence. Alternate translation: “In the middle of its public square and”

Revelation 22:3

the throne of God and of the Lamb

Quote: ὁ θρόνος τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ Ἀρνίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. That may help clarify that God and the Lamb do not share a single throne. Alternate translation: “the throne of God and the throne of the Lamb”

Revelation 22:4

his face

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

John is using one part of God, his face, to represent all of God as his servants see him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “him”

Revelation 22:5

to the ages of the ages

Quote: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for all eternity”

Revelation 22:6

he said

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

The pronoun he refers to the same angel as in verse 1. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the angel said”

These words {are

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

The angel is using the term words to mean what he has been telling John by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What I have been telling you is”

trustworthy and true

Quote: πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

Revelation 22:7

And behold

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

John assumes that his readers will understand that Jesus is speaking in this verse. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said, ‘And behold”

the words of the prophecy of this book

Quote: τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Jesus is using the term words to mean what John has written in this book, using words, to describe the prophecies that God gave to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what you have said in this book about the prophecies God gave you”

Revelation 22:8

I fell down

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

This expression means that John lay down facing the ground. See how you translated the similar expression in 7:11. Alternate translation: “I bowed down”

Revelation 22:9

See not

Quote: ὅρα μή (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The angel is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “See that you do not do that”

See not

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

The angel is using the term See to mean by association that John should give careful attention to what he is doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Watch out! Do not do that!” or “Be careful not to do that”

of your brothers the prophets

Quote: τῶν ἀδελφῶν σου, τῶν προφητῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is using the term brothers figuratively to mean fellow prophets. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of your fellow prophets”

of your brothers the prophets

Quote: τῶν ἀδελφῶν σου, τῶν προφητῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term brothers is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the figurative expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “of your brothers and sisters the prophets”

the words of this book

Quote: τοὺς λόγους τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The angel is using the term words to mean what John has said in this book by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what you have said in this book”

Revelation 22:10

Do not seal

Quote: μὴ σφραγίσῃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb seal. Alternate translation: “Leave open”

Do not seal

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

The angel is speaking as if John might literally seal his book closed once he has written it. The angel means that John should tell others what he has written in the book and not keep those things to himself. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Widely proclaim”

the words of the prophecy of this book

Quote: τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The angel is using the term words to mean what John has said in this book by using words to describe the prophecy that God gave him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what you have said in this book about the prophecy God gave you”

Revelation 22:11

Let the one being unrighteous still be unrighteous, and let the filthy {one} still be filthy, and let the righteous {one} still do righteousness, and let the holy {one} still be holy

Quote: ὁ ἀδικῶν, ἀδικησάτω ἔτι; καὶ ὁ ῥυπαρὸς, ῥυπανθήτω ἔτι; καὶ ὁ δίκαιος, δικαιοσύνην ποιησάτω ἔτι; καὶ ὁ ἅγιος, ἁγιασθήτω ἔτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use third-person imperatives in this way, you make these statements in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May the one being unrighteous still be unrighteous, and may the filthy one still be filthy, and may the righteous one still do righteousness, and may the holy one still be holy” or “The one being unrighteous should still be unrighteous, and the filthy one should still be filthy, and the righteous one should do righteousness, and the holy one should still be holy”

Let the one being unrighteous still be unrighteous

Quote: ὁ ἀδικῶν, ἀδικησάτω ἔτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany

In this verse, the angel is using a series of similar phrases in order to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. Try to translate each of these phrases in such a way as to show their similarity. You may also wish to summarize the idea behind the phrases beforehand, if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “The time is so near that it is too late for people to change the way they are living. So let the one being unrighteous still be unrighteous”

the one being unrighteous … the filthy {one} … the righteous {one} … the holy {one

Quote: ὁ ἀδικῶν & ὁ ῥυπαρὸς & ὁ δίκαιος & ὁ ἅγιος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

These phrases do not refer to specific people. They refer to anyone who has the quality that they name. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anyone who is unrighteous … anyone who is filthy … anyone who is righteous … anyone who is holy”

the filthy {one} … the righteous {one} … the holy {one

Quote: ὁ ῥυπαρὸς & ὁ δίκαιος & ὁ ἅγιος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

John is using the adjectives filthy, righteous, and holy as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. ULT adds one in each case to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “the person who is filthy … the person who is righteous … the person who is holy”

let the filthy {one} still be filthy

Quote: ὁ ῥυπαρὸς, ῥυπανθήτω ἔτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The angel is speaking as if someone who does wrong were literally filthy or dirty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let the person who is wicked still be wicked”

righteousness

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is right”

Revelation 22:12

Behold

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

John assumes that his readers will understand that Jesus begins speaking in this verse. He continues speaking through verse 16.You could indicate that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said, ‘Behold”

Revelation 22:13

the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end

Quote: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These three phrases mean similar things. Jesus is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “the very beginning and the very end”

the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end

Quote: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Jesus is using three pairs of extremes, the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, and the beginning and the end, to mean those extremes and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who began everything and who will finish everything”

the Alpha and the Omega

Quote: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated this in 21:6.

Revelation 22:14

the ones washing their robes

Quote: οἱ πλύνοντες τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if people who repent of their sins and start living in a way that pleases God are literally washing their robes. See how you translated the similar expression in 7:14.

the ones washing their robes

Quote: οἱ πλύνοντες τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some ancient manuscripts read the ones washing their robes. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the ones doing his commandments.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

their authority over the tree of life will be

Quote: ἔσται ἡ ἐξουσία αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this expression plainly. Alternate translation: “they will have the right to eat from the tree of life”

Revelation 22:15

dogs

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

In this culture, people considered dogs to be dirty and bothersome animals. So this is not a positive statement, as it would be in some other cultures where dogs are cherished as household pets and as helpful workers and companions. It may be helpful to use an expression in your translation that will clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “dirty animals”

dogs

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

Jesus is speaking as if wicked people were literally dogs. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “wicked people”

the sexually immoral

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

Jesus is using the adjective sexual immoral as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are sexually immoral”

loving and doing

Quote: φιλῶν καὶ ποιῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word loving tells in what way these people are doing falsehood. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “eagerly doing"

falsehood

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of falsehood, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is false” or “what is wrong”

Revelation 22:16

to testify these things to you concerning the churches

Quote: μαρτυρῆσαι ὑμῖν ταῦτα ἐπὶ ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here the word you is plural. Alternate translation: “to testify to all of you in the churches about these things that concern you”

the root and the offspring of David

Quote: ἡ ῥίζα καὶ τὸ γένος Δαυείδ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is speaking as if here were literally the root of a tree. He means that David came from him, just as a tree comes from its roots. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “both the source and the offspring of David”

the bright morning star

Quote: ὁ ἀστὴρ ὁ λαμπρός, ὁ πρωϊνός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Jesus is also speaking of himself as if he were the bright star that sometimes appears early in the morning and indicates that a new day is about to begin. Alternate translation: “the sign that God is beginning a new era”

Revelation 22:17

the Bride

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

In keeping with the symbolism of his vision, John is speaking of the church as if it were literally the Bride of Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the church”

say, “Come!” … let the one hearing say, “Come

Quote: λέγουσιν, ἔρχου & ὁ ἀκούων εἰπάτω, ἔρχου! (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

In both cases, the implied “you” in the imperative Come is singular, so use a singular form if your language marks that distinction. If it does not, you could indicate the addressee in another way. The addressee could be: (1) Jesus, who says in verses 12 and 20, “I am coming quickly,” and to whom John says explicitly in v. 20, “Come, Lord Jesus!” Alternate translation: “say to Jesus, ‘Come!’ … let the one hearing say to Jesus, ‘Come!’” (2) the one thirsting, whom John mentions in the next sentence. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “say to the one thirsting, ‘Come!’ … let the one hearing say to the one thirsting, ‘Come!’”

Come!” … Come

Quote: ἔρχου & ἔρχου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative

let the one hearing say, “… the one thirsting, let him come. The one desiring, let him take

Quote: ὁ ἀκούων εἰπάτω & ὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω & ὁ θέλων λαβέτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may the one hearing say … may the one thirsting come … may the one desiring take” or “the one hearing should say … the one thirsting should come … the one desiring should take”

the one hearing … the one thirsting, … The one desiring

Quote: ὁ ἀκούων & ὁ διψῶν & ὁ θέλων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

These phrases do not refer to specific people. They refer to anyone who has the quality that they name. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anyone who hears … anyone who thirsts … anyone who desires”

And the one thirsting, let him come. The one desiring, let him take the water of life freely

Quote: καὶ ὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω; ὁ θέλων λαβέτω ὕδωρ ζωῆς δωρεάν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

In 21:6, God spoke as if he would literally give “water” to someone who was “thirsting.” He was using thirst to represent a person’s desire for everlasting life and he was using drinking life-giving water to represent that person receiving everlasting life. John is echoing the same image here. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Let the one who wants to have everlasting life come. Let the one who desires everlasting life receive it freely”

And the one thirsting, let him come. The one desiring, let him take the water of life freely

Quote: καὶ ὁ διψῶν ἐρχέσθω; ὁ θέλων λαβέτω ὕδωρ ζωῆς δωρεάν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two sentences mean basically the same thing. John is speaking in something like Hebrew poetry, which was based on this kind of repetition. It would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if such repetition would not be natural in your language, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is thirsting come, yes, let the one desiring take the water of life freely” or “Let the one who wants to have everlasting life come, yes, let the one who desires everlasting life receive it freely”

Revelation 22:18

I

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

The pronoun I refers to John. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “I, John,”

hearing the words of the prophecy of this book: … to them

Quote: ἀκούοντι τοὺς λόγους τῆς προφητείας τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου & ἐπ’ αὐτά (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is using the term words to mean what he has written about in this book by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the prophecy I have written about in this book … to what I have written”

written

Quote: τὰς γεγραμμένας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 22:19

the words of the book of this prophecy

Quote: τῶν λόγων τοῦ βιβλίου τῆς προφητείας ταύτης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

John is using the term words to mean what he has written about in this book by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the prophecy I have written about in this book”

the tree of life

Quote: τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Some ancient manuscripts read the tree of life. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the Book of Life.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT.

written

Quote: τῶν γεγραμμένων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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

Revelation 22:20

The one testifying these {things

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

John assumes that his readers will understand that by the one testifying he means Jesus. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Jesus, the one who testifies these things,”

Amen

Quote: ἀμήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate

See how you translated the term Amen in 1:6.

Revelation 22:21

The grace of the Lord Jesus {be} with the saints

Quote: ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἁγίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

John is ending the book of Revelation by asking God to bless the saints, that is, the people who belong to God. In your translation, use a form that speakers of your language would recognize as a blessing. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus bless all of you who belong to God by giving you his grace"

The grace of the Lord Jesus {be} with

Quote: ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ μετὰ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus be gracious to”

Revelation 2

Revelation 2:4

you have abandoned your first love

Quote: τὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην ἀφῆκες (1)

To stop doing something is spoken of as leaving it behind. Here the expression you have left behind your first love represents love as an object that can be forsaken. Alternate translation: “you have stopped loving me as you did at the beginning”

Revelation 4

Revelation 4:9

the living creatures

Quote: τὰ ζῷα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

See how you translated living creatures in 4:6.