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Exodus

Exodus front

הָ⁠אָבְנָ֑יִם

Introduction to Exodus

Part 1: General Introduction

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

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

The book of Exodus tells how the Israelites were to build the tabernacle. The tabernacle was a tent where Yahweh would be among his people. The Israelites worshiped and sacrificed animals to Yahweh at the tabernacle. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and tabernacle)

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

Who wrote the book of Exodus?

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

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

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

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

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

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the Jewish Passover?

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

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

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

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

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

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Thus says Yahweh

This phrase is used many times in the Old Testament to introduce Yahweh’s speech. Your team should pick a standard translation. See 4:intro for more.

Pharaoh’s stubborn heart

Between chapters 4–14 there are 18 cases where Pharaoh’s heart is described as strong (11x), heavy (6x), or hard (1x), and one case where the Egyptians’ hearts are described as strong. These are metaphors for being stubborn, that is, being unwilling to obey Yahweh or even to do what is clearly in his own and Egypt’s best interest. Many cultures have similar metaphors, but not all will use the same body part. Within these cases, six times there is a neutral description that Pharaoh was stubborn without saying anyone made him so (7:13, 7:14, 7:22, 8:19, 9:7, 9:35); three times Pharaoh makes himself stubborn (8:15, 8:32, 9:34); and ten times Yahweh makes Pharaoh/the Egyptians stubborn (4:21, 7:3, 9:12, 10:1, 10:20, 10:27, 11:10, 14:4, 14:8, 14:17).

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

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

Are the events in the order that they actually happened?

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

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

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

Exodus 1

וַ⁠יֵּ֥לֶךְ

Exodus 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel’s growth

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

End of the famine

It is obvious that some time has passed since the beginning of the famine which brought the Israelites into Egypt. Yahweh appears to be punishing the Hebrews for not returning to the Promised Land, but instead, choosing to stay in Egypt. No return attempt is recorded to have been made. (See: Promised Land and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“All of the descendants of Jacob were 70 in number”

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

Exodus 1:1

Verses 1–7 are background information for the story. If your language has a way of structuring background information, consider using it for these verses. (See: Background Information)

​וּ⁠בֵית֖⁠וֹ

Here, house refers to all of the people who live together, usually a large family with servants. Alternate translation: “and his household” (See: Metonymy)

הַ⁠בָּאִ֖ים… בָּֽאוּ

The words translated as came in could also be translated as “went in.” Use whichever form is most natural in your language. (See: Go and Come)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל… יַעֲקֹ֔ב

​Jacob and Israel are two names for the same man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 1:5

​שִׁבְעִ֣ים

“70 in number” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 1:6

וַ⁠יָּ֤מָת

Jacob and his sons spent the rest of their lives in Egypt and died there. (See: Connect – Sequential Time Relationship)

וְ⁠כָל־אֶחָ֔י⁠ו

All his brothers includes ten older brothers and one younger brother. If your language has different words for those, you can say, “his ten older brothers and his younger brother”

אֶחָ֔י⁠ו

This an instance of the possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

Exodus 1:7

וּ⁠בְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

This is the first of many times in this book that sons of Israel refers to the Israelite nation or people. Alternate translation: “And the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

פָּר֧וּ וַֽ⁠יִּשְׁרְצ֛וּ וַ⁠יִּרְבּ֥וּ וַ⁠יַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ

All of these verbs mean similar things and are used together to emphasize that the Israelite people became very numerous. If your language doesn’t have as many words that mean the same thing, you can use fewer words and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “multiplied and became extremely numerous” (See: Doublet)

פָּר֧וּ… וַ⁠יִּרְבּ֥וּ… וַ⁠תִּמָּלֵ֥א הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ

Compare your translation of fruitful … and multiplied … and the land was filled here to Genesis 1:28; ​9:1, 7; and especially Genesis 35:11, where God renamed Jacob to be called Israel.

​פָּר֧וּ

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

וַ⁠תִּמָּלֵ֥א הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ אֹתָֽ⁠ם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they filled the land” (See: Active or Passive)

בִּ⁠מְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד

Here the same word is used twice to emphasize how many the Israelite people had become. If your language does not repeat words like this, express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “with much power” (See: Idiom)

​אֹתָֽ⁠ם

Here, them refers to the Israelites. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 1:8

​וַ⁠יָּ֥קָם

This sentence introduces a new event in the story. If your language marks this with particular discourse features, apply them here. (See:Introduction of a New Event)

מֶֽלֶךְ־חָדָ֖שׁ

​The story begins with the new king. Your language may have a specific way to introduce new events or new characters in a story. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

וַ⁠יָּ֥קָם מֶֽלֶךְ־חָדָ֖שׁ עַל־מִצְרָ֑יִם

Here, Egypt refers to the place and the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “And a new king began to rule over the Egyptians and the country of Egypt” (See: Metonymy)

​לֹֽא־יָדַ֖ע אֶת־יוֹסֵֽף

Here, Joseph refers to both the person Joseph and to all of the good things that he did for Egypt. See the UST. (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 1:9

​וַ⁠יֹּ֖אמֶר

“And the king said” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

הִנֵּ֗ה

Here, behold draws special attention to what is about to be said. Use a way of drawing people’s attention that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Listen” (See: Exclamations)

​עַמּ֑⁠וֹ

The people are spoken of as if they belonged to the king. This is an instance of the possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

​עַמּ֑⁠וֹ

There is some ambiguity as to whom exactly Pharaoh was addressing. It could have been: 1) the people who lived in Egypt, the Egyptians or 2) some group of “his people” like his advisors, generals, nobles, or friends and family. Even if option 1 is meant, it is quite possible that he actually spoke to some smaller group of representatives, as in option 2.

מִמֶּֽ⁠נּוּ

Use a way that is natural in your language to compare non-specific sizes of groups of people. Alternate translation: “more than we are”

הִנֵּ֗ה

Beginning from behold to the end of verse 10 is a direct quote of what the king said. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 1:10

​נִֽתְחַכְּמָ֖ה… שֹׂ֣נְאֵ֔י⁠נוּ… בָּ֖⁠נוּ

The word us is inclusive and refers to the king and his people, the Egyptians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

​פֶּן־יִרְבֶּ֗ה וְ⁠הָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־תִקְרֶ֤אנָה מִלְחָמָה֙

The king suggests a combination of two hypothetical events: 1. There are even more Israelites, 2. There is a battle. These are followed by a series of undesirable consequences: 3. The Israelites join an enemy, 4. The Israelites attack the Egyptians, 5. The Israelites leave Egypt. While the series of consequences is also technically hypothetical, the king’s language indicates that if 1-2 happen, then 3-5 are certain. Use language that makes it clear that the first two events are hypothetical, and that the next three are consequences that could be expected if the first two events happen. (See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions)

וְ⁠עָלָ֥ה מִן־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ

“and he leaves Egypt”

הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ

After this phrase, the direct quote of what the king said comes to an end. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 1:11

​שָׂרֵ֣י

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

מִסִּ֔ים

Here the plural means groups. Alternative translation: “work crews”

​לְמַ֥עַן עַנֹּת֖⁠וֹ בְּ⁠סִבְלֹתָ֑⁠ם

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

​עָרֵ֤י מִסְכְּנוֹת֙

These were places where the leaders put away food and other important things to keep them safe. Alternative translation: “cities in which to put away things to keep them safe” (See: Translate Unknowns)

​עָרֵ֤י מִסְכְּנוֹת֙

The possessive is objective; storage of goods is what occurs in the cities. (See: Possession)

Exodus 1:12

וְ⁠כַ⁠אֲשֶׁר֙ יְעַנּ֣וּ אֹת֔⁠וֹ כֵּ֥ן יִרְבֶּ֖ה וְ⁠כֵ֣ן יִפְרֹ֑ץ

This sentence expresses a result that is opposite of what the king expected. If your language has a way to express something happening that was opposite of what was expected, use that structure. (See: Connect – Contrast Relationship)

וַ⁠יָּקֻ֕צוּ

“And they were afraid” (See: Abstract Nouns)

מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

Here, face figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means that the Egyptians were afraid of the Israelites’ existence in the country. Alternate translation: “whenever they saw an Israelite” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 1:13

וַ⁠יַּעֲבִ֧דוּ מִצְרַ֛יִם אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּ⁠פָֽרֶךְ

Here, rigor is a noun used to modify the verb enslaved. Rigor could refer either to how hard the work was or how unkindly the Egyptians treated the Israelites. Alternate translation: “And the Egyptians made the sons of Israel work very hard” or “And the Egyptians harshly made the sons of Israel work” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Exodus 1:14

​וַ⁠יְמָרְר֨וּ

The difficult lives of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were bitter food that was difficult to eat. (See: Metaphor)

בַּ⁠עֲבֹדָ֣ה קָשָׁ֗ה

Slavery is an abstract noun modified by hard. Alternative translation: “by making them work hard as slaves” (See: Abstract Nouns)

​בְּ⁠חֹ֨מֶר֙

This was a wet glue or mud put between bricks or stones that held them together when it dried. (See: Translate Unknowns)

וּ⁠בִ⁠לְבֵנִ֔ים

Bricks are hardened rectangular blocks of mud, clay etc., used for building. (Source: Wiktionary) The clay or mud was hardened either in the sun or by heating it to higher temperatures in other ways. (See: Translate Unknowns)

​אֵ֚ת כָּל־עֲבֹ֣דָתָ֔⁠ם אֲשֶׁר־עָבְד֥וּ בָ⁠הֶ֖ם בְּ⁠פָֽרֶךְ׃

“the Egyptians made them work very hard” or “the Egyptians forced them to work very hard” See how you translated this in verse 13

וַ⁠יְמָרְר֨וּ…בָ⁠הֶ֖ם

These pronouns refer to the Egyptians. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

חַיֵּי⁠הֶ֜ם…עֲבֹ֣דָתָ֔⁠ם…עָבְד֥וּ

These pronouns refer to the Israelites. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 1:15

וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙

This sentence introduces a new event in the story. If your language marks this with particular discourse features, apply them here. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

​לַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹ֖ת

Midwives were women who helped a pregnant woman give birth to a baby.

​שִׁפְרָ֔ה…פּוּעָֽה

These are Hebrew women’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

​שִׁפְרָ֔ה…פּוּעָֽה

The midwives are introduced here as new participants in the story. Use your language’s way to introduce new characters in a story.​ (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 1:16

וַ⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר

In the UST, And the king said, is combined with “spoke” from verse 15, because the verb for “say” is used twice before he speaks. This may be strange in some languages. If it would be unnatural to say that the king spoke or said twice, you may leave one off.

בְּ⁠יַלֶּדְ⁠כֶן֙ אֶת־הָֽ⁠עִבְרִיּ֔וֹת וּ⁠רְאִיתֶ֖ן עַל־הָ⁠אָבְנָ֑יִם אִם־בֵּ֥ן הוּא֙ וַ⁠הֲמִתֶּ֣ן אֹת֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠אִם־בַּ֥ת הִ֖יא וָ⁠חָֽיָה

This is a direct quote of what the king said. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

בְּ⁠יַלֶּדְ⁠כֶן֙…וּ⁠רְאִיתֶ֖ן…וַ⁠הֲמִתֶּ֣ן

The king is speaking to the two midwives, so the form of you is plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: INVALID translate/​figs-youdual)

עַל־הָ⁠אָבְנָ֑יִם

Women sat on this short stool as they gave birth. Therefore, it is associated with birth. Alternate translation: “as they give birth” (See: Metonymy)

​אִם־בֵּ֥ן הוּא֙ וַ⁠הֲמִתֶּ֣ן אֹת֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠אִם־בַּ֥ת הִ֖יא וָ⁠חָֽיָה

​These two statements are hypothetical conditions (starting at if) with instructions for what the midwives should do in each situation (starting at then). (See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions)

Exodus 1:17

וַ⁠תִּירֶ֤אןָ

Use a conjunction or other language structure that expresses contrast. (See: Connect – Contrast Relationship)

Exodus 1:18

​לַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹ֔ת

These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:15.

מַדּ֥וּעַ עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן הַ⁠דָּבָ֣ר הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה וַ⁠תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת־הַ⁠יְלָדִֽים

This is a direct quote of the king’s question. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר לָ⁠הֶ֔ן מַדּ֥וּעַ עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן הַ⁠דָּבָ֣ר הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה וַ⁠תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת־הַ⁠יְלָדִֽים

This could be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “and he asked them why they were letting the sons live.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

מַדּ֥וּעַ עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן הַ⁠דָּבָ֣ר הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה וַ⁠תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת־הַ⁠יְלָדִֽים

Alternate translation: “Why have you not killed the baby boys?”

עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן

This you is plural. The king is speaking to the two midwives. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: INVALID translate/​figs-youdual)

Exodus 1:19

כִּ֣י לֹ֧א כַ⁠נָּשִׁ֛ים הַ⁠מִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת הָֽ⁠עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת כִּֽי־חָי֣וֹת הֵ֔נָּה בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם תָּב֧וֹא אֲלֵ⁠הֶ֛ן הַ⁠מְיַלֶּ֖דֶת וְ⁠יָלָֽדוּ

This is a direct quote of the midwives’ response. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

כִּ֣י לֹ֧א כַ⁠נָּשִׁ֛ים הַ⁠מִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת הָֽ⁠עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת כִּֽי־חָי֣וֹת הֵ֔נָּה בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם תָּב֧וֹא אֲלֵ⁠הֶ֛ן הַ⁠מְיַלֶּ֖דֶת וְ⁠יָלָֽדוּ

The midwives give a reason, the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, and then they expand on that reason, for they are lively (or energetic), with the result that before the midwife comes to them, they have given birth.  (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

וַ⁠תֹּאמַ֤רְןָ הַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹת֙

It may not make sense in your language to say that multiple people said something, so you may need to translate it in the singular (see UST). (See: Synecdoche)

הַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹת֙

These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:15.

Exodus 1:20

​לַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹ֑ת

These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:15.

וַ⁠יִּ֧רֶב הָ⁠עָ֛ם וַ⁠יַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ מְאֹֽד

These words mean similar things and are used together to emphasize their numeric growth. If your language doesn’t have as many words that mean the same thing, you can use fewer words and express the emphasis in another way. (See: Doublet)

​וַ⁠יֵּ֥יטֶב אֱלֹהִ֖ים לַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹ֑ת

This phrase is more logically connected to the statements in verse 21. It describes the result of the midwives fearing God with a general statement. You may need to rearrange vs 20-21 so that the reason (vs 21) comes before both the general and specific results. (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Exodus 1:21

וַ⁠יְהִ֕י כִּֽי־יָֽרְא֥וּ הַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹ֖ת אֶת־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים

This is the reason for what God did. You may need to rearrange vs 20-21 so that the reason (vs 21) comes before both the general and specific results. (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

וַ⁠יַּ֥עַשׂ לָ⁠הֶ֖ם בָּתִּֽים

This describes the result of the midwives fearing God with a specific statement. You may need to rearrange vs 20-21 so that the reason (vs 21) comes before both the general and specific results. (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

בָּתִּֽים

“households”

Exodus 1:22

כָּל־הַ⁠בֵּ֣ן הַ⁠יִּלּ֗וֹד הַ⁠יְאֹ֨רָ⁠ה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ

This order was given in order to drown the male children. The full meaning of this may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You must dispose of each new baby boy in the river so he will drown” or “Drown each baby boy in the river when he is born” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וַ⁠יְצַ֣ו פַּרְעֹ֔ה לְ⁠כָל־עַמּ֖⁠וֹ לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר כָּל־הַ⁠בֵּ֣ן הַ⁠יִּלּ֗וֹד הַ⁠יְאֹ֨רָ⁠ה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ וְ⁠כָל־הַ⁠בַּ֖ת תְּחַיּֽוּ⁠ן

From You shall to the end of the verse is a direct quote of Pharaoh’s speech. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. However, it could be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “And Pharaoh commanded all of his people to throw every baby boy into the river, but to let every girl live.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ…תְּחַיּֽוּ⁠ן

The uses of the word you here refer to all the Egyptians. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: INVALID translate/​figs-youdual)

Exodus 2

Exodus 02 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant

God begins to relate to the Israelites based on his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Moses’ heritage

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Identification of participants
  • Moses is the only participant named in most of this chapter. This is because many of the participants play very minor roles and because this part of the story is focusing on Moses’ life.
Ironic situations
  • While Pharaoh tried to diminish the power of the Israelites by killing all of their baby boys, God used Pharaoh’s own daughter to save Moses.

  • Moses believes he is meant to be the rescuer of his people, but they reject him. Ultimately, Moses was correct, but God had not yet sent him for that mission.

Exodus 2:1

​וַ⁠יֵּ֥לֶךְ

A new scene begins here; that may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

אִ֖ישׁ…בַּת

These are new participants. They remain unnamed until Exodus 6:20 where they are identified as Amram and Jochebed. For now it is best to leave them unnamed in your language, if possible. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

וַ⁠יִּקַּ֖ח אֶת־בַּת־לֵוִֽי

This is an idiom for marrying. (See: Idiom)

Exodus 2:2

ט֣וֹב

Alternative translations: “pleasing,” “fine,” or “healthy” (UST)

וַ⁠תֵּ֤רֶא…וַֽ⁠תִּצְפְּנֵ֖⁠הוּ

Hiding the boy was a result of seeing that he was good. Alternative translation: “Since she saw … she hid him” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה

3 (See: Numbers)

Exodus 2:3

תֵּ֣בַת גֹּ֔מֶא

This is a basket made from a tall grass that grows by the Nile River in Egypt. (See: Translate Unknowns)

וַ⁠תַּחְמְרָ֥⁠ה בַ⁠חֵמָ֖ר וּ⁠בַ⁠זָּ֑פֶת

You could explicitly state that this was to keep out water. Alternate translation: “spread tar on it to keep water from getting into it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וַ⁠תַּחְמְרָ֥⁠ה

This means that she applied a waterproof coating. (See: Translate Unknowns)

בַ⁠חֵמָ֖ר

This is a sticky black paste made from petroleum. It can be used to keep out water. Alternate translation: “with tar” (See: Translate Unknowns)

וּ⁠בַ⁠זָּ֑פֶת

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

בַּ⁠סּ֖וּף

These reeds were a type of tall grass that grew in flat, wet areas. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 2:4

וַ⁠תֵּתַצַּ֥ב אֲחֹת֖⁠וֹ מֵ⁠רָחֹ֑ק

This means she stood far enough away so that she would not be noticed, but close enough to see the ark. Use a word that expresses this sort of distance in your language.

מֵ⁠רָחֹ֑ק

This probably means somewhere in the reeds where she could see the basket, but no one would see her. (See: Abstract Nouns)

אֲחֹת֖⁠וֹ

Here, the actions of his sister show that she is older. If your languages uses a different term for siblings based on their relative ages and/or the gender of the siblings use one that means “a boy’s older sister.” See UST. (See: INVALID translate/figs-kinship)

לְ⁠דֵעָ֕ה מַה־יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה לֽ⁠וֹ

This is her purpose in being close by. Alternative translation: “in order to learn what would happen to him” (See: Connect – Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Exodus 2:5

וַ⁠תֵּ֤רֶד

Came down may be literal or figurative, as important places are often considered to be in a higher place. This means she came from her home, probably Pharaoh’s palace. If a perspective is required for Pharaoh’s daughter, you may choose go or come as works best in your language. “Come” is better as the scene is at the river and she comes to the scene location. However, you also need to consider your language’s way of introducing new participants. (See: Go and Come)

וַ⁠תֵּ֤רֶד בַּת־פַּרְעֹה֙

The daughter of Pharaoh is introduced here as a new participant. Along with choosing come or go as mentioned in the previous note, you may need to mark her introduction in a particular way in your language. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

וְ⁠נַעֲרֹתֶ֥י⁠הָ

These women are introduced here as new participants; however they are not mentioned again after this verse. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

עַל־יַ֣ד הַ⁠יְאֹ֑ר

Hand is a metaphor for “side,” which in this case can be translated as the shore or bank (UST) of the river. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נַעֲרֹתֶ֥י⁠הָ

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

וַ⁠תִּקָּחֶֽ⁠הָ

It is not clear who is meant by she here, either Pharaoh’s daughter or the servant. It is likely that Pharaoh’s daughter stays the subject. Alternative translation: “and she took the ark from her slave” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 2:6

וְ⁠הִנֵּה

The word behold signals the surprising information that follows. See UST. (See: Exclamations)

וַ⁠תַּחְמֹ֣ל עָלָ֔י⁠ו

The text does not state exactly what caused her to have compassion on the baby. If a reason must be provided in your language it should be connected to either his crying (this is the better option) or that he was a “good” baby verse 2. (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

מִ⁠יַּלְדֵ֥י הָֽ⁠עִבְרִ֖ים זֶֽה

This is a direct quote. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. It seems to have been said loud enough for the baby’s sister to hear. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 2:7

וְ⁠קָרָ֤אתִי לָ⁠ךְ֙ אִשָּׁ֣ה מֵינֶ֔קֶת מִ֖ן הָ⁠עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת וְ⁠תֵינִ֥ק לָ֖⁠ךְ אֶת־הַ⁠יָּֽלֶד

This is a direct quote of the baby’s sister. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וְ⁠קָרָ֤אתִי לָ⁠ךְ֙ אִשָּׁ֣ה מֵינֶ֔קֶת מִ֖ן הָ⁠עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת

This is a suggestive question. The child’s sister is hopeful that Pharaoh’s daughter does not have a plan yet for the baby beyond saving his life. However, it is still a true question, for without Pharaoh’s daughter’s permission, the child’s sister will not be able to fetch the woman. If your language has a way of forming questions that are also suggestions, use it here.

אֲחֹת⁠וֹ֮…בַּת־פַּרְעֹה֒

These are both the possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

מֵינֶ֔קֶת…וְ⁠תֵינִ֥ק

To nurse means to feed with milk from the breast.

וְ⁠תֵינִ֥ק לָ֖⁠ךְ אֶת־הַ⁠יָּֽלֶד

This is the purpose of the sister’s proposal. Alternative translation: “And she could nurse the infant for you” (See: Connect – Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Exodus 2:8

לֵ֑כִי…וַ⁠תֵּ֨לֶךְ֙

The girl left Pharaoh’s daughter to go to the child’s mother. The girl was almost certainly on foot. Use verbs of motion that express this. (See: Go and Come)

לֵ֑כִי

This is a direct quote. Pharaoh’s daughter commands the baby’s sister. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

בַּת־פַּרְעֹ֖ה…אֵ֥ם הַ⁠יָּֽלֶד

These are both the possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

Exodus 2:9

בַּת־פַּרְעֹ֗ה

This is the possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

לָ֣⁠הּ

The child’s mother is reintroduced as a participant. Alternative translation: “to the baby’s mother” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

הֵילִ֜יכִי אֶת־הַ⁠יֶּ֤לֶד הַ⁠זֶּה֙ וְ⁠הֵינִקִ֣⁠הוּ לִ֔⁠י וַ⁠אֲנִ֖י אֶתֵּ֣ן אֶת־שְׂכָרֵ֑⁠ךְ

This is a direct quote. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

שְׂכָרֵ֑⁠ךְ

This refers to payment that Pharaoh’s daughter would give to the mother in exchange for her service of nursing the baby.

וַ⁠תִּקַּ֧ח…וַ⁠תְּנִיקֵֽ⁠הוּ

The mother’s acceptance of the deal is implied. You could make it explicit, as in the UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 2:10

וַ⁠יִגְדַּ֣ל הַ⁠יֶּ֗לֶד וַ⁠תְּבִאֵ֨⁠הוּ֙

An unspecified amount of time is designated by this. He would have stayed with his mother at least until he was weaned (no longer drinking his mother’s milk). (See: Connect – Sequential Time Relationship)

לְ⁠בַת־פַּרְעֹ֔ה

This is the possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

וַֽ⁠יְהִי־לָ֖⁠הּ לְ⁠בֵ֑ן

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

וַֽ⁠יְהִי־לָ֖⁠הּ לְ⁠בֵ֑ן וַ⁠תִּקְרָ֤א שְׁמ⁠וֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה

These events were likely simultaneous, because her act of naming him may have been what made him become as a son to her. Consider using a conjunction that does not make a great separtion between these events. (See: Connect – Simultaneous Time Relationship)

מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַ⁠תֹּ֕אמֶר כִּ֥י מִן־הַ⁠מַּ֖יִם מְשִׁיתִֽ⁠הוּ

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

וַ⁠תֹּ֕אמֶר כִּ֥י מִן־הַ⁠מַּ֖יִם מְשִׁיתִֽ⁠הוּ

This is a direct quote. It could be stated indirectly. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. Alternate translation: “because she said she draw him out of the water” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

Moses - (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 2:11

וַ⁠יְהִ֣י׀ בַּ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠הֵ֗ם וַ⁠יִּגְדַּ֤ל מֹשֶׁה֙ וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֣א

A significant amount of time has passed; later texts state that Moses was 40 years old at this point. Alternative translation: “Many years later, once Moses was grown, he went out” (See: Connect – Sequential Time Relationship)

וַ⁠יְהִ֣י׀ בַּ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠הֵ֗

This introduces a new event in the story. In your language, use a phrase that indicates a new event occurring after significant time has passed. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֣א

The UST supplies a probable location that he went out from; it could also have been simply out from the Egyptian area or out to the work area or cities. Use go or come as appropriate in your language. (See: Go and Come)

מַכֶּ֥ה אִישׁ־עִבְרִ֖י

“hitting a Hebrew” or “beating a Hebrew”

Exodus 2:12

וַ⁠יִּ֤פֶן כֹּה֙ וָ⁠כֹ֔ה

These two opposite directions have the combined meaning of “everywhere.” Alternate translation: “He looked all around” (See: Merism)

וַ⁠יַּךְ֙

The context makes clear that Moses struck the Egyptian hard enough or repeatedly until Moses killed him. Consider using a word that indicates a deadly blow. (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 2:13

וַ⁠יֵּצֵא֙

See how you translated this in Exodus 2:11. (See: Go and Come)

הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֔י

The ordinal number here could mean “the next day” (UST) or simply on some day following the events of the previous verse. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

וְ⁠הִנֵּ֛ה

Here, behold shows that Moses was surprised by what he saw. You can use a word in your language that will give this meaning. (See: Exclamations)

לָֽ⁠רָשָׁ֔ע

Based on Moses’s question, this means the aggressor or the man wrongfully attacking his neighbor. Alternate translation: “the man who was guilty of starting the fight”

לָ֥⁠מָּה תַכֶּ֖ה רֵעֶֽ⁠ךָ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 2:14

מִ֣י שָֽׂמְ⁠ךָ֞ לְ⁠אִ֨ישׁ שַׂ֤ר וְ⁠שֹׁפֵט֙ עָלֵ֔י⁠נוּ

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

מִ֣י שָֽׂמְ⁠ךָ֞ לְ⁠אִ֨ישׁ שַׂ֤ר וְ⁠שֹׁפֵט֙ עָלֵ֔י⁠נוּ הַ⁠לְ⁠הָרְגֵ֨⁠נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרַ֖גְתָּ אֶת־הַ⁠מִּצְרִ֑י

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

הַ⁠לְ⁠הָרְגֵ֨⁠נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרַ֖גְתָּ אֶת־הַ⁠מִּצְרִ֑י

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

הַ⁠לְ⁠הָרְגֵ֨⁠נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרַ֖גְתָּ אֶת־הַ⁠מִּצְרִ֑י

The man asks a question that is intended to make a statement. Alternate translation: “Do you think you can kill me without anyone finding out? We know what you did to the Egyptian” (See: Rhetorical Question)

הַ⁠לְ⁠הָרְגֵ֨⁠נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר

“Are you planning to kill me” or “Are you threatening to kill me”

אָכֵ֖ן נוֹדַ֥ע הַ⁠דָּבָֽר

It is likely this is something Moses said to himself, that is, he thought it to himself rather than speaking to the men in front of him. (See: Aside)

וַ⁠יֹּאמַ֔ר אָכֵ֖ן נוֹדַ֥ע הַ⁠דָּבָֽר

It may be clearer to present as an indirect quotation what was likely a thought Moses had. Alternative translation (as indirect quotation): “because he thought that everyone knew what he had done” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Exodus 2:15

וַ⁠יְבַקֵּ֖שׁ לַ⁠הֲרֹ֣ג אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֑ה

Pharaoh most likely delegated this task. Alternative translation: “and he sought to have Moses killed” (note that the passive form will not work in every language), see UST

מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י

His face means his presence. (See: Metonymy)

וַ⁠יֵּ֥שֶׁב…וַ⁠יֵּ֥שֶׁב

These are the same verb. There are three possible interpretations: 1. Moses lived in Midian. He sat by this well one day. This may have been the well for the town he lived in. 2. Moses lived in Midian. His home was by this well. 3. Moses was a wanderer. He was in Midian and sat by this well when the next event occurred.

Exodus 2:16

וּ⁠לְ⁠כֹהֵ֥ן מִדְיָ֖ן שֶׁ֣בַע בָּנ֑וֹת

This sentence is background information. (See: Background Information)

וּ⁠לְ⁠כֹהֵ֥ן מִדְיָ֖ן שֶׁ֣בַע בָּנ֑וֹת

This sentence is used to mark a transition. However, the last clause of the previous verse (“and he sat down by a well”) seems to be related to this new scene so you may want to make your transition there as is done in the UST. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

שֶׁ֣בַע בָּנ֑וֹת וַ⁠תָּבֹ֣אנָה

The daughters are new participants. Indicate that in a way that is natural in your language. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

וַ⁠תָּבֹ֣אנָה

The perspective of the narrative is set at the well. The daughters came from elsewhere to the well. They were probably on foot. Here each language will need to choose the appropriate word. (See: Go and Come)

וּ⁠לְ⁠כֹהֵ֥ן מִדְיָ֖ן שֶׁ֣בַע בָּנ֑וֹת

This is the possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

שֶׁ֣בַע

7 (See: Numbers)

וַ⁠תִּדְלֶ֗נָה

This means that they brought up water from a well.

הָ֣⁠רְהָטִ֔ים

These were a long, narrow, open containers for animals to eat or drink out of. (See: Translate Unknowns)

צֹ֥אן אֲבִי⁠הֶֽן

There are two possessives here: 1) their father is the possessive of social relationship; 2) the flock of … father is the possessive of ownership. (See: Possession)

Exodus 2:17

וַ⁠יָּבֹ֥אוּ

A group of men came. They may not have been far away before coming and driving the women away. (See: Go and Come)

הָ⁠רֹעִ֖ים

These are new, very brief, participants. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

וַ⁠יָּ֤קָם

Use an expression that communicates that what Moses did was unexpected. (See: Connect – Contrast Relationship)

Exodus 2:18

וַ⁠תָּבֹ֕אנָה

The daughters came from the well to their father, probably on foot. You can use come or go. (See: Go and Come)

רְעוּאֵ֖ל

Reuel, a name or perhaps a title, is used of the man only here and in Numbers 10:29. He is otherwise called “Jethro.” (See: How to Translate Names)

רְעוּאֵ֖ל

The priest of Midian was mentioned in v. 16 in a background statement but is a new participant starting here. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

אֲבִי⁠הֶ֑ן

This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

וַ⁠יֹּ֕אמֶר מַדּ֛וּעַ מִהַרְתֶּ֥ן בֹּ֖א הַ⁠יּֽוֹם

This is a direct quote. You could use an indirect quotation such as “and he asked how they were able to return so quickly that day.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

בֹּ֖א

Alternative translation: “in returning” (See: Go and Come)

Exodus 2:19

אִ֣ישׁ מִצְרִ֔י הִצִּילָ֖⁠נוּ מִ⁠יַּ֣ד הָ⁠רֹעִ֑ים וְ⁠גַם־דָּלֹ֤ה דָלָה֙ לָ֔⁠נוּ וַ⁠יַּ֖שְׁקְ אֶת־הַ⁠צֹּֽאן

This is a direct quote. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

אִ֣ישׁ מִצְרִ֔י

Jethro’s daughters assume Moses was Egyptian. When you translate it, you should be clear that this refers to Moses.

מִ⁠יַּ֣ד

Hand figuratively refers to the power, control, or actions of the shepherds. Alternative translation: “from the strength of” or “from the harm of” or see UST. (See: Metonymy)

​דָּלֹ֤ה דָלָה֙

The repeated word expresses surprise or emphasizes the magnitude of Moses’ act of kindness to the women. (See: Idiom)

Exodus 2:20

בְּנֹתָ֖י⁠ו

This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

וְ⁠אַיּ֑⁠וֹ לָ֤⁠מָּה זֶּה֙ עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ן אֶת־הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ

These questions are a mild rebuke to the daughters for not inviting Moses into their home according to the normal hospitality of that culture. Alternate translation: “You should not have left this man at the well!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

וְ⁠אַיּ֑⁠וֹ לָ֤⁠מָּה זֶּה֙ עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ן אֶת־הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ קִרְאֶ֥ן ל֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠יֹ֥אכַל לָֽחֶם׃

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

ל֖⁠וֹ

Him refers to Moses. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

לָֽחֶם

Bread is used to refer to food in general. Alternative translation: “food” (See: Synecdoche)

Exodus 2:21

וַ⁠יּ֥וֹאֶל מֹשֶׁ֖ה לָ⁠שֶׁ֣בֶת אֶת־הָ⁠אִ֑ישׁ

“Moses agreed to live with Reuel”

צִפֹּרָ֥ה

Zipporah is Reuel’s (Jethro’s) daughter. (See: How to Translate Names)

בִתּ֖⁠וֹ

This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

Exodus 2:22

גֵּ֣ר הָיִ֔יתִי בְּ⁠אֶ֖רֶץ נָכְרִיָּֽה

Only this portion is a quotation. As a possibility for clarity, the UST includes both speech events as one quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

גֵּרְשֹׁ֑ם

This is Moses’ son. (See: How to Translate Names)

גֵּרְשֹׁ֑ם

His name, Gershom, sounds somewhat like the Hebrew for “a stranger here.” You may consider using a footnote to explain that. (See: How to Translate Names)

גֵּ֣ר הָיִ֔יתִי בְּ⁠אֶ֖רֶץ נָכְרִיָּֽה

“stranger in a foreign land”

Exodus 2:23

וַ⁠יְהִי֩ בַ⁠יָּמִ֨ים הָֽ⁠רַבִּ֜ים הָ⁠הֵ֗ם

This introduces a new section and series of events. A large amount of time went by. According to Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7:30, Moses was in Midian 40 years. Alternative translation: “This is what happened during the many days Moses was in Midian.” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וַ⁠יְהִי֩ בַ⁠יָּמִ֨ים הָֽ⁠רַבִּ֜ים הָ⁠הֵ֗ם

Verses 23-25 give a summary of what happened in Egypt and with the Israelites and God while Moses was in exile. These verses give background information to set the scene. (See: Background Information)

וַ⁠יֵּאָנְח֧וּ

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

וַ⁠תַּ֧עַל שַׁוְעָתָ֛⁠ם

The cries of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were a person and were able to travel up to where God is. Alternate translation: “and their cries arose” (See: Personification)

Exodus 2:24

וַ⁠יִּזְכֹּ֤ר אֱלֹהִים֙

This was a customary way of saying that God thought about what He had promised. Alternate translation: “and God recalled” (See: Idiom)

Exodus 3

Exodus 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

God’s holiness

God is so holy that people could not look upon him without dying. This is why Moses covered his eyes. It is also why he took off his shoes. (See: holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Participants

“The angel of Yahweh,” “Yahweh,” and “God” all appear to be speaking to Moses and interacting with him from the burning bush. Furthermore, God says that his name is “I AM.” (See note above on Yahweh and I AM.) Yahweh and God are the same while there is speculation about who the angel of Yahweh is.

Exodus 3:1

וּ⁠מֹשֶׁ֗ה הָיָ֥ה רֹעֶ֛ה

This phrase brings the story focus back to Midian and Moses. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וּ⁠מֹשֶׁ֗ה הָיָ֥ה רֹעֶ֛ה אֶת־צֹ֛אן יִתְר֥וֹ חֹתְנ֖⁠וֹ כֹּהֵ֣ן מִדְיָ֑ן וַ⁠יִּנְהַ֤ג אֶת־הַ⁠צֹּאן֙ אַחַ֣ר הַ⁠מִּדְבָּ֔ר וַ⁠יָּבֹ֛א אֶל־הַ֥ר הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים חֹרֵֽבָ⁠ה׃

Verse 1 provides immediate background context, setting the scene for Moses’ interaction with Yahweh. (See: Background Information)

צֹ֛אן יִתְר֥וֹ

This is an ownership possessive. (See: Possession)

חֹתְנ֖⁠וֹ

This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

כֹּהֵ֣ן מִדְיָ֑ן

This is a possessive of social relationship. Jethro is a priest who serves the Midianites. (See: Possession)

וַ⁠יָּבֹ֛א אֶל

“and he arrived at” (See: Go and Come)

הַ֥ר הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים

This is an associative possessive. This mountain was associated with God in some way. In Exodus 3:12 God tells Moses that he and the Israelites will serve him on this mountain. Later in the story, this promise is fulfilled, and it is where God makes his covenant with Israel and gives them the 10 Commandments. So it may have been called the mountain of God in retrospect (as Moses probably wrote this book sometime after the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness). However, it is possible that the mountain was already associated with God’s presence or worship somehow before Moses went there with the flock. (See: Possession)

Exodus 3:2

וַ֠⁠יֵּרָא מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֵלָ֛י⁠ו בְּ⁠לַבַּת־אֵ֖שׁ מִ⁠תּ֣וֹךְ הַ⁠סְּנֶ֑ה

This is a summary of what happened. The next few verses tell the story of how this happened and how Moses discovered what was happening.

​יְהֹוָ֥ה

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

וְ⁠הִנֵּ֤ה הַ⁠סְּנֶה֙ בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּ⁠אֵ֔שׁ וְ⁠הַ⁠סְּנֶ֖ה אֵינֶ֥⁠נּוּ אֻכָּֽל

The word behold here shows that Moses saw something that was very different from what he expected. He expected the bush to be burnt up completely by the fire. Consider using an interjection in your language that expresses that the next thing is a surprise. (See: Connect – Contrast Relationship)

אֻכָּֽל

Being consumed means being eaten completely until gone. In the case of fire, this is a metonym for burning completely until gone. (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 3:3

אָסֻֽרָה־נָּ֣א וְ⁠אֶרְאֶ֔ה אֶת־הַ⁠מַּרְאֶ֥ה הַ⁠גָּדֹ֖ל הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה מַדּ֖וּעַ לֹא־יִבְעַ֥ר הַ⁠סְּנֶֽה

This is a direct quote. It’s not specified who Moses spoke to; he may have been alone or with a group of shepherds or his family. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 3:4

יְהוָ֖ה… אֱלֹהִ֜ים

These terms both refer to the same being since God’s name is Yahweh. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 3:5

אַל־תִּקְרַ֣ב הֲלֹ֑ם שַׁל־נְעָלֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ מֵ⁠עַ֣ל רַגְלֶ֔י⁠ךָ כִּ֣י הַ⁠מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עוֹמֵ֣ד עָלָ֔י⁠ו אַדְמַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ הֽוּא

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

כִּ֣י הַ⁠מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עוֹמֵ֣ד עָלָ֔י⁠ו אַדְמַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ הֽוּאכִּ֣י הַ⁠מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עוֹמֵ֣ד עָלָ֔י⁠ו אַדְמַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ הֽוּא

This is the reason Moses must stop coming close to the burning bush and take off his sandals. Your language may need to put the reason before the commands, as in, “The place on which you are standing, it is holy ground, so you must not come close to here. Take your sandals off from on your feet.”(See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Exodus 3:6

אָנֹכִי֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֔י⁠ךָ אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֑ב

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

אָנֹכִי֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֔י⁠ךָ אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֑ב

This a direct quotation. The UST continues the quotation from verse 5 rather than including an additional “he said.” This may be more natural in some languages. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

אָבִ֔י⁠ךָ

Possible meanings are (1) “your ancestor” or (2) “your father.” If it means “your ancestor,” then the phrases following it clarify who “your father” refers to: it refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If it means “your father,” then it refers to Moses’s own father. It most cases it will be best to translate it as “your father,” i.e. Amram, Moses’s father.

וַ⁠יַּסְתֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ פָּנָ֔י⁠ו כִּ֣י יָרֵ֔א מֵ⁠הַבִּ֖יט אֶל־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים

Reason: for he was afraid from staring toward God Result: And Moses hid his face Some languages may need to put the reason before the result. (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship and Exodus 33:20)

Exodus 3:7

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה

After this phrase a direct quote begins that continues through the end of verse 10. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

רָאֹ֥ה רָאִ֛יתִי

The repetition of see expresses the intensity, certainty, or clarity of Yahweh’s seeing. (See: Idiom)

אֶת־עֳנִ֥י עַמִּ֖⁠י

There are two possessives here. 1) “affliction of … people”: This is an event-related possessive where the people are the objects of affliction. They are treated badly as slaves. 2) “my people”: This one is more difficult as it involves both ownership and the possessive of social relationship. God views his people as his possession, and he is also in relationship with them as their God because they are descended from Abraham, though at this time they may not know God as theirs. (See: Possession)

מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י נֹֽגְשָׂ֔י⁠ו

Faces refers to the whole person or the presence of the person(s) who were oppressing the Israelites. If this image is used in your language, you may translate it. If a similar image is used, you may consider using it. If neither is the case, you may omit the word “face” and translate the meaning. (See: Metonymy)

נֹֽגְשָׂ֔י⁠ו

“his oppressors”

כִּ֥י

The conjunction is probably functioning modally here, intensifying the expression of Yahweh’s knowledge. Your translation should express Yahweh’s knowing with certainty or strength.

נֹֽגְשָׂ֔י⁠ו…מַכְאֹבָֽי⁠ו

These pronouns, him and his, refer to the Israelites as a group in the singular. They agree with “people” as a collective noun in 3:6. Some languages may have to use plural pronouns. Others may have to match the pronoun’s gender to the grammatical gender of the word for “people” in their language. If necessary, change “him” to “them” or change “his” to “hers” or “its” (depending on grammatical gender of “people”.) Alternate translation: “those who oppress them…their anguish” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

מַכְאֹבָֽי⁠ו

This is an event-related possessive where the people (as a group: his) are the subjects of anguish. Your translation should express that they are in deep mental and emotional distress (anguish). (See: Possession)

מַכְאֹבָֽי⁠ו

It is implied that they are in deep mental and emotional distress (anguish) because they are treated badly as slaves. You may make this explicit. Alternate translation: “his anguish from his slavery” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 3:8

וָ⁠אֵרֵ֞ד לְ⁠הַצִּיל֣⁠וֹ׀ מִ⁠יַּ֣ד מִצְרַ֗יִם וּֽ⁠לְ⁠הַעֲלֹת⁠וֹ֮ מִן־הָ⁠אָ֣רֶץ הַ⁠הִוא֒ אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ טוֹבָה֙ וּ⁠רְחָבָ֔ה אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ אֶל־מְק֤וֹם הַֽ⁠כְּנַעֲנִי֙ וְ⁠הַ֣⁠חִתִּ֔י וְ⁠הָֽ⁠אֱמֹרִי֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠פְּרִזִּ֔י וְ⁠הַ⁠חִוִּ֖י וְ⁠הַ⁠יְבוּסִֽי׃

Verse 8 contains God’s intended result from his acts of seeing and hearing, expressed in both verses 7 and 9. You may need to expressly mark this, for instance by introducing verse 8 with something like “therefore,” and verse 9 with something like “again, because.” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

וָ⁠אֵרֵ֞ד

God is figuratively expressing that he is descending from heaven to earth to intervene. God is always everywhere, but this means his special attention will be directed to this situation. Use whatever form of come or go is appropriate in your language for this. (See: Go and Come)

לְ⁠הַצִּיל֣⁠וֹ…וּֽ⁠לְ⁠הַעֲלֹת⁠וֹ֮

Here, him refers in the singular to the Israelites as a group. It is agreeing with “people” as a collective noun in 3:6. Some languages may have to use plural pronouns. Others may have to match the pronoun’s gender to the grammatical gender of the word for “people” in their language. See what you did in the previous verse. (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

מִ⁠יַּ֣ד

Someone’s hand is a common metaphor for power and control. Use a similar image if your language has one. (See: Metaphor)

מִ⁠יַּ֣ד מִצְרַ֗יִם

This is a possessive where the Egyptians are the subject of the hand, which means power. The Egyptians used their power and control to oppress the Israelites. Use a phrase in your language that expresses the idea of a group of people having power. (See: Possession)

אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ טוֹבָה֙ וּ⁠רְחָבָ֔ה אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ

There are multiple levels of parallelism here. First, the statements, to a good and wide land and to a land flowing with milk and honey are in parallel with each other. Within each of those, good and wide are in parallel with each other and also milk and honey are in parallel with each other. Each of these levels is meant to reinforce and expand on one another. These are not examples of synonymous parallelism, and each part of the statement should be translated. (See: Parallelism)

חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ

Here, milk is a metonym for domestic animals and the food products obtained from them; honey is a metonym for the food obtained from growing plants. See UST and the next note (See: Metonymy)

אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ

God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. If this metaphor makes sense in your language, you may translate it, if your language has metaphors that mean a land is good for producing healthy livestock and good crops, you may consider using those. If neither is the case, you may translate the meaning. See UST. (See: Metaphor)

​זָבַ֥ת

“full of” or “with an abundance of”

חָלָ֖ב

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: Metonymy)

וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ

Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 3:9

וְ⁠עַתָּ֕ה

This functions as a discourse marker expressing logical conclusion. “Therefore” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

הִנֵּ֛ה

This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “certainly.” ​(See: Exclamations)

צַעֲקַ֥ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בָּ֣אָה אֵלָ֑⁠י

Here, the cry is spoken of as if it were a person who is capable of moving on his own. Alternate translation: “I have heard the cries of the people of Israel” (See: Personification)

רָאִ֨יתִי֙ אֶת־הַ⁠לַּ֔חַץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִצְרַ֖יִם לֹחֲצִ֥ים אֹתָֽ⁠ם

Here, oppression is an abstract noun which you could translate as a verb if you cannot use this form in your language. Alternate translation: “I have seen how the Egyptians are oppressing them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Exodus 3:10

וְ⁠עַתָּ֣ה

And now functions as a discourse marker expressing logical conclusion. “Therefore” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם

After this phrase, the direct quote of what the Yahweh said starting in 3:7 ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 3:11

מִ֣י אָנֹ֔כִי כִּ֥י אֵלֵ֖ךְ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְ⁠כִ֥י אוֹצִ֛יא אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם

Moses uses this question to tell God that he, Moses, is not the right person for the task. Alternate translation: See UST (See: Rhetorical Question)

מִ֣י אָנֹ֔כִי כִּ֥י אֵלֵ֖ךְ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְ⁠כִ֥י אוֹצִ֛יא אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 3:12

כִּֽי־אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה עִמָּ֔⁠ךְ וְ⁠זֶה־לְּ⁠ךָ֣ הָ⁠א֔וֹת כִּ֥י אָנֹכִ֖י שְׁלַחְתִּ֑י⁠ךָ בְּ⁠הוֹצִֽיאֲ⁠ךָ֤ אֶת־הָ⁠עָם֙ מִ⁠מִּצְרַ֔יִם תַּֽעַבְדוּ⁠ן֙ אֶת־הָ֣⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים עַ֖ל הָ⁠הָ֥ר הַ⁠זֶּֽה

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

תַּֽעַבְדוּ⁠ן֙

If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: INVALID translate/​figs-youdual)

Exodus 3:13

הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֣י בָא֮ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְ⁠אָמַרְתִּ֣י לָ⁠הֶ֔ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם שְׁלָחַ֣⁠נִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם וְ⁠אָֽמְרוּ־לִ֣⁠י מַה־שְּׁמ֔⁠וֹ מָ֥ה אֹמַ֖ר אֲלֵ⁠הֶֽם

This is a direct quotation containing two second-level quotes within it. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֣י בָא֮ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְ⁠אָמַרְתִּ֣י לָ⁠הֶ֔ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם שְׁלָחַ֣⁠נִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם וְ⁠אָֽמְרוּ־לִ֣⁠י מַה־שְּׁמ֔⁠וֹ

Moses presents God with a hypothetical situation here. The three events (go, say, say) are part of one hypothetical event. You should translate this in a way that makes it clear that this is a future, not-yet-real event. (See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions)

הִנֵּ֨ה

Behold is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. In this case, Moses uses it to introduce what he views as a probable future occurrence. Alternative translation: “Now”

בָא֮

In your language, use go or “come” as makes most sense for Moses’ hypothetical action of going from the mountain to where the Israelites are. (See: Go and Come)

אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם שְׁלָחַ֣⁠נִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם

This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. However, you may also choose to translate it as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “that the God of their fathers has sent me to them” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם

Here, fathers figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “The God of your ancestors” or “The God whom your ancestors worshiped” (See:Metaphor)

מַה־שְּׁמ֔⁠וֹ

This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

מָ֥ה אֹמַ֖ר אֲלֵ⁠הֶֽם

Moses is asking God what he should do as a result of the hypothetical situation he presented. (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Exodus 3:14

אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה

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

אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה

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

אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה…אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה…אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה

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

וַ⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר

This is still God speaking. It may make more sense to omit this in some languages.

אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה שְׁלָחַ֥⁠נִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶֽם

This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. However, you may also choose to translate it as an indirect quotation as in the UST. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Exodus 3:15

וַ⁠יֹּאמֶר֩ ע֨וֹד אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה

As God is still speaking, it may make more sense to omit this in some languages.

אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה

After this phrase, a direct quotation begins that continues until the end of chapter 3 at verse 22. This quotation contains four levels as God tells Moses to tell the Israelite elders a specific message from God. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

יְהוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֗ם אֱלֹהֵ֨י אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֛ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹ֖ב שְׁלָחַ֣⁠נִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם זֶה־שְּׁמִ֣⁠י לְ⁠עֹלָ֔ם וְ⁠זֶ֥ה זִכְרִ֖⁠י לְ⁠דֹ֥ר דֹּֽר

This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. It may be possible to translate it as an indirect quotation, but you will need to be careful to correctly change the pronoun persons. Alternative translation: “You must tell the Israelites that Yahweh, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, sent you to them. This is his name forever, and this is his memorial from generation to generation.” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֗ם

Here, fathers figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “the God of your ancestors” or “the God whom your ancestors worshiped” (See:Metaphor)

לְ⁠דֹ֥ר דֹּֽר

The repetition of generation means something like “to each and every generation,” which means for all people at all times. (See: Merism)

Exodus 3:16

יְהוָ֞ה

This begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of verse 17. It contains a third-level quotation that begins at “I have certainly” and also continues to the end of verse 17. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. The closing marks for both the second and third-level quotations should not occur until the end of verse 17. (See: Quote Markings)

אֱלֹהֵ֤י אֲבֹֽתֵי⁠כֶם֙

Here, fathers figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “the God of your ancestors” or “the God whom your ancestors worshiped” (See:Metaphor)

אַבְרָהָ֛ם יִצְחָ֥ק וְ⁠יַעֲקֹ֖ב

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

פָּקֹ֤ד פָּקַ֨דְתִּי֙

This begins a third-level quotation that continues until the end of verse 17. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening third-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation that is within a quotation. The closing marks for both the second-level and third-level quotations should not occur until the end of verse 17. (See: Quote Markings)

פָּקֹ֤ד פָּקַ֨דְתִּי֙

The Hebrew word meaning attended, visited, or observed is repeated here for emphasis. This word often means God is coming to take action. Translate this phrase in a way that communicates God’s focused, caring observation. (See: Idiom)

אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם

The word you refers to the people of Israel. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

הֶ⁠עָשׂ֥וּי

In some languages you may not be able to translate this in the passive form. Alternative translation: see UST. (See: Active or Passive)

בְּ⁠מִצְרָֽיִם

The phrase in Egypt is a metonym for the Egyptian oppressors. Alternative translation: “by the Egyptians” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 3:17

אַעֲלֶ֣ה אֶתְ⁠כֶם֮ מֵ⁠עֳנִ֣י מִצְרַיִם֒ אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ הַֽ⁠כְּנַעֲנִי֙ וְ⁠הַ֣⁠חִתִּ֔י וְ⁠הָֽ⁠אֱמֹרִי֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠פְּרִזִּ֔י וְ⁠הַ⁠חִוִּ֖י וְ⁠הַ⁠יְבוּסִ֑י אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ

This is a fourth-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer three levels. Alternatively, it can be translated as an indirect quotation, see UST. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ

If you are using direct quotations, at the end of this verse you should have three closing markers. In English, it looks like ’ ” ’ (without spaces). (See: Quote Markings)

אַעֲלֶ֣ה

Regardless of the geographic realities, to bring up does not primarily have a literal meaning. Rather, it means to bring the Israelites into a better situation. God promised to bring them up from their low status as slaves to a place where they would be the masters of a good land. (See: Idiom)

חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ

Here, milk is a metonym for domestic animals and the food products obtained from them; honey is a metonym for the food obtained from growing plants. See UST and the next note (See: Metonymy)

​אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ

God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in Exodus 3:8 at INVALID exo/03/08/pxy8. Alternate translation: “a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” or “a land where milk and honey flow” (See: Metaphor)

זָבַ֥ת

“full of” or “with an abundance of”

​חָלָ֖ב

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: Metonymy)

​וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ

Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 3:18

וְ⁠שָׁמְע֖וּ

Listen often means “hear and do/obey.” Alternative translation: “heed” (See: Idiom)

לְ⁠קֹלֶ֑⁠ךָ…אַתָּה֩

The word you refers to Moses. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

לְ⁠קֹלֶ֑⁠ךָ

This phrase means the elders will listen to the message Moses brings from God. Alternative translation: “to your message” or “to my message which you tell them” (See: Synecdoche)

וְ⁠זִקְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

This is a possessive of social relationship. Alternative translation: “elders in charge of the Israelites” (See: Possession)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

Israel is a collective noun that refers to all the Israelites. Alternative translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

מִצְרַ֗יִם

Here, Egypt refers to the Egyptian nation. Alternate translation: “of the Egyptians” (See: Metonymy)

וַ⁠אֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם

If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

עָלֵ֔י⁠נוּ…נֵֽלֲכָה…וְ⁠נִזְבְּחָ֖ה

These instances of us are exclusive; they include Moses, the elders, and all the Israelites, but exclude the king of Egypt. If your language makes this distinction, verify that you used the correct form. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת

“3” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 3:19

​וְ⁠לֹ֖א בְּ⁠יָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה

The word hand is a metonym for the power of the owner of the hand. Possible meanings are (1) “only if he sees that he has no power to do anything else,” where the “hand” belongs to Pharaoh; where the “hand” belongs to Yahweh, (2) “only if I force him to let you go” or (3) “not even if I force him to let you go.” (See: Metonymy

Exodus 3:20

וְ⁠שָׁלַחְתִּ֤י

God says this will be a result of the king of Egypt’s stubbornness. Alternate translation: “Therefore I will send out” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

וְ⁠שָׁלַחְתִּ֤י אֶת־יָדִ⁠י֙

Here, hand refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “I will use my strength” (See: Metonymy)

מִצְרַ֔יִם

Egypt refers to both the land and the people group, and then, by extension, to Pharaoh as well. (See: Metonymy)

מִצְרַ֔יִם…בְּ⁠קִרְבּ֑⁠וֹ

Here, him refers to Egypt as a collective.

וְ⁠אַחֲרֵי־כֵ֖ן

Here the sequential nature of these happenings is emphasized. Consider using a stronger sequential connective term than usual here. (See: Connect – Sequential Time Relationship)

יְשַׁלַּ֥ח

Here, he refers to the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

אֶתְ⁠כֶֽם

Here, you refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here.(See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 3:21

חֵ֥ן…בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם

In the eyes of the Egyptians is an idiom for the Egyptian’s feelings. Favor means those feelings are positive. Taken together, this means that when the Egyptians see the Israelites (Hebrews) leaving Egypt, they will gladly help them (because they want them to leave so badly due to the Egyptians suffering under God’s judgment). If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. (See: Idiom)

בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם

This is a part-whole possessive. Also, if your language uses a specific form of the possessive for things one cannot lose, it would be appropriate to use that form here. (See: Possession)

הָֽ⁠עָם־הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה

“you”

תֵֽלֵכ֔וּ⁠ן…תֵלְכ֖וּ

If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

תֵֽלֵכ֔וּ⁠ן…תֵלְכ֖וּ

“leave” or “go out” or “come out” (See: Go and Come)

לֹ֥א …רֵיקָֽם

The double negative, not … emptily is used to mean “full.” Alternate translation: “[go] with many things” (See: Double Negatives)

לֹ֥א תֵלְכ֖וּ רֵיקָֽם

This phrase is used to emphasize the opposite meaning. Alternate translation: “you will go with your hands full of good things” or “you will go with many valuable things” (See: Litotes)

Exodus 3:22

וּ⁠מִ⁠גָּרַ֣ת בֵּיתָ֔⁠הּ

Sojourning means living somewhere other than one’s native land, usually temporarily. It is unclear both who the sojourning (visiting) women are and in whose house they are sojourning, leaving several possibilities. Most translations that make a decision about who they are identify both the temporary resident and her host home as Egyptian. This makes sense as the Israelites will be plundering the Egyptians. If it is possible to leave this ambiguous in your translation, that would be best.

וְ⁠שַׂמְתֶּ֗ם עַל־בְּנֵי⁠כֶם֙ וְ⁠עַל־בְּנֹ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠נִצַּלְתֶּ֖ם

Each of these is a plural you. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

מִצְרָֽיִם

After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh’s word starting in verse 15 ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 4

Exodus 04 General Notes

Potential Translation Issues

Quotations
  • There is a difficult transition between 4:4 and 4:5 because the quotation stops in the middle to inject a bit of narrative. When it resumes in 4:5, the sentence seems incomplete (even if merged directly with the quotation fragment in 4:4). (See: Ellipsis)* Yahweh’s instructions to Moses are complex and there are up to four levels of quotations in this chapter. Translators will need to decide if some of these need to become indirect quotations (if that is possible in their language) and take great care to use the proper quotation markings in the proper location.
Order of events
  • The order of events is not always clear. In 4:14 Yahweh tells Moses that Aaron is coming to meet him, but Yahweh telling Aaron to go meet Moses in the wilderness is not recorded until 4:27.
  • The timing of the events in 4:18-4:27, especially verse 18-19 and 27, in relation to the rest of the events of the chapter is unclear.
Thus says Yahweh

The first of over 400 occurrences throughout the Old Testament of a standard phrase used to introduce direct, authoritative instruction from Yahweh occurs in 4:22. It occurs ten times in the book of Exodus; nine of these are between chapters 4–11. It would be good for your team to have a standard way to translate this that makes it clear that the words that come next are directly from God. If your language has a standard way of introducing a new message from your leader that alerts the hearers that these are the words of the leader, that would be a good phrase to consider.

Yahweh’s attempt to kill someone

The encounter recorded from 4:24 to 4:26 is one of the strangest and most difficult passages in the entire book. Difficulties include:

  • To whom do the pronouns refer? Masculine pronouns are used throughout the section, but there are two possible antecedents, Moses (who is not named in the narrative) and Zipporah’s son (who was presumably also Moses’ son, but this is how he is referred to in this text. For why, see below on why Yahweh did this). Most commentators believe the pronouns refer to Moses.
  • Circumcision is described in fairly graphic detail. Different cultures will need to approach this differently. Some may have terms for circumcision, while others may be comfortable translating mostly literally, and others will need to use euphemisms or other strategies to translate. (See: circumcise, circumcised, circumcision, uncircumcised, uncircumcision)* The meaning of the phrase a bridegroom of blood (ULT) is unknown.
  • Why did Yahweh attack Moses? Many commentators conclude that Moses had neglected to circumcise one of his sons because it displeased Zipporah, and Yahweh was holding Moses responsible before he returned to lead the Israelites (who should have been circumcised). When Zipporah repented by circumcising the son herself and touching the foreskin to Moses’ feet, Yahweh relents. These conclusions should help inform translation but should not be made explicit in the text.

Study concepts in this chapter

Moses does not understand

Although Moses believes in Yahweh, he does not trust in him. This is because Moses lacks understanding. Moses tries to believe the things he is asked to do are done by his own power. Yahweh is trying to get Moses to trust that these things are Yahweh’s doing. (See: believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

Children of God

This chapter introduces the concept that Israel, the people group, is the chosen people of God and God’s firstborn son. (See: chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect and people of God and firstborn)

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart

Scholars are divided over how to understand this statement. There is debate over whether Pharaoh plays an active or passive role in the hardening of his own heart. Translators should simply follow the text. In Exodus 4-14 there are ten statements that Yahweh hardens Pharaoh’s heart, and ten statements that Pharaoh hardens his own heart. (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 4:1

וַ⁠יַּ֤עַן מֹשֶׁה֙ וַ⁠יֹּ֔אמֶר

Here, answered and said is a Hebrew expression which does not convey any extra information. Unless your language naturally uses a similar structure, it is better to translate one verb and omit the other. Alternate translation: “Moses answered”

וְ⁠הֵן֙ לֹֽא־יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לִ֔⁠י וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִשְׁמְע֖וּ בְּ⁠קֹלִ֑⁠י כִּ֣י יֹֽאמְר֔וּ לֹֽא־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֖י⁠ךָ יְהוָֽה

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לֹֽא־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֖י⁠ךָ יְהוָֽה

This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. However, you could translate it as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh has not appeared to me” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

וְ⁠הֵן֙

This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “Listen to me.”

Exodus 4:2

אֵלָ֛י⁠ו…וַ⁠יֹּ֖אמֶר

“Moses” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

מ⁠זה בְ⁠יָדֶ֑⁠ךָ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

מַטֶּֽה

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 4:3

הַשְׁלִיכֵ֣⁠הוּ אַ֔רְצָ⁠ה

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

מִ⁠פָּנָֽי⁠ו

Here, “face” figuratively represents the snake itself. Alternative translation: “from the snake” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 4:4

וֶ⁠אֱחֹ֖ז בִּ⁠זְנָב֑⁠וֹ

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

שְׁלַח֙ יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֔ וֶ⁠אֱחֹ֖ז בִּ⁠זְנָב֑⁠וֹ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

שְׁלַח֙ יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֔ וֶ⁠אֱחֹ֖ז בִּ⁠זְנָב֑⁠וֹ

This direct quotation is interrupted by Moses obeying Yahweh. This is probably a tightly ordered sequence of events where Yahweh paused and then continued speaking immediately after Moses obeyed. The quote resumes in verse 5 and there is more discussion there about how to handle the resumption.(See: Connect – Sequential Time Relationship)

וַ⁠יְהִ֥י לְ⁠מַטֶּ֖ה

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

Exodus 4:5

לְמַ֣עַן יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֛י⁠ךָ יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑⁠ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב

This continues the direct quotation from the first part of verse 4. It may be more natural to reorganize verses four and five to keep the quote together. If you rearrange like this, Moses picking up the snake/staff should come after the full quotation. However, it is better to do something similar to the UST, which restates that Yahweh is speaking and provides some implied directives from Yahweh to make a complete sentence. (See: Quote Markings)

לְמַ֣עַן יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֛י⁠ךָ יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑⁠ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב

This quote is not a complete sentence; the UST provides a clarification. (See: Ellipsis)

יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ…אֲבֹתָ֑⁠ם

These pronouns refer either to the Israelites or to the Israelite elders. God had instructed Moses to gather and speak to the elders; if you make this participant explicit, elders is a better option. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

אֵלֶ֛י⁠ךָ

This refers to Moses. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑⁠ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב

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

Exodus 4:6

הָֽבֵא־נָ֤א יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֙ בְּ⁠חֵיקֶ֔⁠ךָ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה

This word is used to create an exclamation, showing surprise. (See: Exclamations)

כַּ⁠שָּֽׁלֶג

The word like (ULT) or “as” (UST) here is used to compare how Moses’ hand looked. You may not have a word for snow in your language. If so, consider an alternative that describes something very white. You may need to make the whiteness explicit. Alternate translation: “like wool” or “that made it look white like the sand on the beach” (See: Simile)

Exodus 4:7

הָשֵׁ֤ב יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֙ אֶל־חֵיקֶ֔⁠ךָ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וְ⁠הִנֵּה

This word is used to create an exclamation, showing surprise. (See: Exclamations)

Exodus 4:8

וְ⁠הָיָה֙

Yahweh’s speech resumes here and continues through the end of verse 9. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ לְ⁠קֹ֖ל הָ⁠אֹ֣ת הָ⁠רִאשׁ֑וֹן וְ⁠הֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ לְ⁠קֹ֖ל הָ⁠אֹ֥ת הָ⁠אַחֲרֽוֹן

Here the signs are spoken of as if they had a voice with which they could speak. If this imagery would not make sense in your language, you may need to translate this in a way that makes explicit that the signs are meant to be proof that God sent Moses. Alternative translation: “and are not convinced that God has appeared to you by seeing the first sign, then they will be convinced by seeing the second sign.” (See: Personification)

יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ…יִשְׁמְע֔וּ…וְ⁠הֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ

These pronouns refer either to the Israelites or to the Israelite elders. God had instructed Moses to gather and speak to the elders; if you make this participant explicit, elders is the better option, but be sure to do the same as you did in verse 5. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ…וְ⁠הֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ

“they do not acknowledge… then they will acknowledge” or “they do not accept… then they will accept”

Exodus 4:9

יַאֲמִ֡ינוּ…יִשְׁמְעוּ⁠ן֙

These pronouns refer either to the Israelites or to the Israelite elders. God had instructed Moses to gather and speak to the elders; if you make this participant explicit, elders is the better option, but be sure to do the same as you did in verse 5. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

וְ⁠הָי֥וּ לְ⁠דָ֖ם בַּ⁠יַּבָּֽשֶׁת

After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh’s speech from the previous verse ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 4:10

בִּ֣י אֲדֹנָ⁠י֒ לֹא֩ אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים אָנֹ֗כִי גַּ֤ם מִ⁠תְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִ⁠שִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּ֛ם מֵ⁠אָ֥ז דַּבֶּרְ⁠ךָ אֶל־עַבְדֶּ֑⁠ךָ כִּ֧י כְבַד־פֶּ֛ה וּ⁠כְבַ֥ד לָשׁ֖וֹן אָנֹֽכִי

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

בִּ֣י

This word is used by a speaker to beg a superior to allow him to speak. Alternate translation: “Please”

לֹא֩ אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים אָנֹ֗כִי גַּ֤ם מִ⁠תְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִ⁠שִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם

“I have never been an excellent speaker”

אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים

This expression means “a man who uses words well,” in other words, an eloquent man who can speak well and convincingly.

גַּ֤ם מִ⁠תְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִ⁠שִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם

This phrase simply means “in the past.” (See: Merism)

עַבְדֶּ֑⁠ךָ

Moses refers to himself as God’s servant to lower his status before God (and perhaps by doing so to make his argument of inability stronger). (See: First, Second or Third Person)

כְבַד־פֶּ֛ה וּ⁠כְבַ֥ד לָשׁ֖וֹן

These phrases mean basically the same thing. Moses uses them to emphasize that he is not a good speaker. (See: Doublet)

לָשׁ֖וֹן

Here, tongue refers to Moses’ ability to speak. Alternate translation: “speech” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 4:11

וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלָ֗י⁠ו

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of the next verse. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

מִ֣י שָׂ֣ם פֶּה֮ לָֽ⁠אָדָם֒

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the Creator who makes it possible for people to speak. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am the one who created the human mouth and the ability to speak” (See: Rhetorical Question)

מִֽי־יָשׂ֣וּם אִלֵּ֔ם א֣וֹ חֵרֵ֔שׁ א֥וֹ פִקֵּ֖חַ א֣וֹ עִוֵּ֑ר

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

הֲ⁠לֹ֥א אָנֹכִ֖י יְהוָֽה

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he alone makes these decisions. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am the one who does this!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Exodus 4:12

וְ⁠אָנֹכִי֙ אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה עִם־פִּ֔י⁠ךָ

Here, mouth refers to Moses’ ability to speak. Alternate translation: “I will give you the ability to speak” (See: Metonymy)

תְּדַבֵּֽר

After this phrase, the direct quote from the previous verse ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 4:13

בִּ֣י אֲדֹנָ֑⁠י שְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֖א בְּ⁠יַד־תִּשְׁלָֽח

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

בִּ֣י

This word is used by a speaker to beg a superior to allow him to speak. See what you did in verse 10. Alternate translation: “Please”

שְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֖א בְּ⁠יַד־תִּשְׁלָֽח

In translating this phrase, it is important to make clear that Moses is asking Yahweh to send someone else. Here he is not accepting Yahweh’s commission.

בְּ⁠יַד

This phrase means “by a person.” The figure is of a person taking Yahweh’s message in his hand to the Israelites and Pharaoh. (See: Synecdoche)

Exodus 4:14

וַ⁠יִּֽחַר־אַ֨ף יְהוָ֜ה

This is an idiom meaning that Yahweh is angry. Alternate translation: “Yahweh became angry” (See: Idiom)

וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙

“and Yahweh said” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

בְּ⁠מֹשֶׁ֗ה וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙

After this phrase a direct quote begins that continues until the end of verse 17. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

הֲ⁠לֹ֨א אַהֲרֹ֤ן אָחִ֨י⁠ךָ֙ הַ⁠לֵּוִ֔י

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to suggest an alternative to Moses. Alternative translation: “I know you have a brother, Aaron the Levite.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

אָחִ֨י⁠ךָ֙

His brother Aaron was three years older than Moses (see Exodus 7:7), which may be important for translating “brother” in some languages. (See: INVALID translate/figs-kinship)

דַבֵּ֥ר יְדַבֵּ֖ר

In Hebrew, the word speak is repeated. This means he speaks well. English cannot convey this by doubling, so the meaning of the repetition was translated in the ULT in this case. If your language can say something like “speaking speaks” to mean “speaks well,” consider it; otherwise, translate the meaning similarly to the ULT or UST. (See: Idiom)

הִנֵּה

Behold is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. If your language has a term that functions in that way (“Listen!” or “Look!” or “Pay Attention!”), use it here.

יֹצֵ֣א

Yahweh says Aaron is coming from Egypt to Midian to find Moses. He is probably on foot. Depending on the language, the required form of go or come may vary. (See: Go and Come)

וְ⁠שָׂמַ֥ח

Aaron will be glad because he sees Moses. Consider a conjunction or other form that expresses result as in the UST or alternative translation: “and because he sees you, he will have joy” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

בְּ⁠לִבּֽ⁠וֹ

Here, heart refers to inner thoughts and emotions. If the heart is not a body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s thoughts and emotions, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 4:15

הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֖ים

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

וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֗י אֶֽהְיֶ֤ה עִם־פִּ֨י⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠עִם־פִּ֔י⁠הוּ

The word mouth here represents Moses’ and Aaron’s choice of words. Alternate translation: “And I will be with you as you speak and with him as he speaks” (See: Metonymy)

אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם…תַּעֲשֽׂוּ⁠ן

These refer to Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form if you have one or, if not, use a plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 4:16

לְ⁠פֶ֔ה

This phrase compares Aaron to a mouth, because he will be the one to actually vocalize to the Israelites and Pharaoh what Moses tells him to say. Alternate translation: “the one to say what you tell him to say” (See: Simile)

תִּֽהְיֶה־לּ֥⁠וֹ לֵֽ⁠אלֹהִֽים

The word like here means Moses would represent the same authority to Aaron as God did to Moses. Alternate translation: “you will speak to Aaron with the same authority with which I speak to you” (See: Simile)

Exodus 4:17

תַּעֲשֶׂה־בּ֖⁠וֹ אֶת־הָ⁠אֹתֹֽת

After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

הַ⁠מַּטֶּ֥ה הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה

Yahweh assumes that Moses will know that by this staff, he means the one that Moses said he had in his hand in v. 2, and with which God told him to do a miracle in vv. 34. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 4:18

יֶ֣תֶר

Jethro is reintroduced as a participant in the narrative here. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

וַ⁠יֵּ֨לֶךְ

Because the setting has shifted back to Jethro’s home, some languages may need to use “come” here. (See: Go and Come)

חֹֽתְנ֗⁠וֹ

This refers to the father of Moses’ wife. Some languages may use a different term for the husband’s or wife’s father. (See: INVALID translate/figs-kinship)

וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר

“and Moses said” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ל⁠וֹ֙

“to Jethro” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

אֵ֣לֲכָה נָּ֗א וְ⁠אָשׁ֨וּבָה֙ אֶל־אַחַ֣⁠י אֲשֶׁר־בְּ⁠מִצְרַ֔יִם וְ⁠אֶרְאֶ֖ה הַ⁠עוֹדָ֣⁠ם חַיִּ֑ים

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

אַחַ֣⁠י

“my relatives” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠אֶרְאֶ֖ה הַ⁠עוֹדָ֣⁠ם

Later in the Bible we are told that Moses was in Midian for 40 years. Moses’ request may have been literal or an idiom that meant he wanted to know how they were doing. (See: Idiom)

לֵ֥ךְ לְ⁠שָׁלֽוֹם

This is a phrase of assent and blessing. It may be necessary for some languages to explicitly add, “Yes,” to the beginning of Jethro’s response. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

לֵ֥ךְ לְ⁠שָׁלֽוֹם

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 4:19

וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֤ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֙

The timing and situation for Yahweh speaking to Moses here is not specified. Some conjecture that it was part of the narrative of the encounter with Yahweh from the previous verses but placed after his request to Jethro for an unknown reason. Another speculation is that Moses delayed returning to Egypt (either by his own choice, Yahweh’s instructions, or someone else delaying him) and Yahweh came and told him again (the UST explicitly offers this optional translation). (See: Connect – Sequential Time Relationship)

לֵ֖ךְ שֻׁ֣ב מִצְרָ֑יִם כִּי־מֵ֨תוּ֙ כָּל־הָ֣⁠אֲנָשִׁ֔ים הַֽ⁠מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים אֶת־נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

הַֽ⁠מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים אֶת־נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ

This means they were seeking to end his life, that is, to kill him. Alternate translation: see UST.

Exodus 4:20

בָּנָ֗י⁠ו

Moses’ second son is not introduced until 18:4 but had already been born before they left Midian. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

וַ⁠יָּ֖שָׁב אַ֣רְצָ⁠ה מִצְרָ֑יִם

It is clear from verse 24 and 25 that his family went with him, so you may need to translate as “they returned.” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

וַ⁠יָּ֖שָׁב אַ֣רְצָ⁠ה מִצְרָ֑יִם

After the incident on the road in verses 24-26, Moses’ family is not mentioned again until 18:2 which says that Moses sent them back, so a translation similar to the UST which only commits to the family starting on the way to Egypt may be better. This option has the further benefit of allowing for the several events that happen before Moses gets to Egypt. The ULT’s “towards” is another way of giving space in the translation for the next several events. (See: Connect – Sequential Time Relationship)

מַטֵּ֥ה הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים

The phrase the staff of God refers to the staff that God told Moses to take with him in v. 17. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

מַטֵּ֥ה הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים

The book describes this staff as the staff of God because God appointed it as his instrument so that Moses could do miraculous works through it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Make sure your translation does not lead people to think the staff was a magic wand or shaman’s staff that had its own power, or power from Moses, or that the staff gave Moses the ability to command God. In every instance where miracles happened, God told Moses to do something with the staff, Moses obeyed, and then God caused a miracle. Alternate translation: “the staff that God had told him to bring because God intended to work powerfully through it when Moses stretched it out.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 4:21

בְּ⁠לֶכְתְּ⁠ךָ֙

This begins a direct quotation that continues to the end of 4:23. It contains up to fourth-level quotations. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

רְאֵ֗ה

Most translations and interpretations of the verb see take it to mean something like “see that you do.”

כָּל־הַ⁠מֹּֽפְתִים֙ אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי בְ⁠יָדֶ֔⁠ךָ

Here the miracles are spoken of as if they were items Moses could carry. In part, this may be because the three signs already given to Moses involved the use of his hand. Alternative translation: “all the wonders I have authorized you to perform” (See: Metaphor)

לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה

This time while before the face of still has the standard figurative meaning of “in the presence of,” it is a much more literal use here. Moses is to actually do the miracles in front of Pharaoh so he can see them. Alternative translation: “so Pharaoh can see them” (See: Metonymy)

וַ⁠אֲנִי֙ אֲחַזֵּ֣ק

Referring to himself in the opening of this sentence serves to emphasize a contrast in what might be expected and what will happen. Translate this in a way that clearly contrasts the performance of miracles before Pharaoh (which might be expected to lead to him releasing the Israelites) with what Yahweh says he will do. (See: Connect – Contrast Relationship)

וַ⁠אֲנִי֙ אֲחַזֵּ֣ק אֶת־לִבּ֔⁠וֹ

This means that God will make him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart would be made stronger. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. Alternate translation: “But as for me, I will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠לֹ֥א יְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־הָ⁠עָֽם

Make it clear in your translation that this is a result of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Exodus 4:22

כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה

This is the first of hundreds of occurrences throughout the Old Testament of a standard phrase used to introduce direct, authoritative instruction from Yahweh. It would be good for your team to have a standard way to translate this that makes it clear that the words that come next are directly from God. If your language has a standard way of introducing a new message from your rulers that alerts the hearers that these are the words of the rulers, that would be a good phrase to consider.

כֹּ֚ה

Thus begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of 4:23. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer level, the first level. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה

This begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of 4:23. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. However, you may want to translate this as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the levels of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “that Yahweh says” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

בְּנִ֥⁠י

This is the beginning of a third-level quotation that continues until the end of 4:23. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening third-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. (If you chose to translate, “Thus says Yahweh,” as an indirect quote, this will be a second- level quotation.) (See: Quote Markings)

בְּנִ֥⁠י בְכֹרִ֖⁠י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

Some languages may need to change the metaphor here into a simile. See UST. (See: Metaphor)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

The word Israel here represents all the people of Israel as a group. It is important to keep the singular reference to Israel as son, rather than change it to something like ‘the Israelites are my children,’ because God is making a particular contrast here between his son and Pharaoh’s son. Some languages may not be able to use “Israel” as a collective noun and may need to choose a translation like “the nation of Israel” or “the Israelite nation.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

The Israelite nation is often referred to simply by the name of the patriarch. For alternative translation see: INVALID exo/04/22/pt4n (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 4:23

שַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת־בְּנִ⁠י֙ וְ⁠יַֽעַבְדֵ֔⁠נִי

This is a fourth-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. (If you chose to translate “Thus says Yahweh” as an indirect quote, this will be a third-level quotation.) (See: Quote Markings)

וָ⁠אֹמַ֣ר אֵלֶ֗י⁠ךָ שַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת־בְּנִ⁠י֙ וְ⁠יַֽעַבְדֵ֔⁠נִי וַ⁠תְּמָאֵ֖ן

The fourth-level quotation here may be a good one to translate as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the levels of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “and I told you to let my son go that he may serve me. But you have refused” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

בְּנִ⁠י֙

Yahweh continues to metaphorically speak of Israel as my son. See what you did at INVALID exo/04/22/1od0. Alternative translation: “the Israelite nation which is like a son to me” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠יַֽעַבְדֵ֔⁠נִי…לְ⁠שַׁלְּח֑⁠וֹ

The pronouns he and him agree with “son.” What you use may depend on how you translated son at INVALID exo/04/23/k7mh. (See: Pronouns)

הִנֵּה֙

This is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Alternative translation: “Know this”

בִּנְ⁠ךָ֖

This refers to the actual son of Pharaoh.

בִּנְ⁠ךָ֖ בְּכֹרֶֽ⁠ךָ

After this phrase, the three levels of direct quotations end bringing a complete close to all quotations that started in verses 21 and 22. If you are using direct quotations, at the end of this verse you should have three closing markers, third level, second level and first level. In English, it looks like ” ’ ” (without spaces). (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 4:24

וַ⁠יְהִ֥י

This introduces a new event. Mark the transition in a natural way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וַ⁠יִּפְגְּשֵׁ֣⁠הוּ…הֲמִיתֽ⁠וֹ

Here, it is not clear who him refers to. Most commentators believe it refers to Moses, but it could refer to the son, though that is less likely. If it is necessary to choose for your translation, use Moses. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

הֲמִיתֽ⁠וֹ

Here, he refers to Yahweh. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 4:25

צִפֹּרָ֜ה

This is the name of Moses’s wife. (See: How to Translate Names)

צִפֹּרָ֜ה

Zipporah is introduced here as a new participant. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

צֹ֗ר

This was a knife with a sharpened stone blade. (See: Translate Unknowns)

עָרְלַ֣ת

Theforeskin is the retractable fold of skin which covers and protects the end of the penis. (See: Translate Unknowns)

לְ⁠רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו

It is possible that the word feet may have been a more respectful way to refer to the genital area of the body. However, that possibility is not high enough that you should translate it either literally as genitals or with another euphemism meaning genitals in your language. If you have a word that means primarily feet or legs, but could in some cases also euphemistically mean genitals, you may consider it. (See: Euphemism)

כִּ֧י חֲתַן־דָּמִ֛ים אַתָּ֖ה לִֽ⁠י

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

כִּ֧י חֲתַן־דָּמִ֛ים אַתָּ֖ה לִֽ⁠י

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

Exodus 4:26

וַ⁠יִּ֖רֶף

As a result of Zipporah’s action. Consider a conjunction or other form that expresses result as in the UST. (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

וַ⁠יִּ֖רֶף

“Yahweh relented” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

מִמֶּ֑⁠נּוּ

As in 4:24 this could mean either Moses or the son, but most commentators think it is still Moses. The UST uses “anyone” to preserve ambiguity. Alternative translation: “from Moses” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

חֲתַ֥ן דָּמִ֖ים

This is a unique quotation because Zipporah probably does not speak again; rather, the quotation refers back to her statement in 4:25. Your language may handle this sort of quotation in a special way. (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

חֲתַ֥ן דָּמִ֖ים לַ⁠מּוּלֹֽת

It is not clear if the quotation includes because of the circumcision or if that is a comment explaining the quotation. Translations are divided in where they end the quotation, but most exclude because of the circumcision and it is best to follow that unless a locally respected translation includes it. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 4:27

וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר

You may want to add a word that marks the beginning of a new part of the story, as the UST does. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

אַהֲרֹ֔ן

Aaron is introduced as a new participant. Some languages may mark this in some way. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

לֵ֛ךְ לִ⁠קְרַ֥את מֹשֶׁ֖ה הַ⁠מִּדְבָּ֑רָ⁠ה

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

בְּ⁠הַ֥ר הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים

See how you translated this in 3:1, consult this this note: INVALID exo/03/01/p27s (See: Possession)

וַ⁠יִּשַּׁק

This was a traditional way of greeting which showed love. You can make this explicit as the UST. (See: Symbolic Action)

Exodus 4:28

שְׁלָח֑⁠וֹ…צִוָּֽ⁠הוּ

These are a bit awkward to translate in English, so the UST adds more information. Other languages may not have the same difficulty.

שְׁלָח֑⁠וֹ…צִוָּֽ⁠הוּ

The words he refers to Yahweh, and him refers to Moses. Alternative translation: “Yahweh sent Moses…Yahweh commanded Moses” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 4:29

וַ⁠יֵּ֥לֶךְ

This begins a new event which you may need to mark in your translation with a transitional word like the UST’s “When.” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Exodus 4:30

לְ⁠עֵינֵ֥י הָ⁠עָֽם

This means he did the signs so they could see them. Alternative translation: “in their sight” (See: Metonymy)

הָ⁠עָֽם

Context suggests that people refers to the leaders gathered in 4:29. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 4:31

הָ⁠עָ֑ם

Context suggests that people refers to the leaders gathered in 4:29. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

פָקַ֨ד…בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

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

וַֽ⁠יִּקְּד֖וּ וַ⁠יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ

Alternative translations: “they bowed their heads in awe” or “they bowed down low in reverence.” (See: Symbolic Action)

Exodus 5

Exodus 05 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

A slave’s work

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Let my people go”

This is a very important statement. Moses does not seek permission to leave, asking Pharaoh to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he demands that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Titles

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

Exodus 5:1

וְ⁠אַחַ֗ר בָּ֚אוּ מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֔ן וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֖וּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה

This time phrase, and afterward, marks a transition in the narrative. Alternative translation: “After that” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וְ⁠אַחַ֗ר בָּ֚אוּ מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֔ן וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֖וּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה

It is unclear how long Moses and Aaron waited until they went to see Pharoah. (See: Connect – Sequential Time Relationship)

בָּ֚אוּ

In this instance, depending on how they have to set scenes, some languages may need to use “came in.” (See: Go and Come)

פַּרְעֹ֑ה

Pharaoh is reintroduced as a participant in the narrative for the first time since chapter two. Some languages may need to mark his reintroduction in a particular way. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־עַמִּ֔⁠י וְ⁠יָחֹ֥גּוּ לִ֖⁠י בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּֽר

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־עַמִּ֔⁠י וְ⁠יָחֹ֥גּוּ לִ֖⁠י בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּֽר

This is a second-level direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙

This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See 4:intro for more information.

וְ⁠יָחֹ֥גּוּ

This is a celebration to worship Yahweh. Alternative translation: “so they can worship me with eating and drinking”

Exodus 5:2

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר

The result here is exactly as God has said; therefore, a contrastive transition word is reasonable but not required given the immediate human context. (See: Connect – Contrast Relationship)

מִ֤י יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶשְׁמַ֣ע בְּ⁠קֹל֔⁠וֹ לְ⁠שַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לֹ֤א יָדַ֨עְתִּי֙ אֶת־יְהוָ֔ה וְ⁠גַ֥ם אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֹ֥א אֲשַׁלֵּֽחַ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

מִ֤י יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶשְׁמַ֣ע בְּ⁠קֹל֔⁠וֹ לְ⁠שַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

This is not a rhetorical question, though Pharaoh may have spoken with contempt. Pharaoh would have considered himself a go. The Egyptians had several gods, and most people groups were assumed to have their own gods. Therefore, Pharaoh had truly not heard of Yahweh (who has just told his name to Moses).

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל…יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

Here the nation is spoken of as an individual. Alternative translation: “the nation of Israel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

בְּ⁠קֹל֔⁠וֹ

This represent the words God spoke. Alternate translation: “listen to what he says” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠גַ֥ם

This functions to strengthen Pharaoh’s statement about his decision. Alternative translation: “and most definitely”

Exodus 5:3

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ

It may not make sense in all languages for multiple people to speak. Since Aaron was appointed as Moses’ spokesman, consider the alternative translation: “Aaron replied” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

אֱלֹהֵ֥י הָ⁠עִבְרִ֖ים נִקְרָ֣א עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ נֵ֣לֲכָה נָּ֡א דֶּרֶךְ֩ שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת יָמִ֜ים בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֗ר וְ⁠נִזְבְּחָה֙ לַֽ⁠יהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ פֶּ֨ן־יִפְגָּעֵ֔⁠נוּ בַּ⁠דֶּ֖בֶר א֥וֹ בֶ⁠חָֽרֶב

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

אֱלֹהֵ֥י הָ⁠עִבְרִ֖ים

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

עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ נֵ֣לֲכָה…וְ⁠נִזְבְּחָה֙…יִפְגָּעֵ֔⁠נוּ

Here, us (or “we” in UST) refers to the Hebrew people (the Israelites). It exclude Pharaoh and his people. Some languages may need to consider whether to use an inclusive or exclusive form. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

בֶ⁠חָֽרֶב

Here, sword represents war or an attack by enemies. Alternate translation: “cause our enemies to attack us” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 5:4

לָ֚⁠מָּה מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֔ן תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֖ם מִ⁠מַּֽעֲשָׂ֑י⁠ו לְכ֖וּ לְ⁠סִבְלֹתֵי⁠כֶֽם

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לָ֚⁠מָּה מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֔ן תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֖ם מִ⁠מַּֽעֲשָׂ֑י⁠ו

Pharaoh uses this question to express his anger towards Moses and Aaron for taking the Israelites away from their work. Alternate translation: “Stop distracting the people from doing their work!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

לְכ֖וּ לְ⁠סִבְלֹתֵי⁠כֶֽם

This your could refer to Moses and Aaron, or it could mean “all you Israelite people.” The second meaning is more likely. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 5:5

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֔ה

It is unusual for the same speaker to be reintroduced like this. Some translations omit the repetition, but there is another option. This statement may be more connected to the next couple of verses, so it might be appropriate to make a minor break before this verse. Pharaoh may have been more commenting to himself, or he only thought this statement silently, and it led to his next actions. (See: Aside)

הֵן

This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say.

וְ⁠הִשְׁבַּתֶּ֥ם

Here, you means Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) or plural (if not) form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 5:6

אֶת־הַ⁠נֹּגְשִׂ֣ים בָּ⁠עָ֔ם וְ⁠אֶת־שֹׁטְרָ֖י⁠ו

Pharaoh may have sent a messenger or messengers to the taskmasters and officers or spoken to one or a few representatives of them at his court rather than speaking to them directly. Alternative translation: “Pharaoh gave an order for the taskmasters among the people and officers that said,”

הַ⁠נֹּגְשִׂ֣ים

Taskmasters were Egyptians whose job it was to force the Israelites to do hard work. These are probably the same as the “overseers” of labor gangs from Exodus 1:11, but here the term is harsher. Alternative translation: “oppressors”

שֹׁטְרָ֖י⁠ו

Officers were probably Israelite slaves who were in charge of the other Israelites but who answered to the Egyptian taskmasters.

לֵ⁠אמֹֽר

This is a way of introducing a direct quotation in Hebrew; most translations can omit it without harm.

Exodus 5:7

לֹ֣א תֹאסִפ֞וּ⁠ן

This command was given to multiple people; if your language distinguishes between singular and plural forms when giving commands, make sure this is a plural form. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

לֹ֣א תֹאסִפ֞וּ⁠ן

Verses 7-9 are a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate the start here with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of the quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

כִּ⁠תְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם

This is a Hebrew idiom meaning “in the past.” Alternative translation: “as before” or “as previously” (See: Idiom)

Exodus 5:8

תָּשִׂ֣ימוּ

If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

הַ⁠לְּבֵנִ֜ים

Bricks are hardened clay blocks for building. See how you translated in [1:14][../01/14.md). (See: [Translate Unknowns](https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/translate-unknown/01.md))

תְּמ֤וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁם֙

This is a Hebrew idiom meaning “in the past.” See how you translated this in 5:7 Alternative translation: “before” or “previously” (See: Idiom)

נֵלְכָ֖ה נִזְבְּחָ֥ה לֵ⁠אלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ

This is a second-level direct quotation. It is a quote of Moses and Aaron. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 5:9

וְ⁠אַל־יִשְׁע֖וּ בְּ⁠דִבְרֵי־שָֽׁקֶר

Here words are spoken of as if they could be looked upon. Alternative translation: as UST or “and not listen to words that are lies” (See: Idiom)

Exodus 5:10

וַ⁠יֵּ֨צְא֜וּ

This begins a new scene, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

נֹגְשֵׂ֤י

Taskmasters were Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in 5:6. See INVALID exo/05/06/zd4m

כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר פַּרְעֹ֔ה

This is the same quote form as is used for when Yahweh gives a direct command. See 4:intro for more information.

וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֥וּ אֶל־הָ⁠עָ֖ם לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר פַּרְעֹ֔ה

It might be helpful in some languages to translate thus says Pharaoh as an indirect quote so that his conveyed command is not a quote within a quote. Alternate translation: “and told the people that Pharaoh says” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

אֵינֶ֛⁠נִּי

This is a the beginning of a second-level quotation that continues until the end of verse 11. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the start of a quotation within a quotation. However, you could also translate this as an indirect quote. See UST. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

אֵינֶ֛⁠נִּי נֹתֵ֥ן לָ⁠כֶ֖ם תֶּֽבֶן

The structure of this phrase and the one that opens the next verse create a strong contrast between what I (Pharaoh) and you (you all, the Israelites) will do. Translate this in a way that emphasizes, if possible, the contrast between “I” and “you.” Alternative translation: “It is not I who will give you straw.” (See: Connect – Contrast Relationship)

אֵינֶ֛⁠נִּי

Pharaoh does not physically give the Israelites straw. Rather, he had commanded his servants take straw that belongs to Pharaoh and give it to the Israelites. Now he told his servants to stop providing straw. (See: Metonymy)

לָ⁠כֶ֖ם

Youis plural and refers to the Israelite people. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 5:11

אַתֶּ֗ם לְכ֨וּ קְח֤וּ לָ⁠כֶם֙ תֶּ֔בֶן מֵ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר תִּמְצָ֑אוּ

The structure of this phrase serves as the opposing side of the contrast Pharaoh sets up in the last phrase. By explicitly using a pronoun with a command, he is emphasizing who will go get straw. If possible, translate this in a way that emphasizes the contrast between “I” and “you.” See INVALID exo/05/10/7zfp for more info. Alternative translation: “Rather, it is you yourselves who must go get straw from wherever you might find it” (See: Connect – Contrast Relationship)

אַתֶּ֗ם

Here, you is plural and refers to the Israelite people. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

אַתֶּ֗ם…לָ⁠כֶם֙

The repetition of you emphasizes that the Egyptians will no longer help the slaves. Alternative translation: see UST (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין נִגְרָ֛ע מֵ⁠עֲבֹדַתְ⁠כֶ֖ם דָּבָֽר

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

כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין נִגְרָ֛ע מֵ⁠עֲבֹדַתְ⁠כֶ֖ם דָּבָֽר

After this phrase (at the end of the verse), the direct quotes end. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level (and second-level if you made both levels direct quotes) quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 5:12

בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם

This is a generalization used to show the extra effort Israel made to meet Pharaoh’s demands. Alternate translation: “to many places throughout Egypt” (See: Hyperbole)

קַ֖שׁ

Stubble is the part of a plant that is left over after harvest. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 5:13

וְ⁠הַ⁠נֹּגְשִׂ֖ים

Taskmasters were Egyptians whose job it was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 5:6.

וְ⁠הַ⁠נֹּגְשִׂ֖ים

The change of subject is emphasized here. If your language has a way of specifically focusing on the actor in a narrative, use it here. See the UST for how that is done in English. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

כַּלּ֤וּ מַעֲשֵׂי⁠כֶם֙ דְּבַר־י֣וֹם בְּ⁠יוֹמ֔⁠וֹ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר בִּ⁠הְי֥וֹת הַ⁠תֶּֽבֶן

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

דְּבַר־י֣וֹם בְּ⁠יוֹמ֔⁠וֹ

Day by day means “daily.” Alternative translation: “the daily task”

Exodus 5:14

נֹגְשֵׂ֥י

Taskmasters are Egyptians whose job it was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 5:6.

וַ⁠יֻּכּ֗וּ שֹֽׁטְרֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

The text does not specify who beat the officers. It was probably either the taskmasters or someone the taskmasters ordered to beat the officers. If your language cannot express this with the passive, you can make the taskmasters the subject. (See: Active or Passive)

מַדּ֡וּעַ לֹא֩ כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְ⁠כֶ֤ם לִ⁠לְבֹּן֙ כִּ⁠תְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּם־תְּמ֖וֹל גַּם־הַ⁠יּֽוֹם

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

מַדּ֡וּעַ לֹא֩ כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְ⁠כֶ֤ם לִ⁠לְבֹּן֙ כִּ⁠תְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּם־תְּמ֖וֹל גַּם־הַ⁠יּֽוֹם

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְ⁠כֶ֤ם

Here, you and your are plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. However, also see INVALID exo/05/14/emq7. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְ⁠כֶ֤ם

Here, you and your do not simply refer to the officers; they refer to the groups of Israelite workers the officers are in charge of. (See: Synecdoche)

כִּ⁠תְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם

This is a Hebrew idiom meaning “in the past.” Here it specifically refers to the time before the Egyptians stopped giving the Israelites straw. See how you translated this in 5:7 Alternative translation: “before” or “previously” (See: Idiom)

גַּם־תְּמ֖וֹל גַּם־הַ⁠יּֽוֹם

This time expression refers to more recent days, ones since the Egyptians stopped providing the straw to the Israelites.

Exodus 5:15

וַ⁠יָּבֹ֗אוּ

This begins a new scene, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. The officers have gone to where Pharaoh is. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וַ⁠יָּבֹ֗אוּ

You will need to decide if go or come is the better translation in your language. (See: Go and Come)

לָ֧⁠מָּה

This begins a direct quote that continues to the end of the next verse. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לַ⁠עֲבָדֶֽי⁠ךָ

Here, the Israelite officers use the term your servants to refer to themselves in the third person as a way of showing humility. It is also possible that they mean to include all the Israelites. Either option is valid if your language must state who is meant by “your servants.” Alternate translation: “to us” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Exodus 5:16

תֶּ֗בֶן אֵ֤ין נִתָּן֙ לַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֔י⁠ךָ

The text does not specify who is not giving them straw. From context, the taskmasters and, by implication, Pharaoh himself are the ones not doing this. If your language cannot express this with the passive, you can make the taskmasters or Pharaoh the subject. Alternative translation: “You are not giving your servants any straw.” (See: Active or Passive)

לַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֔י⁠ךָ…עֲבָדֶ֛י⁠ךָ

Here, the Israelite officers use the term your servants to refer to themselves in the third person as a way of showing humility. It is also possible that they mean to include all the Israelites. Either option is valid if your language must state who is meant by “your servants.” Alternate translation: “to us” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

אֹמְרִ֥ים

They refers to the Egyptian taskmasters. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

וּ⁠לְבֵנִ֛ים…עֲשׂ֑וּ

Make bricks is a second-level direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וְ⁠הִנֵּ֧ה

This is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows.

עֲבָדֶ֛י⁠ךָ מֻכִּ֖ים

The text does not specify who beat the officers. It was probably either the taskmasters or someone the taskmasters ordered to beat the officers. If your language cannot express this with the passive, you can make the taskmasters the subject. (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠חָטָ֥את עַמֶּֽ⁠ךָ

The Israelites are indirectly accusing Pharaoh of doing wrong. To translate this, consider polite or indirect ways of making accusations in your culture. (See: Euphemism)

וְ⁠חָטָ֥את

“but it is the wrong-doing of”

Exodus 5:17

אַתֶּ֖ם…אַתֶּ֣ם

These uses of you are plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

נִרְפִּ֥ים אַתֶּ֖ם נִרְפִּ֑ים

Pharaoh repeats himself for emphasis. In your translation, make sure the idea of laziness or idleness is repeated or strengthened in a way that is natural. Alternative translation: “You are extremely lazy” (See: Exclamations)

נֵלְכָ֖ה נִזְבְּחָ֥ה לַֽ⁠יהוָֽה

Here the king is quoting another person’s speech. This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 5:18

וְ⁠תֶ֖בֶן לֹא־יִנָּתֵ֣ן לָ⁠כֶ֑ם

You can translate this in active voice if needed. The subject could be “I” (as in Pharaoh) or “we” (as in the Egyptians or Pharaoh and his taskmasters) or “my people.” See UST. (See: Active or Passive)

לָ⁠כֶ֑ם…תִּתֵּֽנּוּ

This means all the Israelites or the officers as representatives of all the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 5:19

וַ⁠יִּרְא֞וּ שֹֽׁטְרֵ֧י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֹתָ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠רָ֣ע לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר לֹא־תִגְרְע֥וּ מִ⁠לִּבְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם דְּבַר־י֥וֹם בְּ⁠יוֹמֽ⁠וֹ

You may need to reorder the events in this verse in your language to put the reason before the result. See UST. (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

לֹא־תִגְרְע֥וּ מִ⁠לִּבְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם דְּבַר־י֥וֹם בְּ⁠יוֹמֽ⁠וֹ

This is a direct quotation of what Pharaoh said. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation of another person’s speech. (See: Quote Markings)

אֹתָ֖⁠ם

Here the officers are both the subject and object, because they are thinking about their own situation. Different languages have different methods of marking this. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

וַ⁠יִּרְא֞וּ…אֹתָ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠רָ֣ע לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר

“knew that they were in trouble, because the king said” or “perceived themselves in danger, because the king said”

Exodus 5:20

וַֽ⁠יִּפְגְּעוּ֙

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וַֽ⁠יִּפְגְּעוּ֙…לִ⁠קְרָאתָ֑⁠ם בְּ⁠צֵאתָ֖⁠ם

Here, they and them refer to the officers. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 5:21

יֵ֧רֶא יְהוָ֛ה עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠יִשְׁפֹּ֑ט אֲשֶׁ֧ר הִבְאַשְׁתֶּ֣ם אֶת־רֵיחֵ֗⁠נוּ בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֤י פַרְעֹה֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י עֲבָדָ֔י⁠ו לָֽ⁠תֶת־חֶ֥רֶב בְּ⁠יָדָ֖⁠ם לְ⁠הָרְגֵֽ⁠נוּ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

יֵ֧רֶא יְהוָ֛ה עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠יִשְׁפֹּ֑ט

They used this form to curse Moses and Aaron.

עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠יִשְׁפֹּ֑ט

You refers to Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

הִבְאַשְׁתֶּ֣ם אֶת־רֵיחֵ֗⁠נוּ בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֤י פַרְעֹה֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י עֲבָדָ֔י⁠ו

The Egyptians responded to the Israelites the same way they would respond to a foul odor. Alternate translation: “you have caused Pharaoh and his servants to hate us” (See: Metaphor)

חֶ֥רֶב בְּ⁠יָדָ֖⁠ם

Here, a sword into their hand is a metonym for “a reason in their mind.” The Israelites are afraid that the Egyptians will feel that they are doing the right thing if they kill the Israelites, because Moses and Aaron are making demands to the king and because the Egyptians view the Israelites as lazy and dangerous. Alternate translation: “them a reason to think they would be right” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 5:22

וַ⁠יֹּאמַ֑ר

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of the chapter. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לָ֥⁠מָּה זֶּ֖ה שְׁלַחְתָּֽ⁠נִי

This question shows how disappointed Moses was that the Egyptians were treating the Israelites even more harshly now. He is expressing that he thinks God has caused the opposite of what he promised to happen. Alternate translation: “You sent me to rescue them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Exodus 5:23

בִּ⁠שְׁמֶ֔⁠ךָ

Here, in your name indicates that Moses delivers Yahweh’s message. Alternate translation: “for you” or “your message for him” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠הַצֵּ֥ל לֹא־הִצַּ֖לְתָּ

In Hebrew, rescued is repeated for emphasis. (See: Idiom)

עַמֶּֽ⁠ךָ

After this phrase, the direct quote of Moses that began in the previous verse ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 6

Exodus 06 General Notes

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Repetition of events:

Most of the content of this chapter is very similar to the events and dialogue in chapters 3-4. For consistency, translators should consult the decisions they made there while keeping in mind that this narrative is not exactly the same. Also, verses 10-12 and verses 28-30 are very similar to each other. These events are probably a recommissioning of Moses. After his first encounter with Pharaoh went very poorly and the Israelites seem to reject God, reminds Moses of God’s promises and power.

Referring to God

A name for God (Yahweh) and a title for God (El Shaddai) are mentioned in this chapter (6:2-6:3). The precise meaning of El Shaddai is not known, but most scholars think it means something like “almighty.” Translators who have worked on Genesis may find confusing the statement that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did not know Yahweh as the name of God.

Other possible translation difficulties:

With little explanation, a large portion of the chapter is devoted to the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. Some of the people in the genealogy lived much longer than is normal for humans today. If translators are not familiar with the lengths of people’s lives in the early days of the world (as recorded in Genesis, especially chapter 5), this may cause confusion.

Study concepts in this chapter

Promised Land

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

“Let my people go”

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

God and his people

In verse 7, note mention of a very important biblical theme of God being “your God” and the special relationship that his people have with him.

Exodus 6:1

עַתָּ֣ה תִרְאֶ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה לְ⁠פַרְעֹ֑ה כִּ֣י בְ⁠יָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔⁠ם וּ⁠בְ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה יְגָרְשֵׁ֖⁠ם מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

עַתָּ֣ה

This refers to future events starting very soon. Alternative translation: “Starting soon” or “Very soon” (See: Connect – Sequential Time Relationship)

בְ⁠יָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙…וּ⁠בְ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה

Hand is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: “by a strong power … and by a strong power” (See: Metonymy)

בְ⁠יָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙…וּ⁠בְ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה

It is not clear in the text whose hand is referred to here. The options are: (1) Both refer to God’s hand (forcing Pharaoh’s actions), (2) Both refer to Pharaoh’s hand (forcing the Israelites out), (3) They don’t refer to the same person’s hand; the first refers to God’s and the second to Pharaoh’s. The UST has followed (1) which is the most common interpretation. Alternate translation: (1) “by my strong hand … and by my strong hand” or (2) “by his strong hand … and by his strong hand” or (3) “by my strong hand … and by his strong hand” (See: Metonymy)

כִּ֣י בְ⁠יָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔⁠ם וּ⁠בְ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה יְגָרְשֵׁ֖⁠ם מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ

These two phrases mean similar things. God says the same thing twice, in similar ways, for emphasis. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that might be confusing for your readers. Instead, if it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “I will force him to let my people leave the land” However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could also choose to bring that out in your translation. The second phrase intensifies the first by portraying Pharaoh as not merely letting the Israelites go, but as forcing them to leave the land. Alternate translation: “I will force him to let them go, in fact, I will force him to force them to leave his land” (See: Parallelism)

מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ

“from Egypt”

Exodus 6:2

וַ⁠יְדַבֵּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַ⁠יֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖י⁠ו

There is a transition here. Before this verse, Yahweh was answering Moses’ question more directly. At the beginning of this verse, Yahweh is reintroduced as “God” because he begins to make a clarifying statement about himself and his relationship with the Israelites and their ancestors as well as his plans for the Israelites. Much of this section repeats what Yahweh has already told Moses. You may want to consider a section break before this verse. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וַ⁠יְדַבֵּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַ⁠יֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖י⁠ו

After this phrase a direct quote begins that continues until the end of verse 8. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 6:3

בְּ⁠אֵ֣ל שַׁדָּ֑י

This is a title for God that many scholars think means “almighty.” You will need to decide if you will transliterate the term into your language or translate the meaning. Either approach has broad support. Alternative translation: “as the strongest God of all” (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

וּ⁠שְׁמִ֣⁠י יְהוָ֔ה לֹ֥א נוֹדַ֖עְתִּי לָ⁠הֶֽם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “but they did not know me by my name Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

וּ⁠שְׁמִ֣⁠י יְהוָ֔ה לֹ֥א נוֹדַ֖עְתִּי לָ⁠הֶֽם

This statement is very difficult to understand as God’s name, Yahweh, is used throughout Genesis, including by Abraham and others. There are many theories about what it means; the view followed by the UST is that now God is revealing to the Israelites a fuller meaning of his divine name than what Abraham and others knew. Alternate translation: “but my name Yahweh was not understood by them”

Exodus 6:4

לָ⁠תֵ֥ת לָ⁠הֶ֖ם אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן

This is the content of the covenant promise from God to his people. Some languages may need to make this part a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “ I said, ‘I will give you the land of Canaan’ ” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

אֶ֥רֶץ מְגֻרֵי⁠הֶ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־גָּ֥רוּ בָֽ⁠הּ

These two phrases mean similar things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “the land they lived in as temporary residents”; otherwise, “the land that was not their home but where they lived as foreigners” (See: Parallelism)

Exodus 6:5

נַאֲקַת֙

This means making sad sounds because of pain and suffering.

וָ⁠אֶזְכֹּ֖ר אֶת־בְּרִיתִֽ⁠י

I have remembered my covenant means God is going to take action. Alternative translation: “I will keep my promise”

Exodus 6:6

לָ⁠כֵ֞ן

God is now telling Moses to deliver a message to the Israelites of what God is going to do because of everything that he said in verses 2-5. The reason-result relationship is strongly marked here, so translations should make sure to use a connector that marks verse 6-8 as a result of verses 2-5. Alternate translation: “Because of this” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

לָ⁠כֵ֞ן אֱמֹ֥ר לִ⁠בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֘ל

This is a command from Yahweh to Moses. Alternate translation: “So Yahweh told Moses to say to the Israelites”

אֲנִ֣י

This begins a second-level quotation that continues to the end of Yahweh’s speech at the close of verse 8. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

אֶתְ⁠כֶ֗ם…אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם…אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙

You refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

מִ⁠תַּ֨חַת֙ סִבְלֹ֣ת מִצְרַ֔יִם

This refers to all the hard work the Egyptians made the Israelites do. Alternate translation: “from the hard work the Egyptians force you to do” (See: Synecdoche)

בִּ⁠זְר֣וֹעַ נְטוּיָ֔ה

Arm here is a figurative way of referring to God’s power, influence, and capacity for action. Outstretched means that he is using that power. Alternate translation: “by my great strength” (See: Metaphor)

וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁפָטִ֖ים

Here, the term judgments refers to the plagues that God is about to send to harm Egypt and the Egyptians. Each plague is a response to Pharaoh’s stubbornness. Alternate translation: “and by [greatly] harming the Egyptians”

Exodus 6:7

אֶתְ⁠כֶ֥ם…לָ⁠כֶ֖ם…וִֽ⁠ידַעְתֶּ֗ם…אֱלֹ֣הֵי⁠כֶ֔ם…אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם

Here every occurrence of you refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

מִ⁠תַּ֖חַת סִבְל֥וֹת מִצְרָֽיִם

This refers to all the hard work the Egyptians forced upon the Israelites. See what you did in the previous verse at INVALID exo/06/07/oqnw. Alternate translation: “from the hard work the Egyptians force you to do” (See: Synecdoche)

Exodus 6:8

אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙…לָ⁠כֶ֛ם

Here, every occurrence of you refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

נָשָׂ֨אתִי֙ אֶת־יָדִ֔⁠י

This is an action that signifies making an oath. Raising the hand may not have the same meaning in your culture so you may need to use a different symbolic oath-taking action in your translation, or simply translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “I promised” (See: Symbolic Action)

מוֹרָשָׁ֖ה

This means the Israelites will own the land. Alternate translation: “as your own land”

אֲנִ֥י יְהוָֽה

After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh ends. Both the first-level and second-level quotes end. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level and second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation and a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 6:9

וְ⁠לֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה מִ⁠קֹּ֣צֶר ר֔וּחַ וּ⁠מֵ⁠עֲבֹדָ֖ה קָשָֽׁה

In some languages it will be necessary to put the reason for the people not listening before the result. Alternate translation: “but because of shortness of spirit and because of hard service, they did not listen to Moses” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

מִ⁠קֹּ֣צֶר ר֔וּחַ

Here, the people’s spirit is spoken of as something that could be measured. By calling it “short,” the author is saying they did not have very much motivation or hope. Alternate translation: “because they had no hope”

Exodus 6:10

לֵּ⁠אמֹֽר

This is used to mark the beginning of a direct quotation. It can be omitted if it is unnatural.

Exodus 6:11

בֹּ֣א דַבֵּ֔ר אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרָ֑יִם וִֽ⁠ישַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וִֽ⁠ישַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ

This is an indirect quote; in some languages you will have to make it a direct quote. Be careful to change the third-person pronouns to second-person pronouns if you do this. Alternate translation: “saying, ‘You must let the sons of Israel go from your land’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Exodus 6:12

הֵ֤ן בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֹֽא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֵלַ֔⁠י וְ⁠אֵיךְ֙ יִשְׁמָעֵ֣⁠נִי פַרְעֹ֔ה וַ⁠אֲנִ֖י עֲרַ֥ל שְׂפָתָֽיִם

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה

Here, face figuratively represents the presence of a person. There may also be a hint of impudence in Moses’ attitude that is conveyed by saying he before the face of Yahweh Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “boldly to Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

הֵ֤ן

Behold is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “as you know.”

הֵ֤ן בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֹֽא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֵלַ֔⁠י וְ⁠אֵיךְ֙ יִשְׁמָעֵ֣⁠נִי פַרְעֹ֔ה

Moses asked this question hoping God would change His mind about using Moses. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Since the Israelites did not listen to me, neither will Pharaoh!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

הֵ֤ן בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֹֽא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֵלַ֔⁠י וְ⁠אֵיךְ֙ יִשְׁמָעֵ֣⁠נִי פַרְעֹ֔ה

Moses is presenting a reasoned argument: since this, then probably that. Use a natural way of expressing such arguments in your language. Alternate translation: “Since the sons of Israel have not listened to me, why would you think Pharaoh would listen to me?” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

וַ⁠אֲנִ֖י עֲרַ֥ל שְׂפָתָֽיִם

This is a metaphor that means that Moses was not a good speaker. It is somewhat crude; your translation of this phrase could convey that Moses spoke impolitely. Alternate translation: “And I do not speak well” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 6:13

וַ⁠יְצַוֵּ⁠ם֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְ⁠אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה

This phrase is somewhat difficult to translate. Here, command could also be translated as “charge” or “commission.” Another difficulty is knowing to whom the command is directed: is it to Moses and Aaron or are they to give the command to Pharaoh and the Israelites, thus to could be translated as “for” or “regarding” Alternate translations: “and he charged them regarding the sons of Israel and regarding Pharaoh” or “and he gave them a command for the sons of Israel and for Pharaoh” or “and he gave them a commission to the sons of Israel and to Pharaoh”

Exodus 6:14

אֵ֖לֶּה

Verses 14-27 are background information. If your language marks background information with particular discourse features, use them here. (See: Background Information)

רָאשֵׁ֣י

Here, “heads” refers to the original ancestors of the clan. Alternate translation: “the ancestors of ” (See: Metonymy)

רְאוּבֵ֜ן… יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל… חֲנ֤וֹךְ וּ⁠פַלּוּא֙ חֶצְר֣וֹן וְ⁠כַרְמִ֔י… רְאוּבֵֽן

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 6:15

שִׁמְע֗וֹן יְמוּאֵ֨ל וְ⁠יָמִ֤ין וְ⁠אֹ֨הַד֙ וְ⁠יָכִ֣ין וְ⁠צֹ֔חַר וְ⁠שָׁא֖וּל…שִׁמְעֽוֹן

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 6:16

לֵוִי֙…גֵּרְשׁ֕וֹן וּ⁠קְהָ֖ת וּ⁠מְרָרִ֑י…לֵוִ֔י

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

שֶׁ֧בַע וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים וּ⁠מְאַ֖ת

“one hundred thirty-seven” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 6:17

גֵרְשׁ֛וֹן לִבְנִ֥י וְ⁠שִׁמְעִ֖י

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 6:18

קְהָ֔ת עַמְרָ֣ם וְ⁠יִצְהָ֔ר וְ⁠חֶבְר֖וֹן וְ⁠עֻזִּיאֵ֑ל…קְהָ֔ת

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

שָׁלֹ֧שׁ וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים וּ⁠מְאַ֖ת

“one hundred thirty-three” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 6:19

מְרָרִ֖י מַחְלִ֣י וּ⁠מוּשִׁ֑י

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 6:20

עַמְרָ֜ם…יוֹכֶ֤בֶד…אַהֲרֹ֖ן…מֹשֶׁ֑ה…עַמְרָ֔ם

These are the names of people. (See: How to Translate Names)

דֹּֽדָת⁠וֹ֙

This word specifically means father’s sister. Some languages will have a term that is specific in this way, and translators should use it. Alternate translation: see UST. (See: INVALID translate/figs-kinship)

שֶׁ֧בַע וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים וּ⁠מְאַ֖ת

“one hundred thirty-seven years” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 6:21

יִצְהָ֑ר קֹ֥רַח וָ⁠נֶ֖פֶג וְ⁠זִכְרִֽי׃

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 6:22

עֻזִּיאֵ֑ל מִֽישָׁאֵ֥ל וְ⁠אֶלְצָפָ֖ן וְ⁠סִתְרִֽי

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 6:23

אַהֲרֹ֜ן…אֱלִישֶׁ֧בַע…עַמִּינָדָ֛ב…נַחְשׁ֖וֹן…נָדָב֙…אֲבִיה֔וּא…אֶלְעָזָ֖ר…אִֽיתָמָֽר

These are the names of people. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 6:24

קֹ֔רַח אַסִּ֥יר וְ⁠אֶלְקָנָ֖ה וַ⁠אֲבִיאָסָ֑ף

These are the names of people. (See: How to Translate Names)

הַ⁠קָּרְחִֽי

This was the name of the clan of people descended from Korah. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 6:25

וְ⁠אֶלְעָזָ֨ר…אַהֲרֹ֜ן…פּֽוּטִיאֵל֙…פִּֽינְחָ֑ס

These are the names of people. (See: How to Translate Names)

רָאשֵׁ֛י

The word “heads” here represents family leaders. Alternate translation: “These were the leaders of the families” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 6:26

⁠הֶ֔ם הוֹצִ֜יאוּ אֶת־בְּנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל מֵ⁠אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם עַל־צִבְאֹתָֽ⁠ם

This is a direct quotation of what Yahweh said earlier. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation of a previous remark. (See: Quote Markings)

עַל־צִבְאֹתָֽ⁠ם

The term hosts refers to a large group of people often organized into groups for war. Alternate translation: “by their groups” or “by their divisions” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 6:27

לְ⁠הוֹצִ֥יא

This expresses their goal when they spoke to Pharaoh. See UST. (See: Connect – Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Exodus 6:28

וַ⁠יְהִ֗י בְּ⁠י֨וֹם

This marks a transition from the record of the genealogy back to the narrative. Consider placing a section break at the start of this verse. Alternate translation: “One day” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Exodus 6:29

לֵּ⁠אמֹ֖ר

Here, saying is used to mark the beginning of a direct quotation. It can be omitted if unnatural. (See: Quote Markings)

אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֑ה דַּבֵּ֗ר אֶל־פַּרְעֹה֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י דֹּבֵ֥ר אֵלֶֽי⁠ךָ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 6:30

לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה

Here, face figuratively represents the presence of a person. There may also be a hint of impudence in Moses’ attitude that is conveyed by saying he spoke before the face of Yahweh. See how you translated this in 6:12 Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “boldly to Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

הֵ֤ן אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם וְ⁠אֵ֕יךְ יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֵלַ֖⁠י פַּרְעֹֽה

Moses asks this question hoping to change God’s mind about sending him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Behold, I am not a good speaker. Pharaoh will certainly not listen to me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

הֵ֤ן אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם וְ⁠אֵ֕יךְ יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֵלַ֖⁠י פַּרְעֹֽה

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

הֵ֤ן

Behold is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “as you know.”

אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם

This is a metaphor that means that Moses thought he was not a good speaker. It is somewhat crude, and your translation of this phrase could convey that Moses spoke impolitely. See how you translated this in 6:12 Alternate translation: “And I always fail to speak well” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 7

Exodus 07 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Miracles

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

Pharaoh’s hard heart

Pharaoh’s heart is often described as hard, strong, or heavy in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh’s instructions.

“Let my people go”

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

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter include:

  • Moses as God to Pharaoh
  • A number of difficult terms: prophet, signs, wonders, miracles, sorcerers, magicians, magic, judgments, canals, reservoirs
  • The use of “heart” to refer to the seat of will and emotion
  • Up to third-level quotations

Exodus 7:1

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of verse 5. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

רְאֵ֛ה

This is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Alternative translation: “Listen carefully”

נְתַתִּ֥י⁠ךָ אֱלֹהִ֖ים לְ⁠פַרְעֹ֑ה

This means Moses would represent the same authority to Pharaoh as God did to Moses. See how you translated the very similar phrase in Exodus 4:16, see this note. Alternate translation: “I will cause Pharaoh to consider you as a god” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֥ן אָחִ֖י⁠ךָ יִהְיֶ֥ה נְבִיאֶֽ⁠ךָ

This phrase compares Aaron to a prophet, because he will be the one actually to proclaim to Pharaoh what Moses tells him. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 4:16, see this note. Alternate translation: “and Aaron your brother will act like your prophet” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 7:2

אָחִ֨י⁠ךָ֙

Aaron is older than Moses. Some languages will use a different term for the sibling relationship based on gender and age order. (See: INVALID translate/figs-kinship)

וְ⁠שִׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ

Some languages may need to make this a direct quote. If so, be sure to mark it as a second-level quotation, subordinate to Yahweh’s main speech. Alternative translation: “saying, ‘You must let the sons of Israel go from your land’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ

“Egypt”

Exodus 7:3

אַקְשֶׁ֖ה אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה

This means God will make him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were hard. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in Exodus 4:21, but note the slightly different metaphor there: the heart being strong vs. hard. Alternate translation: “will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

אֶת־אֹתֹתַ֛⁠י וְ⁠אֶת־מוֹפְתַ֖⁠י

The words signs and wonders mean basically the same thing. God uses them to emphasize the greatness of what he will do in Egypt. (See: Doublet)

Exodus 7:4

אֲלֵ⁠כֶם֙

Here, you means Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) or plural form (if not) here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

יָדִ֖⁠י

The words my hand represent God’s great power. Alternate translation: “my power” (See: Metonymy)

בְּ⁠מִצְרָ֑יִם

On Egypt refers to the land and everything in it, including people, animals, and plants. (See: Metonymy)

אֶת־צִבְאֹתַ֜⁠י אֶת־עַמִּ֤⁠י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

These phrases refer to the Israelites in three different ways; they do not refer to three different groups of people. Armies is the same word translated “hosts” in Exodus 6:26. Alternate translation: “the armies of my Israelite people”

Exodus 7:5

וְ⁠יָדְע֤וּ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ כִּֽי־אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֔ה

This is the result of God rescuing the Israelites. In some languages the result will have to be placed after the cause, as in the UST. (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

בִּ⁠נְטֹתִ֥⁠י אֶת־יָדִ֖⁠י עַל

This phrase represents God’s great power. Alternate translation: “when I show my powerful acts against” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠הוֹצֵאתִ֥י אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִ⁠תּוֹכָֽ⁠ם

The goal of God’s powerful acts was to rescue the Israelites. Alternate translation: “so that I bring the sons of Israel out from their midst” (See: Connect – Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

מִ⁠תּוֹכָֽ⁠ם

At the end of this verse, the direct quote that began in verse 1 ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. Note that the UST is reordered. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 7:6

וַ⁠יַּ֥עַשׂ…עָשֽׂוּ

This repetition emphasizes the statement. Some languages can use repetition for emphasis; others will need to use another way of expressing emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Exodus 7:7

וּ⁠מֹשֶׁה֙ בֶּן־שְׁמֹנִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְ⁠אַֽהֲרֹ֔ן בֶּן־שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּ⁠שְׁמֹנִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה בְּ⁠דַבְּרָ֖⁠ם אֶל־פַּרְעֹֽה

This verse contains background information. If your language marks background information with particular discourse features, use them here. (See: Background Information)

שְׁמֹנִ֣ים…שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּ⁠שְׁמֹנִ֖ים

“eighty … eighty-three” (See: Numbers)

בֶּן־שְׁמֹנִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה…בֶּן־שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּ⁠שְׁמֹנִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה

This is an idiom that refers to their age. See UST. (See: Idiom)

Exodus 7:8

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה

This verse marks the beginning of new sections, both major and minor. The major story of the plagues and Exodus itself unfolds from here until after Pharaoh’s army is defeated at the Red Sea.  The next minor event is the miracle of the rods becoming snakes. Either by using particular forms that your language uses to mark transitions or by making a section break and heading, this transition should be marked for readers.  (See: Introduction of a New Event)

לֵ⁠אמֹֽר

Here, saying marks the beginning of a direct quote and is often omitted in translation when such a construction is unnatural in the target language. See UST.

Exodus 7:9

כִּי֩ יְדַבֵּ֨ר אֲלֵ⁠כֶ֤ם פַּרְעֹה֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר תְּנ֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם מוֹפֵ֑ת וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן קַ֧ח אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠הַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְ⁠תַנִּֽין

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

כִּי֩ יְדַבֵּ֨ר אֲלֵ⁠כֶ֤ם פַּרְעֹה֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר תְּנ֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם מוֹפֵ֑ת וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן קַ֧ח אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠הַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְ⁠תַנִּֽין

The two quotations in this verse could be stated as indirect quotes. Alternate translation: “When Pharaoh tells you to do a miracle, then you will tell Aaron to take his staff and throw it down before Pharaoh so that it may become a snake” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

תְּנ֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם מוֹפֵ֑ת

This is a second-level direct quotation. If you did not decide to make it an indirect quotation, it may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

קַ֧ח אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠הַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְ⁠תַנִּֽין

This is a second-level direct quotation. The second level may end after Pharaoh. If you did not decide to make it an indirect quotation, it may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר

Here, saying marks the beginning of a direct quote and is often omitted in translation when such a construction is unnatural in the target language. See UST.

אֲלֵ⁠כֶ֤ם…לָ⁠כֶ֖ם

These are plural, referring to Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) or plural form (if not) here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

תְּנ֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם מוֹפֵ֑ת

This is a second-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer level. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

קַ֧ח אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠הַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְ⁠תַנִּֽין

This is a second-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer level. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה

Although before the face of still has the standard figurative meaning of “in the presence of,” it is a much more literal use here. Moses and Aaron are to actually do the miracles in front of Pharaoh so that Pharaoh can see them. Alternative translation: “so Pharaoh can see it” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 7:10

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹ֛ה וְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י עֲבָדָ֖י⁠ו

This time, while before the face of still has the standard figurative meaning of “in the presence of,” it is a much more literal use here. Aaron actually does this right in front of Pharaoh and his servants so they could watch what happens. Alternative translation: “where Pharaoh and his servants could see it” (See: Metonymy)

עֲבָדָ֖י⁠ו

His servants probably refers to important advisors that would be in the king’s court, and does not refer common servants.

Exodus 7:11

לַֽ⁠חֲכָמִ֖ים וְ⁠לַֽ⁠מְכַשְּׁפִ֑ים…חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י

Here, magicians probably describes both wise men and sorcerers rather than being a third group. See translationWords articles for each term.

Exodus 7:12

וַ⁠יִּבְלַ֥ע

“ate up” or “devoured”

וַ⁠יִּבְלַ֥ע מַטֵּֽה־אַהֲרֹ֖ן אֶת־מַטֹּתָֽ⁠ם

This is a surprising and amusing twist which was not what the magicians expected. (See: Connect – Contrast Relationship)

מַטֵּֽה…מַטֹּתָֽ⁠ם

It may be necessary in some languages to translate the word staff as “snake” since it had turned into one. This may be true if it would not make sense in the target language to say (because it is not living) that a staff swallowed or ate something. It may also be not make sense in some languages to speak of the snakes as staffs once transformed. (See: Personification)

Exodus 7:13

וַ⁠יֶּחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה

Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in Exodus 4:21, but note that this is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn, as many others in this part of the narrative do). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: Metaphor)

כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה

Because Yahweh’s prediction precedes this event, some languages may need to place the reference to that prediction before the statement that it was fulfilled. See UST.

Exodus 7:14

כָּבֵ֖ד לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה

Yahweh speaks of Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude as if Pharaoh’s heart were heavy. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). See how you translated this in Exodus 7:13, but note the slightly different metaphor there: the heart being heavy vs strong. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh is defiant” (See: Metaphor)

וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of verse 18. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 7:15

הִנֵּה֙

This is used to draw attention to information that follows.

יֹצֵ֣א הַ⁠מַּ֔יְמָ⁠ה

There are various theories as to what Pharaoh went down to the Nile to do, but there is no need to speculate or specify in the translation.

Exodus 7:16

וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗י⁠ו

“Say to Pharaoh”

יְהוָ֞ה

This begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of verse 18. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

אֱלֹהֵ֤י הָ⁠עִבְרִים֙

Yahweh claimed the Hebrews (Israelites) as his own. They worshiped him. This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: Possession)

שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־עַמִּ֔⁠י וְ⁠יַֽעַבְדֻ֖⁠נִי בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֑ר וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה לֹא־שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ עַד־כֹּֽה

This is a third-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. Alternatively, you could translate it as an indirect quotation as in the UST. If you do this, take care to adjust the pronoun person (second/third) as appropriate. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה

Behold is used to draw attention to the information that follows. In some languages, it will not be translated.

Exodus 7:17

כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה

This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See 4:intro for more information.

בְּ⁠זֹ֣את

This begins a third-level quotation that continues until the end of verse 18. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. It is possible that the third-level quote actually ends before Behold, in which case, in the rest of the quote I refers to Moses, not Yahweh. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

הִנֵּ֨ה

Behold is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Alternate translation: “Look at this”

Exodus 7:18

וּ⁠בָאַ֣שׁ הַ⁠יְאֹ֑ר

The river will stink will happen because the fish die. Alternate translation: “and because of that the river will stink” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

וְ⁠נִלְא֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִ⁠שְׁתּ֥וֹת מַ֖יִם מִן־הַ⁠יְאֹֽר

In some languages you will need to put the reason before the result. Alternative translation: “In order to find water to drink from the river, the Egyptians will exhaust themselves.” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

וְ⁠נִלְא֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם

Here, themselves refers back to the subject (the Egyptians) to indicated that the Egyptians are the object of the verb as well. Different languages have different methods of marking this. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

מִן־הַ⁠יְאֹֽר

After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh’s commands ends. Depending on your decisions about the embedded quotation levels, you may have up to three levels of quotations that need to be closed here. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with closing quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation and quotations within quotations. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 7:19

אֱמֹ֣ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֡ן קַ֣ח מַטְּ⁠ךָ֣ וּ⁠נְטֵֽה־יָדְ⁠ךָ֩ עַל־מֵימֵ֨י מִצְרַ֜יִם עַֽל־נַהֲרֹתָ֣⁠ם׀ עַל־יְאֹרֵי⁠הֶ֣ם וְ⁠עַל־אַגְמֵי⁠הֶ֗ם וְ⁠עַ֛ל כָּל־מִקְוֵ֥ה מֵימֵי⁠הֶ֖ם וְ⁠יִֽהְיוּ־דָ֑ם וְ⁠הָ֤יָה דָם֙ בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וּ⁠בָ⁠עֵצִ֖ים וּ⁠בָ⁠אֲבָנִֽים

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

קַ֣ח מַטְּ⁠ךָ֣ וּ⁠נְטֵֽה־יָדְ⁠ךָ֩ עַל־מֵימֵ֨י מִצְרַ֜יִם עַֽל־נַהֲרֹתָ֣⁠ם׀ עַל־יְאֹרֵי⁠הֶ֣ם וְ⁠עַל־אַגְמֵי⁠הֶ֗ם וְ⁠עַ֛ל כָּל־מִקְוֵ֥ה מֵימֵי⁠הֶ֖ם וְ⁠יִֽהְיוּ־דָ֑ם

This is a second-level direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

עַֽל־נַהֲרֹתָ֣⁠ם׀ עַל־יְאֹרֵי⁠הֶ֣ם וְ⁠עַל־אַגְמֵי⁠הֶ֗ם וְ⁠עַ֛ל כָּל־מִקְוֵ֥ה מֵימֵי⁠הֶ֖ם

This list is meant to expand on and reinforce the idea of all of the water in Egypt. You should translate the list in such a way that the locations of the blood are not limited to these specific places, but to imply universality. (See: Merism)

בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֣רֶץ

“in every part of”

וּ⁠בָ⁠עֵצִ֖ים וּ⁠בָ⁠אֲבָנִֽים

This possessive show composition. Alternate translation: “and in containers made from wood and in containers made from stone” (See: Possession)

Exodus 7:20

בַּ⁠יְאֹ֔ר

The name of the river may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “in the Nile River” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

לְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וּ⁠לְ⁠עֵינֵ֖י עֲבָדָ֑י⁠ו

This means in their sight. Alternate translation: “in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 7:22

חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י

See how you translated this term in 7:11. (See: Translate Unknowns)

וַ⁠יֶּחֱזַ֤ק לֵב־פַּרְעֹה֙

Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). See how you translated this in Exodus 7:13. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: Metaphor)

כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה

Because Yahweh’s prediction precedes this event, some languages may need to place the reference to that prediction before the statement that it was fulfilled. See UST and how you handled this in 7:13 where the same sentence appears.

Exodus 7:23

וְ⁠לֹא־שָׁ֥ת לִבּ֖⁠וֹ גַּם־לָ⁠זֹֽאת

This is an idiom meaning Pharaoh did not think about the meaning of the miracle he had just seen. Alternate translation: “And he did not consider what even this meant” (See: Idiom)

Exodus 7:24

כָל־מִצְרַ֛יִם

The word all here is a generalization that means “many.” At the least, the upper class would have sent their slaves to dig for them. Alternate translation: “Many of the Egyptians” (See: Hyperbole)

Exodus 7:25

וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֖א

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֖א שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים

This is an idiom meaning seven days later. (See: Idiom)

שִׁבְעַ֣ת

“7” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 8

Exodus 08 General Notes

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

  • the exact insects in plagues 3-4 are not certain, translation teams will need to decide what insects they can use for each
  • Pharaoh makes his own heart heavy, that is, he determines to be proud and resist Yahweh twice in this chapter
  • the Israelites’ sacrifices are spoken of as an abomination to the Egyptians but it is not specified how or why that is
Lifting up the hand and staff:

In the next few chapters God will instruct Moses and/or Aaron to raise his hand and/or staff. The narrative will then record that whoever will raise his hand and/or staff. The instruction and the action do not always match exactly. God may say raise your hand and the narrative may say Moses raised his staff. These are not conflicting reports. Translators should understand that the hand and the staff are always understood together. They are one unit and they can both be mentioned or they can be mentioned separately. In each case, Moses or Aaron raises his hand with the staff in it. This fact is merely expressed differently.

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh’s hard heart

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

Let my people go

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

Exodus 8:1

בֹּ֖א

This begins a direct quote that continues until the end of verse 4. (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה

This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See 4:intro for more information.

כֹּ֚ה

This begins a second-level quote that continues until the end of verse 4. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer level. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

שַׁלַּ֥ח

This begins a third-level quote that continues until the end of verse 4. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Exodus 8:2

לְ⁠שַׁלֵּ֑חַ

What Pharaoh is to let go is not specified, but “my people” or “the Israelites” are the understood object. Alternate translation: “to let the Israelites go” (See: Ellipsis)

הִנֵּ֣ה

Behold is an interjection meant to focus the attention of the listener on what comes next, in this case a dire warning. Alternate translation: “look out”

Exodus 8:3

בְּ⁠בֵיתֶ֔⁠ךָ וּ⁠בַ⁠חֲדַ֥ר מִשְׁכָּבְ⁠ךָ֖ וְ⁠עַל־מִטָּתֶ֑⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְ⁠בֵ֤ית עֲבָדֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠עַמֶּ֔⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְ⁠תַנּוּרֶ֖י⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְ⁠מִשְׁאֲרוֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ

This long list means “everywhere in Egypt.” It is presented in this way for rhetorical effect, that is, to convince Pharaoh of how bad this plague will be so he will obey. You should translate the list in such a way that the frogs’ location is not limited to these specific places. The list should imply universality. (See: Merism)

Exodus 8:4

Up to three levels of quotes end at the end of this verse. Depending on how many levels you chose to mark as direct quotations, you should indicate them ending here with closing second-level (and third-level) quotation mark(s) or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations and quotations within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 8:5

אֱמֹ֣ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן נְטֵ֤ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֙ בְּ⁠מַטֶּ֔⁠ךָ עַל־הַ֨⁠נְּהָרֹ֔ת עַל־הַ⁠יְאֹרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַל־הָ⁠אֲגַמִּ֑ים וְ⁠הַ֥עַל אֶת־הַֽ⁠צְפַרְדְּעִ֖ים עַל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level opening and closing quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֒ אֱמֹ֣ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן

It may be helpful to translate this first quotation indirectly to avoid having two levels of quotations in this verse. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh told Moses to say to Aaron” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

נְטֵ֤ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֙ בְּ⁠מַטֶּ֔⁠ךָ עַל־הַ֨⁠נְּהָרֹ֔ת עַל־הַ⁠יְאֹרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַל־הָ⁠אֲגַמִּ֑ים וְ⁠הַ֥עַל אֶת־הַֽ⁠צְפַרְדְּעִ֖ים עַל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

This is a second-level direct quotation (if you chose to make Say to Aaron a direct quotation). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level opening and closing quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

יָדְ⁠ךָ֙ בְּ⁠מַטֶּ֔⁠ךָ

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

עַל־הַ֨⁠נְּהָרֹ֔ת עַל־הַ⁠יְאֹרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַל־הָ⁠אֲגַמִּ֑ים

This list is meant to convey the idea of all the water in Egypt where frogs might live. You should translate the list in such a way that the locations are not limited to these specific places. The list should imply universality. This is made clear in 8:6.(See: Merism)

Exodus 8:6

וַ⁠יֵּ֤ט אַהֲרֹן֙

It is implied that Moses told Yahweh’s instructions to Aaron. You may choose to make this explicit as in the UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

יָד֔⁠וֹ

It is implied that Aaron was holding his staff as instructed. You may choose to make this explicit. See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff. Alternate translation: “his hand holding his staff” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וַ⁠יֵּ֤ט אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶת־יָד֔⁠וֹ עַ֖ל מֵימֵ֣י

Aaron would not have been able to reach his hand over all the water in Egypt. He likely stretched his hand over some nearby portion of the Nile symbolizing all the water of Egypt. (See: Synecdoche)

וַ⁠תַּ֨עַל֙

Verse 3 has specified from where the frogs will come. Here it is implied, but you may make it explicit as in the UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

הַ⁠צְּפַרְדֵּ֔עַ

There were so many frogs that the text uses the collective singular. If that does not make sense in your language, you may simply use the plural as in the UST. (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

וַ⁠תַּ֨עַל֙ הַ⁠צְּפַרְדֵּ֔עַ וַ⁠תְּכַ֖ס אֶת־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

This means that there were frogs everywhere in Egypt. The image is like that of a blanket smothering the entire country. (Or more directly, like one giant, nation-sized frog sitting on top of the entire land). (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 8:7

הַֽ⁠חֲרְטֻמִּ֖ים בְּ⁠לָטֵי⁠הֶ֑ם

See how you translated these in 7:11. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 8:8

וַ⁠יִּקְרָ֨א פַרְעֹ֜ה לְ⁠מֹשֶׁ֣ה וּֽ⁠לְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֗ן

“Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron” or “And the king summoned Moses and Aaron”

וַ⁠יִּקְרָ֨א פַרְעֹ֜ה לְ⁠מֹשֶׁ֣ה וּֽ⁠לְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֗ן וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙

It is implied that Moses and Aaron came between being called and Pharaoh speaking to them. You may need to make that explicit. Alternate translation: “And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and after they came he said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

הַעְתִּ֣ירוּ אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה וְ⁠יָסֵר֙ הַֽ⁠צְפַרְדְּעִ֔ים מִמֶּ֖⁠נִּי וּ⁠מֵֽ⁠עַמִּ֑⁠י וַ⁠אֲשַׁלְּחָה֙ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֔ם וְ⁠יִזְבְּח֖וּ לַ⁠יהוָֽה

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה וְ⁠יָסֵר֙ הַֽ⁠צְפַרְדְּעִ֔ים מִמֶּ֖⁠נִּי וּ⁠מֵֽ⁠עַמִּ֑⁠י

In some languages you may have to make the content of Pharaoh’s prayer to Yahweh a direct quote. Note that this will make it a second-level quotation and you will need to mark it with second-level quotation markings if your language uses them. Alternate translation: “to Yahweh saying, ‘Please take away the frogs from Pharaoh and from his people.’ ” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

וַ⁠אֲשַׁלְּחָה֙ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֔ם וְ⁠יִזְבְּח֖וּ לַ⁠יהוָֽה

This promise is conditional on the frogs going away. Alternate translation: “Once the frogs are gone, I will let the people go, and they may sacrifice to Yahweh” (See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions)

Exodus 8:9

הִתְפָּאֵ֣ר עָלַ⁠י֒ לְ⁠מָתַ֣י׀ אַעְתִּ֣יר לְ⁠ךָ֗ וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ וּֽ⁠לְ⁠עַמְּ⁠ךָ֔ לְ⁠הַכְרִית֙ הַֽ⁠צֲפַרְדְּעִ֔ים מִמְּ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠מִ⁠בָּתֶּ֑י⁠ךָ רַ֥ק בַּ⁠יְאֹ֖ר תִּשָּׁאַֽרְנָה

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

הִתְפָּאֵ֣ר עָלַ⁠י֒

Moses speaks with false humility here. He is ironically pointing out Pharaoh’s powerlessness before Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You can choose” (See: Irony)

לְ⁠ךָ֗ וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ וּֽ⁠לְ⁠עַמְּ⁠ךָ֔…מִמְּ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠מִ⁠בָּתֶּ֑י⁠ךָ

These lists mean “for everyone” and “from everywhere” (in Egypt). This makes clear that Moses will ask for a complete end of the plague. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: Merism)

Exodus 8:10

לְ⁠מָחָ֑ר

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

כִּ⁠דְבָ֣רְ⁠ךָ֔

A direct quote begins here that continues to the end of the next verse. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לְמַ֣עַן תֵּדַ֔ע כִּי־אֵ֖ין כַּ⁠יהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ

This knowledge is the goal of Yahweh’s granting a respite from the frogs. In some languages you may need to place this at the end of verse 11 after Moses says the frogs will leave. (See: Connect – Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ

Here, our refers to the Israelites’ God, excluding Pharaoh and the Egyptians. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Exodus 8:11

מִמְּ⁠ךָ֙ וּ⁠מִ⁠בָּ֣תֶּ֔י⁠ךָ וּ⁠מֵ⁠עֲבָדֶ֖י⁠ךָ וּ⁠מֵ⁠עַמֶּ֑⁠ךָ

This list means “from everywhere and everyone” (in Egypt). This shows that the end of the plague will be as complete as its extent. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: Merism)

רַ֥ק בַּ⁠יְאֹ֖ר תִּשָּׁאַֽרְנָה

After this phrase, the direct quote of Moses that started in the previous verse ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 8:12

שָׂ֥ם

“Yahweh had set”

וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֥א מֹשֶׁ֛ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֖ן

A minor scene shift occurs here and may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Exodus 8:13

מִן־הַ⁠בָּתִּ֥ים מִן־הַ⁠חֲצֵרֹ֖ת וּ⁠מִן־הַ⁠שָּׂדֹֽת

This list means “from everywhere” (in Egypt). This makes clear that there was a complete end of the plague. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: Merism)

Exodus 8:14

חֳמָרִ֣ם חֳמָרִ֑ם

Literally, “piles piles.” Repetition is used in Hebrew to emphasize how many or how big they were.

Exodus 8:15

וְ⁠הַכְבֵּד֙ אֶת־לִבּ֔⁠וֹ

Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he made his own heart heavy. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in Exodus 7:14, but note, there, that the state of Pharaoh’s heart is reported, whereas here, Pharaoh makes his own heart heavy. Alternate translation: “and Pharaoh determined to be defiant” (See: Metaphor)

כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה

“just as Yahweh had said Pharaoh would do”

Exodus 8:16

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the start of the third plague sequence. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

אֱמֹר֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן נְטֵ֣ה אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠הַ֖ךְ אֶת־עֲפַ֣ר הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ וְ⁠הָיָ֥ה לְ⁠כִנִּ֖ם בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. However, it may be helpful to translate one of the parts as an indirect quotation so that you do not have to have two levels of quotations here. Alternate translation: see UST or “[And Yahweh told Moses] to tell Aaron” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

נְטֵ֣ה אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠הַ֖ךְ אֶת־עֲפַ֣ר הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ וְ⁠הָיָ֥ה לְ⁠כִנִּ֖ם בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

This is a second-level direct quotation (unless you translated one portion as an indirect quotation). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level (or first-level) quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation (within a quotation). (See: Quote Markings)

נְטֵ֣ה אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠הַ֖ךְ

This is one action or motion but it is described with the two verbs that occur throughout this section of plague judgment.

מַטְּ⁠ךָ֔

This is Aaron’s staff. See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

לְ⁠כִנִּ֖ם

We do not know exactly what this word means. It is probably a tiny (as in dust-particle size) biting insect. You should choose a different insect here than in the next plague (8:21-8:31). (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 8:17

וַ⁠יֵּט֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן אֶת־יָד֤⁠וֹ בְ⁠מַטֵּ֨⁠הוּ֙ וַ⁠יַּךְ֙ אֶת־עֲפַ֣ר הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ

Again, this is one action or motion but it is described with the two verbs that occur throughout this section of plague judgment. See how you translated it in the previous verse.

יָד֤⁠וֹ בְ⁠מַטֵּ֨⁠הוּ֙

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

הַ⁠כִּנָּ֔ם …כִנִּ֖ים

Again, we do not know this term for certain, so see how you translated it in 8:16. (See: Translate Unknowns)

בָּ⁠אָדָ֖ם

This includes women and children. Alternate translation: “people” or “mankind” or “humans” See UST. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

כָּל־עֲפַ֥ר הָ⁠אָ֛רֶץ …בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

This extraordinary statement is used to emphasize the extent and severity of the plague. (See: Hyperbole)

Exodus 8:18

הַ⁠חַרְטֻמִּ֧ים בְּ⁠לָטֵי⁠הֶ֛ם

See how you translated these in 7:11. (See: Translate Unknowns)

הַ⁠כִּנִּ֖ים …הַ⁠כִּנָּ֔ם

See how you translated this term in 8:16. (See: Translate Unknowns)

בָּ⁠אָדָ֖ם

This includes women and children. Alternate translation: “people” or “mankind” or “humans” See UST. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Exodus 8:19

הַֽ⁠חַרְטֻמִּים֙

See how you translated this term in 7:11. (See: Translate Unknowns)

אֶצְבַּ֥ע אֱלֹהִ֖ים הִ֑וא

The words “finger of God” represent the power of God. Alternate translation: “This is the powerful work of God” (See: Synecdoche)

וַ⁠יֶּחֱזַ֤ק לֵב־פַּרְעֹה֙

Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in Exodus 7:13. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: Metaphor)

אֲלֵ⁠הֶ֔ם

It is possible that them refers to the magicians here. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה

Some languages will need to place this before the thing that Yahweh predicted, as in the UST.

Exodus 8:20

וְ⁠הִתְיַצֵּב֙ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה

“and present yourself to Pharaoh”

וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the beginning of the fourth plague sequence. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה

Here, face figuratively means the presence of a person. (See: Metonymy)

הִנֵּ֖ה

This is used to draw attention to important information that is next. In some languages and translation styles it will make the most sense to omit this, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully”

כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה

This phrase opens a direct quote which continues until the end of verse 23. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. However, you may also consider making the opening portion an indirect quote so that you do not have a quote inside of a quote for the next verses. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh says” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה

This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See 4:intro for more information.

שַׁלַּ֥ח

This phrase opens a second-level direct quote which continues until the end of verse 23, unless you made thus says Yahweh an indirect quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וְ⁠יַֽעַבְדֻֽ⁠נִי

This is the purpose of the people being let go. Alternate translation: “so they can serve me” (See: Connect – Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Exodus 8:21

הִנְ⁠נִי֩

This is used to draw attention to important information that is next. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully”

הֶ⁠עָרֹ֑ב…הֶ֣⁠עָרֹ֔ב

This is a collective singular noun that refers to a great number of swarming, biting insects. Alternate translation: “swarms of flies” (See: INVALID translate/translate-collectivenouns)

הֶ⁠עָרֹ֑ב…הֶ֣⁠עָרֹ֔ב

These are probably the large common flies that bother humans and livestock. (See: Translate Unknowns)

בְּ⁠ךָ֜ וּ⁠בַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֧י⁠ךָ וּֽ⁠בְ⁠עַמְּ⁠ךָ֛ וּ⁠בְ⁠בָתֶּ֖י⁠ךָ…בָּתֵּ֤י מִצְרַ֨יִם֙…וְ⁠גַ֥ם הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה

This long list means, “everywhere in Egypt.” It is presented in this way for rhetorical effect, that is, to convince Pharaoh of how bad this plague will be so he will obey. You should translate the list in such a way that the flies’ location is not limited to these specific places, but is understood to imply universality. (See: Merism

Exodus 8:22

לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֥י הֱיֽוֹת־שָׁ֖ם עָרֹ֑ב

This is the result of Yahweh treating the land of Goshen differently. Alternate translation: “by keeping the swarm from there” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

עָרֹ֑ב

This is a collective singular noun that refers to a great number of swarming, biting insects. See how you translated this in 8:21. Alternate translation: “swarms of flies” (See: INVALID translate/translate-collectivenouns)

עָרֹ֑ב

These are probably the large common flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in 8:21 (See: Translate Unknowns)

לְמַ֣עַן תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה בְּ⁠קֶ֥רֶב הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ

This is the goal of treating the Israelites differently. In some languages you may need to put this phrase the beginning of the verse. (See: Connect – Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה בְּ⁠קֶ֥רֶב הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ

Here, am could be connecting I and Yahweh or it could be connecting I, Yahweh and in the middle of the land. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am in the middle of the land”

Exodus 8:23

פְדֻ֔ת

This is a noun derived from a verb meaning “to buy back.” Very broadly it can mean “to save or rescue.” See the next note regarding textual variants for more information. (See: Abstract Nouns)

פְדֻ֔ת

Many translations follow the Septuagint here, which uses the word “division.” A minor change to the Hebrew would also produce the word translated “treat differently” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “a division” (See: Textual Variants)

עַמִּ֖⁠י

Yahweh’s people, that is, the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the Israelites”

עַמֶּ֑⁠ךָ

Pharaoh’s people, that is, the Egyptians. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians”

לְ⁠מָחָ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה הָ⁠אֹ֥ת הַ⁠זֶּֽה׃

After this phrase, the three levels of direct quotations of Yahweh that started in 8:20 ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with closing first-level, second-level, and third-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations. You may not have three levels if you made any level an indirect quote. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 8:24

וַ⁠יַּ֤עַשׂ יְהוָה֙ כֵּ֔ן

The UST supplies a brief sentence filling in the gap between Yahweh’s command to Moses and the onset of the plague. Some languages will need something like that to make the progression of events clear. Alternate translation: “Moses obeyed the instructions Yahweh gave him and Pharaoh responded as Yahweh had said he would. And Yahweh did so” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וַ⁠יַּ֤עַשׂ יְהוָה֙ כֵּ֔ן

There is a minor scene change here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

עָרֹ֣ב

There are probably the large common flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in 8:21 (See: Translate Unknowns)

וַ⁠יָּבֹא֙

Some languages may need to translate this as going rather than coming. Alternate translation: “and … went” (See: Go and Come)

בֵּ֥יתָ⁠ה פַרְעֹ֖ה וּ⁠בֵ֣ית עֲבָדָ֑י⁠ו

This means “to everyone everywhere” (in Egypt) as made explicit in the next statement. This makes clear that the insects were throughout the land. You should translate this in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: Merism)

תִּשָּׁחֵ֥ת הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ מִ⁠פְּנֵ֥י הֶ⁠עָרֹֽב

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The swarms of flies devastated the land” (See: Active or Passive)

מִ⁠פְּנֵ֥י הֶ⁠עָרֹֽב

Here, face figuratively represents the presence of the insects. Alternate translation: “because the insects were everywhere” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 8:25

וַ⁠יִּקְרָ֣א

This happened during the plague. (See: Connect – Simultaneous Time Relationship)

לְכ֛וּ זִבְח֥וּ לֵֽ⁠אלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם בָּ⁠אָֽרֶץ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לֵֽ⁠אלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם

Here, your is plural. it could refer either to Moses and Aaron or to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) if your team decides it means Moses and Aaron, otherwise use a plural form. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 8:26

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה

After this phrase a direct quote begins that continues until the end of 8:27. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת מִצְרַ֔יִם…תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת מִצְרַ֛יִם

We do not know what about their sacrificing was an abomination to the Egyptians. The same term is used in Genesis 43:32 and 46:34 to describe the Egyptians’ feelings about eating with Hebrews and about the Hebrew profession of shepherding, respectively. Translators should attempt to convey the strong negative feelings that would be provoked in the Egyptians without speculating as to the cause.

נִזְבַּ֖ח …אֱלֹהֵ֑י⁠נוּ …נִזְבַּ֞ח …יִסְקְלֻֽ⁠נוּ

Here, we, our, and us should all be translated as exclusive (if your language makes that distinction). Pharaoh and the Egyptians are not included. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִסְקְלֻֽ⁠נוּ

Moses asks this question to show Pharaoh that the Egyptians would not allow the Israelites to worship Yahweh by making a sacrifice repugnant to them. Alternate translation: “they will certainly stone us!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

לְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֖ם

This is a figurative way of saying “where they can see.” Alternate translation: “in their sight” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 8:27

נֵלֵ֖ךְ…וְ⁠זָבַ֨חְנוּ֙…אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ…אֵלֵֽי⁠נוּ

Here, we, our, and us should all be translated as exclusive (if your language makes that distinction). Pharaoh and his people are not included. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

אֵלֵֽי⁠נוּ

After this phrase, the direct quote of Moses’ argument to Pharaoh ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 8:28

אָנֹכִ֞י אֲשַׁלַּ֤ח אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ וּ⁠זְבַחְתֶּ֞ם לַ⁠יהוָ֤ה אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶם֙ בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֔ר רַ֛ק הַרְחֵ֥ק לֹא־תַרְחִ֖יקוּ לָ⁠לֶ֑כֶת הַעְתִּ֖ירוּ בַּעֲדִֽ⁠י

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ …אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶם֙ …תַרְחִ֖יקוּ

If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙

“the Israelites”

הַרְחֵ֥ק…תַרְחִ֖יקוּ

In Hebrew, far is repeated to emphasize (with not) that they are absolutely not to go too far. If your language does not use repeating words like this, express the emphasis in another way. (See: Idiom)

Exodus 8:29

הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֜י יוֹצֵ֤א מֵֽ⁠עִמָּ⁠ךְ֙ וְ⁠הַעְתַּרְתִּ֣י אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה וְ⁠סָ֣ר הֶ⁠עָרֹ֗ב מִ⁠פַּרְעֹ֛ה מֵ⁠עֲבָדָ֥י⁠ו וּ⁠מֵ⁠עַמּ֖⁠וֹ מָחָ֑ר רַ֗ק אַל־יֹסֵ֤ף פַּרְעֹה֙ הָתֵ֔ל לְ⁠בִלְתִּי֙ שַׁלַּ֣ח אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֔ם לִ⁠זְבֹּ֖חַ לַֽ⁠יהוָֽה

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

הִנֵּ֨ה

This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation. Alternate translation: “Know this”

הֶ⁠עָרֹ֗ב

These are probably the large common flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in 8:21 (See: Translate Unknowns)

מִ⁠פַּרְעֹ֛ה …פַּרְעֹה֙

Moses may be using the third person to refer to Pharaoh to show respect, because the king appears to be relenting. If use of the third person is not a way of showing respect in your culture or is not a valid way of addressing an individual at all, you may need to change the form. Alternate translation: “from you ... you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

מִ⁠פַּרְעֹ֛ה מֵ⁠עֲבָדָ֥י⁠ו וּ⁠מֵ⁠עַמּ֖⁠וֹ

This list means “from everywhere and everyone” (in Egypt). This shows that the end of the plague will be as complete as its extent. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: Merism)

אַל־יֹסֵ֤ף פַּרְעֹה֙ הָתֵ֔ל לְ⁠בִלְתִּי֙ שַׁלַּ֣ח אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֔ם

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you must begin to deal truthfully with us and let our people go” (See: Double Negatives)

רַ֗ק אַל־יֹסֵ֤ף פַּרְעֹה֙ הָתֵ֔ל

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

Exodus 8:30

וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֥א מֹשֶׁ֖ה

There is a minor scene shift here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Exodus 8:31

הֶ⁠עָרֹ֔ב

These are probably the large common flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in 8:21 (See: Translate Unknowns)

מִ⁠פַּרְעֹ֖ה מֵ⁠עֲבָדָ֣י⁠ו וּ⁠מֵ⁠עַמּ֑⁠וֹ

This list means “from everyone and everywhere” (in Egypt). This makes clear that there was a complete end of the plague. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: Merism)

לֹ֥א נִשְׁאַ֖ר אֶחָֽד

This extreme statement emphasizes how thoroughly Yahweh removed the insects from the land. Alternate translation: “There was not a single one of these insects left in the whole land” (See: Hyperbole)

Exodus 8:32

וַ⁠יַּכְבֵּ֤ד פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶת־לִבּ֔⁠וֹ

Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he made his own heart heavy. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in 8:15. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh determined to be defiant” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 9

Exodus 09 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh’s hard heart

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

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

Exodus 9:1

וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the beginning of the fifth plague sequence. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of 9:4 and contains two more levels of quotes. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

אֵלָ֗י⁠ו

After this phrase, a second-level direct quote begins which continues to the end of 9:4 and contains one more level of quotes. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וְ⁠דִבַּרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗י⁠ו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽ⁠עִבְרִ֔ים

You may want to translate the quote beginning with Thus says Yahweh as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the levels of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “and say to him that Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙

This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See 4:intro for more information.

עַמִּ֖⁠י

“the Israelites”

Exodus 9:2

כִּ֛י אִם־מָאֵ֥ן אַתָּ֖ה לְ⁠שַׁלֵּ֑חַ וְ⁠עוֹדְ⁠ךָ֖ מַחֲזִ֥יק בָּֽ⁠ם

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “If you continue refusing to let them go” (See: Parallelism)

Exodus 9:3

הִנֵּ֨ה

This is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Alternate translation: “look out”

יַד־יְהוָ֜ה הוֹיָ֗ה בְּ⁠מִקְנְ⁠ךָ֙

Here, hand represents Yahweh’s power to afflict their animals with disease. Alternate translation: “Then the power of Yahweh will afflict your livestock” (See: Metonymy)

יַד־יְהוָ֜ה

This is part of the reported speech that Yahweh wants Moses to say to Pharaoh. Therefore, you could change the third person the hand of Yahweh to first person if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “My hand” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

בְּ⁠מִקְנְ⁠ךָ֙

While the word your here is not plural, the next verse shows that it refers to all the people of Egypt who owned cattle. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, you may want to use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

בַּ⁠סּוּסִ֤ים בַּֽ⁠חֲמֹרִים֙ בַּ⁠גְּמַלִּ֔ים בַּ⁠בָּקָ֖ר וּ⁠בַ⁠צֹּ֑אן

This long list is meant to reinforce the universal effects of the coming plague. It is presented in this way for rhetorical effect, that is, to convince Pharaoh of how bad this plague will be so he will obey. You should translate the list in such a way that it is not limiting, but is understood to imply universality. (See: Merism

בַּ⁠בָּקָ֖ר …וּ⁠בַ⁠צֹּ֑אן

These (cattle and flock) are collective singular nouns which refer to groups of animals. Alternate translation: “on your bulls and cows and on your sheep and goats” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

כָּבֵ֥ד

Here, the plague is spoken of as if it weighed a lot. This means it would be very bad. Alternate translation: “severe” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 9:4

יְהוָ֔ה

This is part of the reported speech that Yahweh wants Moses to say to Pharaoh. Therefore you could change the third person Yahweh to first person if it would be clearer in your language. You should do the same as you did in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “I” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

מִקְנֵ֣ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל…מִקְנֵ֣ה מִצְרָ֑יִם

This means the livestock owned by the two groups. Alternate translation: “the livestock that the Israelites own… the livestock that the Egyptians own” or “the livestock belonging to the Israelites ... the livestock belonging to the Egyptians” (See: Possession)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

Here, Israel refers to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people” (See: Metonymy)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

Here, Israel is used as a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

מִקְנֵ֣ה מִצְרָ֑יִם

Here, Egypt refers to the Egyptians. Alternate translation: “the livestock of the Egyptian people” (See: Metonymy)

דָּבָֽר

“animal”

מִ⁠כָּל־לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

“which belongs to any of the sons of Israel”

וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָמ֛וּת מִ⁠כָּל־לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל דָּבָֽר

After this phrase, the three levels of direct quotes of Yahweh ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with closing quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of levels of quotations. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 9:5

וַ⁠יָּ֥שֶׂם יְהוָ֖ה מוֹעֵ֣ד

“And Yahweh made an appointed time”

לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר

This marks the beginning of a direct quotation. It can be omitted in translation if your language does not use a similar form. However, in this sentence it is the only verb related to speech, so you may need to translate it similarly to the way the UST does. .

מָחָ֗ר יַעֲשֶׂ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה הַ⁠דָּבָ֥ר הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה בָּ⁠אָֽרֶץ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

יְהוָ֛ה

Yahweh is speaking here. Therefore you could change the third person Yahweh to first person if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh,” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Exodus 9:6

וַ⁠יַּ֨עַשׂ יְהוָ֜ה

It is implied that Moses went and spoke to Pharaoh as directed. You may need to make that explicit in your translation in some languages. Alternate translation: “Moses did as Yahweh had commanded. And Yahweh did” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

כֹּ֖ל מִקְנֵ֣ה

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

מִקְנֵ֣ה מִצְרָ֑יִם…וּ⁠מִ⁠מִּקְנֵ֥ה בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

This means the livestock owned by the two groups. Alternate translation: “the livestock that the Egyptians owned … But from the livestock that the Israelites owned” or “the livestock belonging to the Egyptians ... But from the livestock belonging to the Israelites” (See: Possession)

מִצְרָ֑יִם

Here, Egypt refers to the Egyptians. Alternate translation: “the Egyptian peoples’” (See: Metonymy)

בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

Here, sons figuratively means descendants. The phrase speaks of all of the Israelites as descendants of the patriarch Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Alternate translation: “the Israelite peoples’” (See: Metonymy)

וּ⁠מִ⁠מִּקְנֵ֥ה בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֹא־מֵ֥ת אֶחָֽד

This emphatic negative statement could be stated positively. Alternate translation: “But every single one of the Israelites’ livestock lived” (See: Litotes)

Exodus 9:7

וְ⁠הִנֵּ֗ה

Behold is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Alternate translation: “and listen”

לֹא־מֵ֛ת מִ⁠מִּקְנֵ֥ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עַד־אֶחָ֑ד

This emphatic negative statement could be stated positively. Alternate translation: “every single one of the Israelites’ livestock was alive” (See: Litotes)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

Here, Israel refers to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “of the Israelites” (See: Metonymy)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

Here, Israel is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

וַ⁠יִּכְבַּד֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה

Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were heavy. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). See how you translated this in Exodus 7:14. Alternate translation: “But Pharaoh was defiant” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 9:8

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the start of the sixth plague scene.(See: Introduction of a New Event)

אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹן֒

After this phrase a direct quote begins. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לָ⁠כֶם֙…חָפְנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם

You and your refer to both Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use dual form (if you have one) or plural forms (if not) here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

קְח֤וּ לָ⁠כֶם֙ מְלֹ֣א חָפְנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם

“Each of you fill both your hands with”

פִּ֖יחַ כִּבְשָׁ֑ן

“ash from a furnace” or “ash produced by a furnace”

פִּ֖יחַ

Here, ash is singular. For some languages you may need to make it plural as in the UST. (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יְמָ⁠ה

“toward the sky”

לְ⁠עֵינֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה

This means in his sight. Alternate translation: “in the sight of Pharaoh” or “so Pharaoh sees it” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 9:9

לִ⁠שְׁחִ֥ין פֹּרֵ֛חַ אֲבַעְבֻּעֹ֖ת

This is a condition where the skin is red and hot, the skin breaks, and blood and puss come out. (See: Translate Unknowns)

הָ⁠אָדָ֜ם

This includes women and children. Alternate translation: “people” or “mankind” or “humans” See UST. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֗ה

“wild and domestic animals” or “wild animals and livestock”

Exodus 9:10

פִּ֣יחַ

Here, ash is singular. For some languages you may need to make it plural as in the UST. See how you translated this in the previous verse. (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

פִּ֣יחַ הַ⁠כִּבְשָׁ֗ן

“ash from a furnace” or “ash produced by a furnace” See how you translated this in the previous verse.

וַ⁠יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה

Here, before the face of means in Pharaoh’s presence. Alternate translation: “and stood in Pharaoh’s presence” See how you translated a similar statement in the previous verse. (See: Metonymy)

הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יְמָ⁠ה

“toward the sky” See how you translated this in the previous verse.

שְׁחִין֙ אֲבַעְבֻּעֹ֔ת פֹּרֵ֕חַ

This is a condition where the skin is red and hot, the skin breaks, and blood and puss come out. See how you translated this in the previous verse. (See: Translate Unknowns)

בָּ⁠אָדָ֖ם

This includes women and children. See how you translated this in the previous verse. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

וּ⁠בַ⁠בְּהֵמָֽה

“and on wild and domestic animals” or “and on wild animals and livestock” See how you translated this in the previous verse.

Exodus 9:11

הַֽ⁠חַרְטֻמִּ֗ים …בַּֽ⁠חֲרְטֻמִּ֖ם

See how you translated magicians in 7:11.

לַ⁠עֲמֹ֛ד לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י מֹשֶׁ֖ה

Here, before the face of means in Moses’ presence. Alternate translation: “to stand in Moses’ presence” (See: Metonymy)

מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠שְּׁחִ֑ין

Here, the face of means the existence of or perhaps pain from the boils. Alternate translation: “because of the boils” (See: Metaphor)

הַ⁠שְּׁחִ֑ין…הַ⁠שְּׁחִ֔ין

This is a condition where the skin is red and hot, the skin breaks, and blood and puss comes out. See how you translated this in 9:9. However, this time only boils is used, without the description (“bursting blisters”) that is in the previous two verses. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 9:12

וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֤ק יְהוָה֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה

This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in 4:21. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 9:13

וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the beginning of the seventh plague sequence. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה

After this phrase a direct quote begins that continues until the end of 9:19. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וְ⁠הִתְיַצֵּ֖ב לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה

Here, before the face of means in Pharaoh’s presence. Alternate translation: “and stand in Pharaoh’s presence” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗י⁠ו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽ⁠עִבְרִ֔ים

After and say to him, a second-level quote begins which continues until the end of 9:19. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. However, it may be useful to translate this short quote frame as an indirect quotation as the UST does. (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙

This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See 4:intro for more information.

שַׁלַּ֥ח

Let is the first word of a third-level direct quote which continues until the end of 9:19. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening third-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a third-level quotation. If you chose to make the second level an indirect quote, this may only be a second-level quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 9:14

כִּ֣י

Here, For means something like “I am warning you that unless you do this.” Alternate translation: “Otherwise,” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

אֲנִ֨י שֹׁלֵ֜חַ אֶת־כָּל־מַגֵּפֹתַ⁠י֙ אֶֽל־לִבְּ⁠ךָ֔

Here, to your heart is a synecdoche that means that even Pharaoh will be hurt by the plagues. Alternate translation: “I am about to send all my plagues against you personally” (See: Synecdoche)

Exodus 9:15

כִּ֤י עַתָּה֙ שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי אֶת־יָדִ֔⁠י וָ⁠אַ֥ךְ אוֹתְ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠אֶֽת־עַמְּ⁠ךָ֖ בַּ⁠דָּ֑בֶר וַ⁠תִּכָּחֵ֖ד מִן־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ

This verse presents two things that God could have done but did not do to the Egyptians. This is to set up the reason he gives in the next verse. Be sure that it is clear in your translation that these are hypothetical past events. See the note regarding Yahweh’s stated goals in the next verse. Some languages may need to reverse the order of these verses to put Yahweh’s goals before his non-action. (See: Connect – Contrary to Fact Conditions)

שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי אֶת־יָדִ֔⁠י וָ⁠אַ֥ךְ אוֹתְ⁠ךָ֛

Here, my hand refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “I could have used my power to attack you” (See: Metonymy)

וָ⁠אַ֥ךְ אוֹתְ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠אֶֽת־עַמְּ⁠ךָ֖ בַּ⁠דָּ֑בֶר

Here, a plague is spoken about as if it were something that could be used to hit someone. Alternate translation: “and caused you and your people to suffer from a plague” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 9:16

וְ⁠אוּלָ֗ם בַּ⁠עֲב֥וּר זֹאת֙ הֶעֱמַדְתִּ֔י⁠ךָ בַּ⁠עֲב֖וּר הַרְאֹתְ⁠ךָ֣ אֶת־כֹּחִ֑⁠י וּ⁠לְמַ֛עַן סַפֵּ֥ר שְׁמִ֖⁠י בְּ⁠כָל־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ׃

The statements from to show to the end of the verse are Yahweh’s stated goals, and thus, his reasons for not yet destroying Egypt and Pharaoh. You will need to translate, However, for this reason I appointed you: in order in a way that connects with the previous verse in an action-goal manner. (See: Connect – Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

וּ⁠לְמַ֛עַן סַפֵּ֥ר שְׁמִ֖⁠י בְּ⁠כָל־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ

Here, my name represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “and so that people everywhere will know who I am” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 9:17

עוֹדְ⁠ךָ֖ מִסְתּוֹלֵ֣ל בְּ⁠עַמִּ֑⁠י

Pharaoh’s opposition to letting the Israelites go to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if he were raising himself up as a barrier to them. Alternate translation: “You are still blocking my people” (See: Metaphor)

מִסְתּוֹלֵ֣ל

Here, Pharaoh fills two different roles in the sentence. Different languages have different methods of marking this. Translate this in a way that conveys that Pharaoh is making Pharaoh (himself) proud (metaphorically expressed as Pharaoh making Pharaoh (himself) the obstacle in the Israelites’ way to freedom as discussed in the previous note.) (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

מִסְתּוֹלֵ֣ל

Here, you is Pharaoh.

בְּ⁠עַמִּ֑⁠י

Here, my people are the Israelites.

Exodus 9:18

הִנְ⁠נִ֤י

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

כָּ⁠עֵ֣ת…אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹא־הָיָ֤ה כָמֹ֨⁠הוּ֙

“at this time. There has never been anything like this”

Exodus 9:19

שְׁלַ֤ח הָעֵז֙ אֶֽת־מִקְנְ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠ךָ֖ בַּ⁠שָּׂדֶ֑ה

The form of address here is singular; Moses is speaking directly to Pharaoh. However, the next two verses make it clear that Pharaoh’s servants heard and understood this warning to be for them as well. In this sense Pharaoh represents the Egyptians. (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠יָרַ֧ד עֲלֵ⁠הֶ֛ם הַ⁠בָּרָ֖ד

“the hail will come down on”

כָּל־הָ⁠אָדָ֨ם

Here, man means humans and includes men, women, and children. Alternate translation: “everyone” or “anyone” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

וְ⁠הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֜ה

This includes domestic and wild animals.

וָ⁠מֵֽתוּ

The people and animals will die because they are hurt fatally by the hail. You may need to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “and the hail will kill them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וָ⁠מֵֽתוּ

Up to three levels of direct quotation (depending on your earlier decision about converting a level to an indirect quotation) end at the end of this verse. You should indicate that ending here with closing first-level, second-level, and third-level (if required) quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations within quotations. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 9:20

הַ⁠יָּרֵא֙

As in some other occasions, Moses’ conversation with Pharaoh is not recorded. You may need to make explicit the fact that he did as Yahweh instructed. See UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

הַ⁠יָּרֵא֙ אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה מֵֽ⁠עַבְדֵ֖י פַּרְעֹ֑ה

“Those of Pharaoh’s servants who feared Yahweh’s warning”

Exodus 9:21

וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־שָׂ֛ם לִבּ֖⁠וֹ אֶל

Here, set his heart means he believed or thought something was true. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. Alternate translation: “but whoever did not respect” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 9:22

וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה

A minor scene shift occurs here and may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֙

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

הָ⁠אָדָ֣ם

This includes women and children. See UST. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֗ה

This includes domestic and wild animals.

Exodus 9:23

מַטֵּ⁠הוּ֮

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

Exodus 9:25

מֵ⁠אָדָ֖ם וְ⁠עַד־בְּהֵמָ֑ה

This is a figure of speech used to emphasize the extent and severity of the hail. Alternate translation: “every living thing” (See: Merism)

מֵ⁠אָדָ֖ם

This includes women and children. Alternate translation: “from people” or “from mankind” or “from humans” See UST. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

בְּהֵמָ֑ה

This includes domestic and wild animals.

Exodus 9:27

וַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֣ח פַּרְעֹ֗ה

A minor scene shift occurs here and may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

חָטָ֣אתִי

Some commentators suggest translating sinned more literally, that is “missed the mark,” because Pharaoh is probably not admitting a moral failure, but instead, admitting that he misjudged.

הַ⁠צַּדִּ֔יק…הָ⁠רְשָׁעִֽים

Many commentators suggest that Pharaoh is using these terms in a narrow, legal sense and only referring to this instance. That is, he is saying something like “I’ve lost this round in court.” See UST.

וְ⁠עַמִּ֖⁠י

My people refers to the Egyptians.

Exodus 9:28

וְ⁠לֹ֥א תֹסִפ֖וּ⁠ן לַ⁠עֲמֹֽד

This negative statement strengthens the force of Pharaoh’s statement that he will let the people go. (See: Litotes)

Exodus 9:29

וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָי⁠ו֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה

“And Moses said to Pharaoh”

אֶפְרֹ֥שׂ אֶת־כַּפַּ֖⁠י אֶל־יְהוָ֑ה

This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. Alternate translation: “I will pray to Yahweh” (See: Symbolic Action)

Exodus 9:30

וְ⁠אַתָּ֖ה וַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֑י⁠ךָ

This phrase is shifted to the beginning of the sentence to mark focus on Pharaoh and his servants because, despite Yahweh demonstrating his power, they are not yet afraid of him. If your language has a form or discourse feature that draws contrastive focus to participants, use it here. (See: Connect – Contrary to Fact Conditions)

מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה

Here, face means presence or power. Alternate translation: “of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 9:31

וְ⁠הַ⁠פִּשְׁתָּ֥ה…וְ⁠הַ⁠פִּשְׁתָּ֖ה

Flax is a plant that produces fibers that can be made into linen cloth. (See: Translate Unknowns)

אָבִ֔יב

This means the seeds at the top of the stalk were developing but still green. (See: Translate Unknowns)

גִּבְעֹֽל

“was flowering”

Exodus 9:32

וְ⁠הַ⁠כֻּסֶּ֖מֶת

Spelt is a kind of wheat. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 9:33

וַ⁠יִּפְרֹ֥שׂ כַּפָּ֖י⁠ו אֶל־יְהוָ֑ה

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

Exodus 9:34

וַ⁠יַּכְבֵּ֥ד לִבּ֖⁠וֹ

Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he made his own heart heavy. This time his servants do the same. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in 8:15. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh determined to be defiant” (See: Metaphor)

וַ⁠יֹּ֣סֶף לַ⁠חֲטֹ֑א

This statement is from the author’s perspective. Therefore, unlike in 9:27, sin should be translated with the word your language uses for “sin.”

וַ⁠יַּכְבֵּ֥ד לִבּ֖⁠וֹ ה֥וּא וַ⁠עֲבָדָֽי⁠ו

“and he caused his heart to be heavy. His servants did also” or “and he caused his heart to be heavy. His servants did the same”

Exodus 9:35

וַֽ⁠יֶּחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה

Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in Exodus 7:13. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: Metaphor)

כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה בְּ⁠יַד־מֹשֶֽׁה

This is similar to 9:12. In this case, what Yahweh said is figuratively spoken of as if it were something that could be held in someone’s hand. This means that Moses delivered a message from Yahweh that Pharaoh would be stubborn. It is not clear if this message was given to the Israelites or if this refers to Moses’ statement to Pharaoh in 9:30. (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 10

Exodus 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh’s hard heart

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Let my people go

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

Exodus 10:1

כִּֽי־אֲנִ֞י הִכְבַּ֤דְתִּי אֶת־לִבּ⁠וֹ֙ וְ⁠אֶת־לֵ֣ב עֲבָדָ֔י⁠ו

This means God made Pharaoh and his servants stubborn. Their stubborn attitude is spoken of as if their hearts were heavy. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in 4:21, but note that the metaphor is slightly different here. Alternate translation: “for I have caused Pharaoh and his servants to be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 10:2

הִתְעַלַּ֨לְתִּי֙ בְּ⁠מִצְרַ֔יִם

“I mocked Egypt”

Exodus 10:3

וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗י⁠ו

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until near the end of 10:6. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗י⁠ו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽ⁠עִבְרִ֔ים

It may be helpful to turn the introductory quotation into an indirect quotation so that you do not have to use quotes within quotes. Alternate translation: “and told him that Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, said thus” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙

This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See 4:intro for more information.

עַד־מָתַ֣י מֵאַ֔נְתָּ לֵ⁠עָנֹ֖ת מִ⁠פָּנָ֑⁠י

Here, face figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. Particularly, it means the presence of his judgment (the plagues). Alternate translation: “Until when will you refuse to be humble when I judge you” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 10:4

הִנְ⁠נִ֨י

Behold me adds emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: “beware”

אַרְבֶּ֖ה

Locust is a singular noun referring to the group as one. Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

Exodus 10:5

וְ⁠כִסָּה֙ אֶת־עֵ֣ין הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ וְ⁠לֹ֥א יוּכַ֖ל לִ⁠רְאֹ֣ת אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ

These parallel statements have a similar meaning. They are used to emphasize the great number of locusts that are coming. In some languages this will not have the same rhetorical effect, and you will need to use another device to emphasize the statement. (See: Parallelism)

וְ⁠כִסָּה֙ אֶת־עֵ֣ין הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ

“And it will cover the land from sight”

וְ⁠כִסָּה֙…וְ⁠אָכַ֣ל…וְ⁠אָכַל֙

Here the pronoun it agrees in number with the collective singular “locust” in the previous verse. Insects are often referred to without gender in English, but you will need to use whatever number, gender, and/or noun class is required in your language to agree with the word for “locust” that you used in the previous verse. See UST. (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

Exodus 10:6

עַל־הָ֣⁠אֲדָמָ֔ה

This could either mean on the earth (planet) or “on the land” (Egypt). Either way, it is meant to emphasize an extremely long time, meaning never. (See: Hyperbole)

וַ⁠יִּ֥פֶן

Verse 3 says that Aaron came in to see the king with Moses. It is implied that he left with him as well. You may make this explicit if it would help your readers. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 10:7

עַד־מָתַי֙ יִהְיֶ֨ה זֶ֥ה לָ֨⁠נוּ֙ לְ⁠מוֹקֵ֔שׁ

Pharaoh’s servants ask this question to show Pharaoh that he is stubbornly causing the destruction of Egypt. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We cannot allow this man to continue to bring trouble to us!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

הָ֣⁠אֲנָשִׁ֔ים

Here, men may be literal or it may refer to the Israelites, including the women and children. In verse 10 the king rejects the idea of letting the women and children go, and in verse 11 he specifically says that the men can go. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

הֲ⁠טֶ֣רֶם תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֥י אָבְדָ֖ה מִצְרָֽיִם

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

כִּ֥י אָבְדָ֖ה מִצְרָֽיִם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that these plagues have destroyed Egypt” or “that their God has destroyed Egypt” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 10:8

וַ⁠יּוּשַׁ֞ב אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְ⁠אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And a servant brought Moses and Aaron back to Pharaoh” (See: Active or Passive)

מִ֥י וָ⁠מִ֖י

“Who all”

Exodus 10:9

נֵלֵ֑ךְ…נֵלֵ֔ךְ

We means the Israelites and does not include Pharaoh or the Egyptians. Use an exclusive form here if your language has this distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Exodus 10:10

יְהִ֨י כֵ֤ן יְהוָה֙ עִמָּ⁠כֶ֔ם כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠אֶֽת־טַפְּ⁠כֶ֑ם

May Yahweh be with you is usually a blessing but is almost certainly not here. It likely means something like “It will take Yahweh’s power to make me let you and your children go,” or “May Yahweh be as favorable to you as I am to the idea of letting your children go.” Pharaoh is saying that it will take Yahweh to make him do what Moses wants, but he does not think that will happen. Alternate translation: “It will be clear that Yahweh is with you if I let you and your children go”

רְא֕וּ כִּ֥י רָעָ֖ה נֶ֥גֶד פְּנֵי⁠כֶֽם

The phrase for evil is before your faces could either be a warning from Pharaoh that Moses’ actions will lead to evil for the Israelites, or it could mean that Pharaoh thinks the Israelites plan something that he considers evil. Faces is a metonym for the whole person. Alternate translations: “I see that you plan evil” or “Be careful! Your actions will have bad consequences” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 10:11

הַ⁠גְּבָרִים֙

This interjection clarifies who may go. Alternate translation: “the leaders”

מֵ⁠אֵ֖ת פְּנֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה

Here, face figuratively represents the presence of Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “from his presence” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 10:12

וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה

There is a minor scene change here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

יָדְ⁠ךָ֜

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

בָּֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה

Locust is a singular noun referring to the group as one. See how you translated this in 10:4. Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

וְ⁠יַ֖עַל …וְ⁠יֹאכַל֙

Here, the pronoun it agrees in number with the collective singular “locust.” See how you translated this in 10:5 (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

Exodus 10:13

מַטֵּ⁠הוּ֮

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

ר֥וּחַ קָדִים֙

The wind blew from east to west.

הָ⁠אַרְבֶּֽה

See how you translated this in 10:4. Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

Exodus 10:14

הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֗ה …אַרְבֶּה֙

See how you translated this in 10:4. Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

Exodus 10:15

וַ⁠יְכַ֞ס …וַ⁠יֹּ֜אכַל

Here the pronoun it agrees in number with the collective singular “locust.” See how you translated this in 10:5 (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

וַ⁠יְכַ֞ס אֶת־עֵ֣ין כָּל־הָ⁠אָרֶץ֮

See how you translated this in 10:5.

וַ⁠יֹּ֜אכַל אֶת־כָּל־עֵ֣שֶׂב הָ⁠אָ֗רֶץ וְ⁠אֵת֙ כָּל־פְּרִ֣י הָ⁠עֵ֔ץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹתִ֖יר הַ⁠בָּרָ֑ד וְ⁠לֹא־נוֹתַ֨ר כָּל־יֶ֧רֶק בָּ⁠עֵ֛ץ וּ⁠בְ⁠עֵ֥שֶׂב הַ⁠שָּׂדֶ֖ה בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

These parallel statements reinforce one another. (See: Parallelism)

Exodus 10:16

אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠לָ⁠כֶֽם

Here, you and your are plural. These could refer either to Moses and Aaron or to all the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 10:17

שָׂ֣א

“take away”

אַ֣ךְ הַ⁠פַּ֔עַם…רַ֖ק

Pharaoh could either be desperate and using just this once ... only to attempt to make his request as small as possible to increase the chances of it being granted, or he could be still too proud to admit guilt beyond this single incident (which is probably his bold statement about Yahweh being with the Israelites in 10:10). The former seems more likely given that he terms this plague “this death.” If your culture has a way of making a request seem as small as possible, you may want to use it to translate Pharaoh’s request.

אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֑ם

Here, your is plural. This could refer either to Moses and Aaron or to all the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

הַ⁠מָּ֥וֶת הַ⁠זֶּֽה

The word death here refers to the destruction by the locusts of all plants in Egypt, which would eventually lead to the deaths of people, because there would be no crops. (See: Metonymy)

הַ⁠מָּ֥וֶת הַ⁠זֶּֽה

The word death here refers to the destruction by the locusts of all plants in Egypt, which would eventually lead to the deaths of people because there would be no crops. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “this destruction that will lead to our deaths” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 10:18

וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֖א

Moses and Aaron were summoned to the king in 10:16 so some translations will need to say that they both left.

Exodus 10:19

רֽוּחַ־יָם֙ חָזָ֣ק מְאֹ֔ד

“a very strong west wind” or “a very strong wind from the west”

וַ⁠יִּשָּׂא֙ אֶת־הָ֣⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה

“and it moved the locusts upwards”

הָ֣⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה …אַרְבֶּ֣ה

See how you translated this in 10:4. Alternate translation: “the locusts … of the locusts” (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns)

וַ⁠יִּתְקָעֵ֖⁠הוּ

Here, the first it refers to the wind, the second agrees in number with the collective singular “locust.” See how you translated this in 10:5 (See: INVALID translate/figs-collectivenouns

Exodus 10:20

וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֥ק יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה

This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in 4:21. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 10:21

וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the start of the third plague sequence. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֙

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

מִצְרָ֑יִם וְ⁠יָמֵ֖שׁ חֹֽשֶׁךְ

This is a somewhat puzzling construction which describes the darkness. Most English translations take it as a passive, which restated actively means, “people will feel the darkness,” meaning metaphorically what is expressed in different ways in the UST and the alternate translation here. Another option is to view the Hebrew verb form as causative and translate as such: “and the darkness will cause people to feel,” meaning people will have to feel where they are going because they will not be able to see. A final option would be a personification of darkness such that the darkness gropes around, filling in every place in the land. Alternate translation: “Egypt — an extremely oppressive darkness” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 10:22

יָד֖⁠וֹ

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת

“for 3” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 10:23

לֹֽא־רָא֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶת־אָחִ֗י⁠ו

This phrase means that people could not see the people who lived closest to them, whether or not that person was literally their brother. Alternate translation: “No one could see the people who lived with them” (See: Metonymy)

אִ֣ישׁ …אִ֥ישׁ

Here, man refers to any human in general. Alternate translation: “person” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת

“for 3” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 10:24

לְכוּ֙ עִבְד֣וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֔ה רַ֛ק צֹאנְ⁠כֶ֥ם וּ⁠בְקַרְ⁠כֶ֖ם יֻצָּ֑ג גַּֽם־טַפְּ⁠כֶ֖ם יֵלֵ֥ךְ עִמָּ⁠כֶֽם

This is a direct quote of what the king said. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לְכוּ֙ עִבְד֣וּ … צֹאנְ⁠כֶ֥ם וּ⁠בְקַרְ⁠כֶ֖ם …טַפְּ⁠כֶ֖ם …עִמָּ⁠כֶֽם

Every instance of you and your, as well as the imperative verb forms in this verse, are plural. They refer to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 10:25

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of 10:26. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

גַּם־אַתָּ֛ה תִּתֵּ֥ן בְּ⁠יָדֵ֖⁠נוּ זְבָחִ֣ים וְ⁠עֹל֑וֹת

The construction here is difficult. Based on context, Moses is probably not saying that Pharaoh needs to provide his own animals to the Israelites. He is asking Pharaoh to let the Israelites take their own animals. Give in our hands means to take with them, by whatever means, which may include holding a rope in the hand to lead the animals or any other means of herding the animals. See UST. (See: Metonymy)

זְבָחִ֣ים וְ⁠עֹל֑וֹת

Here, sacrifices and burnt offerings refers to the animals of their flocks and herds that they must take. Alternate translation: “animals for sacrifices and burnt offerings” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠עָשִׂ֖ינוּ לַ⁠יהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ

Here, do means “do the sacrifices and burnt offerings.” Alternate translation: “and we will make those sacrifices and burnt offerings to Yahweh our God”

בְּ⁠יָדֵ֖⁠נוּ …וְ⁠עָשִׂ֖ינוּ …אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ

Here, we and us refers to the Israelites (same group as the speaker’s) while excluding Pharaoh and the Egyptians (listeners’ group). If your language distinguishes between forms of we and us based on who is included, be sure to use the one appropriate to the described group. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Exodus 10:26

מִקְנֵ֜⁠נוּ …עִמָּ֗⁠נוּ …נִקַּ֔ח …אֱלֹהֵ֑י⁠נוּ וַ⁠אֲנַ֣חְנוּ …נֵדַ֗ע …נַּעֲבֹד֙ …בֹּאֵ֖⁠נוּ

Here, we, our, and us each refers to the Israelites (same group as the speaker’s) while excluding Pharaoh and the Egyptians (listeners’ group). If your language distinguishes between forms of we, our, and us based on who is included, be sure to use the one appropriate to the described group. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

לֹ֤א תִשָּׁאֵר֙ פַּרְסָ֔ה

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “We cannot leave behind a single animal” (See: Active or Passive)

פַּרְסָ֔ה

Here the word hoof refers to the entire animal. Alternate translation: “a single animal” (See: Synecdoche)

שָֽׁמָּ⁠ה

The destination is unspecified. Previous context suggests it would be at the mountain of God (see 3:1, especially 3:12, and 4:27) which would take three days to travel to (see 3:18 and 5:3).

Exodus 10:27

וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֥ק יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה

This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in 4:21. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠לֹ֥א אָבָ֖ה לְ⁠שַׁלְּחָֽ⁠ם

“and Pharaoh would not consent to let them go”

Exodus 10:28

הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְ⁠ךָ֗

Here, the listener, Moses, fills two different roles in the sentence. He is the person told to look (subject) and he himself is what he is told to look at (object). Different languages have different methods of marking this. Alternate translation: “You watch yourself” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

תָּמֽוּת

Pharaoh means he will have Moses killed. You may choose to make this explicit as in the UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

פָּנַ֔⁠י …פָנַ֖⁠י

Here, face refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: see UST (See: Synecdoche)

Exodus 10:29

כֵּ֣ן דִּבַּ֑רְתָּ

With these words, Moses emphasizes that Pharaoh has spoken the truth. Alternate translation: “What you have said is true” (See: Idiom)

פָּנֶֽי⁠ךָ

Here, face refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you” (See: Synecdoche)

Exodus 11

Exodus 11 General Notes

Chapter 11 is a transition point in the book. The previous nine plagues (in their three sequences of three) have come to an end and the last plague, the death of the firstborn, is about to occur, along with the Passover and the Exodus itself. It is difficult to know if the events in chapter 11 all are recorded in the order in which they happened. For translation, you should follow the order of the text if it will not confuse your readers.

It may be helpful to think that after the end of chapter 10, Yahweh spoke to Moses immediately, before he actually left Pharaoh’s presence (v. 1-2). Verse 3 is a comment suggesting that the Egyptians will be willing to do as the Israelites are told to ask them to do in v. 2. In verses 4-7 Moses gives Pharaoh and his officials a message from Yahweh that Yahweh is giving to Moses right at that moment. At the end of v. 8 Moses leaves Pharaoh’s presence (completing the interaction from the end of ch. 10). Verse 9 may either be Yahweh telling Moses what is going to happen, or it could be part of the summary that occurs in v. 10. Verse 10 summarizes what has happened in chs. 5-10 (especially the plagues in chs. 7-10) in preparation for the great last plague.

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh’s hard heart

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

Let my people go

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

Exodus 11:1

אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of 11:2. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

כְּ⁠שַׁ֨לְּח֔⁠וֹ…יְגָרֵ֥שׁ

These verbs (lets go and drive away) are meant to immediately follow one another. When you translate, make sure they are almost simultaneous in time; the letting go happens and then immediately the driving away happens. (See: Connect – Sequential Time Relationship)

כָּלָ֕ה גָּרֵ֛שׁ יְגָרֵ֥שׁ

The wording here is very forceful. Use strong words, forms, or phrasing when you are translating.

אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם…אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם

Each occurrence of the word you in this verse is plural and refers to Moses and the rest of the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 11:2

דַּבֶּר־נָ֖א בְּ⁠אָזְנֵ֣י הָ⁠עָ֑ם וְ⁠יִשְׁאֲל֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ׀ מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת רֵעֵ֗⁠הוּ וְ⁠אִשָּׁה֙ מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת רְעוּתָ֔⁠הּ כְּלֵי־כֶ֖סֶף וּ⁠כְלֵ֥י זָהָֽב

In this verse the author interjects a comment about the situation. Some translations choose to put the verse in parenthesis to indicate this. You may mark it in a way that is natural to your language. (See: Aside)

נָ֖א

Here, now conveys urgency, indicating that Moses should speak soon, without delaying for other things. If you have a way of giving a command that shows that it is important for someone to do it quickly, it would be better to translate in that way than in a way that means “now” in a time sense (versus earlier or later).

בְּ⁠אָזְנֵ֣י הָ⁠עָ֑ם

“so the people hear you” or “when all the people are listening”

כְּלֵי־כֶ֖סֶף וּ⁠כְלֵ֥י זָהָֽב

These could be any sort of thing made from silver or gold (for instance: utensils, cups, pitchers, plates, candleholders), not just jewelry.

וְ⁠יִשְׁאֲל֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ׀ מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת רֵעֵ֗⁠הוּ וְ⁠אִשָּׁה֙ מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת רְעוּתָ֔⁠הּ כְּלֵי־כֶ֖סֶף וּ⁠כְלֵ֥י זָהָֽב

Exodus 3:22 contains similar instructions; see how you translated there.

זָהָֽב

At the end of this verse, the direct quote of Yahweh that started in the previous verse ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 11:3

חֵ֥ן הָ⁠עָ֖ם בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם

Here, in the eyes of the Egyptians is an idiom for the Egyptian’s feelings or opinion. Favor means those feelings are positive. Taken together, this means that when the Egyptians see the Israelites leaving Egypt, they will gladly help them. (Because the Egyptians have suffered under Gods judgment, the Egyptians want so badly to see them leave). If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. See how you translated this in 3:21. (See: Idiom)

בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י עַבְדֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה וּ⁠בְ⁠עֵינֵ֥י הָ⁠עָֽם

Here, in the eyes of the servants of Pharaoh and in the eyes of the people is an idiom for their feelings or opinions. If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. See how you translated a similar idiom in 3:21. (See: Idiom)

וַ⁠יִּתֵּ֧ן יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָ⁠עָ֖ם בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם

Exodus 3:21 contains a related phrase; see how you translated it there.

Exodus 11:4

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of 11:8. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

כֹּ֖ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה

This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See 4:intro for more information.

כֹּ֖ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה

After this phrase, a second-level direct quote begins which continues until the end of 11:7. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 11:5

בְּכוֹר֮ …מִ⁠בְּכ֤וֹר …בְּכ֣וֹר …בְּכ֥וֹר

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

מִ⁠בְּכ֤וֹר פַּרְעֹה֙ הַ⁠יֹּשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַ⁠שִּׁפְחָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַחַ֣ר הָ⁠רֵחָ֑יִם וְ⁠כֹ֖ל בְּכ֥וֹר בְּהֵמָֽה

This is a merism. First, two extremes are mentioned: the highest of society (Pharaoh, who sits on his throne) and the lowest (the slave girl who is behind the mill). Then the animals (beasts) are added making it a three- item list of parts of society and even economy to show the totality of the coming judgment. (See: Merism)

אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַחַ֣ר הָ⁠רֵחָ֑יִם

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

Exodus 11:6

אֲשֶׁ֤ר כָּמֹ֨⁠הוּ֙ לֹ֣א נִהְיָ֔תָה וְ⁠כָמֹ֖⁠הוּ לֹ֥א תֹסִֽף

This is a merism that uses the extremes of past and future to emphasize the concept of “never.” Alternate translation: “such as has never been and never will be” (See: Merism)

Exodus 11:7

לֹ֤א יֶֽחֱרַץ…לְשֹׁנ֔⁠וֹ

This means make an unfriendly noise. Alternate translation: “will not growl” (See: Idiom)

תֵּֽדְע֔וּ⁠ן

Here, you is plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

אֲשֶׁר֙ יַפְלֶ֣ה יְהוָ֔ה בֵּ֥ין מִצְרַ֖יִם וּ⁠בֵ֥ין יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 9:4.

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

After this phrase, the second-level direct quote ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 11:8

וְ⁠הִשְׁתַּֽחֲוּוּ־לִ֣⁠י

This does not mean to bow for worshiping. They will bow to Moses to beg him to leave. They will do this to show how desperate they will be for Moses and the Israelites to go. (See: Symbolic Action)

וְ⁠הִשְׁתַּֽחֲוּוּ־לִ֣⁠י

They will bow to Moses to beg him to leave. They will do this to show how desperate they will be for Moses and the Israelites to go. If this action would not mean the same thing in your culture, you may need to make the reason they are bowing explicit. Alternate translation: “and they will bow down to me to beg” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עָ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־בְּ⁠רַגְלֶ֔י⁠ךָ

Here, the people are figuratively pictured as below Moses, as his followers. The reference to feet also can mean they go the same place he goes, again, meaning “follower.” If your language uses a similar image to mean follower, you can translate the image; if not, you may use another image from your culture or translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “and all the people who are following you” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠אַחֲרֵי־כֵ֖ן אֵצֵ֑א

This means that Moses and the Israelites will leave Egypt. Alternate translation: “After that I will leave here” or “After that I will go out from Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

אֵצֵ֑א

After this phrase, the direct quote ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

בָּ⁠חֳרִי־אָֽף

This is an idiom meaning that Moses is angry. Alternate translation: “enraged” (See: Idiom)

Exodus 11:9

לֹא־יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם פַּרְעֹ֑ה לְמַ֛עַן רְב֥וֹת מוֹפְתַ֖⁠י בְּ⁠אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 11:10

וּ⁠מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֗ן עָשׂ֛וּ אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠מֹּפְתִ֥ים הָ⁠אֵ֖לֶּה לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֤ק יְהוָה֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְ⁠לֹֽא־שִׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ

This verse is summarizing and wrapping up the story of the plagues. If your language has a way of summarizing information at the end of a story, try to translate this verse (and possibly verse 9 - see the the introductory notes to this chapter) in this way. (See: End of Story)

וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֤ק יְהוָה֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה

This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in 4:21. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 12

Exodus 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter are known as the Passover. They are remembered in the celebration of Passover. (See: Passover) 1. Instruction v. 1-28 - v. 1-20: Yahweh gives instructions - v. 1-11: how to eat this Passover - v. 12-13: description of the plague - v. 14-20: directions for future celebration of Passover - v. 21-28: Moses repeats Yahweh’s instructions to Israelites 2. Narrative v. 29-42: Passover and Exodus 3. Instruction v. 43-49: which foreigners may eat Passover 4. Summary Narrative v. 50-51

Special concepts in this chapter

Unleavened bread

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

Ethnic segregation

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

Potential translation issues:

Passover
Pronoun usage

In the long quotation (verses 3-20) that Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron to convey to the Israelites, he speaks of them in the third person (“they must”) in verses 3–4 and verses 7–8 and to them in the second person (“you must”) for all the rest of the instruction. Some languages may need to keep the pronoun person consistent throughout the quotation.

You plural

In this chapter, almost every occurrence of “you” or “your” is plural. Each one refers to all the Israelites. Those that are not will be marked. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form throughout unless otherwise noted. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 12:2

הַ⁠חֹ֧דֶשׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֛ה לָ⁠כֶ֖ם רֹ֣אשׁ חֳדָשִׁ֑ים

The start of this verse is the beginning of a direct quote which continues until the end of verse 20. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

הַ⁠חֹ֧דֶשׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֛ה לָ⁠כֶ֖ם רֹ֣אשׁ חֳדָשִׁ֑ים רִאשׁ֥וֹן הוּא֙ לָ⁠כֶ֔ם לְ⁠חָדְשֵׁ֖י הַ⁠שָּׁנָֽה

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

Exodus 12:3

דַּבְּר֗וּ

The command here is to both Moses and Aaron. If your language uses a different form if two are people addressed, use a dual form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 12:2

רִאשׁ֥וֹן הוּא֙ לָ⁠כֶ֔ם לְ⁠חָדְשֵׁ֖י הַ⁠שָּׁנָֽה

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

Exodus 12:3

לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר בֶּ⁠עָשֹׂ֖ר

After saying, a second level direct quotation begins which continues until the end of verse 20. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. Saying is used to mark the beginning of a quote. Many times it can be omitted in translation if the target language does not use a similar structure. (See: Quote Markings)

וְ⁠יִקְח֣וּ לָ⁠הֶ֗ם אִ֛ישׁ שֶׂ֥ה לְ⁠בֵית־אָבֹ֖ת שֶׂ֥ה לַ⁠בָּֽיִת

This seems to be indicating that if multiple families live in one house, the man who is the leader of the family group that lives there should take one lamb for that whole household. Alternate translation: “the father of each household must take a lamb for his household, one per household”

שֶׂ֥ה לַ⁠בָּֽיִת

“one lamb per house”

שֶׂ֥ה…שֶׂ֥ה

This word literally means, “of the flock,” and could also be translated as a sheep or a goat. Here, the ULT uses lamb (a young sheep), because verse 5 specifies that it must be one year old. “Kid” (a young goat) would be equally valid as verse 5 also says that it could be either a sheep or a goat. You may translate it as whatever would be most familiar of sheep or goat—preferably a word that means a young sheep or goat.

Exodus 12:4

וְ⁠אִם־יִמְעַ֣ט הַ⁠בַּיִת֮ מִ⁠הְיֹ֣ת מִ⁠שֶּׂה֒

This means that there are not enough people in the family to eat an entire lamb. Alternate translation: “If there are not enough people in the household to eat an entire lamb” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וּ⁠שְׁכֵנ֛⁠וֹ הַ⁠קָּרֹ֥ב אֶל־בֵּית֖⁠וֹ בְּ⁠מִכְסַ֣ת נְפָשֹׁ֑ת

This phrase could either mean simply a neighbor that lives nearby or it could refer to a family of similar size, or of the right size to split a lamb with.

אִ֚ישׁ

This refers to each person, whether man, woman, or child. Alternate translation: “each family member” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Exodus 12:6

בֵּ֥ין הָ⁠עַרְבָּֽיִם

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

Exodus 12:7

עַל־שְׁתֵּ֥י הַ⁠מְּזוּזֹ֖ת וְ⁠עַל־הַ⁠מַּשְׁק֑וֹף עַ֚ל הַ⁠בָּ֣תִּ֔ים

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

Exodus 12:8

מְרֹרִ֖ים

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

Exodus 12:9

אַל־תֹּאכְל֤וּ מִמֶּ֨⁠נּוּ֙ נָ֔א

“Do not eat the lamb or goat uncooked”

Exodus 12:11

חֲגֻרִ֔ים

Belts are strips of leather or fabric for tying around the waist.

וַ⁠אֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם אֹת⁠וֹ֙ בְּ⁠חִפָּז֔וֹן

“And you must eat it quickly”

פֶּ֥סַח ה֖וּא לַ⁠יהוָֽה

Here the word it refers to eating the animal on the tenth day of the month. Alternate translation: “This observance is Yahweh’s Passover” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 12:12

וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־אֱלֹהֵ֥י מִצְרַ֛יִם אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה שְׁפָטִ֖ים

This can be stated with a verbal form as in the UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Exodus 12:13

לְ⁠מַשְׁחִ֔ית

This can be stated with a verbal form as in the UST. Alternate translation: “to destroy you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִֽהְיֶ֨ה בָ⁠כֶ֥ם נֶ֨גֶף֙

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “and I will not put the plague on you” (See: Active or Passive)

בְּ⁠אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

Yahweh is going to strike the people and animals who live in the land of Egypt. Alternate translation: “on everything living in the land of Egypt” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 12:14

וְ⁠הָיָה֩ הַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֤ה

Verses 14-20 are instructions for the Israelites’ future celebration of the Passover. If your language makes a distinction between near and far future events or between near and general commands, you may need to make clear that these verses primarily have a later application.

הַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֤ה

This day means the tenth day of the first month of every year. On this day every year, they must celebrate the Passover. (See: Hebrew Months)

Exodus 12:15

אַ֚ךְ

“Surely” or “Indeed”

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֞ה הַ⁠נֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִוא֙ מִ⁠יִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

The metaphor cut off has at least three possible meanings. The following alternate translations express those: (1) “he must be sent away” or (2) “he will no longer be considered to be one of the people of Israel” or (3) “he must be killed” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֞ה הַ⁠נֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִוא֙ מִ⁠יִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

The metaphor cut off has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form. Who will cut off that person is also not specified, it could be the Israelites or Yahweh. The following alternate translations express those: (1) “the people of Israel must send him away” or (2) “I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” or (3) “the people of Israel must kill him” (See: Active or Passive)

מִ⁠יִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

Israel is a collective noun referring to the nation or people group. Alternate translation: “from the Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/grammar-collectivenouns)

Exodus 12:16

וּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֤וֹם הָ⁠רִאשׁוֹן֙ מִקְרָא־קֹ֔דֶשׁ וּ⁠בַ⁠יּוֹם֙ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י מִקְרָא־קֹ֖דֶשׁ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָ⁠כֶ֑ם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And on the first day and on the seventh day, you shall have an assembly of holiness” (See: Active or Passive)

וּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֤וֹם הָ⁠רִאשׁוֹן֙…וּ⁠בַ⁠יּוֹם֙ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י

First and seventh are ordinal numbers. Alternate translation: “And on day one of the month ... and on day seven of the month” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

כָּל־מְלָאכָה֙ לֹא־יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה בָ⁠הֶ֔ם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You will do no work on these days” (See: Active or Passive)

ה֥וּא לְ⁠בַדּ֖⁠וֹ יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה לָ⁠כֶֽם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that must be the only work that you do” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 12:17

צִבְאוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם

The term hosts refers to a large group of people, often organized into groups for war. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:26. Alternate translation: “your groups” or “your divisions” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 12:18

בָּ⁠רִאשֹׁ֡ן בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֤וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ֙…עַ֠ד י֣וֹם הָ⁠אֶחָ֧ד וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֛ים לַ⁠חֹ֖דֶשׁ

First, fourteenth, and twenty-first are ordinal numbers. Alternate translation: “In month one, on day fourteen ... until day twenty-one of the month” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

בָּ⁠רִאשֹׁ֡ן בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֤וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ֙…עַ֠ד י֣וֹם הָ⁠אֶחָ֧ד וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֛ים לַ⁠חֹ֖דֶשׁ

(See: Ordinal Numbers)

בָּ⁠רִאשֹׁ֡ן בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֤וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ֙

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

י֣וֹם הָ⁠אֶחָ֧ד וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֛ים לַ⁠חֹ֖דֶשׁ

This is near the middle of April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

Exodus 12:19

שְׂאֹ֕ר לֹ֥א יִמָּצֵ֖א בְּ⁠בָתֵּי⁠כֶ֑ם

This can be stated in active form. Note that the UST is much more accurate to the meaning here as the alternate translation in this note could suggest to someone that you must simply hide the yeast very well. Alternate translation: “no one must be able to find any yeast in your houses” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֞ה הַ⁠נֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִוא֙ מֵ⁠עֲדַ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

The metaphor cut off has at least three possible meanings. The following alternate translations express those: (1) “that person must be sent away” or (2) “that person will no longer be considered to be one of the people of Israel” or (3) “that person must be killed” See how you translated cut off in Exodus 12:15. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֞ה הַ⁠נֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִוא֙ מֵ⁠עֲדַ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

The metaphor cut off has at least three possible meanings. Who will cut off that person is also not specified, it could be the Israelites or Yahweh. They can be expressed in active form. See how you translated cut off in Exodus 12:15. The following alternate translations express those: (1) “the people of Israel must send that person away” or (2) “I will no longer consider that person to be one of the people of Israel” or (3) “the people of Israel must kill that person” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 12:20

מַצּֽוֹת

After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh’s commands to Moses and Aaron for the Israelites ends (two levels). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with closing second-level and first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 12:21

A new scene begins at this verse, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵ⁠הֶ֑ם

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of 12:27. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 12:22

אֲגֻדַּ֣ת אֵז֗וֹב

Hyssop is a woody plant with small leaves that can be used for sprinkling liquids. If this plant is unknown, you can use a descriptor phrase. Alternate translation: “part of a plant with small branches and many leaves” (See: Translate Unknowns)

אֶל־הַ⁠מַּשְׁקוֹף֙ וְ⁠אֶל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַ⁠מְּזוּזֹ֔ת

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

לֹ֥א…אִ֥ישׁ

Here, man includes women and children. Alternate translation: “no person” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Exodus 12:23

וּ⁠פָסַ֤ח יְהוָה֙ עַל־הַ⁠פֶּ֔תַח

Here the word door implies the entire house. This means that God will spare the Israelites in houses with blood on the door frames. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh will pass over the house” (See: Synecdoche)

עַל־הַ⁠מַּשְׁק֔וֹף וְ⁠עַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֣י הַ⁠מְּזוּזֹ֑ת

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

Exodus 12:24

הַ⁠דָּבָ֣ר הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה

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

לְ⁠ךָ֥ וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ

Here, you and your are singular but they refer to the whole nation. You may need to continue to use a plural form of “you,” if your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ

Here, sons includes everyone. Alternate translation: see UST. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Exodus 12:25

הָ⁠עֲבֹדָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּֽאת

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

Exodus 12:26

בְּנֵי⁠כֶ֑ם

This refers to all children, as in the UST. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם…מָ֛ה הָ⁠עֲבֹדָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את לָ⁠כֶֽם

After you, a second-level quotation begins. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. However, you may want to translate this as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the layers of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “to you what this ritual means to you,” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Exodus 12:27

זֶֽבַח־פֶּ֨סַח ה֜וּא לַֽ⁠יהוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּ֠סַח עַל־בָּתֵּ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּ⁠מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּ⁠נָגְפּ֥⁠וֹ אֶת־מִצְרַ֖יִם וְ⁠אֶת־בָּתֵּ֣י⁠נוּ הִצִּ֑יל

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וְ⁠אֶת־בָּתֵּ֣י⁠נוּ הִצִּ֑יל

This means that Yahweh spared the Israelites’ firstborn sons. Alternate translation: “He did not kill the firstborn sons in our houses” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 12:28

כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֖ן כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ

“everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do”

Exodus 12:29

The next few verses are the climax of this part of Exodus. A number of literary features mark it out. First, it is specially introduced with and so it happened, which is used to mark major breaks in the narrative. Second, it uses repetition: firstborn is repeated four times in verse 29 so that the reader cannot possibly miss what is happening. Night is repeated in verse 29, 30, and 31. Got up/get up is repeated in verse 30 and 31. In verses 31 and 32 “also” occurs five times (it is translated as “both” once in the ULT). Third, the places of both Pharaoh and the captive are elaborated on to slow the pace and create a vivid mental image for the reader. In verse 30 there is the listing of sorts of people who got up; note the use of the double negative for emphasis. Your translation should attempt to use the same or similar literary features of your own language that slow down the pace, create vivid imagery, and emphasize that this is a climax point.

מִ⁠בְּכֹ֤ר פַּרְעֹה֙ הַ⁠יֹּשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַ⁠שְּׁבִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠בּ֑וֹר וְ⁠כֹ֖ל בְּכ֥וֹר בְּהֵמָֽה

This is a merism used to indicate that there was no person or household excluded from Yahweh’s judgment. It both speaks of extreme parts of society and then makes this into a list by including the animals. Alternate translation: “the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on the throne and the firstborn of the captive who was in the house of the pit and the firstborn of everyone in between was struck; even all the firstborn of the beasts were struck” (See: Merism)

בְּכוֹר֮…מִ⁠בְּכֹ֤ר…בְּכ֣וֹר…בְּכ֥וֹר

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

עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַ⁠שְּׁבִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠בּ֑וֹר

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

Exodus 12:30

כִּֽי־אֵ֣ין בַּ֔יִת אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֵֽין־שָׁ֖ם מֵֽת׃

This double negative emphasizes the positive. Alternate translation: “because someone was dead in every house” (See: Double Negatives)

Exodus 12:31

אַתֶּ֖ם…כְּ⁠דַבֶּרְ⁠כֶֽם

Here, Pharaoh speaking is to both Moses and Aaron. If your language uses a different form if two are people addressed, use a dual form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 12:33

כֻּלָּ֥⁠נוּ מֵתִֽים

The Egyptians were afraid that they would die if the Israelites did not leave Egypt. Alternate translation: “We will all die if you do not leave” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 12:34

מִשְׁאֲרֹתָ֛⁠ם צְרֻרֹ֥ת בְּ⁠שִׂמְלֹתָ֖⁠ם עַל־שִׁכְמָֽ⁠ם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They tied up their bread- making bowls in their clothes and placed them on their shoulders” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 12:36

אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָ⁠עָ֛ם בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י מִצְרַ֖יִם

Here, in the eyes of the Egyptians is an idiom for the Egyptian’s feelings or opinion. Favor means that those feelings are positive. Taken together, this means that when the Egyptians saw the Israelites leaving Egypt, they gladly helped them (because they wanted them to leave so badly due to the Egyptians suffering under God’s judgment). If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. See how you translated this in 3:21. (See: Idiom)

Exodus 12:37

מֵ⁠רַעְמְסֵ֖ס

Rameses was a major Egyptian city where grain was stored. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11. (See: How to Translate Names)

כְּ⁠שֵׁשׁ־מֵא֨וֹת אֶ֧לֶף

“about six hundred thousand” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 12:39

כִּֽי־גֹרְשׁ֣וּ מִ⁠מִּצְרַ֗יִם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because the Egyptians had driven them out of Egypt” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 12:40

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים…וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת

“four hundred thirty” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 12:41

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים…וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת

“four hundred thirty” (See: Numbers)

צִבְא֥וֹת

The term hosts refers to a large group of people, often organized into groups for war. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:26. Alternate translation: “your groups” or “your divisions” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 12:42

לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה שִׁמֻּרִ֛ים לְ⁠כָל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְ⁠דֹרֹתָֽ⁠ם

You could combine for all the sons of Israel to observe for Yahweh throughout their generations into one noun phrase as subject. Alternate translation: “for all the sons of Israel throughout their generations to observe for Yahweh”

Exodus 12:43

וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֔ן

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of 12:49. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 12:44

וְ⁠כָל־עֶ֥בֶד אִ֖ישׁ

“But any slave of an Israelite”

וּ⁠מַלְתָּ֣ה אֹת֔⁠וֹ אָ֖ז

This is a hypothetical situation. You will need to use whatever form your language uses to mark something as potentially true. (See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions)

וּ⁠מַלְתָּ֣ה

Here you is singular. It refers to a specific man and his slave. It might make more sense to use the third person here. Alternate translation: “if he circumcised” (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Singular)

Exodus 12:46

בְּ⁠בַ֤יִת אֶחָד֙ יֵאָכֵ֔ל

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must eat it in one house” (See: Active or Passive)

לֹא־תוֹצִ֧יא

Here, you is singular, however it is used to address a crowd, so you may need to translate it using a plural form if your languages uses one. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Exodus 12:48

וְ⁠כִֽי־יָג֨וּר אִתְּ⁠ךָ֜ גֵּ֗ר וְ⁠עָ֣שָׂה פֶסַח֮ לַ⁠יהוָה֒

This is a two-part hypothetical situation. It describes the circumstance and desire of the sojourner, the next portion says what he must do. You will need to use whatever form your language uses to mark something as potentially true. (See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions)

אִתְּ⁠ךָ֜

Here, you is singular, however it is used to address a crowd, so you may need to translate it using a plural form if your languages uses one. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

הִמּ֧וֹל ל֣⁠וֹ כָל־זָכָ֗ר

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone must circumcise all males in his household” (See: Active or Passive)

הִמּ֧וֹל ל֣⁠וֹ כָל־זָכָ֗ר וְ⁠אָז֙ יִקְרַ֣ב לַ⁠עֲשֹׂת֔⁠וֹ

The sojourner will be circumcised in order to draw near to keep the Passover. Some languages may need to place the purpose clause first. Alternate translation: “in order draw near to keep it all his males must be circumcised” (See: Connect – Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

כְּ⁠אֶזְרַ֣ח הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ

Here, land refers to Canaan—which is the land that the Israelites will soon live in. The expression a native of the land means a person who is a native Israelite. Alternate translation: “those who are Israelites by birth” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠כָל־עָרֵ֖ל לֹֽא־יֹ֥אכַל בּֽ⁠וֹ

This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: “And only a circumcised person may eat it” (See: Double Negatives)

Exodus 12:51

וַ⁠יְהִ֕י בְּ⁠עֶ֖צֶם הַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה

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

צִבְאֹתָֽ⁠ם

The term hosts refers to a large group of people often organized into groups for war. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:26. Alternate translation: “your groups” or “your divisions” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 13

Exodus 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Instruction v. 1-2: First mention of setting apart the firstborn v. 3-10: Reiteration of the Passover instructions from 12:14-20 and 24-27, with a focus on telling to Yahweh’s deeds to the future generations of Israelites v. 11-13: More details on setting apart the firstborn v. 14-16: Reiteration of purpose: telling to future generations
  2. Narrative v. 17-22: Some details of the exodus

Special concepts in this chapter

  • There are several concepts that will be important to understand and translate with care (some have already been encountered in Exodus). They are: set apart, sign, symbol, redemption, and sacrifice.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

  • There are a number of names of people groups and places in this chapter. However, many have been translated in earlier passages.
  • Transporting the bones of Joseph may be an unknown concept in some places.
  • It may take some time to decide on a good translation for the pillars of fire and cloud that lead the Israelites.

Exodus 13:2

קַדֶּשׁ־לִ֨⁠י כָל־בְּכ֜וֹר פֶּ֤טֶר כָּל־רֶ֨חֶם֙ בִּ⁠בְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בָּ⁠אָדָ֖ם וּ⁠בַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֑ה לִ֖⁠י הֽוּא

This entire verse is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 13:3

אֶל־הָ⁠עָ֗ם

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of verse 16. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית עֲבָדִ֔ים

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate translation: “the place where you were slaves” (See: Metaphor)

בְּ⁠חֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד

Here, hand refers to power. See how you translated “strong hand” in Exodus 6:1. (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠לֹ֥א יֵאָכֵ֖ל חָמֵֽץ

This can be stated in active form, as in the UST. (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 13:4

הָ⁠אָבִֽיב

This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

הָ⁠אָבִֽיב

Aviv is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 13:5

וְ⁠הָיָ֣ה כִֽי־יְבִֽיאֲ⁠ךָ֣ יְהוָ֡ה אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ…וְ⁠עָבַדְתָּ֛ אֶת־הָ⁠עֲבֹדָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את בַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠זֶּֽה

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

לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙

Here, fathers figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “to your ancestors” (See:Metaphor)

אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ

The same description occurs in Exodus 3:8. See how you translated it there and in the several notes for it.

Exodus 13:6

שִׁבְעַ֥ת

“7” (See: Numbers)

הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י

“7th” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Exodus 13:7

מַצּוֹת֙ יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must eat unleavened bread” (See: Active or Passive)

שִׁבְעַ֣ת

“7” (See: Numbers)

וְ⁠לֹֽא־יֵרָאֶ֨ה לְ⁠ךָ֜ חָמֵ֗ץ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you may not have any bread with yeast among you” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠לֹֽא־יֵרָאֶ֥ה לְ⁠ךָ֛ שְׂאֹ֖ר

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You may not have any yeast” (See: Active or Passive)

בְּ⁠כָל־גְּבֻלֶֽ⁠ךָ

“inside any of the borders of your land”

Exodus 13:8

בַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠ה֖וּא לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר בַּ⁠עֲב֣וּר זֶ֗ה עָשָׂ֤ה יְהוָה֙ לִ֔⁠י בְּ⁠צֵאתִ֖⁠י מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם

The quotation can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “on that day that this is because of what Yahweh did for you when you came out of Egypt” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Exodus 13:9

וְ⁠הָיָה֩ לְ⁠ךָ֨ לְ⁠א֜וֹת עַל־יָדְ⁠ךָ֗ וּ⁠לְ⁠זִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔י⁠ךָ

These are two different types of physical reminders so people will not forget something important. (See: Parallelism)

לְ⁠ךָ֨ לְ⁠א֜וֹת עַל־יָדְ⁠ךָ֗

Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were an object one could tie around their hands to remind them of what Yahweh had done. Alternate translation: “like something you tie around your hand as a reminder” (See: Metaphor)

⁠לְ⁠זִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔י⁠ךָ

Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were an object one could tie on their foreheads to remind them of what Yahweh had done. Alternate translation: “like something you tie around your head as a reminder” (See: Metaphor)

לְמַ֗עַן תִּהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה בְּ⁠פִ֑י⁠ךָ

Here, in your mouth refers to the words that they speak. Alternate translation: “so you may always be speaking of the law of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

בְּ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה

Here, hand refers to power. See how you translated “strong hand” in Exodus 6:1. (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 13:10

מִ⁠יָּמִ֖ים יָמִֽימָ⁠ה

“for all time” (See: Merism)

Exodus 13:11

וְ⁠לַֽ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֑י⁠ךָ

Here, fathers figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “to your ancestors” (See:Metaphor)

וּ⁠נְתָנָ֖⁠הּ לָֽ⁠ךְ

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

Exodus 13:12

וְ⁠הַעֲבַרְתָּ֥

This is a deliberate word-play with Exodus 12:12 and Exodus 12:23 because these memorial sacrifices are to be reminders of what happened at the first Passover. It would be good to make a similar word-play in your translation, if possible, but following the meaning as in the UST is fine.

Exodus 13:13

בְ⁠שֶׂ֔ה…וַ⁠עֲרַפְתּ֑⁠וֹ

You may need to make explicit that either the lamb or donkey must be killed, as in the UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

לֹ֥א תִפְדֶּ֖ה

“you do not ransom the donkey”

Exodus 13:14

כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָלְ⁠ךָ֥ בִנְ⁠ךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵ⁠אמֹ֣ר מַה־זֹּ֑את וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֔י⁠ו

The first quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “when your son asks you later what this means, then you are to tell him” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

בְּ⁠חֹ֣זֶק יָ֗ד

Here, hand represents God’s actions or works. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:1. Alternate translation: “With his powerful works” (See: Metonymy)

מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים

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

Exodus 13:15

כִּֽי־הִקְשָׁ֣ה פַרְעֹה֮ לְ⁠שַׁלְּחֵ⁠נוּ֒

This means he was stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he were hard. Alternate translation: “that when Pharaoh resisted letting us go” (See: Metaphor)

מִ⁠בְּכֹ֥ר אָדָ֖ם וְ⁠עַד־בְּכ֣וֹר בְּהֵמָ֑ה

This is a figure of speech used to emphasize the extent of the plague. Alternate translation: “whether he was a person or an animal” (See: Merism)

Exodus 13:16

וְ⁠הָיָ֤ה לְ⁠אוֹת֙ עַל־יָ֣דְ⁠כָ֔ה וּ⁠לְ⁠טוֹטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֑י⁠ךָ

This expresses two ways to remember the importance of the passover event. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 13:9. (See: Parallelism)

בְּ⁠חֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד

Here, hand represents God’s actions or works. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:1. Alternate translation: “with his powerful works” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 13:17

וַ⁠יְהִ֗י

This marks the transition from instruction to narrative. You should mark the resumption of the narrative in a natural way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וְ⁠לֹא־נָחָ֣⁠ם אֱלֹהִ֗ים דֶּ֚רֶךְ אֶ֣רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים כִּ֥י קָר֖וֹב ה֑וּא

The route on which God took the Israelites was not the expected route. In some languages you may need to put the portion that describes the expectation first. Alternate translation: “although it was nearby, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines.” (See: Connect – Contrary to Fact Conditions)

פֶּֽן־יִנָּחֵ֥ם הָ⁠עָ֛ם בִּ⁠רְאֹתָ֥⁠ם מִלְחָמָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׁ֥בוּ מִצְרָֽיְמָ⁠ה

In some languages you may need to put the reason before the hypothetical result. Alternate translation: “When they see war, they may repent and return to Egypt” (See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions)

יִנָּחֵ֥ם

“turn back”

Exodus 13:18

וַ⁠חֲמֻשִׁ֛ים

The meaning of this term (by fives) is uncertain. Many English translations opt for something like “prepared for battle” because this seems to be the meaning in Numbers 32:17 and the related verses in Joshua 1:14 and 4:12. Because of what the previous verse said about war, it may mean that they went out in formation—like an army would march—but perhaps not armed. Alternate translation: “And … in formation like an army”

Exodus 13:19

וַ⁠יִּקַּ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־עַצְמ֥וֹת יוֹסֵ֖ף עִמּ֑⁠וֹ

See Joshua 24:32 regarding the burial of Jospeh’s bones.

פָּקֹ֨ד יִפְקֹ֤ד אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠הַעֲלִיתֶ֧ם אֶת־עַצְמֹתַ֛⁠י מִ⁠זֶּ֖ה אִתְּ⁠כֶֽם

This is an almost exact quote of what Joseph said in Genesis 50:25; reference your translation there when translating this.

Exodus 13:20

מִ⁠סֻּכֹּ֑ת וַ⁠יַּחֲנ֣וּ בְ⁠אֵתָ֔ם

“from a place named Succoth and they camped at a place named Etham”

בְ⁠אֵתָ֔ם

Etham was possibly located south of the route heading towards the Philistines, at the border of the wilderness. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 13:21

וַֽ⁠יהוָ֡ה הֹלֵךְ֩ לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֨ם

Here, before their faces means “in front of the people.” Alternate translation: “And Yahweh led them by going in front of them” (See: Metonymy)

בְּ⁠עַמּ֤וּד עָנָן֙…בְּ⁠עַמּ֥וּד אֵ֖שׁ

“in a cloud in the shape of a column … in a fire in the shape of a column”

לְ⁠הָאִ֣יר לָ⁠הֶ֑ם

“to be light for them”

אֵ֖שׁ לְ⁠הָאִ֣יר לָ⁠הֶ֑ם לָ⁠לֶ֖כֶת יוֹמָ֥ם וָ⁠לָֽיְלָה

They could travel by either day or night because God provided light at night. You could reorder the cause and effect if that is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “fire. They could go by day or by night because he was light to them.” (See: Connect – Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Exodus 13:22

עַמּ֤וּד הֶֽ⁠עָנָן֙ יוֹמָ֔ם וְ⁠עַמּ֥וּד הָ⁠אֵ֖שׁ לָ֑יְלָה

“the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night”

לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י הָ⁠עָֽם

Here, from the face of the people means “from in front of the people” where they could see it. Alternate translation: “from where they could see it” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 14

Exodus 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter contains an important event in the history of Israel known as the “parting of the sea of reeds (Red Sea).” Throughout this chapter and chapter 15, the word “sea” is used. The context shows that this is the sea of reeds (Red Sea). Since the text does not explicitly say that though, the ULT will only say “sea.” In your translation, it may help people to be more specific than the text, if just using “sea” is confusing.

Special concepts in this chapter

Pharaoh’s hard heart

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

Pharaoh’s chariots

These chariots were a fighting force. Pharaoh took an army to kill the Hebrew people. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The Israelites asked a few rhetorical questions of Moses. These questions were not really directed at Moses, but at Yahweh. This showed their lack of faith in Yahweh. (See: Rhetorical Question and faith)

Exodus 14:2

דַּבֵּר֮

This verse begins a direct quote which continues into verse 4. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

פִּ֣י הַחִירֹ֔ת…מִגְדֹּ֖ל…בַּ֣עַל צְפֹ֔ן

These are locations on Egypt’s eastern border. (See: How to Translate Names)

בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְ⁠יָשֻׁ֗בוּ וְ⁠יַחֲנוּ֙ לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ פִּ֣י הַחִירֹ֔ת בֵּ֥ין מִגְדֹּ֖ל וּ⁠בֵ֣ין הַ⁠יָּ֑ם לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ בַּ֣עַל צְפֹ֔ן

The portion after that could be translated as a direct quotation. That would make a second-level direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the sons of Israel, ‘Turn and camp before the face of Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before the face of Baal Zephon.’ ” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

תַחֲנ֖וּ

Here, you is plural and refers to Moses and the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ – Dual/Plural)

Exodus 14:3

וְ⁠אָמַ֤ר פַּרְעֹה֙ לִ⁠בְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל נְבֻכִ֥ים הֵ֖ם בָּ⁠אָ֑רֶץ סָגַ֥ר עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠מִּדְבָּֽר

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh will say that the Israelites are confused in the land and the wilderness has closed in on them” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

סָגַ֥ר עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠מִּדְבָּֽר

Pharaoh speaks of the wilderness as a person who has trapped the Israelites. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “It is as if the wilderness is closing in on them.” (See: Personification)

Exodus 14:4

וְ⁠חִזַּקְתִּ֣י אֶת־לֵב־פַּרְעֹה֮

This means God will make him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in 4:21. Alternate translation: “But I will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠רָדַ֣ף אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶם֒

“and Pharaoh will pursue the Israelites”

וְ⁠אִכָּבְדָ֤ה

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “And people will glorify me” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠אִכָּבְדָ֤ה בְּ⁠פַרְעֹה֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־חֵיל֔⁠וֹ

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “And I will be glorified because of what I do to Pharaoh and to all his army” (See: Ellipsis)

וַ⁠יַּֽעֲשׂוּ־כֵֽן

This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “So the Israelites turned and camped as Yahweh had instructed them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 14:5

וַ⁠יֻּגַּד֙ לְ⁠מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then someone told the king of Egypt” (See: Active or Passive)

בָרַ֖ח

“had run away”

וַ֠⁠יֵּהָפֵךְ לְבַ֨ב פַּרְעֹ֤ה וַ⁠עֲבָדָי⁠ו֙ אֶל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם

Here, heart refers to their attitudes towards the Israelites. Alternate translation: “and Pharaoh and his servants changed their attitude about the people” (See: Metonymy)

וַ֠⁠יֵּהָפֵךְ לְבַ֨ב פַּרְעֹ֤ה וַ⁠עֲבָדָי⁠ו֙ אֶל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and Pharaoh and his servants turned their hearts to the people” (See: Active or Passive)

אֶל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם

“against the Israelites”

מַה־זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־שִׁלַּ֥חְנוּ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠עָבְדֵֽ⁠נוּ

They asked this question to show they thought they had done a foolish thing. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We should not have let the Israelites go free from working for us!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

מַה־זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־שִׁלַּ֥חְנוּ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠עָבְדֵֽ⁠נוּ

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/grammar-collectivenouns)

Exodus 14:7

וַ⁠יִּקַּ֗ח שֵׁשׁ־מֵא֥וֹת רֶ֨כֶב֙ בָּח֔וּר

“He took 600 of his best chariots” (See: Numbers)

וְ⁠שָׁלִשִׁ֖ם

The precise meaning of this term is not known. Alternate translations: “and officers” or “and shield-bearers” or “and three men”

Exodus 14:8

וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֣ק יְהֹוָ֗ה אֶת־לֵ֤ב פַּרְעֹה֙

This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in 4:21. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

בְּ⁠יָ֥ד רָמָֽה

“boldly” or “defiantly”

Exodus 14:9

כָּל־סוּס֙ רֶ֣כֶב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וּ⁠פָרָשָׁ֖י⁠ו וְ⁠חֵיל֑⁠וֹ

It is unclear exactly what the groupings here are. Horses of the chariots (probably meaning “horse-drawn chariots”) and horsemen could be two groups or two references to the same group. Army could mean another group, perhaps on foot (see 15:19), or it could be a summary grouping. Furthermore, most translations render horses of the chariots as “horses and chariots,” suggesting four total groups (possibly because of v. 23). Alternate translation: “all the horse-drawn chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his foot soldiers”

⁠יַּשִּׂ֤יגוּ אוֹתָ⁠ם֙ חֹנִ֣ים

“the Israelites as they were camping”

פִּי֙ הַֽחִירֹ֔ת…בַּ֥עַל צְפֹֽן

These are places on Egypt’s eastern border. See how you translated them in Exodus 14:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 14:10

וּ⁠פַרְעֹ֖ה הִקְרִ֑יב

Here, Pharaoh represents the entire Egyptian army. Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh and his army approached” (See: Synecdoche)

וַ⁠יִּשְׂאוּ֩ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל אֶת־עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֜ם

“and the sons of Israel looked up” or “and the sons of Israel looked back”

וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה

Behold is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Use a word, phrase, or structure in your language that indicates that the next information is very surprising.

Exodus 14:11

הַֽ⁠מִ⁠בְּלִ֤י אֵין־קְבָרִים֙ בְּ⁠מִצְרַ֔יִם לְקַחְתָּ֖⁠נוּ לָ⁠מ֣וּת בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֑ר

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

מַה־זֹּאת֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ לָּ֔⁠נוּ לְ⁠הוֹצִיאָ֖⁠נוּ מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם

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

Exodus 14:12

הֲ⁠לֹא־זֶ֣ה הַ⁠דָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁר֩ דִּבַּ֨רְנוּ אֵלֶ֤י⁠ךָ בְ⁠מִצְרַ֨יִם֙

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

בְ⁠מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר חֲדַ֥ל מִמֶּ֖⁠נּוּ וְ⁠נַֽעַבְדָ֣ה אֶת־מִצְרָ֑יִם

The portion following saying can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “in Egypt? We told you to leave us alone so we could work for the Egyptians.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Exodus 14:13

וּ⁠רְאוּ֙ אֶת־יְשׁוּעַ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה לָ⁠כֶ֖ם הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun salvation with a verb. Alternate translation: “and see that Yahweh will save you, he will do that for you today” (See: Abstract Nouns)

אֶל־הָ⁠עָם֮

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of verse 14. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

לֹ֥א תֹסִ֛יפוּ לִ⁠רְאֹתָ֥⁠ם ע֖וֹד עַד־עוֹלָֽם

This statement is very extended for emphasis on its certainty. Alternate translation: “you will not see them again forever”

Exodus 14:14

יְהוָ֖ה יִלָּחֵ֣ם

The form Yahweh himself is reflexive, emphasizing what Yahweh will do in contrast to what the Israelites will do. Alternate translation: “As for Yahweh, he will fight” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

תַּחֲרִישֽׁוּ⁠ן

Here, silent could mean “still.” The Israelites’ lack of action is in contrast to Yahweh’s fighting. It is not a total lack of motion or sound. Alternate translation: “you will not fight”

Exodus 14:15

אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה

After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of verse 18. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

מַה־תִּצְעַ֖ק אֵלָ֑⁠י

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

Exodus 14:16

הָרֵ֣ם אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֗ וּ⁠נְטֵ֧ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֛

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding hand and staff.

וּ⁠בְקָעֵ֑⁠הוּ

“and divide the sea into two parts”

Exodus 14:17

וַ⁠אֲנִ֗י הִנְ⁠נִ֤י

Behold is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. In this case Yahweh is drawing attention to his next actions. Alternate translation: “Look at what I will do”

מְחַזֵּק֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב מִצְרַ֔יִם

This means God will make them stubborn. Their stubborn attitude is spoken of as if their hearts were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in 4:21. Alternate translation: “I will cause the Egyptians to be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠יָבֹ֖אוּ אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶ֑ם

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

וְ⁠אִכָּבְדָ֤ה בְּ⁠פַרְעֹה֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־חֵיל֔⁠וֹ בְּ⁠רִכְבּ֖⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְ⁠פָרָשָֽׁי⁠ו

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 4 Alternate translation: “And I will be glorified because of what I do to Pharaoh, all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen” (See: Ellipsis)

וְ⁠אִכָּבְדָ֤ה

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “And people will glorify me” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 14:18

בְּ⁠הִכָּבְדִ֣⁠י

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “when I cause people to glorify me” (See: Active or Passive)

בְּ⁠הִכָּבְדִ֣⁠י בְּ⁠פַרְעֹ֔ה בְּ⁠רִכְבּ֖⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְ⁠פָרָשָֽׁי⁠ו

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 4 Alternate translation: “when I get glory because of what I do to Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen” or “when I show my glory by what I do to Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen” (See: Ellipsis)

Exodus 14:19

לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ מַחֲנֵ֣ה…מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם

Here, face means “front.” Alternate translation: “in front of the camp of … from in front of them” (See: Metonymy)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/grammar-collectivenouns)

Exodus 14:20

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/grammar-collectivenouns)

וַ⁠יְהִ֤י הֶֽ⁠עָנָן֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠חֹ֔שֶׁךְ וַ⁠יָּ֖אֶר אֶת־הַ⁠לָּ֑יְלָה

“and the cloud became dark and light all night”

Exodus 14:21

וַ⁠יֵּ֨ט מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶת־יָד⁠וֹ֮ עַל־הַ⁠יָּם֒

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

בְּ⁠ר֨וּחַ קָדִ֤ים

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

וַ⁠יִּבָּקְע֖וּ הַ⁠מָּֽיִם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh divided the waters” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 14:24

בְּ⁠אַשְׁמֹ֣רֶת הַ⁠בֹּ֔קֶר

This is the last third of the night. It is approximately the three hours before sunrise. Alternate translation: “very early in the morning” or “in the time before the sun rises” (See: Translate Unknowns)

מַחֲנֵ֣ה מִצְרַ֔יִם…מַחֲנֵ֥ה מִצְרָֽיִם

“the army of the Egyptians … the army of the Egyptians”

Exodus 14:25

אָנ֨וּסָה֙ מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כִּ֣י יְהוָ֔ה נִלְחָ֥ם לָ⁠הֶ֖ם בְּ⁠מִצְרָֽיִם

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

Here, the face of Israel means the presence of Israel. See UST. (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 14:26

נְטֵ֥ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠יָּ֑ם וְ⁠יָשֻׁ֤בוּ הַ⁠מַּ֨יִם֙ עַל־מִצְרַ֔יִם עַל־רִכְבּ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠עַל־פָּרָשָֽׁי⁠ו

This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה נְטֵ֥ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠יָּ֑ם וְ⁠יָשֻׁ֤בוּ הַ⁠מַּ֨יִם֙ עַל־מִצְרַ֔יִם עַל־רִכְבּ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠עַל־פָּרָשָֽׁי⁠ו׃

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

נְטֵ֥ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠יָּ֑ם

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

עַל־רִכְבּ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠עַל־פָּרָשָֽׁי⁠ו

Here, his refers to Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Alternate translation: “on Pharaoh’s chariots, and on Pharaoh’s horsemen” (See: Pronouns – When to Use Them)

Exodus 14:27

וַ⁠יֵּט֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה אֶת־יָד֜⁠וֹ עַל־הַ⁠יָּ֗ם

See note in the introduction to chapter 8 regarding the hand and staff.

לִ⁠פְנ֥וֹת בֹּ֨קֶר֙

Here, before the face of means “before the occurrence of.” Alternate translation: “before it was morning” (See: Metonymy)

וַ⁠יְנַעֵ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־מִצְרַ֖יִם בְּ⁠ת֥וֹךְ הַ⁠יָּֽם

Here, Yahweh is pictured as acting towards the Egyptians as if they were dirt or dust on his clothing that he shakes to be rid of them. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh threw the Egyptians back into the middle of the sea” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 14:28

לֹֽא־נִשְׁאַ֥ר בָּ⁠הֶ֖ם עַד־אֶחָֽד

This negative statement is meant to strongly convey the idea that all the Egyptians were gone. Alternate translation: “Every one of them was gone” (See: Litotes)

Exodus 14:30

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/grammar-collectivenouns)

מִ⁠יַּ֣ד מִצְרָ֑יִם

Here, hand refers to power. Alternate translation: “from the Egyptians’ power” (See: Metonymy)

עַל־שְׂפַ֥ת הַ⁠יָּֽם

“on the land along the edge of the sea”

Exodus 14:31

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/grammar-collectivenouns)

אֶת־הַ⁠יָּ֣ד הַ⁠גְּדֹלָ֗ה

Here, hand refers to power. Alternate translation: “the great power” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 15

Exodus 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Verses 1b-18 and 21b of chapter 15 verses are poetry. They are a song of praise to Yahweh because he defeated and destroyed the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:26-28.). Translating poetry should be done by someone who is a skilled poet in the target language. Because the forms of poetry are so different in different languages, a translation that is good poetry in the target language may seem very different from the original poem. The structure may look quite different. The poet will be well served by looking at the entire poem from multiple perspectives. He will need to know the meaning of the poem, the themes and discourse structure of the poem, and the feelings that the poem is supposed to create in the reader at each point (UST, tNotes). He will need to understand how that was accomplished by the original form and structure (ULT). Then he will need to compose the translated poem using forms and structures that have the same or similar meaning, themes, discourse elements, and feelings.

Structure

This song follows a basic AB structure which is given to us in verse 1b-c and 21b-c:

  • A - praise to Yahweh - he is magnificent (expressed in various words)
  • B - because he defeats our enemies

The song can be divided into three major sections, each of which is patterned as: AB(a)b. Each section starts with an AB portion which is characterized by fewer verbs (or participles, how to express) (especially the A portion). The section then elaborates on each. Note that there are other possible analyses of the structure of the poem.

Here is an outline of the structure according to this model:

  • Section 1 (see alternate breakdown below):
    • 1b: A “Let me sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphantly triumphed;”
    • 1c: B “the horse and the one riding it he threw into the sea.”
    • 2-3: a
    • 4-5: b
  • Section 2:
    • 6a: A
    • 6b: B
    • 7a: a “And in the abundance of your majesty”
    • 7a-10: b  “you overthrow those who rise up against you…”
  • Section 3:
    • 11: A
    • 12: B
    • 13a: a (possibly) “In your covenant loyalty”
    • 13a-17: b
  • 18: finale

Alternate breakdown of section 1: it is possible to view 1b-c as the introduction and divide verse 2 such that:

  • 2a: A “Yah is my strength and my song”
  • 2b: B “and he has become my salvation”
  • 2c-3: a
  • 4-5: b
Themes:

There are several images and themes that are throughout the song as well as some that are throughout an individual section.

  • “High” versus “low”: Yahweh is high, while his enemies are low.
    • The following words are all related to the idea of being high or rising up: triumph (v1), exalt (v2), majestic (v6, v11), majesty (v7), and the mountain of [Yahweh’s] possession (v17). In the last case Yahweh’s people are brought to a high place with him.
    • In contrast, his enemies are low. Note in verse 7, Yahweh overthrows those who rise up against [him]. Ideas of being low are as follows: sank (v4, v10), deeps (v5), descended into the depths (v5), melted away (v15), and fall on them (v16).
  • The strength of Yahweh in verses 2, 6, and 13.
  • The effectiveness of Yahweh’s hand versus the enemy's hand. Yahweh’s hand (and arm) is effective in verses 6, 12, 16, and 17 but the enemy’s hand is ineffective despite his boasting in verse 9.
  • There is parallel imagery near the end of each section. The enemy is compared three times by simile to a heavy, inert object. In verses 5 and 16 that is a stone, in verse 10 that is lead.
  • More parallel imagery occurs at the end of sections one (v5) and two (v10): that of the enemy sinking in the water and being covered by it.
  • In sections two and three the water (v8) and the other peoples (v16) are made still by Yahweh.
  • Section two begins and ends with majestic (v6, v10) and that word is picked up in the beginning of section three (v11).
  • In section two (v9), the enemies seek to dispossess (or disinherit) the Israelites; in section three (v16), the Israelites come to live in the land of Yahweh’s possession (or inheritance).
  • In verse 11, three themes for the third section are introduced. These are each expanded on in that section.
    • Holiness occurs again in verses 13 and 16
    • Fear is vividly described in verses 14-16 (shake, terror, panic, trembling, melted away, dread)
    • Yahweh does miracles to protect and build a home for his people
  • Verses 14-16a are a chiasm, a complex parallel structure where concepts are repeated in reverse order:
    • A: 14a: peoples (nations) become afraid
    • B: 14b: inhabitants of Philistia are afraid
    • C: 15a: rulers of Edom are afraid
    • C': 15b: rulers of Moab are afraid
    • B': 15c: inhabitants of Canaan are afraid
    • A': 16a: people become afraid
  • In section three, there is another parallel structure:
    • v13: you led this people => v16: your people pass by
    • v13: this people you redeemed => v16: this people you acquired (or purchased or ransomed)
    • v13: you led them to the home => v17: you will bring them … [to] the place … you made
    • v13: of your holiness => v17: the holy place

Special concepts in this chapter

The Israelite’s discontent

In verse 24 the word murmur is introduced for the first time. This is a very strong term for “grumble” or “complain” that is used to describe the Israelites’ attitude throughout their time in the wilderness. It occurs several times in Exodus and Numbers.

Yahweh’s laws

In verses 24-26, there is an introductory revelation of the requirement that Israel keep the covenant by obeying the law of Moses. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and reveal, revealed, revelation)

Exodus 15:1

גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה

It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. Alternate translation: “he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה

“he is highly exalted” or “he is extremely high” or “he is exaltedly exalted”

ס֥וּס וְ⁠רֹכְב֖⁠וֹ רָמָ֥ה בַ⁠יָּֽם

Moses sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them into the sea. Alternate translation: “he has made the horse and rider drown in the sea” (See: Metaphor)

ס֥וּס וְ⁠רֹכְב֖⁠וֹ

This refers to all or many of the Egyptian horses and riders that were chasing the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the horses and their riders” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

וְ⁠רֹכְב֖⁠וֹ

Here, rider could either refer to a person who sits on a horse or who travels in a chariot that a horse is pulling.

Exodus 15:2

עָזִּ֤⁠י…יָ֔הּ

Possible meanings are (1) “Yahweh is the one who gives me strength” or (2) “Yahweh is the strong one who protects me.” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠זִמְרָת֙ יָ֔הּ

Moses calls Yahweh his song because Yahweh is the one he sings about. Alternate translation: “the one I sing about” (See: Metonymy)

וַֽ⁠יְהִי־לִ֖⁠י לִֽ⁠ישׁוּעָ֑ה

Moses calls Yahweh his salvation because Yahweh saved him. Alternate translation: “he has saved me” or “he is the one who saves me” (See: Metonymy)

זֶ֤ה אֵלִ⁠י֙ וְ⁠אַנְוֵ֔⁠הוּ אֱלֹהֵ֥י אָבִ֖⁠י וַ⁠אֲרֹמְמֶֽ⁠נְהוּ

These lines are expressing very similar ideas for emphasis. If that is a normal way to make an emphatic (poetic) statement or if it would be understood in your language you can translate in a similar way. If, however, repetition like this would create a different meaning, find a structure in your language that would fit. (See: Parallelism)

Exodus 15:3

יְהוָ֖ה אִ֣ישׁ מִלְחָמָ֑ה

Moses calls Yahweh a man of war because he powerfully fought against the Egyptians and won. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is like a warrior” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 15:4

מַרְכְּבֹ֥ת פַּרְעֹ֛ה וְ⁠חֵיל֖⁠וֹ יָרָ֣ה בַ⁠יָּ֑ם וּ⁠מִבְחַ֥ר שָֽׁלִשָׁ֖י⁠ו טֻבְּע֥וּ בְ⁠יַם־סֽוּף

These lines are synonymous parallels where the second strengthens what is said in the first. Alternate translation: “He threw all of Pharaoh’s army into the sea, including the chariots; even his chosen officers sank in the sea of reeds” (See: Parallelism)

מַרְכְּבֹ֥ת פַּרְעֹ֛ה וְ⁠חֵיל֖⁠וֹ יָרָ֣ה בַ⁠יָּ֑ם

Moses sings about Yahweh causing the sea to cover Pharaoh’s chariots and army as if Yahweh had thrown them into the sea. Alternate translation: “He has made Pharaoh’s chariot riders and army drown in the sea” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 15:5

תְּהֹמֹ֖ת יְכַסְיֻ֑⁠מוּ יָרְד֥וּ בִ⁠מְצוֹלֹ֖ת כְּמוֹ־אָֽבֶן׃

These lines are synonymous parallels where the second clarifies what is said in the first. Alternate translation: “The deeps covered them; because they had descended into the depths like a stone” (See: Parallelism)

יָרְד֥וּ בִ⁠מְצוֹלֹ֖ת כְּמוֹ־אָֽבֶן

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

Exodus 15:6

יְמִֽינְ⁠ךָ֣ יְהוָ֔ה נֶאְדָּרִ֖י בַּ⁠כֹּ֑חַ יְמִֽינְ⁠ךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה תִּרְעַ֥ץ אוֹיֵֽב׃

These lines are synonymous parallels where the second takes the abstract idea in the first and makes it concrete (though still with poetic imagery). Alternate translation: “Yahweh, you show how majestic in power your right hand is by shattering the enemy” (See: Parallelism)

יְמִֽינְ⁠ךָ֣ יְהוָ֔ה נֶאְדָּרִ֖י בַּ⁠כֹּ֑חַ

Moses speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh had hands. The right hand refers to Yahweh’s power or the things Yahweh does powerfully. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, your power is glorious” or “Yahweh, what you do is gloriously powerful” (See: Metonymy)

יְמִֽינְ⁠ךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה תִּרְעַ֥ץ אוֹיֵֽב

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

תִּרְעַ֥ץ אוֹיֵֽב

Moses speaks of the enemy as if it were fragile and could be shattered like glass or pottery. Alternate translation: “completely destroys the enemy” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 15:7

תַּהֲרֹ֣ס קָמֶ֑י⁠ךָ תְּשַׁלַּח֙ חֲרֹ֣נְ⁠ךָ֔ יֹאכְלֵ֖⁠מוֹ כַּ⁠קַּֽשׁ

These lines are synonymous parallels where the second takes the abstract idea in the first portion (you overthrow those who rise up against you) and makes it concrete (though still with poetic imagery). Alternate translation: “you overthrow those who rise up against you by sending out your heat to devour them like stubble” (See: Parallelism)

וּ⁠בְ⁠רֹ֥ב גְּאוֹנְ⁠ךָ֖

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns abundance and majesty as an adverb and adjective respectively. Alternate translation: “You are abundantly majestic and” or "Because you are abundantly majestic” (See: Abstract Nouns)

קָמֶ֑י⁠ךָ

Rebelling against Yahweh is spoken of as rising up against him. Alternate translation: “those who rebel against you” or “your enemies” (See: Metaphor)

חֲרֹ֣נְ⁠ךָ֔

“your wrath” or “your fury”

תְּשַׁלַּח֙ חֲרֹ֣נְ⁠ךָ֔

Moses speaks of Yahweh’s wrath (literally heat) as if it were a servant that Yahweh sent out to do something. Alternate translation: “You show your wrath” or “You acted according to your wrath” (See: Personification)

יֹאכְלֵ֖⁠מוֹ כַּ⁠קַּֽשׁ׃

Moses speaks of God’s wrath as if it were fire that could completely burn up things. His enemies were completely destroyed like stubble in a fire. Alternate translation: “it completely destroys your enemies like a fire that burns up straw” (See: Metaphor)

יֹאכְלֵ֖⁠מוֹ כַּ⁠קַּֽשׁ

Here the enemies (or those who rise up against Yahweh) are pictured as if they were a highly flammable piece of dried grass. Alternate translation: “it devoured the enemy as if they were stubble” (See: Simile)

Exodus 15:8

וּ⁠בְ⁠ר֤וּחַ אַפֶּ֨י⁠ךָ֙

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

וּ⁠בְ⁠ר֤וּחַ אַפֶּ֨י⁠ךָ֙ נֶ֣עֶרְמוּ מַ֔יִם נִצְּב֥וּ כְמוֹ־נֵ֖ד נֹזְלִ֑ים

This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: “The blast of your nostrils piled the waters up and made the flowing waters stand upright in a heap” (See: Active or Passive)

נֶ֣עֶרְמוּ מַ֔יִם נִצְּב֥וּ כְמוֹ־נֵ֖ד נֹזְלִ֑ים קָֽפְא֥וּ תְהֹמֹ֖ת בְּ⁠לֶב־יָֽם

These lines are synonymous parallels where each line means basically the same thing, but each gives the reader a different poetic image. (See: Parallelism)

בְּ⁠לֶב־יָֽם

The center or deepest part of the sea is spoken of as if the sea had a heart. Alternate translation: “in the center of the sea” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 15:9

תִּמְלָאֵ֣⁠מוֹ נַפְשִׁ֔⁠י

This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: “I will satisfy my desire on them” (See: Active or Passive)

תּוֹרִישֵׁ֖⁠מוֹ יָדִֽ⁠י

The meaning of this phrase is unclear. The word translated dispossess could also mean ”possess” or ”inherit.” What seems clear is that the Egyptians plan to use their power to prevent the Israelites from possessing good things. Whether this is a reference back to plunder earlier in the verse, or to recapturing them as slaves, or to taking over the Israelites’ place in the land of Goshen, or of keeping them from reaching the promised land (of Yahweh’s possession, see verse 17 regarding where Yahweh will bring his people), or something else is not so clear. Dispossess was chosen rather than another term because the verb is in a causative form here. Alternate translation: “my hand will possess them” or “my hand will inherit them”

תּוֹרִישֵׁ֖⁠מוֹ יָדִֽ⁠י

Here hand is used figuratively of the Egyptians’ power (that is, their military strength). Alternate translation: “my power will dispossess them” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 15:10

נָשַׁ֥פְתָּ בְ⁠רוּחֲ⁠ךָ֖

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

צָֽלֲלוּ֙ כַּֽ⁠עוֹפֶ֔רֶת בְּ⁠מַ֖יִם אַדִּירִֽים

Lead is a heavy metal that is commonly used to make things sink in water. It is used here to show how fast God’s enemies were destroyed. Alternate translation: “sank as fast as a heavy piece of metal in the deep turbulent waters” (See: Simile)

Exodus 15:11

מִֽי־כָמֹ֤⁠כָה בָּֽ⁠אֵלִם֙ יְהוָ֔ה

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

מִ֥י כָּמֹ֖⁠כָה נֶאְדָּ֣ר בַּ⁠קֹּ֑דֶשׁ נוֹרָ֥א תְהִלֹּ֖ת עֹ֥שֵׂה פֶֽלֶא

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

Exodus 15:12

יְמִ֣ינְ⁠ךָ֔

The phrase right hand represents the strong power of God. Alternate translation: “with your strong power” (See: Metonymy)

נָטִ֨יתָ֙ יְמִ֣ינְ⁠ךָ֔

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

תִּבְלָעֵ֖⁠מוֹ אָֽרֶץ

Moses personifies the earth as if it could swallow or devour with it’s mouth. Alternate translation: “the earth devoured them” (See: Personification)

Exodus 15:13

נָחִ֥יתָ בְ⁠חַסְדְּ⁠ךָ֖ עַם־ז֣וּ גָּאָ֑לְתָּ נֵהַ֥לְתָּ בְ⁠עָזְּ⁠ךָ֖

These lines are structural parallels where the lines are saying similar things but the parallelism is more in the construction of the lines. In your is repeated and the concepts of led and guided are very similar to one another. (See: Parallelism)

Exodus 15:14

Verses 14-16a form a complex parallel structure where things are repeated in reverse. (See the introduction to chapter 15 and Parallelism)

יִרְגָּז֑וּ⁠ן

This means to shake because you are afraid.

חִ֣יל אָחַ֔ז יֹשְׁבֵ֖י פְּלָֽשֶׁת

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

Exodus 15:15

אֵילֵ֣י מוֹאָ֔ב יֹֽאחֲזֵ֖⁠מוֹ רָ֑עַד

Moses speaks of trembling as if it were a person that could forcefully grab hold of someone and make them extremely afraid. Alternate translation: “the leaders of Moab will be afraid” (See: Personification)

נָמֹ֕גוּ

Moses uses the phrase, melted away, to speak of people becoming weak because of their fear. Alternate translation: “became weak from fear” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 15:16

תִּפֹּ֨ל עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֤ם אֵימָ֨תָ⁠ה֙ וָ⁠פַ֔חַד

Terror and dread form a doublet meaning “very afraid.” Alternate translation: “They will become very afraid” (See: Doublet)

תִּפֹּ֨ל עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֤ם אֵימָ֨תָ⁠ה֙ וָ⁠פַ֔חַד

Terror and dread are pictured as physical objects that could fall on people. The image might be of them crushing people or being a heavy weight that people struggle under (however, the image is not specified). It means that the people will feel the emotions of terror and dread very strongly. Alternate translation: “They will be overwhelmed with feelings of terror and dread” (See: Metaphor)

בִּ⁠גְדֹ֥ל זְרוֹעֲ⁠ךָ֖

God’s arm represents his great strength. Alternate translation: “Because of your great strength” (See: Metonymy)

יִדְּמ֣וּ כָּ⁠אָ֑בֶן

Possible meanings are (1) “They will be silent like stone” or (2) “They will be motionless as stone” (See: Simile)

Exodus 15:17

תְּבִאֵ֗⁠מוֹ וְ⁠תִטָּעֵ֨⁠מוֹ֙

Where God would bring them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “You will take your people to Canaan and plant them there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

תְּבִאֵ֗⁠מוֹ

Since Moses was not already in Canaan, some languages would use “take” rather than bring. Alternate translation: “You will take them” (See: Go and Come)

וְ⁠תִטָּעֵ֨⁠מוֹ֙ בְּ⁠הַ֣ר

Moses speaks about God giving his people the land to live in as if they were a plant that God was planting. Alternate translation: “settle them on the mountain of” or “let them live on the mountain of” (See: Metaphor)

בְּ⁠הַ֣ר נַחֲלָֽתְ⁠ךָ֔

This refers to Mount Zion in the land of Canaan.

בְּ⁠הַ֣ר נַחֲלָֽתְ⁠ךָ֔

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

כּוֹנְנ֥וּ יָדֶֽי⁠ךָ׃

The phrase your hands refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “that you have built by your power” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 15:18

יְהוָ֥ה׀ יִמְלֹ֖ךְ לְ⁠עֹלָ֥ם וָ⁠עֶֽד

“Yahweh reigns forever and ever”

Exodus 15:20

מִרְיָ֨ם

Miriam was the older sister of Moses and Aaron. (See: How to Translate Names)

הַ⁠תֹּ֖ף …בְּ⁠תֻפִּ֖ים

This is a musical instrument like a small drum that also has pieces of metal around the side that make a sound when shaken. Alternate translation: “timbrel” (See: Translate Unknowns)

וַ⁠תֵּצֶ֤אןָ כָֽל־הַ⁠נָּשִׁים֙ אַחֲרֶ֔י⁠הָ בְּ⁠תֻפִּ֖ים וּ⁠בִ⁠מְחֹלֹֽת

Here, all may be a generalization, it may not have been every woman. It could be better to translate as a restrictive clause as in the UST. Alternate translation: “and every woman who went out after her had a tambourine and danced” (See: Hyperbole)

Exodus 15:21

גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה

It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. See how you translated this in Exodus 15:1. Alternate translation: “he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ס֥וּס וְ⁠רֹכְב֖⁠וֹ רָמָ֥ה בַ⁠יָּֽם

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

Exodus 15:22

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

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

מִדְבַּר־שׁ֑וּר

We do not know the exact locations of this place. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 15:23

מָרָ֔תָ⁠ה

We do not know the exact locations of this place. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 15:24

וַ⁠יִּלֹּ֧נוּ הָ⁠עָ֛ם עַל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה

Murmur is a very strong term for “grumble” or “complain” that is used to describe the Israelites’ attitude throughout their time in the wilderness. It occurs several times in Exodus and Numbers. Alternate translation: “And the people were unhappy and told Moses” or “And the people angrily told Moses”

Exodus 15:26

לְ⁠ק֣וֹל׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗י⁠ךָ

Yahweh is speaking about his own voice. Alternate translation: “to my voice” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

לְ⁠ק֣וֹל׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗י⁠ךָ

Yahweh’s voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: “to what I say” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּשָׁ֤ר בְּ⁠עֵינָי⁠ו֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “and do what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠הַֽאֲזַנְתָּ֙ לְ⁠מִצְוֺתָ֔י⁠ו

The ear represents listening and listening represents obeying. Alternate translation: “and you carefully obey his commands” (See: Metaphor)

כָּֽל־הַ⁠מַּֽחֲלָ֞ה אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֤מְתִּי בְ⁠מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לֹא־אָשִׂ֣ים עָלֶ֔י⁠ךָ

God speaks of causing people to have diseases as putting diseases on them. Alternate translation: “I will not cause any of you to have the diseases that I cause the Egyptians to have” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 15:27

אֵילִ֔מָ⁠ה

This is an oasis in the desert, a place with water and shade trees. (See: How to Translate Names)

“twelve” (See: Numbers)

וְ⁠שִׁבְעִ֣ים

“and seventy” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 16

Exodus 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Complaints

After complaining about the water, the Israelites complained that they had less food than in Egypt. This is intended to show their ungratefulness and their sinful view of Yahweh. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Prohibition against storing food

The people were not allowed to store the food, called manna, that Yahweh provided to them. This is because they were to trust in Yahweh to provide for their needs every day. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

Sabbath

This is the first recorded celebration of the Sabbath rest. (See: Sabbath)

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Bread as food

Yahweh speaks of the food that he will send as if it were bread. The manna he gave them was perhaps not literally bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. Alternate translations: “food” or “food like bread” (See: bread and Metaphor)

Chronology

Verses 34-36 are written from a much later perspective. Translators will need to find a way to show that this portion gives background information from a much later point (at least 40 years).

Ark of the covenant

Related to the chronology issue, although the covenant has not yet been made, it is referenced in Exodus 16:34. This is probably an editorial comment made after these events. (See: covenant)

Wilderness of Sin

Sin is the name of a part of the Sinai Wilderness. It is the description of a place, and it has nothing to do with sinning. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 16:1

סִ֔ין

The word Sin here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word “sin.” (See: How to Translate Names)

בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֔י

This time coincides with the end of April and the beginning of May on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֔י

“on day 15 of the second month” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Exodus 16:2

וַיִּלּ֜וֹנוּ כָּל־עֲדַ֧ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל

Here, all is a generalization. Alternate translation: “And many of the community of the sons of Israel murmured” (See: Hyperbole)

וַיִּלּ֜וֹנוּ

“And … were angry and spoke”

Exodus 16:3

מִֽי־יִתֵּ֨ן מוּתֵ֤⁠נוּ

This is a way of saying that they wished that they had died. It is a hypothetical past statement. Alternate translation: “We wish that we had died” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

בְ⁠יַד־יְהוָה֙

The phrase the hand of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s action. Alternate translation: “by Yahweh’s action” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 16:4

מַמְטִ֥יר לָ⁠כֶ֛ם לֶ֖חֶם מִן־הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם

God speaks of food coming down from heaven as if it were rain. Alternate translation: “make bread come down from heaven like rain” or “make bread fall to you from the sky” (See: Metaphor)

בְּ⁠תוֹרָתִ֖⁠י

“in my instruction”

Exodus 16:5

וְ⁠הָיָה֙ בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֔י וְ⁠הֵכִ֖ינוּ

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

בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֔י

“on day 6” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

מִשְׁנֶ֔ה

two times

Exodus 16:7

וְ⁠נַ֣חְנוּ מָ֔ה כִּ֥י תלונו עָלֵֽי⁠נוּ

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

Exodus 16:8

וְ⁠נַ֣חְנוּ מָ֔ה

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

וְ⁠נַ֣חְנוּ מָ֔ה לֹא־עָלֵ֥י⁠נוּ תְלֻנֹּתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם כִּ֥י עַל־יְהוָֽה

The people were complaining against Moses and Aaron, who were Yahweh’s servants. So by complaining against them, the people were really complaining against Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Your complaints are not really against us; they are against Yahweh, because we are his servants” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 16:9

וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֱמֹ֗ר אֶֽל־כָּל־עֲדַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל קִרְב֖וּ

There are two layers of quotes here. You may want to translate one or the other as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the layers of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “And Moses told Aaron to tell all of the congregation of the sons of Israel, “Approach” or “And Moses told Aaron, “Tell all of the congregation of the sons of Israel to approach” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Exodus 16:10

וַ⁠יְהִ֗י

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

וְ⁠הִנֵּה֙

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

Exodus 16:13

וַ⁠יְהִ֣י

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

הַ⁠שְּׂלָ֔ו

These are small, plump birds. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 16:14

כַּ⁠כְּפֹ֖ר

Frost is frozen dew that forms on the ground. It is very fine. (See: Translate Unknowns)

כַּ⁠כְּפֹ֖ר

The original readers knew what frost is like, so this phrase would help them understand what the flakes were like. Alternate translation: “that looked like frost” or “that was fine like frost” (See: Simile)

Exodus 16:16

אִ֖ישׁ לְ⁠פִ֣י אָכְל֑⁠וֹ

“according to how much each will eat”

עֹ֣מֶר

2 liters (See: Biblical Volume)

עֹ֣מֶר לַ⁠גֻּלְגֹּ֗לֶת מִסְפַּר֙ נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם אִ֛ישׁ לַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּ⁠אָהֳל֖⁠וֹ תִּקָּֽחוּ

“take an omer per person according to how many people are in the gatherer’s tent”

Exodus 16:20

וַ⁠יָּ֥רֻם תּוֹלָעִ֖ים

“and it decayed with worms”

Exodus 16:21

אִ֖ישׁ כְּ⁠פִ֣י אָכְל֑⁠וֹ

“everyone according to how much they would eat” or “everyone according to how many people they had to feed”

Exodus 16:22

וַ⁠יְהִ֣י

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

בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֗י

“on day 6” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

מִשְׁנֶ֔ה

“two times as much”

לֶ֨חֶם֙

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

Exodus 16:23

שַׁבָּת֧וֹן שַׁבַּת־קֹ֛דֶשׁ לַֽ⁠יהוָ֖ה

“is a day to stop working completely and dedicate to Yahweh”

Exodus 16:24

וְ⁠לֹ֣א הִבְאִ֔ישׁ

“And it did not smell rotten”

Exodus 16:25

כִּֽי־שַׁבָּ֥ת הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם לַ⁠יהוָ֑ה

“today is a Sabbath, a day to honor Yahweh by not working”

Exodus 16:26

וּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֧וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֛י

“but on day seven” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Exodus 16:27

וְ⁠לֹ֖א מָצָֽאוּ

“but they did not find any manna”

Exodus 16:28

עַד־אָ֨נָה֙ מֵֽאַנְתֶּ֔ם לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֥ר מִצְוֺתַ֖⁠י וְ⁠תוֹרֹתָֽ⁠י

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

מֵֽאַנְתֶּ֔ם

Yahweh speaks to Moses, but the word you refers to the people of Israel in general. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֥ר מִצְוֺתַ֖⁠י וְ⁠תוֹרֹתָֽ⁠י

“to obey my commandments and my laws”

Exodus 16:29

כִּֽי־יְהוָה֮ נָתַ֣ן לָ⁠כֶ֣ם הַ⁠שַּׁבָּת֒

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

בַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֖י…בַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִֽי

“on day 6 … on day 7” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

לֶ֣חֶם

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

יוֹמָ֑יִם

“for 2 days”

Exodus 16:31

כְּ⁠זֶ֤רַע גַּד֙ לָבָ֔ן

Coriander is an herb also known as cilantro. People eat both the leaves and seeds. People dry the seeds and grind them into a powder and put it in food to give it flavor. Alternate translation: “like a small white seed” (See: Translate Unknowns)

כְּ⁠צַפִּיחִ֥ת

Wafers are very thin biscuits or crackers.

Exodus 16:33

לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה

Here, face figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 16:34

Verses 34-36 provide a later commentary on the chapter. If your language has a way of marking background information you may want to use it starting from verse 34 or verse 35. You may want to leave verse 34 more connected to verse 33 even though it references the Covenant which has not been given yet. (See: Background Information)

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָ⁠עֵדֻ֖ת

Here, face figuratively represents being near the Covenant. Alternate translation: “near the Covenant” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 16:36

וְ⁠הָ⁠עֹ֕מֶר עֲשִׂרִ֥ית הָ⁠אֵיפָ֖ה הֽוּא

An omer and an ephah are both containers for measuring volume. The original readers would have known how much an ephah was. This sentence would help them know how much an omer was.(See: Biblical Volume)

וְ⁠הָ⁠עֹ֕מֶר עֲשִׂרִ֥ית הָ⁠אֵיפָ֖ה הֽוּא

For languages that do not use fractions, this can be reworded. Alternate translation: “Now ten omers equal one ephah” (See: Fractions)

Exodus 17

Exodus 17 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Moses uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these questions is to convince people of their sin. Likewise, the people’s rhetorical question showed their ignorance. (See: Rhetorical Question and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Wilderness of Sin

Sin is the name of a part of the Sinai Wilderness. It is not the description of a place, and it has nothing to do with sinning. (See: How to Translate Names)

Naming

As in the last couple of chapters, places and things are named for what happens in that location. In this chapter is Massah (which means “test”), Meribah (“arguing”), and an alter named “Yahweh is my Banner” because Yahweh will be at war with the Amalekites forever.

Exodus 17:1

וַ֠⁠יִּסְעוּ כָּל־עֲדַ֨ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

סִ֛ין

The word “Sin” here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word “sin.” See how you translated this in Exodus 16:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

עַל־פִּ֣י יְהוָ֑ה

Here, mouth is a refers figuratively to Yahweh’s commands (that is, what he says to do). Alternate translation: “at the command of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

בִּ⁠רְפִידִ֔ים

Rephidim means “the resting place,” a place to rest on long journeys through the wilderness. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 17:2

מַה־תְּרִיבוּ⁠ן֙ עִמָּדִ֔⁠י מַה־תְּנַסּ֖וּ⁠ן אֶת־יְהוָֽה

Moses uses these questions to scold the people. Alternate translation: “You should not quarrel with me! You should not test Yahweh!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Exodus 17:3

לָ֤⁠מָּה זֶּה֙ הֶעֱלִיתָ֣⁠נוּ מִ⁠מִּצְרַ֔יִם לְ⁠הָמִ֥ית אֹתִ֛⁠י וְ⁠אֶת־בָּנַ֥⁠י וְ⁠אֶת־מִקְנַ֖⁠י בַּ⁠צָּמָֽא

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

Exodus 17:6

לְ⁠פָנֶ֨י⁠ךָ

Here, before your face means “in front of”. (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 17:7

מַסָּ֖ה

Massah is a place in the desert whose name means “testing” in Hebrew. (See: How to Translate Names)

וַ⁠יִּקְרָא֙

Meribah is a place in the desert whose name means “complaining” in Hebrew. (See: How to Translate Names)

אִם־אָֽיִן

In some languages it may be unnatural to explicitly have the negative option included in this question or to have it at the end. It may be omitted or relocated in the question if that is the case.

Exodus 17:8

וַ⁠יָּבֹ֖א עֲמָלֵ֑ק

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

עֲמָלֵ֑ק…יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

Amalek and Israel are both collective nouns that refer to the nations (people groups) descended from that individual. Alternate translation: “the Amalekites … the Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/grammar-collectivenouns)

עֲמָלֵ֑ק

Amalek or the Amalekites are a completely new participant in the story which you may need to point out in your translation. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

בִּ⁠רְפִידִֽם

Rephidim was the name of a place in the desert. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 17:9

יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙

Joshua is a completely new participant in the story which you may need to point out in your translation. He is a major character. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 17:10

וַ⁠יַּ֣עַשׂ יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר אָֽמַר־ל⁠וֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה לְ⁠הִלָּחֵ֖ם בַּ⁠עֲמָלֵ֑ק

Joshua represents himself and the Israelites that he led into battle. Alternate translation: “And, as Moses instructed, Joshua and the men he chose fought against the Amalekites” (See: Synecdoche)

וְ⁠ח֔וּר

Hur was a friend of Moses and Aaron. (See: How to Translate Names)

וְ⁠ח֔וּר

Hur is a new participant in the story which you may need to point out in your translation. However, he is a very minor character. He only appears in this passage and once much later in the book, so you may not need to highlight him at all. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Exodus 17:11

וְ⁠גָבַ֣ר יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל…וְ⁠גָבַ֥ר עֲמָלֵֽק

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

Exodus 17:12

וִ⁠ידֵ֤י מֹשֶׁה֙ כְּבֵדִ֔ים

The author writes of Moses’ arms becoming tired as if his hands became heavy. Alternate translation: “And Moses’ arms became tired” (See: Metonymy)

מִ⁠זֶּ֤ה אֶחָד֙ וּ⁠מִ⁠זֶּ֣ה אֶחָ֔ד

“one on one side, and one on the other”

Exodus 17:13

לְ⁠פִי־חָֽרֶב

The sword represents battle. Alternate translation: “in the battle” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 17:14

מָחֹ֤ה אֶמְחֶה֙ אֶת־זֵ֣כֶר עֲמָלֵ֔ק

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

עֲמָלֵ֔ק

This refers to the Amalekites. Alternate translation: Amalekites” (See: Metonymy)

מִ⁠תַּ֖חַת הַ⁠שָּׁמָֽיִם

This phrase is used to represent all people everywhere. Alternate translation: “from all people every where” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 17:15

נִסִּֽ⁠י

Banner is something lifted up high, perhaps like a flag, that people can see from a distance and follow. Alternate translation: “is my military standard” or “is my guidon”

Exodus 17:16

כִּֽי־יָד֙ עַל־כֵּ֣ס יָ֔הּ

The Hebrew here is very difficult and there are a variety of opinions regarding the meaning. Questions include: 1) Whose hand is referred to? Amalek’s, Yahweh’s, or Moses’? 2) What is the hand on (or against)? Yahweh’s throne or banner? 3) What is the meaning of the preposition meaning on, against, or above? What does that signify? Rebellion, or taking an oath, or holding onto a symbol of power? If there is another translation in your region, it may be best to simply follow the interpretation it gives. Alternate translation: “Because a hand was on the throne of Yah” or “Because a hand was on the banner of Yah”

מִלְחָמָ֥ה לַ⁠יהוָ֖ה בַּֽ⁠עֲמָלֵ֑ק

This phrase has no verbs in Hebrew. You may need to translate the noun war as a verb. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make war with Amalek” or “Yahweh will war against Amalek”

Exodus 18

Exodus 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Leadership lessons

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

Possible translation difficulties

Order of events

The timing of the events in verse 2 is not clear and whatever their timing, may be difficult to translate. The question is: Is Jethro’s taking Zipporah related to the past event of Moses sending her back to him at some otherwise unmentioned point in time, or is Jethro’s taking related to his coming to meet Moses in verse 5.

Verse 11

Verse 11 is difficult in the original and requires interpretation.

God and Yahweh

For this chapter God, who is named Yahweh, is mostly referred to as God instead by his name as is usual in much of the rest of the book. Translations should not suggest that they are not different beings.

Kinship: Father-in-law

Jethro is the father of Moses’ wife. Some languages may make a distinction between that and a woman’s father-in-law. If that is the case, note it in verses: 1-2, 5-8, 12, 14-15, 17, 24, and 27. (See: INVALID translate/figs-kinship)

Participant reference

Jethro is often referred to simply as the father-in-law of Moses in this chapter. He is also named explicitly an unusually high number of times (it would be more usual to have more pronouns referring to him). This is likely to emphasize his familial ties and authority (or honored status). Some languages may need to use alter the way he is referred to for naturalness or to convey the same sense of familial ties and authority (or honored status).

Exodus 18:1

חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה

This refers to the father of the wife of Moses. Some languages may have a different term for a man’s father-in-law than for a woman’s. Note also in verses: 2, 5-8, 12, 14-15, 17, 24, and 27. Alternate translation: “the father of the wife of Moses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-kinship)

Exodus 18:2

וַ⁠יִּקַּ֗ח יִתְרוֹ֙ חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶת־צִפֹּרָ֖ה אֵ֣שֶׁת מֹשֶׁ֑ה

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

אַחַ֖ר שִׁלּוּחֶֽי⁠הָ

This is something Moses had done earlier. The full meaning of the can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “after Moses had sent her home to her father” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 18:3

וְ⁠אֵ֖ת שְׁנֵ֣י בָנֶ֑י⁠הָ

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

גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֔ם

This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means “foreigner.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 18:4

אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר

This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means “God is the one who helps me.” (See: How to Translate Names)

מֵ⁠חֶ֥רֶב פַּרְעֹֽה

This represents being killed by Pharaoh or Pharaoh’s army. Alternate translation: “from being killed by Pharaoh” or “from being killed by Pharaoh’s army” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 18:5

וּ⁠בָנָ֥י⁠ו

“with his sons”

Exodus 18:7

וַ⁠יִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙ וַ⁠יִּשַּׁק־ל֔⁠וֹ

These symbolic acts were the normal way that people showed great respect and devotion in that culture. (See: Symbolic Action)

Exodus 18:8

עַ֖ל אוֹדֹ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

The word Israel represents the Israelite people. Alternate translation: “in order to help the Israelite people” (See: Metonymy)

כָּל־הַ⁠תְּלָאָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר מְצָאָ֣תַ⁠ם

Moses writes of hardships happening to them as if hardships had come to them. Alternate translation: “all the hardships that had happened to them” or “how they had many hard experiences” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 18:9

מִ⁠יַּ֥ד מִצְרָֽיִם

The hand represents the power of someone to do something. Alternate translation: “the power of the Egyptians” or “from what the Egyptians were doing to them” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 18:10

מִ⁠יַּ֥ד מִצְרַ֖יִם וּ⁠מִ⁠יַּ֣ד פַּרְעֹ֑ה…מִ⁠תַּ֖חַת יַד־מִצְרָֽיִם

The hand represents the power of someone to do something. Alternate translation: “from the power of the Egyptians and from the power of Pharaoh … from the power of the Egyptians” or “from what the Egyptians and Pharaoh were doing to you … from what the Egyptians were doing to you” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 18:11

כִּ֣י בַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר

Because of the matter probably refers back to Yahweh’s rescue of Israel. Alternate translation: “because of what he did”

אֲשֶׁ֥ר זָד֖וּ עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם

The most natural referent for they is the gods, who, perhaps through their agents (Pharaoh and the Egyptians), fought against Yahweh and oppressed the Israelites. This would connect back to Exodus 12:12 where Yahweh declares that he is bring judgment on the gods of Egypt. You may need to make some part of this explicit. Alternate translation: “in which they proudly fought Yahweh by oppressing Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 18:12

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים

Here, face figuratively represents the presence of God. In this case it likely means that this was a worship event. Alternate translation: “in the presence of God” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 18:13

וַ⁠יְהִי֙ מִֽ⁠מָּחֳרָ֔ת

A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

וַ⁠יֵּ֥שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֖ה לִ⁠שְׁפֹּ֣ט

Sitting was symbolic of having a position of authority. Alternate translation: “Moses sat down as a judge” (See: Symbolic Action)

מִן־הַ⁠בֹּ֖קֶר עַד־הָ⁠עָֽרֶב

“all day”

Exodus 18:14

מָֽה־הַ⁠דָּבָ֤ר הַ⁠זֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתָּ֤ה עֹשֶׂה֙ לָ⁠עָ֔ם

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

מַדּ֗וּעַ אַתָּ֤ה יוֹשֵׁב֙ לְ⁠בַדֶּ֔⁠ךָ וְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עָ֛ם נִצָּ֥ב עָלֶ֖י⁠ךָ מִן־בֹּ֥קֶר עַד־עָֽרֶב

Jethro used this question to show Moses that he was doing too much. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not sit alone, and all the people position themselves next to you from morning till evening!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

אַתָּ֤ה יוֹשֵׁב֙ לְ⁠בַדֶּ֔⁠ךָ

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

נִצָּ֥ב עָלֶ֖י⁠ךָ

The people came to be near Moses so that they could get a chance for him to hear their petitions. You could state that explicitly if it would be more clear. Alternate translation: “petition you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 18:18

נָבֹ֣ל תִּבֹּ֔ל

“You will surely make yourself very tired”

כָבֵ֤ד מִמְּ⁠ךָ֙

Jethro speaks of the hard work that Moses is doing as if it were a physical burden that Moses was carrying. Alternate translation: “is too hard for you” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 18:19

אִיעָ֣צְ⁠ךָ֔

“I will guide you” or “I will instruct you”

וִ⁠יהִ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ

Jethro speaks of God helping Moses as if God would be with Moses. Alternate translation: “God will help you” or “God will give you wisdom” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠הֵבֵאתָ֥ אַתָּ֛ה אֶת־הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֖ים אֶל־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים

Jethro speaks of Moses telling God about their disputes as if they were something that Moses was bringing to God. Alternate translation: “and you tell God about their disputes” or and “you tell God what they are arguing about” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 18:20

וְ⁠הוֹדַעְתָּ֣ לָ⁠הֶ֗ם אֶת־הַ⁠דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ יֵ֣לְכוּ בָ֔⁠הּ

Jethro speaks of living or behaving like walking. Alternate translation: “You must show them how to live” or “You must show them how to behave” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 18:21

וְ⁠אַתָּ֣ה תֶחֱזֶ֣ה

“As for you, search out” or “You must also search out”

וְ⁠שַׂמְתָּ֣ עֲלֵ⁠הֶ֗ם

Jethro speaks of giving them authority over people as putting them over people. Alternate translation: “You must give them authority over people” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠שַׂמְתָּ֣ עֲלֵ⁠הֶ֗ם

Here, them refers to the Israelites. Moses is placing the good men in charge of groups of Israelites. Alternate translation: “And you must appoint these men over the Israelites” (See: Pronouns – When to Use Them)

שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְ⁠שָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת

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

Exodus 18:22

כָּל־הַ⁠דָּבָ֤ר הַ⁠גָּדֹל֙ יָבִ֣יאוּ אֵלֶ֔י⁠ךָ

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

וְ⁠הָקֵל֙ מֵֽ⁠עָלֶ֔י⁠ךָ

This is a command. Alternate translation: “Make your work less” or “Lessen your work”

וְ⁠הָקֵל֙ מֵֽ⁠עָלֶ֔י⁠ךָ וְ⁠נָשְׂא֖וּ אִתָּֽ⁠ךְ

Jethro speaks of the hard work that they would do as if it were something that they would carry and make lighter for Moses by helping him. Alternate translation: “Lessen your work by having them do the hard work with you” or “Make your work easier by having them help you do the hard work” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 18:23

וְ⁠יָֽכָלְתָּ֖ עֲמֹ֑ד

“then you will not wear yourself out”

⁠גַם֙ כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֣ם הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה עַל־מְקֹמ֖⁠וֹ יָבֹ֥א בְ⁠שָׁלֽוֹם

Here, getting to their place could mean each person’s home tent or it could mean the whole group gets to the promised land. If you cannot leave it ambiguous it would be best to indicate something like “harmony in the camp.” Alternate translation: “all these people will live in harmony”

Exodus 18:25

רָאשִׁ֖ים עַל־הָ⁠עָ֑ם

Moses writes of the leaders of people as if they were the head of a body. Alternate translation: “leaders over the people” (See: Metaphor)

אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֨יִל֙

What sort of ability they had can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “men who were able to lead” or “men who were able to judge” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְ⁠שָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת

Possible meanings are (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of people in each group. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of groups of 1,000 people, groups of 100 people, groups of 50 people, and groups of 10 people” or (2) these numbers are not exact, but represent groups of people of various sizes. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of very small groups, small groups, large groups, and very large groups” See how you translated this in Exodus 18:21. (See: Numbers)

Exodus 18:26

וְ⁠שָׁפְט֥וּ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֖ם בְּ⁠כָל־עֵ֑ת

“They judged the people most of the time” or “They judged the people in all regular circumstances”

אֶת־הַ⁠דָּבָ֤ר הַ⁠קָּשֶׁה֙ יְבִיא֣וּ⁠ן אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה

The author writes of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. Alternate translation: “They told Moses about the difficult cases” or “When there were difficult cases, they told Moses about them so that he would judge them” (See: Metaphor)

הַ⁠דָּבָ֥ר הַ⁠קָּטֹ֖ן

“easy case”

Exodus 19

Exodus 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“A kingdom of priests”

The function of the priests was to intercede for the people. The Levites were the only priests in Israel; this is a metaphor indicating that the nation was to intercede for the world as a whole. They were also to be holy, or set apart, from the rest of the world. (See: priest, priesthood and Metaphor and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)

Revealing the Law

The events of this chapter are concerned with preparing the people to receive the law of Moses. The people go through all of this to prepare themselves for the law, which shows the great importance of this event for Israel. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Boundaries between Yahweh and the people

Moses is told to make the people holy in preparation for meeting Yahweh, then boundaries are set up to keep the people separate from Yahweh, then the priests are told to make themselves holy. The theme of a holy separation is beginning to be developed that will become much of the law code.

Exodus 19:1

בַּ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ֙ הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֔י…בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה

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

Exodus 19:2

מֵ⁠רְפִידִ֗ים

Rephidim is an area on the edge of the wilderness of Sinai where the people of Israel had been camping. See how you translated this name in Exodus 17:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 19:3

תֹאמַר֙ לְ⁠בֵ֣ית יַעֲקֹ֔ב וְ⁠תַגֵּ֖יד לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

These two phrases have exactly the same meaning. This may be for poetic effect as Yahweh’s statement here through verse 6 is somewhat artfully crafted. You may need to use a strategy other than parallelism to achieve a similar poetic effect in your language. (See: Parallelism)

Exodus 19:4

אַתֶּ֣ם רְאִיתֶ֔ם

The word you here refers to the Israelites. Yahweh is telling Moses what to tell the Israelites. (See: Forms of You)

A second-level direct quotation begins with this verse and continues until the middle of verse 6. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

וָ⁠אֶשָּׂ֤א אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ עַל־כַּנְפֵ֣י נְשָׁרִ֔ים

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

Exodus 19:5

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

בְּ⁠קֹלִ֔⁠י

God’s voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: “to what I say” or “to my words” (See: Metonymy)

וּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֑⁠י

“and do what my covenant requires you to do”

סְגֻלָּה֙

“treasure”

Exodus 19:6

לִ֛⁠י מַמְלֶ֥כֶת כֹּהֲנִ֖ים

God speaks of his people as if they were priests. Alternate translation: “my kingdom of people who are like priests” or “my kingdom of people who do what priests do” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 19:7

וַ⁠יָּ֣שֶׂם לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֗ם אֵ֚ת כָּל־הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים

The author writes of Moses telling people things as if he were setting the words before them. Alternate translation: “And he told them all these words” (See: Metaphor)

לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֗ם

Face means the person. Alternate translation: “before them” (See: Metonymy)

כָּל־הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֖⁠הוּ יְהוָֽה

“all that Yahweh had commanded him”

Exodus 19:8

וַ⁠יָּ֧שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָ⁠עָ֖ם

Where Moses went can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Moses went back up the mountain to report the words of the people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָ⁠עָ֖ם

Words refers to what the people said. Alternate translation: “what the people said” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 19:9

אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָ⁠עָ֖ם

Words refers to what the people said. Alternate translation: “what the people said” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 19:10

וְ⁠קִדַּשְׁתָּ֥⁠ם

This may mean instruct the people, or it may mean Moses will have a role as well. Alternate translation: “and tell them to dedicate themselves to me” or “and help them to purify themselves for me”

Exodus 19:11

לְ⁠עֵינֵ֥י

Before the eyes means “so they can see.” Alternate translation: see UST. (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 19:12

וְ⁠הִגְבַּלְתָּ֤

The boundary was either a mark or some kind of barrier.

לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר הִשָּׁמְר֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֛ם

A second-level direct quotation begins with watch. It is not clear where this command that Moses is to give the Israelites ends. Most English translations end it in verse 13 before the last sentence. For that reason, it may be most helpful to translate the instruction as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “telling them to watch themselves” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

הִשָּׁמְר֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֛ם עֲל֥וֹת בָּ⁠הָ֖ר וּ⁠נְגֹ֣עַ בְּ⁠קָצֵ֑⁠הוּ

Here, the negative command is implied from the watch yourselves command. Alternate translation: “Watch yourselves against climbing on the mountain or touching on its edge”

ל־הַ⁠נֹּגֵ֥עַ בָּ⁠הָ֖ר מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת׃

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

Exodus 19:13

בּ֜⁠וֹ

Here, hand is a metonym for any part of a person. Alternate translation: “a person who does that” or “a person who touches the mountain” (See: Metonymy)

סָק֤וֹל יִסָּקֵל֙ אוֹ־יָרֹ֣ה יִיָּרֶ֔ה

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly stone or shoot him” (See: Active or Passive)

יָרֹ֣ה יִיָּרֶ֔ה

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

יַעֲל֥וּ

If you translate this with come or go, consider which would be the correct perspective for your language and the text context. Yahweh is speaking, so perhaps it would be best to say “come up,” however the people will be the ones moving so maybe it should be “go up.” (See: Go and Come)

Exodus 19:15

אַֽל־תִּגְּשׁ֖וּ אֶל־אִשָּֽׁה

This is a polite way of talking about sexual relations. Alternate translation: “do not sleep with your wives” (See: Euphemism)

אִשָּֽׁה

This word means both “woman” and “wife.” Context dictates the correct translation. Since wife would make it a narrower command, woman was chosen here.

Exodus 19:18

יָרַ֥ד …יְהוָ֖ה

“Yahweh came down”

כְּ⁠עֶ֣שֶׁן הַ⁠כִּבְשָׁ֔ן

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

Exodus 19:19

הוֹלֵ֖ךְ וְ⁠חָזֵ֣ק מְאֹ֑ד

“continued to become louder and louder”

בְ⁠קֽוֹל

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

Exodus 19:20

וַ⁠יֵּ֧רֶד…וַ⁠יַּ֥עַל

You may need to consider your language’s rules for perspective regarding going or coming up or down in this verse. (See: Go and Come)

Exodus 19:21

פֶּן־יֶהֶרְס֤וּ

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

וְ⁠נָפַ֥ל

Fall is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: see UST. (See: Euphemism)

Exodus 19:22

יִפְרֹ֥ץ בָּ⁠הֶ֖ם יְהוָֽה

Yahweh’s anger and judgement are pictured as something that will burst through a boundary. Alternate translation: “Yahweh kills them in anger” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 19:23

בָּ֨⁠נוּ֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר הַגְבֵּ֥ל אֶת־הָ⁠הָ֖ר וְ⁠קִדַּשְׁתּֽ⁠וֹ

This quoted command could be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “us to set boundaries on the mountain to keep it separate” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Exodus 19:24

לֶךְ־רֵ֔ד

“go down”

אַל־יֶֽהֶרְס֛וּ

God spoke about walking past the boundary as if they might break down a barrier and walk through it. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 19:21. Alternate translation: “must not go beyond the boundary” or “must not go through the barrier” (See: Metaphor)

יִפְרָץ־בָּֽ⁠ם

Yahweh’s anger and judgement are pictured as something that will burst through a boundary. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 19:22. Alternate translation: “he kill them in anger” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 20

Exodus 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant

Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness is now based on the covenant he made with Abraham as well as the covenant he is making with Moses. (See: covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty, covenant love and covenant)

Form of you

The singular form of you is used in the commandments, however, the commandments applied to the whole Israelite community. There is both a singular and a corporate aspect to them. You may need to choose between singular and plural if you language makes that distinction. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Exodus 20:2

מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים

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

Exodus 20:3

לֹֽ֣א יִהְיֶֽה־לְ⁠ךָ֛ אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֲחֵרִ֖ים עַל־פָּנָֽ⁠יַ

“You must not worship any other gods besides me”

Exodus 20:4

וְ⁠כָל־תְּמוּנָ֔ה

“nor anything looking like something”

Exodus 20:5

לָ⁠הֶ֖ם

The word them refers to carved figures or idols. (See: Pronouns – When to Use Them)

ל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְ⁠עַל־רִבֵּעִ֖ים

“to generations 3 and 4.” This refers to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alternate translation: “even on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְ⁠עַל־רִבֵּעִ֖ים

“Generation” is implied by sons. (See: Ellipsis)

Exodus 20:6

חֶ֖סֶד

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

“Generation” is implied by the previous verse. However, this may not be the case, therefore two notes following deal with either possibility. (See: Ellipsis)

לַ⁠אֲלָפִ֑ים

“to the thousandth generation” or “for a thousand generations”

לַ⁠אֲלָפִ֑ים

Option 1: This large number is used to mean “forever” or “to all descendants forever.” Alternate translation: “for every generation” (See: Hyperbole)

לַ⁠אֲלָפִ֑ים לְ⁠אֹהֲבַ֖⁠י

Option 2: The word thousands is a metonym for a number too many to count. Alternate translation: “forever to innumerable people who love me” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 20:7

תִשָּׂ֛א …יִשָּׂ֥א

To lift up, take, or use the name of Yahweh (with emptiness, i.e. improperly) covers many sorts of speaking or invoking his name, or making a claim to him, or attempting to manipulate him, or misrepresenting him. A broad word should be used in translation of this term.

לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֛א אֶת־שֵֽׁם־יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ

“You must not use the name of Yahweh your God”

לַ⁠שָּׁ֑וְא …לַ⁠שָּֽׁוְא

“carelessly” or “without proper respect”

לֹ֤א יְנַקֶּה֙

This double-negative can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “I will certainly consider guilty” (See: Double Negatives)

Exodus 20:8

לְ⁠קַדְּשֽׁ⁠וֹ

“to make it holy to me” or “to consecrate it to me”

Exodus 20:9

מְלַאכְתֶּֽ⁠ךָ

“your occupation” or “your livelihood”

Exodus 20:10

בִּ⁠שְׁעָרֶֽי⁠ךָ

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

Exodus 20:11

בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֑י

“on day seven.” Here “seventh” is the ordinal number for “7.” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Exodus 20:14

לֹ֖א תִּנְאָֽף

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

Exodus 20:16

לֹֽא־תַעֲנֶ֥ה בְ⁠רֵעֲ⁠ךָ֖ עֵ֥ד שָֽׁקֶר

“You must not speak a false report against your neighbor”

Exodus 20:17

לֹ֥א תַחְמֹ֖ד

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

Exodus 20:18

הָ⁠הָ֖ר עָשֵׁ֑ן

“the smoky mountain”

וַ⁠יָּנֻ֔עוּ

“they shook with fear”

וַ⁠יַּֽעַמְד֖וּ מֵֽ⁠רָחֹֽק

“stood far away”

Exodus 20:20

וּ⁠בַ⁠עֲב֗וּר תִּהְיֶ֧ה יִרְאָת֛⁠וֹ עַל־פְּנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֥י תֶחֱטָֽאוּ

“so that you will honor him and not sin”

תִּהְיֶ֧ה יִרְאָת֛⁠וֹ עַל־פְּנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם

Here, fear is spoken of as something that could be on their faces. It may mean they would have such a fear that their attitude could be seen on their faces. Alternate translation: “reverence for him will show on your faces” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 20:21

וּ⁠מֹשֶׁה֙ נִגַּ֣שׁ

“and Moses went closer to”

Exodus 20:22

אַתֶּ֣ם רְאִיתֶ֔ם

A second-level direct quotation begins here that continues until the end of the chapter. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Exodus 20:23

אֱלֹ֤הֵי כֶ֨סֶף֙ וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֣י זָהָ֔ב

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

Exodus 20:24

מִזְבַּ֣ח אֲדָמָה֮

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

אַזְכִּ֣יר אֶת־שְׁמִ֔⁠י

Here, name is a metonym for God’s being. Alternate translation: “I cause myself to be remembered” (See: Metonymy)

אַזְכִּ֣יר אֶת־שְׁמִ֔⁠י

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “choose for you to remember me” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 20:26

וְ⁠לֹֽא־תַעֲלֶ֥ה בְ⁠מַעֲלֹ֖ת עַֽל־מִזְבְּחִ֑⁠י

If you need to connect this statement more explicitly to the previous statements regarding building the alter you could add a phrase about building steps. Alternate translation: “Do not build steps up to the altar and go up to it on those steps” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־תִגָּלֶ֥ה עֶרְוָתְ⁠ךָ֖ עָלָֽי⁠ו

This could be stated in an active manner. Alternate translation: “so that you do not expose your nakedness over it” (See: Active or Passive)

עֶרְוָתְ⁠ךָ֖

“your private parts”

Exodus 21

Exodus 21 General Notes

This chapter begins to give the Israelite civil case law, that is, the explanation of how to apply the principles condensed in the ten commandments.

Structure:

  • 1: Introduction
  • 2-6: Laws regarding male slaves
  • 7-11: Laws regarding female slaves
  • 12-17: Capital crimes
  • 18-36: Liability laws
    • 18-27: Regarding human violence
    • 28-36: Regarding damage done by or to animals

Translation issues in this chapter

Hypothetical situations

Throughout the case law a hypothetical situation is introduced with “when” or “if,” then there is a description of the situation, then there is the penalty or action to be taken in those situations. A hypothetical person may be introduced with “anyone” or “whoever.” Most verses for the next several chapters will have these hypothetical situations. See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions Translators familiar with Hebrew may want to notice that, generally, major divisions are introduced by כִּי (ki) and minor divisions within a topic are introduced by אִם (’im).

Passive construction

Many portions of these situations are written in the passive voice. Some languages may have to change all or some of these to active voice. See: Active or Passive.

Daughters sold as servants

The section from verses 7-11 may be some what confusing because a daughter that is sold as a servant is seamlessly connected to her becoming someone’s wife.

Ransom payment

In verse 30 a man whose bull killed someone may evade the death penalty by paying a ransom price, but the conditions for that happening are not clear.

Exodus 21:1

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. There is no quote break between chapters.

תָּשִׂ֖ים

“you must give” or “you must tell”

לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶֽם

Here, faces figuratively represents the presence of the nation. Alternate translation: “before them” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 21:2

Yahweh tells Moses his laws for the people of Israel.

כִּ֤י תִקְנֶה֙ עֶ֣בֶד עִבְרִ֔י

This is the first of many hypothetical situations, introduced by “when” or if, which you will encounter over the next several chapters. See the introduction to chapter 21. You will need to translate these consistently in a manner that expresses that these situations have not happened. (See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions)

Exodus 21:3

אִם־בְּ⁠גַפּ֥⁠וֹ יָבֹ֖א בְּ⁠גַפּ֣⁠וֹ יֵצֵ֑א

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

בְּ⁠גַפּ֥⁠וֹ …בְּ⁠גַפּ֣⁠וֹ

“alone” or “without a wife”

אִם־בַּ֤עַל אִשָּׁה֙ ה֔וּא

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

Exodus 21:5

אָמֹ֤ר יֹאמַר֙

“makes a statement”

לֹ֥א אֵצֵ֖א חָפְשִֽׁי

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

Exodus 21:6

הָ֣⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים

The word for God at its most literal means “great ones.” Here it may have this basic meaning and refer to human judges or other leaders in Israel. It may also be a metonym and refer to the judges because they represent God to the people and have his authority. Texts other than the standard Hebrew text support this reading. See Exodus 22:8-9 for another example of this. Alternate translation: “the judges” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠רָצַ֨ע … אֶת־אָזְנ⁠וֹ֙

“will put a hole in his ear”

בַּ⁠מַּרְצֵ֔עַ

a pointed tool used to make a hole

לְ⁠עֹלָֽם

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

Exodus 21:8

This verse is the first of three possible situations between a master and his female slave.

יְעָדָ֖⁠הּ

“has chosen”

וְ⁠הֶפְדָּ֑⁠הּ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he must allow her father to buy her back” (See: Active or Passive)

בְּ⁠בִגְד⁠וֹ־בָֽ⁠הּ

“since he has deceived her”

Exodus 21:9

This verse is the second of three possible situations between a master and his female slave.

לִ⁠בְנ֖⁠וֹ יִֽיעָדֶ֑⁠נָּה

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

כְּ⁠מִשְׁפַּ֥ט הַ⁠בָּנ֖וֹת יַעֲשֶׂה־לָּֽ⁠הּ

“he must do to her according to the manner that daughters are customarily treated”

Exodus 21:10

This verse and the next are the third of three possible situations between a master and his female slave.

שְׁאֵרָ֛⁠הּ כְּסוּתָ֥⁠הּ וְ⁠עֹנָתָ֖⁠הּ לֹ֥א יִגְרָֽע

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

וְ⁠עֹנָתָ֖⁠הּ

This term only occurs here in the Bible. It probably means things that a husband must do for his wife. Most commentators believe it specifically means having sexual relations with her, possibly so that she can bear children. Alternate translation: “or her right to intimacy” or “or her childbearing rights” (See: Euphemism)

Exodus 21:12

מַכֵּ֥ה אִ֛ישׁ

“Whoever attacks a man”

מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly execute that person” or “you must certainly kill that person” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 21:13

וַ⁠אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א צָדָ֔ה

“but if he did not plan to do it” or “but if he did not do it on purpose”

וְ⁠שַׂמְתִּ֤י לְ⁠ךָ֙ מָק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָנ֖וּס שָֽׁמָּ⁠ה

The purpose of choosing a place can be stately clearly here. Alternate translation: “I will choose a place that he can run away to be safe” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 21:14

בְ⁠עָרְמָ֑ה

“after thinking carefully about it”

תִּקָּחֶ֖⁠נּוּ

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

לָ⁠מֽוּת

“to execute him”

Exodus 21:15

וּ⁠מַכֵּ֥ה אָבִ֛י⁠ו וְ⁠אִמּ֖⁠וֹ מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת

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

מ֥וֹת

“must certainly”

Exodus 21:16

מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must kill that kidnapper” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 21:17

וּ⁠מְקַלֵּ֥ל אָבִ֛י⁠ו וְ⁠אִמּ֖⁠וֹ מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must surely kill anyone who curses his father or his mother” (See: Active or Passive)

וּ⁠מְקַלֵּ֥ל

The word translated acts contemptuously means the opposite of “honor” (as in the commandment to honor one’s parents). Alternate translation: “Whoever acts dishonorably towards”

Exodus 21:19

יָק֞וּם

“he gets better”

וְ⁠נִקָּ֣ה

“then … is innocent”

שִׁבְתּ֛⁠וֹ

This refers to a situation when someone cannot work to earn money. You can express this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “for the time he could not work” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וְ⁠רַפֹּ֥א יְרַפֵּֽא

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

Exodus 21:20

תַּ֣חַת יָד֑⁠וֹ

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

נָקֹ֖ם יִנָּקֵֽם

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly punish that man” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 21:21

כִּ֥י כַסְפּ֖⁠וֹ הֽוּא

A common view is that the loss of the valuable property, the slave, is itself a punishment. It may be that the master loses the slave for a time and also has to pay for his healing, or it may be that the slave dies after a few days. You can express clearly in the translation that the servant was valuable to his master. Alternate translation: “because he has already lost his servant who was valuable to him” or “because he has already lost his servant’s work for a time and had to pay for his healing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 21:22

וְ⁠יָצְא֣וּ יְלָדֶ֔י⁠הָ וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִהְיֶ֖ה אָס֑וֹן

It is not clear in the passage what happens to the child. The text is simply as in the ULT. Some have taken it to mean that the child dies because of premature birth and the serious injury only relates to the woman. In this case, a fine is imposed for the loss of the child. However, the text could also mean that the child is born at least mostly safely. A fine is still imposed because of the great danger to the two lives. Then the next few verses give consequences for any injury either to mother or child.

אָס֑וֹן

“hurt”

עָנ֣וֹשׁ יֵעָנֵ֗שׁ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly fine the guilty man” or “the guilty man must pay a fine” (See: Active or Passive)

בִּ⁠פְלִלִֽים

“what the judges decide”

Exodus 21:23

וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֥ה נֶ֖פֶשׁ תַּ֥חַת נָֽפֶשׁ

This means that if someone is hurt, the person who caused the hurt must be hurt in the same way. Alternate translation: “you must take the killer’s life for the murdered person’s life” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 21:24

עַ֚יִן תַּ֣חַת עַ֔יִן

This means that if someone is hurt, the person who caused the hurt must be hurt in the same way. Alternate translation: “the striker’s eye for the injured person’s eye” (and etc throughout this and the next verse) (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 21:26

אִ֜ישׁ

Here, man refers to the owner of a slave.

תַּ֥חַת

“as payment for”

Exodus 21:28

יִגַּ֨ח שׁ֥וֹר

“an ox injures with its horns”

סָק֨וֹל יִסָּקֵ֜ל הַ⁠שּׁ֗וֹר

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must surely stone the ox to death” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠לֹ֤א יֵאָכֵל֙ אֶת־בְּשָׂר֔⁠וֹ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and you must not eat its flesh” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 21:29

וְ⁠הוּעַ֤ד בִּ⁠בְעָלָי⁠ו֙

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and someone warned its owner” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠הוּעַ֤ד בִּ⁠בְעָלָי⁠ו֙

The content of the warning could be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and its owner was warned that it gores” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וְ⁠גַם־בְּעָלָ֖י⁠ו יוּמָֽת

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must also kill its owner” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 21:30

אִם־כֹּ֖פֶר יוּשַׁ֣ת עָלָ֑י⁠ו וְ⁠נָתַן֙ פִּדְיֹ֣ן נַפְשׁ֔⁠וֹ כְּ⁠כֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־יוּשַׁ֖ת עָלָֽי⁠ו

The text does not specify who will impose a ransom on the ox’s owner. Since other texts indicate that justice is retributive and performed by the dead person’s family, that is one option. Another is that the judges will impose it. One of these can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: see UST (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

אִם־כֹּ֖פֶר יוּשַׁ֣ת עָלָ֑י⁠ו…יוּשַׁ֖ת עָלָֽי⁠ו

These statements can be made active rather than passive. However, you must make a decision regarding who is imposing the ransom, or use an unspecified pronoun if that is possible in your language (this second option would not make sense in English). Alternate translation: “If the judges impose a ransom on him … they impose on him” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 21:31

יִגָּ֖ח …יִגָּ֑ח

“it injures with its horns … it injures with its horns”

לּֽ⁠וֹ

Here, him probably refers to the ox’s owner. Alternate translation: “to the owner” (See: Pronouns – When to Use Them)

Exodus 21:32

A shekel weighed eleven grams. Alternate translation: “330 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Money)

אִם־עֶ֛בֶד יִגַּ֥ח הַ⁠שּׁ֖וֹר

Because they are to kill the ox, the slave must have died. You can make this explicit. Alternate translation: “If an ox kills a male servant” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וְ⁠הַ⁠שּׁ֖וֹר יִסָּקֵֽל

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must kill the ox by stoning it” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 21:33

יִפְתַּ֨ח…בּ֗וֹר

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

Exodus 21:34

כֶּ֖סֶף יָשִׁ֣יב לִ⁠בְעָלָ֑י⁠ו

The owner must be paid for the loss of his animal. Alternate translation: “he must pay the owner for the dead animal” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם

“must make restitution”

וְ⁠הַ⁠מֵּ֖ת יִֽהְיֶה־לּֽ⁠וֹ

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

Exodus 21:35

וְ⁠חָצ֣וּ אֶת־כַּסְפּ֔⁠וֹ

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

Exodus 21:36

א֣וֹ נוֹדַ֗ע

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: see UST (See: Active or Passive)

נַגָּ֥ח הוּא֙ מִ⁠תְּמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם

“had gored other animals before”

⁠לֹ֥א יִשְׁמְרֶ֖⁠נּוּ בְּעָלָ֑י⁠ו

This means that the owner did not keep his ox safely where it could not wander to hit other animals. This can be clearly stated in the translation. Alternate translation: “and its owner did not keep it inside a fence” or “and its owner did not tie it securely” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

שַׁלֵּ֨ם יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם שׁוֹר֙ תַּ֣חַת הַ⁠שּׁ֔וֹר

The owner of the ox that killed must give an ox to the man who lost his ox. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “the owner of the ox that killed must surely give a living ox to the owner of the ox that died” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 22

Exodus 22 General Notes

Translation issues in this chapter

Hypothetical situations

Throughout the case law a hypothetical situation is introduced with “when” or “if,” then there is a description of the situation, then there is the penalty or action to be taken in those situations. A hypothetical person may be introduced with “anyone” or “whoever.” Most verses for the next several chapters will have these hypothetical situations. See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions Translators familiar with Hebrew may want to notice that, generally, major divisions are introduced by כִּי (ki) and minor divisions within a topic are introduced by אִם (’im).

Passive construction

Many portions of these situations are written in the passive voice. Some languages may have to change all or some of these to active voice. See: Active or Passive.

Exodus 22:1

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

כִּ֤י יִגְנֹֽב־אִישׁ֙ שׁ֣וֹר אוֹ־שֶׂ֔ה וּ⁠טְבָח֖⁠וֹ א֣וֹ מְכָר֑⁠וֹ

This is the first of many hypothetical situations in this chapter, introduced by “when” or if, which you will encounter over the next several chapters. See the introduction. You will need to translate these consistently in a manner that expresses that these situations have not happened. (See: Connect – Hypothetical Conditions)

חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה …וְ⁠אַרְבַּע

5 … 4 (See: Numbers)

Exodus 22:2

אִם־בַּ⁠מַּחְתֶּ֛רֶת יִמָּצֵ֥א הַ⁠גַּנָּ֖ב

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If anyone finds a thief while he is breaking in” (See: Active or Passive)

בַּ⁠מַּחְתֶּ֛רֶת

“while using force to come into a house”

וְ⁠הֻכָּ֣ה וָ⁠מֵ֑ת

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if anyone strikes the thief so that he dies” (See: Active or Passive)

אֵ֥ין ל֖⁠וֹ דָּמִֽים

“no one will be guilty of murdering him”

Exodus 22:3

אִם־זָרְחָ֥ה הַ⁠שֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ עָלָ֖י⁠ו

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

וְ⁠נִמְכַּ֖ר בִּ⁠גְנֵבָתֽ⁠וֹ

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “you must sell him as a slave in order to pay for what he stole” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 22:4

אִֽם־הִמָּצֵא֩ תִמָּצֵ֨א בְ⁠יָד֜⁠וֹ הַ⁠גְּנֵבָ֗ה…חַיִּ֑ים

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If they find that he still has the live animal that he stole” (See: Active or Passive)

שְׁנַ֖יִם יְשַׁלֵּֽם

The meaning of compensate double is not entirely clear. Most interpretations follow the UST, that is, two animals total must be given, the stolen one and one more. Some interpret double to mean the thief must pay two animals for every animal that he took, so three total. It would be best to leave double as ambiguous as possible. Alternate translation: “he must compensate twice what he stole”

Exodus 22:5

יַבְעֶר…וּ⁠בִעֵ֖ר

“causes to eat plants … and it eats plants”

בְּעִיר֔וֹ

Livestock is a collective singular noun that could refer to cows, goats, sheep, or basically any domesticated animals. In some languages you will need to translate it as a plural. Alternate translation: see UST. (See: INVALID translate/grammar-collectivenouns)

יְשַׁלֵּֽם

“he must pay back the owner of that field”

Exodus 22:6

כִּֽי־תֵצֵ֨א אֵ֜שׁ וּ⁠מָצְאָ֤ה קֹצִים֙ וְ⁠נֶאֱכַ֣ל

Breaks out and consumes can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If someone starts a fire and it spreads in thorns and it consumes” (See: Active or Passive)

וּ⁠מָצְאָ֤ה קֹצִים֙

“and moves along the ground through dry plants”

גָּדִ֔ישׁ

This is grain that has been cut and tied in bundles. Alternate translation: “bundled grain” or “harvested grain” (See: Translate Unknowns)

הַ⁠קָּמָ֖ה

This is grain that has not been cut, but it is ready to be harvested. Alternate translation: “the grain still in the field” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 22:7

לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֔ר

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

וְ⁠גֻנַּ֖ב

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if someone steals it” (See: Active or Passive)

אִם־יִמָּצֵ֥א הַ⁠גַּנָּ֖ב

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if you find the thief” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 22:8

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

הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים

The word for God at its most literal means “great ones.” Here and in the next verse it may have this basic meaning and refer to human judges or other leaders in Israel. It may also be a metonym and refer to the judges because they represent God to the people and have his authority. See Exodus 21:6 for another example of this. Alternate translation: “the judges” (See: Metonymy)

שָׁלַ֛ח יָד֖⁠וֹ בִּ⁠מְלֶ֥אכֶת רֵעֵֽ⁠הוּ

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

Exodus 22:9

דְּבַר…דְּבַר

“dispute”

כִּי־ה֣וּא זֶ֔ה

“This is mine” or “This is my missing property”

הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים …אֱלֹהִ֔ים

The word for God at its most literal means “great ones.” Here and in the previous verse it may have this basic meaning and refer to human judges or other leaders in Israel. It may also be a metonym and refer to the judges because they represent God to the people and have his authority. See Exodus 21:6 for another example of this. Alternate translation: “the judges” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 22:10

נִשְׁבַּ֥ר אוֹ־נִשְׁבָּ֖ה

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: see UST (See: Active or Passive)

נִשְׁבָּ֖ה

This means something more like a wild animal takes the ox or sheep away (to eat) than someone stealing it. See verse 12 for cases where the animal is stolen while in another’s care.

Exodus 22:11

שְׁבֻעַ֣ת יְהוָ֗ה תִּהְיֶה֙ בֵּ֣ין שְׁנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם… וְ⁠לָקַ֥ח בְּעָלָ֖י⁠ו

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

Exodus 22:12

וְ⁠אִם־גָּנֹ֥ב יִגָּנֵ֖ב מֵ⁠עִמּ֑⁠וֹ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But if someone stole the animal from him” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 22:13

אִם־טָרֹ֥ף יִטָּרֵ֖ף

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But if a wild beast tore the animal in pieces” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 22:14

שַׁלֵּ֥ם יְשַׁלֵּֽם

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

וְ⁠נִשְׁבַּ֣ר אוֹ־מֵ֑ת

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: see UST (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 22:15

אִם־שָׂכִ֣יר

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if someone rented the animal” (See: Active or Passive)

בָּ֖א בִּ⁠שְׂכָרֽ⁠וֹ

The one who borrowed the animal will not have to pay the owner anything more than the hiring or rental fee. This fee will pay for the loss of the animal. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “the money that someone paid to rent the animal will cover the loss of the animal” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

בִּ⁠שְׂכָרֽ⁠וֹ

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

Exodus 22:16

וְ⁠כִֽי־יְפַתֶּ֣ה אִ֗ישׁ בְּתוּלָ֛ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־אֹרָ֖שָׂה

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

לֹא־אֹרָ֖שָׂה

“not promised to be married”

וְ⁠שָׁכַ֣ב

Lying with someone is a euphemism for having sex. Alternate translation: “if he has sex with her” (See: Euphemism)

מָהֹ֛ר יִמְהָרֶ֥⁠נָּה

The bride price was money paid to the family to compensate for the loss of their daughter.

Exodus 22:17

ל֑⁠וֹ…יִשְׁקֹ֔ל

These pronouns refer back to the man who seduced the virgin. (See: Pronouns – When to Use Them)

Exodus 22:19

כָּל־שֹׁכֵ֥ב עִם־בְּהֵמָ֖ה

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “Whoever has sexual relations with an animal” (See: Euphemism)

כָּל־שֹׁכֵ֥ב עִם־בְּהֵמָ֖ה מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת

Be put to death can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must surely execute whoever lies with an animal” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 22:20

יָֽחֳרָ֑ם …לְ⁠בַדּֽ⁠וֹ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “alone, you must completely destroy” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 22:21

לֹא־תוֹנֶ֖ה

“You must not mistreat a foreigner” or “You must not cheat a foreigner”

כִּֽי־גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּ⁠אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

The Israelites are called to remember their previous condition, that they lived as foreign guests in Egypt. They came first to avoid the famine in Jacob and Joseph’s time and were dependent on the Egyptian hospitality. Later they were wronged and oppressed and they are not to do that to those who sojourn with them. You may need to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “for you were wronged and oppressed as sojourners in the land of Egypt” or “for you also depended on hospitality while you lived as sojourners in Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 22:22

כָּל־אַלְמָנָ֥ה וְ⁠יָת֖וֹם לֹ֥א תְעַנּֽוּ⁠ן׃

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “You must treat all widows and fatherless children fairly” (See: Double Negatives)

אַלְמָנָ֥ה

“woman whose husband has died”

וְ⁠יָת֖וֹם

“or child with no parents”

Exodus 22:24

וְ⁠חָרָ֣ה אַפִּ֔⁠י

This is an idiom meaning that Yahweh will be angry. Alternate translation: “and I will became very angry” (See: Idiom)

בֶּ⁠חָ֑רֶב

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

Exodus 22:25

כְּ⁠נֹשֶׁ֑ה

“like one who lends money”

לֹֽא־תְשִׂימ֥וּ⁠ן עָלָ֖י⁠ו נֶֽשֶׁךְ

“you must not charge him extra money for borrowing” or “you must not charge him extra money for the loan”

Exodus 22:27

כְסוּתוֹ֙ לְ⁠בַדָּ֔⁠הּ

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

בַּ⁠מֶּ֣ה יִשְׁכָּ֔ב

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

Exodus 22:28

אֱלֹהִ֖ים לֹ֣א תְקַלֵּ֑ל

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

וְ⁠נָשִׂ֥יא בְ⁠עַמְּ⁠ךָ֖ לֹ֥א תָאֹֽר

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

Exodus 22:29

לֹ֣א תְאַחֵ֑ר

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “You must bring all of your offerings” (See: Double Negatives)

Exodus 22:30

שִׁבְעַ֤ת

This can be written as a numeral. Alternate translation: “7” (See: Numbers)

בַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁמִינִ֖י

This can be written as a numeral. Alternate translation: “on day number 8” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Exodus 23

Exodus 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice in society

The rules and laws of this chapter are not intended to be followed by every society. Israel was God’s chosen nation and was required to live in a special way. These laws concerned creating a just society and a holy nation. (See: chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect, law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)

Celebrations of feasts and festivals

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

Exodus 23:1

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

This is the same as a lying or false witness.

Exodus 23:2

“and you also must not speak”

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

do illegal or immoral actions that result in a unjust ruling

Exodus 23:4

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

Exodus 23:6

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

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

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

Exodus 23:7

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

Exodus 23:8

Here a “bribe” is described as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “bribe discredits…undermines” (See: Personification)

Exodus 23:9

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

Exodus 23:10

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

“the food its plants produce”

Exodus 23:11

uncultivated, untilled

in its natural state, not used for to grow food

The poor can eat any food that grows on its own in a field that is not cultivated. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “so the poor among your people may harvest and eat any food that grows on its own in that field” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 23:12

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

“your work animals”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “any foreigner may rest and regain his strength” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 23:13

“Do” or “Obey”

This represents praying to other gods. Alternate translation: “pray to other gods” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 23:14

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

Exodus 23:15

This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. See how you translated this in Exodus 13:4. (See: Hebrew Months and How to Translate Names)

Here understatement is used to emphasize that the Israelites must bring a suitable offering to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “come to me without a proper offering” or “always bring an offering to me” (See: Double Negatives)

Exodus 23:16

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

“You must honor” or “You must celebrate”

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

Exodus 23:17

Here to “appear” means to gather for worship. Alternate translation: “All the men must gather to worship the Lord Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 23:18

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

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

Exodus 23:19

“the best and first produce of the harvest”

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

Exodus 23:20

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

Exodus 23:21

“Listen to him”

“If you provoke him, he will not pardon”

Here “name” refers to God’s authority. Alternate translation: “He has my authority” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 23:22

Here “voice” represents what the angel says. Alternate translation: “If you carefully obey what he says” (See: Metonymy)

These two phrases mean the same thing and are used for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Exodus 23:23

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

Exodus 23:24

The Israelites must not live as the people who worship other gods. Alternate translation: “You must not…live as the people who worship those gods” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 23:25

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

Yahweh switched between the first and third pronoun to refer to himself. Here both “he” and “I” refer to Yahweh. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Exodus 23:26

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

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Every woman will be able to become pregnant and give birth to healthy babies” (See: Double Negatives)

to have a pregnancy end early and unexpectedly

Exodus 23:28

a flying insect that can sting people and cause pain

Exodus 23:29

“because no one would be living in the land”

Exodus 23:30

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

Exodus 23:33

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

Exodus 24

Exodus 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Moses’ covenant

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

God’s holiness

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

Exodus 24:1

These are men’s names. See how you translated these names in Exodus 6:23. (See: How to Translate Names)

“70 of Israel’s elders” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 24:3

This is an idiom that means the people were in complete agreement. Alternate translation: “together” or “in agreement” (See: Idiom)

Exodus 24:4

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

Exodus 24:6

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

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

Exodus 24:7

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “We will obey everything” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 24:8

This refers to the blood that Moses had put into the bowls. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Then Moses took the blood that was in the bowls” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 24:9

These are men’s names. See how you translated these names in Exodus 6:23. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 24:10

This speaks of God as if he had human feet. (See: Personification)

“a pavement made of blue stones called sapphires”

a hard surface for walking or riding

This is a gemstone that is blue in color. (See: Translate Unknowns)

This is a simile. Alternate translation: “as clear as the sky is when there are no clouds” (See: Simile)

Exodus 24:11

This means that God did not harm the leaders. Alternate translation: “God did not harm the Israelite leaders” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 24:12

God had written the law and commandments on the tablets of stone. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “two stone slabs on which I have written all the laws” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 24:13

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

Exodus 24:14

“wait for Joshua and me”

Hur was a man who was a friend of Moses and Aaron. See how you translated this name in Exodus 17:10. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 24:16

This was the brilliant light of God’s presence. Alternate translation: “The brilliant light showing God’s presence” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 24:17

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

Their eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents their thoughts or judgment about they saw. Alternate translation: “to the Israelites” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 24:18

“40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 25

Exodus 25 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The tent of meeting

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

Exodus 25:2

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

The word you refers to Moses and the leaders. (See: Forms of You)

Exodus 25:3

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 25:4

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

bright red

Exodus 25:6

dried plants that people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 25:7

a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown. (See: Translate Unknowns)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “precious stones for someone to set” (See: Active or Passive)

“valuable gems” or “treasured gems”

Exodus 25:8

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 25:9

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

Here you is plural and refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

“show you in the design” or “show you in the pattern.” Here you is singular and refers to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

Exodus 25:10

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.5 cubits…1.5 cubits” or “115 centimeters…almost 69 centimeters” (See: Biblical Distance and Fractions)

Exodus 25:12

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

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

Exodus 25:14

“so that you can carry the ark”

Exodus 25:15

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 25:17

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

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.5 cubits…1.5 cubits” or “115 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: Biblical Distance and Fractions)

Exodus 25:18

“beaten gold”

Exodus 25:19

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

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

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must make them” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 25:21

Here you refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Exodus 25:22

Yahweh continues to speak to Moses.

“I will meet with you at the ark.” In 25:22 the word you is singular and refers to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

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

Exodus 25:23

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2 cubits…1 cubit…1.5 cubits” or “92 centimeters…46 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: Biblical Distance and Fractions)

Exodus 25:25

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

a measurement of 7 to 8 centimeters

“frame for the table”

Exodus 25:26

“legs are”

Exodus 25:27

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must attach the rings” (See: Active or Passive)

“so you can carry”

Exodus 25:28

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you may carry the table with them” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 25:29

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you may use them to pour out drink offerings” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 25:30

This bread represented the presence of God.

Exodus 25:31

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

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make the lampstand” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make its cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers all of one piece with the lampstand” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 25:33

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

white or pink flowers that have five petals

Exodus 25:34

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

Exodus 25:35

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

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must make them as one piece with the lampstand” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 25:36

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

Exodus 25:37

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“so they shine light from it”

Exodus 25:38

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make the tongs and their trays of pure gold” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 25:39

A talent weighs about thirty-three kilograms. (See: Biblical Weight)

the tongs and the trays

Exodus 25:40

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am showing you on the mountain” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 26

Exodus 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

The tent of meeting

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

Exodus 26:1

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

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

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

wool dyed a deep red color

a person who is skilled in making beautiful objects by hand

Exodus 26:2

“28 cubits…4 cubits.” A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance and Numbers)

Exodus 26:3

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Sew five curtains together to make one set, and sew the other five curtains together to make another set” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 26:4

“one set of five curtains”

“the second set of five curtains”

Exodus 26:6

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

Exodus 26:7

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“11” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 26:8

“30…4” (See: Numbers)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 26:10

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

See how you translated these in Exodus 26:4.

Exodus 26:11

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

Exodus 26:12

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 26:13

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 26:14

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

“colored red”

Exodus 26:15

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

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

Exodus 26:16

“10 cubits…1.5 cubits” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 26:19

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

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

The silver bases kept the wooden board off the ground.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Put two bases” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 26:21

This means that what was said about the first two boards should be done for the rest of the boards. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “and two bases for each of the rest of the boards” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 26:22

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 26:24

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Separate these frames at the bottom, but join them at the top” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 26:25

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

“total”

This means that what was said about the first two frames should be done for the rest of the frames. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:21. Alternate translation: “and two bases for each of the rest of the frames” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 26:26

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

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

Exodus 26:27

The front was on the east side of the tabernacle.

Exodus 26:29

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

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

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

Exodus 26:30

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that I have shown you here on this mountain” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 26:31

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

Yahweh is speaking to Moses, so the word you is singular. Yahweh probably expected Moses to tell someone else to do the actual work, but Moses would be the one responsible for seeing that the work was done correctly. “Tell a craftsman to make.” See how you translated this in Exodus 26:1. (See: Forms of You)

Exodus 26:33

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

The ark of the testimony is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “you must bring in the chest containing the commandments” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The curtain will separate the holy place” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 26:34

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

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

“on the chest that contains the commandments”

Exodus 26:35

This is the table that holds the bread that represents the presence of God. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Place the table for the bread of God’s presence on the north side” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Exodus 26:36

Yahweh continues to tell Moses how to construct the tabernacle.

This was a large curtain made of cloth.

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

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

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

Exodus 27

Exodus 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

The tent of meeting

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

Exodus 27:1

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

“2.2 meters long on each side” (See: Biblical Distance)

“The altar must be square and 1.3 meters high” (See: Biblical Distance)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 27:2

“You must make projections that look like ox horns on its four corners”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must make the horns” (See: Active or Passive)

“must cover the altar and horns”

Exodus 27:3

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

bowls

These were pans that held hot coals from the altar.

These were any instrument, vessel, or tool that served a useful purpose.

Exodus 27:4

“You must make a bronze grate for the altar”

a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning

Exodus 27:5

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people need to do.

The grate was placed inside the altar. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “You must put the grate under the rim of the altar, on the inside of the altar” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 27:6

These poles were used for carrying the altar. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “You must make poles for carrying the altar” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 27:7

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people should do.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must put the poles into the rings and place them on each side of the altar to carry it” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 27:8

a long, flat piece of wood that is thicker than a board

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that I have shown to you here on this mountain” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 27:9

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must place hangings…courtyard” (See: Active or Passive)

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

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

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “44 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 27:10

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must also attach hooks…posts” (See: Active or Passive)

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

Exodus 27:11

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 27:9.

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “you must make hangings”

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 27:10.

Exodus 27:12

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “you must make a curtain”

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “You must make ten posts”

Exodus 27:13

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “Make the courtyard fifty cubits long”

Exodus 27:14

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

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

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

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

about seven meters (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 27:16

This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “You must make a curtain twenty cubits long to be the courtyard gate”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They must make the curtain…fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer” or “Embroiderers must make the curtain…fine twined linen” (See: Active or Passive)

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

a person who sews designs into cloth

Exodus 27:17

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 27:18

“100 cubits.” A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance and Numbers)

“finely twisted linen.” This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

Exodus 27:19

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “make all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze” (See: Active or Passive)

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

Exodus 27:20

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 27:21

This is another name for the tabernacle.

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

“I require that the people do this as a lasting statute”

Exodus 28

Exodus 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Holy garments

Because Yahweh is holy, only the priests could approach him, and when they did they must be wearing specially made clothing. (See: priest, priesthood and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)

Exodus 28:1

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

Here “yourself” refers to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

Exodus 28:2

Here you refers to the people. (See: Forms of You)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “garments that you will set apart to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 28:4

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“a coat with a design woven into it”

a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times.

a piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest

Exodus 28:6

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

“finely-twisted linen.” This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.

a person who can make beautiful objects by hand

Exodus 28:8

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they must make it in one piece” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 28:9

These are valuable stones that have layers of white and black, red or brown. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:7. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 28:10

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 28:11

“In the same way a person engraves on a seal”

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

an engraved stone used to stamp a design into a wax seal

pieces of metal that hold the stone onto the ephod

Exodus 28:13

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

These are pieces of metal that hold each stone onto the ephod. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:11.

Exodus 28:14

“two chains of pure gold that are braided like cords”

Exodus 28:15

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“a skillful workman will make it like the ephod”

Exodus 28:16

A span is 22 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 28:17

Twelve kinds of stone are listed here. Scholars are not sure which kinds of stones the Hebrew words refer to. Some translations list different stones.

“valuable gems” or “treasured gems.” See how you translated these in Exodus 25:7. (See: Translate Unknowns)

These are precious stones. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 28:18

These are precious stones.

This is a gemstone that is blue in color. See how you translated this in Exodus 24:10.

Exodus 28:19

These are precious stones

Exodus 28:20

These are precious stones. (See: Translate Unknowns)

This is a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown. See how you translated these in Exodus 25:7. (See: Translate Unknowns)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must mount them in gold settings” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 28:21

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must arrange the stones” (See: Active or Passive)

A signet is an engraved stone used to stamp a design into a wax seal. Here the stone is mounted on a ring. See how you translated “signet” in Exodus 28:11.

Exodus 28:22

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

Exodus 28:25

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

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

These are two settings that enclose the stones. This can be clearly stated in the translation. Alternate translation: “to the two settings that enclose the stones” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 28:27

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 28:28

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that they may attach it” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “the breastpiece would stay attached to the ephod” (See: Double Negatives)

Exodus 28:29

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This refers to the names of the tribes engraved on the twelve stones the breastplate as described in Exodus 28:17-21.

“over Aaron’s heart” or “on his chest”

Exodus 28:30

The second phrase appears to refer to the Urim and Thummim and explain their purpose.

It not clear what these are. They were objects, possibly stones, that the priest used to determine somehow the will of God. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 28:31

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 28:32

This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “A weaver must make this robe”

“a person who weaves” or “a person who creates cloth using thread”

Exodus 28:33

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people do.

A pomegranate is a round fruit with a red outer skin. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 28:34

This phrase is repeated to show the pattern of the design on the robe.

Exodus 28:35

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Aaron must wear the robe when he serves” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that the bells make a sound” (See: Active or Passive)

It is implied that he would die because he did not obey Yahweh. This can be stated. Alternate translation: “As a result, he will not die because of disobeying my instructions” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 28:36

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

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

Exodus 28:37

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

Exodus 28:38

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Aaron must wear it on his forehead” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Aaron must always wear the turban on his forehead” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 28:39

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

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

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that a person wears around his waist or across his chest. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

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

Exodus 28:40

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that a person wears around his waist or across his chest. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

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

Exodus 28:41

Aaron was the older brother of Moses. You can state this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “Put these clothes on your older brother Aaron” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 28:42

God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

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

Exodus 28:43

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

“a law the will not end”

Exodus 29

Exodus 29 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Consecrating priests

This chapter records the process of consecrating priests. The priests were to be set apart from the rest of Israel because Yahweh is holy. (See: consecrate, consecrated, consecration and priest, priesthood and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“I will live among the Israelites”

As God, Yahweh is everywhere and cannot be limited to a single space. This phrase indicates that he permanently remains within Israel in a special way while they have the ark.

Exodus 29:1

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

Here you refers to Moses.

“to set apart Aaron and his sons”

Here “me” refers to Yahweh.

a male cow

Exodus 29:2

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Also take wafers without yeast and rub them with oil” (See: Active or Passive)

These are different kinds of food made from flour.

Exodus 29:3

Yahweh continues to speak to Moses

“You must put the bread, cake, and wafer”

Here “present” means to offer as a sacrifice. The full meaning of this can be translated clearly. Alternate translation: “offer them to me when you sacrifice the bull and the two rams” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 29:4

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

Exodus 29:5

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This was a coat with a design woven into it. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 29:6

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

This crown is described in Exodus 29:6 as being engraved with the words “dedicated to Yahweh” and made of pure gold.

Exodus 29:8

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“bring Aaron’s sons”

These were coats with a design woven into them. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

Exodus 29:9

A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest. See how you translated this word in Exodus 28:4.

A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:40.

“the duty of being priests”

The duty of being priests will also belong to the descendants of Aaron’s sons. You can state this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “will belong to them and their descendants” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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

Exodus 29:10

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

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

Exodus 29:11

The bull offering was to be killed by Moses, not the priests, at the doorway, not inside the tent of meeting.

Since the following verses will tell what to do with the blood from the bull, use a term for “kill” that will imply a method similar to “slitting its throat and catch the blood in a bowl.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 29:12

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:2.

“the remaining blood”

Exodus 29:13

“covers the organs”

These are organs in the body.

Exodus 29:14

“But as for the remaining parts of the bull”

Exodus 29:16

For these consecration sacrifices for the priests, it was Moses, not Aaron or his sons, who had to kill the animals.

Exodus 29:17

“the organs.” See how you translated this in Exodus 29:13.

Exodus 29:18

Unlike the bull offering that was burned outside of the tent, the ram was to be burned on the inner altar.

Exodus 29:19

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 29:20

The ram was killed by cutting its throat. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “Then kill the ram by slitting its throat” or “Then kill the ram by cutting its throat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 29:21

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “By doing this, you will dedicate Aaron to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 29:22

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

These refer to organs inside the body. See how you translated this in Exodus 29:13.

Exodus 29:23

For 29:23 see how you translated similar words in Exodus 29:2.

“that you have placed before Yahweh”

Exodus 29:24

God continues speaking to Moses.

Here “these” refers to the parts of the sacrifice mentioned in the previous verses.

Exodus 29:25

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “burn it as an offering to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 29:26

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“ram that you dedicated” or “ram that you killed”

“the ram that you used to dedicate Aaron”

Exodus 29:28

“This is what Aaron and his sons will always receive from the people”

Exodus 29:29

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

These garments belong to the priesthood and are not just Aaron’s personal clothing. Alternate translation: “Aaron must reserve the holy garments for his sons after him” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They must wear the holy garments when you anoint his sons and ordain them to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 29:30

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

Exodus 29:31

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“the ram you killed when you installed the priests”

This is not the same as the holy place outside of the most holy place. This refers to a place within the courtyard. Alternate translation: “at the entrance to the tent of meeting” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 29:32

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

Exodus 29:33

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you sacrificed” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 29:34

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one must eat it” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because you have set it apart to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 29:35

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“I have commanded you to treat Aaron and his sons this way”

Exodus 29:37

“Then the altar will be most holy”

“will also be very holy”

Exodus 29:38

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“You must daily offer on the altar”

Exodus 29:40

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

“1/10…1/4” (See: Fractions)

An ephah is 22 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

A hin is 3.7 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

Exodus 29:41

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “it will be a burnt offering to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 29:42

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

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

Exodus 29:43

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My awesome presence will dedicate the tent to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 29:45

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 30

Exodus 30 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Atonement

The atonement offered by the priests was very important in the religious life of Israel. In order to offer sacrifices, the priests had to maintain ritual cleanliness by washing themselves. (See: atonement, atone, atoned and priest, priesthood and clean, wash)

Exodus 30:1

Yahweh tells Moses how to build the worship equipment.

Here you refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Exodus 30:2

These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated “horns” in Exodus 27:2. Alternate translation: “You must make its horns” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 30:3

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“an altar to burn incense”

Exodus 30:4

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which you will attach to the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 30:5

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 30:6

The ark is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:33. Alternate translation: “the chest containing the commandments” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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

Here you refers to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

Exodus 30:7

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 30:8

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

Exodus 30:9

Though the word you is addressed to Moses, the instruction is given specifically to Aaron and his descendants as to when and what they are to offer on the altar of incense.

Exodus 30:10

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:2.

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

Exodus 30:12

Possible meanings are (1) you refers to just Moses or (2) you refers to Moses and the leaders of Israel in future generations when they take a census. (See: Forms of You)

The leaders only counted the Israelite men.

Exodus 30:13

This can be stated in active form. They counted only the men. Alternate translation: “Everyone you count” or “Every man you count” (See: Active or Passive)

“1/2 a shekel of silver.” Translators may use a unit of measure that people understand and a round number: “5.5 grams of silver” or “six grams of silver” (See: Biblical Money and Biblical Weight and Fractions)

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

“20 gerahs.” A gerah is a unit that people used for measuring how much something very small weighed. (See: Translate Unknowns and Numbers)

Exodus 30:14

Larger numbers are spoken of as being up or above smaller numbers. Alternate translation: “from twenty years old and more” or “who is twenty years old or older” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 30:15

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Only the men made this offering.

Translators may use a unit of measure that people understand and a round number: “the 5.5 grams of silver” or “the 6 grams of silver.” See how you translated this in Exodus 3:13. (See: Biblical Money and Biblical Weight and Fractions)

Exodus 30:16

Possible meanings are (1) “It will remind the Israelites to make atonement for their lives” or (2) “It will remind the Israelites that they have made atonement for their lives.”

Exodus 30:18

Here you refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

“bronze bowl” or “bronze tub”

This is what the basin would be put on.

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

the altar of sacrifice

Exodus 30:19

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“water in the basin”

Exodus 30:21

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

Exodus 30:22

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 30:23

dried plants that people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:6. (See: Translate Unknowns)

“500 shekels…two hundred and fifty shekels.” A shekel is about 11 grams. Translators may use units that people know and round numbers: “5.7 kilograms…11.4 kilograms” or “six kilograms…three kilograms” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight and Fractions)

These are sweet spices. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 30:24

This is a sweet spice. (See: Translate Unknowns)

There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used. See how you translated this in Exodus 30:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Translators may use units that people know and round numbers: “3.7 liters” or “four liters” (See: Biblical Volume and Fractions)

Exodus 30:25

“with these items”

Possible meanings are (1) Moses was to have a perfumer do the work or (2) Moses was to do the work himself the way a perfumer would do it.

a person who is skilled in mixing spices and oils

Exodus 30:26

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Here you refers to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

The ark is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:33. Alternate translation: “the chest containing the commandments” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 30:28

“the altar on which offering were burnt”

Exodus 30:29

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

This refers to the items listed in Exodus 30:26-28.

Exodus 30:31

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

Exodus 30:32

Yahweh continues telling Moses what Moses must tell the people.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must not put the anointing oil that is dedicated to Yahweh on a person’s skin” (See: Active or Passive)

“with the same ingredients” or “with the same items”

Exodus 30:33

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

Exodus 30:34

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what to do. Yahweh gives the commands only to Moses: all instances of you are singular. However, the words “blended by a perfumer” might mean that Moses could have the perfumer take the spices, blend them, grind them, and give them to Moses so Moses could put part of the mixture in front of the ark, as in UST.

Exodus 30:35

The phrase with “blended” can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make it into the form of incense that a perfumer has blended” or “A perfumer must blend it into a kind of incense” (See: Active or Passive)

Possible meanings are (1) Moses was to have a perfumer do the work or (2) Moses was to do the work himself the way a perfumer would do it. See how you translated these words in Exodus 30:25.

Exodus 30:36

“You will crush it.” Here you refers to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

Here you is plural and refers to Moses and all the people. (See: Forms of You)

Exodus 30:37

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

The word you here refers to the people of Israel.

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

“You must consider it to be most holy”

Exodus 30:38

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

The metaphor “cut off” has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: (1) “I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” (2) “the people of Israel must send him away” or (3) “the people of Israel must kill him.” See how you translated this in Exodus 30:33. (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Exodus 31

Exodus 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the end of Exodus’ recording of the law of Moses. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Sabbath

As described in this chapter, the Sabbath is more than just a day of worship or celebration. Its significance extends beyond a way to help people rest. It is a major part of the identity of the Hebrew people. (See: Sabbath)

Exodus 31:2

God speaks of choosing specific people as calling them by name. Alternate translation: “I have chosen” (See: Metonymy)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 31:3

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Yahweh speaks of giving Bezalel his Spirit as if Bezalel were a container and God’s Spirit were a liquid. Alternate translation: “I have given my Spirit to Bezalel” (See: Metaphor)

The abstract noun “craftsmanship” can be translated as “making crafts” or “making things.” Alternate translation: “for making all kinds of crafts” or “so that he can make all kinds of things” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Exodus 31:6

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

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

Exodus 31:7

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

The ark is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:33. Alternate translation: “the chest containing the commandments” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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

Exodus 31:8

“altar to burn incense.” See how you translated this in Exodus 30:3.

Exodus 31:9

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

Exodus 31:10

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 31:11

“These people who are skilled in making beautiful things”

Exodus 31:13

God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “You must certainly obey Yahweh’s instructions about the Sabbath” (See: Metaphor)

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

God speaks of choosing people to be his as setting them apart for himself. Alternate translation: “who has chosen you to be his people” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 31:14

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for you must treat it as holy” (See: Active or Passive)

God speaks of treating the Sabbath with disrespect as defiling it. Alternate translation: “Everyone who treats the Sabbath with disrespect” or “Everyone who does not obey the laws about the Sabbath” (See: Metaphor)

“must surely be killed.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must surely kill” or “you must surely execute” (See: Active or Passive)

The metaphor “cut off” has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: (1) “Yahweh will no longer consider him to be one of his people” (2) “you must surely send him away” or (3) “you must surely kill him.” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Exodus 31:15

“but day 7” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 31:16

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

God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “must obey Yahweh’s instructions about the Sabbath” (See: Metaphor)

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

“a covenant that will always exist.” See how you translated this in Exodus 28:43.

Exodus 31:18

This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: “which Yahweh wrote on with his own hand” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 32

Exodus 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter occur while Moses spoke with God and therefore happen at the same time as the events in chapters 20-31.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 32:18.

Special concepts in this chapter

Idolatry

The making of the golden calf was considered a form of idolatry. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 32:1

Here understanding something is spoken of as if it were being seen. Alternate translation: “the people realized” (See: Metaphor)

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

“lead us” or “be our leader”

Exodus 32:2

The word “them” refers to the golden rings.

Exodus 32:3

This refers to all the people who rejected Moses as their leader and Moses’ God as their God.

Exodus 32:4

Aaron melted the gold and poured it into a mold that had the shape of a calf. When the gold became hard, he removed the mold, and the hardened gold had the shape of a calf.

Exodus 32:5

You may need to make explicit what he saw. “When Aaron saw what the people did” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 32:6

“to have a wild party.” The people likely behaved in sexually immoral ways at the party.

Exodus 32:8

Here God speaks of the people disobeying what he commanded them as if he had told them to walk on a certain road and they left that road. Alternate translation: “stopped doing what I commanded them to do” or “have stopped obeying what I commanded them to do” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 32:9

Here Yahweh compares knowing the people to seeing them. Alternate translation: “I know this people” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had stiff necks. Alternate translation: “a stubborn people” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 32:10

The word “now” is used here to mark a break in what Yahweh was telling Moses. Here Yahweh tells what he will do to the people.

Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were a fire that could burn hot. Alternate translation: “My anger towards them will be terrible” or “I am extremely angry with them” (See: Metaphor)

The word you refers to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

Exodus 32:11

Moses used this question to try to persuade Yahweh not to be so angry with his people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not let your anger burn against your people…a mighty hand.” or “Do not be so angry with your people…a mighty hand.” (See: Metaphor and Rhetorical Question)

These two phrases share similar meanings and are combined for emphasis. (See: Doublet)

Here the word “hand” refers to the things Yahweh did. Alternate translation: “and the powerful things you did” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 32:12

Moses continues to reason with God not to destroy Israel.

Moses used this question to try to persuade God not to destroy his people. This rhetorical question can be translated with a statement. Alternate translation: If you destroy your people, the Egyptians might say, ‘He led them out…to destroy them from the face of the earth.’ (See: Rhetorical Question)

“from the surface of the earth” or “from the earth”

“Stop your burning anger” or “Stop being so angry”

Moses speaks of God’s anger as if it were a fire that was burning. Alternate translation: “your terrible anger” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 32:13

“Remember Abraham” or “Think about Abraham”

“you made an oath” or “you solemnly promised”

God speaks about them possessing the land as if they would inherit it. Alternate translation: “They will possess it forever” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 32:15

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

Exodus 32:16

These two phrases share similar meanings. The second explains how the tablets were “God’s own work.” (See: Parallelism)

Exodus 32:17

It is assumed that Joshua met Moses while Moses was going back to the camp. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 32:19

“the two stone slabs that Yahweh had written on”

Exodus 32:21

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Then Moses asked Aaron what the people do to him, that he have brought such a great sin on them” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Moses spoke of causing people to sin as if sin were an object and Aaron put it on them. Alternate translation: “you have caused them to sin so terribly” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 32:22

Aaron spoke of Moses’ anger as if it were a fire that could burn. “Do not be so angry” (See: Metaphor)

Being determined to do evil is spoken of as being set on evil. Alternate translation: “they are determined to do what is evil” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 32:23

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

Exodus 32:24

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “So I told them that whoever had any gold should take it off” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

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

Exodus 32:25

“were behaving wildly” or “were not controlling themselves”

Exodus 32:26

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Then Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said that whoever was on Yahweh’s side should come to him” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Moses speaks of being loyal to Yahweh as being on Yahweh’s side. Alternate translation: “Whoever is loyal to Yahweh” or “Whoever serves Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 32:27

“go from side of the camp to the other, starting at one entrance to the camp and going to the entrance on the other side of the camp”

Exodus 32:28

“3000 of the people” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 32:29

This probably means “You have been chosen to serve Yahweh” or “You have become Yahweh’s servants.”

The fact that they did this in obedience to God can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “for you have obeyed Yahweh and killed your sons and your brothers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 32:30

They worshiped an idol.

Moses spoke of persuading God to forgive the people as if he could make atonement for their sin. Alternate translation: “Perhaps I can persuade Yahweh to forgive you” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 32:32

The word “me” here refers to the name of Moses. Alternate translation: “erase my name from the book” (See: Metonymy)

What God had written in the book can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the book in which you have written the names of your people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 32:33

The phrase “that person” represents “that person’s name.” Alternate translation: “I will erase that person’s name from my book” (See: Metonymy)

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

Exodus 32:34

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

Exodus 32:35

This plague may have been a serious illness. Alternate translation: “Yahweh made the people very sick”

Even though Aaron made the calf, the people were also guilty because they told Aaron to do it. Alternate translation: “they told Aaron to make the calf”

Exodus 33

Exodus 33 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant

While the covenants Yahweh made may not be conditioned upon the obedience of Israel, it is clear that their conquering of the Promised Land was conditioned on their obedience to Yahweh. (See: covenant and Promised Land)

Exodus 33:1

Yahweh continues to tell Moses of his anger.

Exodus 33:3

The land was good for raising livestock and growing crops. See how you translated this in Exodus 3:8. Alternate translation: “a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See: Metonymy)

“full of” or “with an abundance of”

Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: Metonymy)

Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: Metonymy)

“people who refuse to change”

Exodus 33:4

beautiful clothing as well as chains and rings with jewels in them

Exodus 33:5

“people who refuse to change.” See how you translated this in Exodus 33:3.

Exodus 33:9

The cloud had the shape of a pillar. See how you translated this in Exodus 13:22. Alternate translation: “the cloud shaped like a pillar” (See: Metaphor)

Where it came down from can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “would come down from the sky” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 33:11

Speaking directly rather than through dreams and visions, is spoken of as if Moses and God saw each other’s faces while they spoke. Alternate translation: “Yahweh would speak directly to Moses” (See: Metaphor)

Joshua was old enough to be a soldier, but he was much younger than Moses

Exodus 33:12

“Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

To know someone by name is to know them well. Alternate translation: “I know you well” (See: Idiom)

Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing God’s evaluation. Alternate translation: “I have evaluated you and approve” or “I am pleased with you” (See: Idiom and Metonymy and Metaphor)

Exodus 33:13

Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing God’s evaluation. Alternate translation: “Now If you are pleased with me” or “Now if you approve of me” (See: Idiom and Metonymy and Metaphor)

Possible meanings: (1) “show me what you are going to do in the future” or (2) “show me how people can do what pleases you.”

Exodus 33:14

God’s presence represents himself. Alternate translation: “I will go” (See: Metonymy)

The word you here refers to Moses. It is singular. (See: Forms of You)

“I will let you rest”

Exodus 33:16

“For if your presence does not go with us”

This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: how will people know” (See: Active or Passive)

Moses used this question in order to emphasize that if God does not go with them, no one will know that Moses had found favor in God’s sight. Alternate translation: “no one will know…people.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

“Will it not only be known if”

Exodus 33:17

When Yahweh uses the word you in this verse, it is singular and refers to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

Here “found favor” is an idiom that means that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you translated this in Exodus 33:12. Alternate translation: “I am pleased with you” or “I approve of you” (See: Idiom and Metonymy and Metaphor)

To know someone by name is to know them well. See how you translated this in Exodus 33:12. Alternate translation: “I know you well” (See: Idiom)

Exodus 33:19

God speaks of walking past Moses so that Moses can see his goodness as if only his goodness would go past Moses. Alternate translation: “I will move past you so that you may see my goodness” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 33:21

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

Exodus 33:23

This is because Yahweh will be walking away from Moses.

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “but you will not see my face” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 34

Exodus 34 General Notes

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“He will bring the punishment for the fathers’ sin on their children”

This phrase does not mean that a child is necessarily punished for the sins of their parents. Many scholars believe that this passage indicates that a parent’s sins will have consequences that will affect their children and grandchildren. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Exodus 34:1

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

Exodus 34:3

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Being seen doing something represents doing that. Alternate translation: “Do not let anyone else be anywhere on the mountain” (See: Metonymy)

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

Exodus 34:5

“stood with Moses on the mountain”

Possible meanings are (1) “he spoke the name ‘Yahweh.’” or (2) “he proclaimed who Yahweh is.” For the second meaning, “name” would represent who God is. (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 34:6

God is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am God, and I am merciful and gracious” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

“always showing covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness”

The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” can be stated as “faithful” and “trustworthy.” Alternate translation: “always being faithful to my covenant and always being trustworthy” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Exodus 34:7

The abstract noun “faithfulness” can be stated as “faithfully” or “faithful.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 20:6. Alternate translation: “faithfully loving thousands of generations” or “faithful to his covenant with thousands of generation” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Yahweh is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “But I will” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Yahweh is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “I will by no means clear the guilty” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

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

Punishing people is spoken of as if punishment were an object that someone could bring on people. Alternate translation: “He will punish the children for their fathers’ sin” (See: Metaphor)

The word “children” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “their descendants” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 34:9

Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you translated this in Exodus 33:12. Alternate translation: “Now If you are pleased with me” or “Now if you approve of me” (See: Idiom and Metonymy and Metaphor)

The words “iniquity” and “sin” mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “all our sins” (See: Doublet)

Something that someone possesses forever is spoken of as if it were something that they had inherited. Alternate translation: “take us as the people that you possess forever” or “accept us as the people who belong to you forever” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 34:10

Here “your” refers to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

A fearful thing is a thing that causes people to be afraid. In this case, people will fear God when they see what he does. Alternate translation: “what I do for you will cause people to fear me” (See: Idiom)

Here you refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Exodus 34:12

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

People who tempt others to sin are spoken of as if they were a trap. Alternate translation: “they will tempt you to sin” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 34:14

The word “Jealous” here means that God is concerned to keep his honor. If his people worship other gods, he loses honor, because when his people do not honor him, other people also will not honor him. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, always guard my honor” (See: Metonymy)

The word “name” here represents God’s character. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, who am always jealous” or “I, Yahweh, am always jealous” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 34:15

Yahweh continues to tell Moses how his people are to behave towards outsiders.

God speaks of people worshiping other gods as if they were prostitutes going to other men. Alternate translation: “for they worship other gods” or “because they worship other gods like prostitutes who go to other men” (See: Metaphor)

The consequence of eating food that is sacrificed to another god can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “you will eat some of his sacrifice and become guilty of worshiping his gods” or “and you will prostitute yourself to his god by eating some of his sacrifice” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 34:18

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

“7 days” (See: Numbers)

This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. See how you translated “Aviv” in Exodus 13:4. (See: Hebrew Months and How to Translate Names)

Exodus 34:19

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 34:20

Firstborn sons and firstborn donkeys belonged to Yahweh, but Yahweh did not want them sacrificed to Him. Instead, the Israelites were to sacrifice a lamb in their place. This allowed the Israelites to buy the donkeys and sons back from Yahweh.

God speaks of the offering as if the person was to carry it in his hands. Alternate translation: “No one may come to me without an offering” or “Everyone who comes to me must bring me an offering” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 34:21

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

“Even when you are preparing the soil or gathering the crops”

Exodus 34:22

This festival was also known as the Festival of Shelters or the Festival of Booths. The idea came from the practice of the farmers living in temporary booths, or huts, out in the fields to guard the crop as it ripened. The word “Ingathering” means when they harvest their crop.

Exodus 34:23

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 34:25

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

The fact that the blood is from an animal can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the blood of an animal that you sacrifice to me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The fact that any yeast would be in bread can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “with bread that has yeast in it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 34:28

“Moses was on the mountain”

“40 days” (See: Numbers)

“for forty days, both day and night”

“Moses wrote”

Exodus 34:29

“had started to shine”

Exodus 34:31

“approached him” or “went to him.” They did not go up the mountain.

Exodus 34:32

Telling commands is spoken of as if the commands were objects that could be given. Alternate translation: “all the commands that Yahweh had told him” or “everything that Yahweh had commanded them” (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 34:34

“Moses would remove”

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh had commanded him” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 35

Exodus 35 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sacrifice

All of the people offered sacrifices to Yahweh. This was a form of worship and a sign of repentance from making the golden calf idol. (See: prostrate, bow down, worship and repent, repentance)

Exodus 35:2

“day number seven” or “Saturday” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must kill anyone who does work on that day” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 35:4

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:5

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

“Take up a collection for Yahweh”

Here “heart” refers to the person bringing the offering. Alternate translation: “everyone who is willing” (See: Synecdoche)

Exodus 35:6

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:7

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

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

Exodus 35:8

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:9

In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.

Exodus 35:10

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

“Every man with a skill”

Exodus 35:11

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

These are heavy objects that rest on the ground and keep the object attached to them from moving. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:31.

Exodus 35:12

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

Exodus 35:13

“The people of Israel brought”

This bread represented the presence of God. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:30.

Exodus 35:16

This is a frame of crossed bronze bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated “grate” in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 35:17

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

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

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

Exodus 35:18

sharp pieces of wood or metal used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:19.

Exodus 35:19

This was clothing made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 35:20

This refers to the people in the tribes. Alternate translation: “the people from all the tribes of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Exodus 35:21

Here “heart” refers to the person. The heart that responded to God is spoken of as if it were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: “who responded to God” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Here “spirit” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “who was willing” or “who wanted to” (See: Synecdoche)

Exodus 35:22

Here “heart” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “everyone who was willing” (See: Synecdoche)

These are different kinds of jewelry.

Exodus 35:23

For 35:23 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:4-5.

Exodus 35:25

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

Exodus 35:26

Here “hearts” refers to the women. The hearts of the women who responded to God are spoken of as if they were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: “who responded to God” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Exodus 35:27

For 35:27 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:7.

Exodus 35:28

For 35:28 see how you translated many similar words in Exodus 25:6

Exodus 35:29

Here “heart” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “who was willing” (See: Synecdoche)

Exodus 35:30

See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2

Exodus 35:31

God’s Spirit who gave Bezalel the ability to work is spoken of here as if he was something that filled up Bezalel. (See: Metaphor)

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:3

Exodus 35:32

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:4

Exodus 35:33

See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:5

Exodus 35:34

Moses continues speaking to the people.

Here “heart” refers to Bezalel. The ability to teach is spoken of as if it something that could be placed in a heart. Alternate translation: “He gave Bezalel the ability to teach” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

“Oholiab” and “Ahisamak” are names of men. See how you translated these names in Exodus 31:6. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 35:35

Skill to create beautiful objects is spoken of as if it were something that could fill up a person. Alternate translation: “made them very skillful” (See: Metaphor)

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

people who sew designs into cloth

people who are skilled in making beautiful objects by hand

a person who creates cloth using thread

a person who creates beauty with materials

Exodus 36

Exodus 36 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Tent of meeting

The tent of meeting, or tabernacle, mentioned in previous chapters is constructed in this chapter. (See: tabernacle)

Exodus 36:1

Moses continues speaking to the people.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:6. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here skill and ability are spoken of as if they are something that Yahweh can place inside a person. (See: Metaphor)

“just as Yahweh has commanded”

Exodus 36:2

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:6. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “mind” refers to the person who was made skillful by Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to whom Yahweh had given skill” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “heart” refers to the person. The heart that responded to God is spoken of as if it were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: “who responded to God” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Exodus 36:5

The can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “The craftsmen told Moses that the people were bringing much more than enough for doing the work that Yahweh has commanded them to do” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

“The men working on the sanctuary told Moses”

Exodus 36:8

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:1.

These curtains are sheets of cloth woven and sewed together so that they can hang to form a wall or tent.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 36:9

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:2.

Exodus 36:10

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:3.

Exodus 36:11

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:4.

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

loops of blue cloth

These were large, heavy sections of woven cloth that were used to form the covering and dividing walls of the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:1.

Exodus 36:12

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:5.

Exodus 36:13

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:6.

“50 gold clasps” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 36:14

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:7.

“made 11” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 36:15

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:8.

“30 cubits” (See: Numbers and Biblical Distance)

Exodus 36:16

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:9.

Exodus 36:17

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:10.

“50 loops” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 36:18

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:11.

“50 bronze clasps” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 36:19

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:14.

Exodus 36:20

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:15.

Exodus 36:21

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:16.

“10 cubits…1.5 cubits” (See: Biblical Distance and Numbers and Fractions)

Exodus 36:22

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:17.

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

Exodus 36:23

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:18.

Exodus 36:24

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:19.

“40 silver bases” (See: Numbers)

“20 frames” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 36:25

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:20.

Exodus 36:26

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:21.

There will be two bases under each and every frame.

Exodus 36:27

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:22.

on the side that is on the west

Exodus 36:28

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:23.

for the corners at the rear of the tabernacle

Exodus 36:29

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:24.

Exodus 36:30

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:25.

“16 bases in all” (See: Numbers)

There will be two bases under each and every frame.

Exodus 36:31

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:26.

Exodus 36:32

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:27.

on the west side

Exodus 36:33

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:28.

from one side of the tabernacle to the other side

Exodus 36:34

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:29.

Exodus 36:35

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:31.

Exodus 36:36

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:32.

Exodus 36:37

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:36.

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

a curtain

Exodus 36:38

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:37.

Exodus 37

Exodus 37 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The ark of the covenant

The ark, mentioned in previous chapters, is constructed in this chapter. There are other furnishings of the tabernacle that are also produced in this chapter. (See: tabernacle)

Exodus 37:1

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:10.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.5 cubits…1.5 cubits” or “115 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: Biblical Distance and Fractions)

Exodus 37:2

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:11.

Exodus 37:3

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:12.

These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet. (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 37:4

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:13.

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

Exodus 37:5

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:14.

Exodus 37:6

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:17.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.5 cubits…1.5 cubits” or “115 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: Biblical Distance and Fractions)

Exodus 37:7

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:18.

Exodus 37:8

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:19.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made them as one piece” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 37:9

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:20.

Bezalel placed the statues of the cherubim as if they were real cherubim which were spreading their wings and overshadowing the atonement lid. Alternate translation: “They placed the winged creatures so that their wings touched each other and spread out over” (See: Personification)

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

Exodus 37:10

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:23.

A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2 cubits…1 cubit…1.5 cubits” or “92 centimeters…46 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: Biblical Distance and Fractions)

Exodus 37:11

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:24.

Exodus 37:12

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:25.

This was the width of a man’s hand with fingers spread out. (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 37:13

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:26.

These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet. (See: Metaphor)

Exodus 37:14

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:27.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Bezalel attached the rings” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 37:15

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:28.

Exodus 37:16

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:29.

It is only the bowls and pitchers that are used to pour out the offerings. Alternate translation: “plates and cups, and also the jars and bowls which the priests will use for pouring out the offerings” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 37:17

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:31.

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

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made the cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers as one piece with the lampstand” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 37:18

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:32.

Exodus 37:19

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:33.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he made the 3 cups look like almond blossoms” (See: Active or Passive)

An almond blossom is a white or pink flower with five petals that grows on an almond tree.

Exodus 37:20

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:34.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there were 4 cups which Bezalel made to look like almond blossoms” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 37:21

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:35.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which he made as one piece with the lampstand” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 37:22

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:36.

Exodus 37:23

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:37-38.

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

This is a tool made from two sticks of wood or metal connected at one end and used for picking up objects.

Exodus 37:24

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:39.

“33 kilograms” (See: Biblical Weight)

Exodus 37:25

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:1-2.

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

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made the horns as one piece with the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 37:26

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:3.

Exodus 37:27

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:4.

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

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which they attached to the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 37:28

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:5.

Exodus 37:29

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:25.

See how you translated this in Exodus 25:6.

A perfumer is skilled in mixing spices and oils.

Exodus 38

Exodus 38 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The altar

The altar is constructed in this chapter. There are other furnishings of the tabernacle that are also produced in this chapter. (See: tabernacle)

Materials

The list of materials being used is intended to give the reader an understanding of the scale of the tabernacle. It should fill the reader with awe concerning the power of Yahweh. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 38:1

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:1.

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

One cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 38:2

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:2.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made the horns as one piece” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 38:3

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:3.

Exodus 38:4

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:4 and Exodus 27:5.

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

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which they placed under the ledge” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 38:5

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 38:6

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:6.

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

Exodus 38:7

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:7-8.

a long, flat piece of wood that is thicker than a board

Exodus 38:8

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

The stand supported the bronze basin. See how you translated this in Exodus 30:18.

The bronze came from the mirrors. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “The bronze for the basin came from the mirrors” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A mirror is a piece of polished metal or glass that reflects an image.

Exodus 38:9

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:9.

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

“100” (See: Numbers)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 38:10

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:10.

“20” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 38:11

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:11.

“100…20” (See: Numbers)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 38:12

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:12.

“50…10” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 38:13

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:13.

“50” (See: Numbers)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 38:14

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:14.

“15…3” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 38:15

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:15.

Exodus 38:16

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Bezalel and the workers made all the hangings around the courtyard with fine linen” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 38:17

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:17.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Bezalel and the workers made the bases for the posts out of bronze” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made the hooks, the rods for the posts, and the covering for the tops of the posts out of silver” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They covered the courtyard posts with silver” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 38:18

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:16.

“20…5” (See: Numbers)

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made the curtain out of” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 38:19

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:17.

“4” (See: Numbers)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made the covering for the tops of the posts and their rods out of silver” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 38:20

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:19.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made all of the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 38:21

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

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which Moses instructed the Levites to write down” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Exodus 6:23. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 38:22

“Bezalel” and “uri” are the name of men. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

“everything that Yahweh told Moses to do”

Exodus 38:23

“Oholiab” and “Ahisamak” are names of men. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:6. (See: How to Translate Names)

“as a skilled engraver and embroiderer”

Exodus 38:24

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “All the gold that the people used for the project” (See: Active or Passive)

A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “29 talents” or “about 960 kilograms” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: “seven hundred and thirty shekels” or “about 8 kilograms.” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used. See how you translated this in Exodus 30:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Exodus 38:25

A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “100 talents” or “about 330 kilograms” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

A shekel is 11 grams. “one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels” or “about 20 kilograms” (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The silver which the community gave” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 38:26

A beka is 1/2 a shekel. (See: Biblical Weight)

A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: “1/2 a shekel” or “five and a half grams” or “5 1/2 grams” (See: Biblical Weight and Fractions)

Every man who was 20 years old or older was included in the census and was required to give half a shekel.

“20 years old” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 38:27

A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “The workers cast 100 talents of silver” or “The workers cast 3,300 kilograms of silver” (See: Biblical Weight and Active or Passive)

“100 talents” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 38:28

“one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels” (See: Numbers)

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. (See: Biblical Money)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 38:29

“70 talents and two thousand four hundred shekels.” This would be about 2,300 kilograms. (See: Numbers and Biblical Weight)

Exodus 38:30

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

This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 38:31

These are sharp bronze stakes that were used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:19.

Exodus 39

Exodus 39 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The holy clothing

The special, holy clothing mentioned in previous chapters is produced in this chapter to the correct specifications. (See: holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)

Exodus 39:1

Bezalel’s work crew shifts to making the priestly garments.

The word “they” refers to Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workmen.

“just as Yahweh told Moses to do”

Exodus 39:2

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:6.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 39:4

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:7.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Exodus 39:5

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:8.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they made it as one piece with the ephod with fine twisted linen” (See: Active or Passive)

“just as Yahweh told Moses to do.” See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 39:1.

Exodus 39:6

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:9 and Exodus 28:11.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

This was an engraved stone that was used to stamp a design in a wax seal. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:11.

“12 sons” (See: Numbers)

Exodus 39:7

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:12.

“just as Yahweh told Moses to do.” See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 39:1.

Exodus 39:8

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:15.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

“Bezalel made” or “Bezalel and the workers made”

Exodus 39:9

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:16.

A span is 23 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

Exodus 39:10

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

“The workers set in the breastpiece”

Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in Exodus 28:17. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 39:11

Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in Exodus 28:18. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 39:12

Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in Exodus 28:19. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Exodus 39:13

Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in Exodus 28:20. (See: Translate Unknowns)

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They mounted the stones in gold settings” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 39:14

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:21.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The workers arranged the stones” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 39:15

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:22.

Exodus 39:16

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:23-24.

Exodus 39:17

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:24.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

“chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords.” See how you translated this in Exodus 28:14.

Exodus 39:18

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:25.

Exodus 39:19

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:26.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Exodus 39:20

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:27.

This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:8.

Exodus 39:21

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:28.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so they could attach it” (See: Active or Passive)

The double negative can be translated as a positive. Alternate translation: “the breastpiece would stay attached to the ephod” (See: Double Negatives)

Exodus 39:22

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:31-32.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

Exodus 39:23

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:32.

Exodus 39:24

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:33.

Exodus 39:25

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:34-35.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments as commanded in Exodus 28:34-35.

These were tiny bells.

Exodus 39:26

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:34-35.

Exodus 39:27

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:39.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.

Exodus 39:28

This is a head covering worn by men made of a long strip of cloth wound around the head. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.

A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:40.

This is clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:42. Alternate translation: “underwear” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 39:29

This is a long piece of cloth worn over the shoulder or around the waist. See how you translated this word in Exodus 28:4

Exodus 39:30

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:36.

Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments..

This was an engraved crown made of pure gold. See how you translated this in Exodus 29:6.

Exodus 39:31

See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:37.

Exodus 39:32

The Israelites finish making the things Yahweh commanded in Exodus 35:4-9 and Exodus 35:10-12.

The “tabernacle” and “tent of meeting” are the same thing. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the people of Israel finished all of the work on the tabernacle” (See: Doublet and Active or Passive)

Exodus 39:33

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

These are heavy objects that rest on the ground and keep the object attached to them from moving. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:31.

Exodus 39:34

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

Exodus 39:35

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

Exodus 39:36

Bezalel’s work crew continues to present all that they made to Moses.

This bread represented the presence of God. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:30.

Exodus 39:39

This is a frame of crossed bars that held wood while burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.

Exodus 39:40

Bezalel’s work crew continues to present all that they made to Moses.

“The people of Israel brought”

These refer to the same place.

Exodus 39:42

“And so the people”

Exodus 39:43

The word “behold” here draws attention to the information that follows.

“They did it in the way that Yahweh had commanded them”

Exodus 40

Exodus 40 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is repetitive and should read as a series of instructions. It is repeated as well to show that Moses was obedient to every detail of Yahweh’s command.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Yahweh’s glory filled the tabernacle”

This phrase indicates that Yahweh began to dwell within the tabernacle, among Israel, in a special way. (See: glory, glorious, glorify and tabernacle)

Exodus 40:2

The new year marks the time when God rescued his people from Egypt. This happens around the middle of March on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

Exodus 40:3

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

“place the ark of the covenant decrees in the sacred chest”

“put the ark behind the curtain”

Exodus 40:5

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

This refers to the “sacred chest.”

Exodus 40:8

Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.

Exodus 40:9

“all the things that are a part of it”

Exodus 40:12

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Moses will do these things himself.

Exodus 40:13

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you have set apart to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Exodus 40:14

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Exodus 40:15

“through all the generations of their descendants.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:14.

Exodus 40:17

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the people set up the tabernacle” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to exactly one year after God rescued his people from Egypt. This happens around the middle of March on Western calendars. See how you translated this in Exodus 40:2. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

This is the second year after Yahweh brought his people out of Egypt. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Exodus 40:18

Moses was the leader. The people helped him set up the tabernacle. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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

Exodus 40:21

Moses was the leader. He had workers helping him.

“in front of”

Exodus 40:24

Moses instructed his workers to move the lampstand. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “Moses’ workmen set the lampstand inside the sacred tent” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 40:26

This curtain separated the holy place from the very holy place. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “in front of the curtain that separated the holy place from the very holy place” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 40:31

They washed with water from the basin. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “washed their hands and their feet with water from the basin” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Exodus 40:33

וַ⁠יְצַ֣ו

“And so”

Exodus 40:34

כָּל־הַ⁠בֵּ֣ן הַ⁠יִּלּ֗וֹד הַ⁠יְאֹ֨רָ⁠ה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ

“Yahweh’s awesome presence filled”

Exodus 40:36

לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר כָּל־הַ⁠בֵּ֣ן הַ⁠יִּלּ֗וֹד הַ⁠יְאֹ֨רָ⁠ה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ וְ⁠כָל־הַ⁠בַּ֖ת תְּחַיּֽוּ⁠ן

  • saying, “You shall throw every new-born son into the river, but every daughter you shall let live.” - A single level direct quote. While this particular instruction is very easy to rephrase as an indirect quote (in English), the use of saying in Hebrew suggests that this should be translated as a direct quotation if possible. (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Exodus 40:37

תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ תְּחַיּֽוּ⁠ן

  • you shall - These are plural referring to all Pharaoh’s people. (See: Active or Passive)