Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy front

Introduction to Deuteronomy

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Deuteronomy

1. Moses reminds Israel of how Yahweh guided them through the wilderness (1:1–3:29)
2. Moses appeals for Israel to obey the law of Yahweh (4:1–43)
3. The Ten Commandments (5:1–10:22)
4. Rules and warnings from the Law (11:1–26:19)
5. Instructions for entering Canaan (27:1–26)
6. Blessings for obeying and curses for disobeying (28:1-68)
7. The covenant renewed (29:1-30:20)
8. Last words of Moses, the Song of Moses, and his death (31:1–34:12)

What is the Book of Deuteronomy about?

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses repeats the laws of the covenant that God made with the people of Israel. The people of Israel were about to go into the Promised Land. Before they entered the land, Moses reminded them of what Yahweh did for them and what he expected from them. Moses warned the people about worshipping idols and no longer trusting Yahweh once they settled in the Promised Land. Yahweh promised to judge those who disobey him and to bless those who obey his Law. (See: covenant)

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

Who wrote the Book of Deuteronomy?

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

What are the important features of the Book of Deuteronomy?

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

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Why did Yahweh command the Israelites to completely destroy the people who lived in the Promised Land?

As God prepared the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, he commanded them to completely destroy the Canaanite people who lived there. The Israelites would then not be tempted to join them and worship their false gods.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

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

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

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

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

Deuteronomy 1

Deuteronomy 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter forms a continuation with the last chapter of the book of Numbers.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s victory

The chapter explains that Israel’s conquering of the Promised Land will be done by Yahweh. They are not to fear the people of Canaan but be obedient to Yahweh. Yahweh is bringing about his judgement upon the people of Canaan. (See: Promised Land and judge, judgment)

Possessing the land

While the Promised Land belongs to Israel, they do not possess the land. Possessing the land is an important theme. Posessing the land depended on Israel’s faithfulness. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Deuteronomy 1:1

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Quote: beyond the Jordan (0)

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he spoke to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “east of the Jordan”

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Quote: Suph & Paran & Tophel & Laban & Hazeroth & Dizahab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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

Deuteronomy 1:2

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Quote: It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb & to Kadesh Barnea (0)

Alternate translation: “It takes eleven days to walk from Horeb … to Kadesh Barnea”

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Quote: Mount Seir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is a mountainous area south of the Dead Sea. The area is also called “Edom.” (See: How to Translate Names)

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Quote: eleven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “11” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 1:3

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Quote: It happened in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

The ordinal numbers can be translated as cardinal numbers. Alternate translation: “They had lived in the wilderness for 40 years, 11 months, and 1 day, when Moses spoke” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

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Quote: fortieth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

40th (See: Numbers)

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Quote: in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths

This is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of January on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)

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Quote: eleventh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

11th (See: Numbers)

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Quote: Yahweh (0)

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

Deuteronomy 1:4

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Quote: Yahweh had attacked (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh had enabled the Israelites to defeat”

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Quote: Sihon & Og (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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

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Quote: Heshbon & Ashtaroth at Edrei (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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

Deuteronomy 1:5

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Quote: Beyond the Jordan (0)

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 1:1. Alternate translation: “East of the Jordan River”

Deuteronomy 1:6

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Quote: spoke to us (0)

The word “us” refers to Moses and the other people of Israel.

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Quote: You have lived long enough in this hill country (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “You do not need to stay near this mountain any longer” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 1:7

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.

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Quote: Turn and take your journey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The word “turn” is an idiom for beginning action. Alternate translation: “Start again on your journey” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: hill country & Euphrates (0)

Yahweh is describing places in the land that he has promised to give to the Israelites.

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Quote: hill country (0)

This is an area in the hills near the place where the Amorites lived.

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Quote: lowland (0)

an area of land that is low and flat

Deuteronomy 1:8

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Quote: Look (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to say”

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Quote: I have set the land before you (0)

Alternate translation: “I am now giving this land to you”

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Quote: that Yahweh swore (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Yahweh is speaking as if he were another person. Alternate translation: “that I, Yahweh, swore” (See: Pronouns)

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Quote: fathers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “fathers” is a synecdoche for all ancestors. Alternate translation: “ancestors” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 1:9

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.

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Quote: I spoke to you at that time (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here “I” refers to Moses. The phrase “at that time” refers to when the Israelites were at Horeb, which is the same as Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: “When we were at Horeb, I spoke to you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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Quote: I am not able to carry you myself alone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “to carry you” means “to lead you” or “to govern you.” Alternate translation: “It is too much for me to lead you by myself” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 1:10

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Quote: as the multitude of the stars of heaven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

This is an exaggeration that means God has greatly increased the number of Israelites. Alternate translation: “a great crowd of many people” (See: Hyperbole and Simile)

Deuteronomy 1:11

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Quote: a thousand times (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The phrase “a thousand” is a metaphor for “very many.” Alternate translation: “very many times” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: a thousand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

1,000 (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 1:12

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: But how can I myself alone carry your loads, your burdens, and your disputes? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to emphasize that he cannot solve all of their problems by himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot carry your loads, your burdens, and your disputes by myself.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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Quote: carry your loads, your burdens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks as if the people’s problems and complaints that he needed to take care of were heavy physical objects that he had been carrying. Alternate translation: “take care of your problems, your complaints” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: your disputes (0)

Alternate translation: “your arguments” or “your disagreements”

Deuteronomy 1:13

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Quote: men of good repute from each tribe (0)

Alternate translation: “men from each tribe whom the people of Israel respect”

Deuteronomy 1:15

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

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Quote: men of good repute (0)

Alternate translation: “men whom your people respected.” See how this is translated in Deuteronomy 1:13.

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Quote: of thousands & of hundreds & of fifties & of tens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “of groups of 1,000 … of groups of 100 … of groups of 50 … and groups of 10” (See: Numbers)

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Quote: captains & officers (0)

These are titles for different leaders in Israel’s government.

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Quote: tribe by tribe (0)

Alternate translation: “from each of your tribes”

Deuteronomy 1:16

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Quote: judge righteously between a man and his brother (0)

Alternate translation: “make right and fair decisions about the disputes Israelites have with each other”

Deuteronomy 1:17

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the judges, so the commands are plural. (See: Pronouns)

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Quote: You will not show partiality (0)

Alternate translation: “Do not show partiality”

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Quote: you will hear the small and the great alike (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

These two extremes “small” and “great” represent all people. Alternate translation: “you will treat all people alike” (See: Merism)

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Quote: You will not be afraid of the face of man (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “face” is a metonym for the whole person. “You will not” is a command. “Do not be afraid of anyone” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 1:18

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Quote: at that time (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This means the time when they were at Horeb, at Mount Sinai. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 1:19

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

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Quote: terrible wilderness that you saw (0)

Alternate translation: “large and dangerous desert that you crossed through”

Deuteronomy 1:20

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:21

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Quote: Look & your God & before you; go up, take possession & your fathers & to you; do not be afraid, neither be discouraged (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if he were speaking to one man, so these forms should be singular, not plural. (See: Pronouns)

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Quote: has set the land before you (0)

Alternate translation: “is now giving this land to you.” See how this is translated in Deuteronomy 1:8.

Deuteronomy 1:22

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:23

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Quote: twelve men (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “12 men” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 1:24

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Quote: They turned and went (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Turning is an idiom for beginning to obey a command. Alternate translation: “They left that place and went” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: Valley of Eshkol (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is a valley in the Hebron region, which is south of Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

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Quote: scouted it (0)

Alternate translation: “looked for places they could attack”

Deuteronomy 1:25

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

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Quote: They took (0)

Alternate translation: “The 12 men took”

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Quote: took some of the produce of the land in their hands (0)

Alternate translation: “picked some of the produce of the land”

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Quote: brought us word and said (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The speaker speaks as if a “word” were a physical object that someone could bring. Alternate translation: “told us” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: said, ‘It is a good land that Yahweh our God is giving to us.’ (0)

The direct quotation can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “said that the land that Yahweh our God was giving to us was good”

Deuteronomy 1:26

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

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Quote: Yet you refused to attack (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

God commanded the Israelites to attack and destroy the Amorites, but the Israelites were afraid and refused to fight them. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 1:27

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Quote: into the hand of the Amorites (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “into the hand” means to give the Amorites power over them. Alternate translation: “into the power of the Amorites” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 1:28

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Quote: Where can we go now? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Here this question emphasizes how afraid they were. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We have nowhere to go.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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Quote: made our heart to melt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This means that they became afraid. Alternate translation: “made us very afraid” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: are fortified up to the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

This is an exaggeration that emphasizes how frightened the people were because the cities were so large and strong. Alternate translation: “have walls so high it is like they reach up to the heavens” (See: Hyperbole)

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Quote: sons of the Anakim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

These are descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 1:29

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

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Quote: I said to you (0)

Alternate translation: “I said to your ancestors”

Deuteronomy 1:30

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Quote: before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they saw. Alternate translation: “which you yourselves saw” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 1:31

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Quote: you have seen & Yahweh your God carried you & you went & you came (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: Yahweh your God carried you, as a man carries his son (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Here Yahweh’s care for his people is compared to that of a father. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God has taken care of you, like a father takes care of his son” (See: Simile)

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Quote: until you came to this place (0)

Alternate translation: “until you came to this land that God promised to give you”

Deuteronomy 1:32

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:33

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Quote: make camp (0)

Alternate translation: “put up your tents”

Deuteronomy 1:34

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.

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Quote: heard the sound of your words (0)

Alternate translation: “heard what you were saying”

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Quote: he swore and said (0)

God made a vow not to allow those who rebelled against him to enter the land he promised to give them.

Deuteronomy 1:35

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Quote: will see (0)

Alternate translation: “will enter”

Deuteronomy 1:36

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Quote: save Caleb (0)

Alternate translation: “except Caleb”

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Quote: Jephunneh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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

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Quote: he has wholly followed Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Yahweh speaks as if he were someone else. Alternate translation: “he has completely obeyed me” (See: Pronouns)

Deuteronomy 1:37

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

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Quote: Yahweh was angry with me because of you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 1:38

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Quote: Nun (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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

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Quote: who stands before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Why Joshua stands before Moses can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “who stands before you as your servant” or “who helps you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 1:39

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

Deuteronomy 1:40

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Quote: turn and take your journey (0)

Alternate translation: “turn around and go back on the road you have come on”

Deuteronomy 1:41

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

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Quote: sinned against Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “we have rebelled against Yahweh by disobeying him”

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Quote: we will follow (0)

Alternate translation: “we will obey”

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Quote: to attack the hill country (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “hill country” represents the people that live there. Alternate translation: “to attack the people who live in the hill country” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 1:42

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Quote: for I will not be with you, and you will be defeated by your enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your enemies will defeat you because I will not be with you” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 1:43

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

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Quote: attacked the hill country (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The metonym “hill country” stands for the people who live there. Alternate translation: “attacked the people who live in the hill country” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 1:44

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Quote: chased you like bees (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

A “bee” is a small, flying insect that flies in large groups and stings people who threaten them. This means that so many Amorites attacked the Israelite soldiers that they had to leave the battle. (See: Simile and Translate Unknowns)

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Quote: Seir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a piece of land. (See: How to Translate Names)

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Quote: Hormah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

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Quote: struck you down (0)

Alternate translation: “killed many of your soldiers”

Deuteronomy 1:45

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

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Quote: returned and wept (0)

Alternate translation: “returned to Kadesh and wept”

Deuteronomy 2

Deuteronomy 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant faithfulness

Yahweh is faithful to the covenant he made with Abraham. He is also faithful to the promises he made with Esau and Lot. Because of this, Israel was given specific land it was able to conquer in Canaan. (See: covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty, covenant love, faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and covenant and promise, promised)

Deuteronomy 2:1

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.

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Quote: Then we turned and took our journey (0)

Alternate translation: “Then we turned around and went”

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Quote: we went around Mount Seir for many days (0)

This could mean: (1) the Israelites traveled around the mountain called Seir for a very long time or (2) the Israelites wandered in a region called Mount Seir for a very long time.

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Quote: Mount Seir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is a mountainous area south of the Dead Sea. The area is also called “Edom.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:2 (See: How to Translate Names)

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Quote: many days (0)

Some languages translate this as “many nights.”

Deuteronomy 2:4

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

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Quote: of your brothers, the descendants of Esau (0)

Alternate translation: “of your relatives, the descendants of Esau”

Deuteronomy 2:5

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Quote: I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession (0)

Yahweh is reminding the Israelites that he has given this territory to the descendants of Esau.

Deuteronomy 2:6

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to instruct Israel in how they are to treat the descendants of Esau.

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Quote: You will purchase food from them (0)

Yahweh is giving them permission or instruction, not a command, and he is telling them not to steal. “I permit you to purchase food from them” or “If you need food, you are to purchase it from them”

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Quote: from them (0)

Alternate translation: “from Esau’s descendants”

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Quote: for money (0)

If these words are not needed or make the translation unclear, you may omit them.

Deuteronomy 2:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your God has blessed you & your hand & your walking & your God & with you, and you have lacked (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you in all the work of your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The “work of your hand” refers to all the work they had done. Alternate translation: “all of your work” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has known your walking (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here what happened to the people while they were walking is spoken of as their “walking.” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forty years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “40 years” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have lacked nothing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This is a litotes for “you have had everything you needed.” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 2:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by our brothers (0)

Alternate translation: “by our relatives”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Elath & Ezion Geber (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: we turned (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “we kept going” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 2:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

General Information:

This is the end of a part of Moses’ speech reminding the Israelites of how Yahweh guided them in the wilderness. (See: Background Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not trouble Moab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “Moab” represents the people of Moab. Alternate translation: “Do not trouble the people of Moab” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ar (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the descendants of Lot (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people of Israel were related to the descendants of Moab. Moab was the son of Lot. Lot was the nephew of Abraham. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 2:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

General Information:

The writer begins to give background information about the people of the land. These words are not part of Moses’ speech to the Israelites. (See: Background Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The Emites lived (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

These words give background information about the Emite people, who had lived in the land before the Moabites. Your language may have a special way to mark background information. (See: Background Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Emites (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a people group that were considered giants. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Anakim (0)

These are descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:28.

Deuteronomy 2:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

General Information:

This continues the background information about the different people groups that had lived in the land. (See: Deuteronomy 2:10 and Background Information).

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Rephaim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a people group that were considered giants. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

General Information:

This continues the background information about the different people groups that had lived in the land. (See: Deuteronomy 2:10 and Background Information).

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Horites (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: destroyed them from before them (0)

Alternate translation: “killed all of them so none of them were left living with them” or “removed them from their presence by killing all of them”

Deuteronomy 2:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the Israelites of what had happened to them in the wilderness.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ‘Now rise up & Zered.’ So (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

Alternate translation: “‘Then Yahweh said, “Now rise up … Zered.’ So.” This can be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh told us to rise up … Zered. So” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rise up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

begin to do something (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the brook Zered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This stream flows into the Dead Sea from the southeast and creates the border between Edom and Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Now the days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

The word “now” marks a change from the story to background information about how long the people of Israel traveled and about God’s anger towards that generation. If your language has a way of showing that what follows is background information, you should use it here. (See: Background Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: thirty-eight years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “38 years” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: were gone from the people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way of saying “had died.” (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 2:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hand of Yahweh was against (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “the hand of Yahweh” refers to Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh used his power against” or “Yahweh punished” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 2:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.

Deuteronomy 2:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You are (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ar (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city in Moab. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 2:9. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not trouble & will not give you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the command and the word “you” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the descendants of Lot (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people of Israel were related to the descendants of Ammon. Ammon was the son of Lot. Lot was the nephew of Abraham. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 2:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

General Information:

These verses begin to give background information about the people groups who lived in the land. If your language has a way of showing that what follows is background information, you should use it here. (See: Background Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: That also is considered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People also consider that” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Rephaim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:11. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Anakim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:28. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: destroyed them before the Ammonites (0)

Alternate translation: “allowed the Ammonites to defeat them” or “allowed the Ammonites to kill them all”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they succeeded them and lived in their place (0)

Alternate translation: “the Ammonites took over everything the Rephaim had owned and have lived where the Rephaim had lived”

Deuteronomy 2:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Horites (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:12. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: succeeded them and have lived in their place (0)

Alternate translation: “took over everything the Horites had owned and have lived where the Horites had lived”

Deuteronomy 2:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

The writer finishes describing how God enabled Esau to conquer the land Esau is now inhabiting.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Avvites & Caphtorim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Caphtor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a place. It may be another name for the island of Crete located in the Mediterranean Sea. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: destroyed them (0)

Alternate translation: “destroyed the Avvim”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: settled in their place (0)

Alternate translation: “lived where the Avvim had lived”

Deuteronomy 2:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

The writer has finished giving background information and is now again telling what Moses said to the Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Now rise up (0)

Yahweh is telling Moses what the people should do. “Now get up” or “Now go.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: go on your journey (0)

Alternate translation: “continue your journey”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Valley of the Arnon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of the valley of the Arnon River. It creates the border between Moab and the Amorites. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have given into your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The metonym “into your hand” means “into your control or power.” Alternate translation: “I have given you the power to defeat” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your hand & Begin to possess it & fight (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “your” and the commands “begin to possess” and “fight” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sihon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a king. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Heshbon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fight with him (0)

Alternate translation: “fight against him and his army”

Deuteronomy 2:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: terror of you & news about you & because of you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: put the fear and terror (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “fear” and “terror” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the fear is intense. Alternate translation: “put a terrible fear” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: peoples that are under the whole sky (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “peoples in every land” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: tremble and be in anguish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This is hendiadys and emphasizes that the people will “tremble in anguish.” (See: Hendiadys)

Deuteronomy 2:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I sent (0)

Here “I” refers to Moses.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wilderness of Kedemoth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a place near the valley of Arnon. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sihon & Heshbon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are the names of a man and a place. See how you translated them in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with words of peace (0)

Alternate translation: “with my offer of peace” or “with a message from me asking for peace”

Deuteronomy 2:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will turn neither to the right hand nor to the left (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This phrase emphasizes that they will always go in the same direction. It can be stated in positive form. “I will not change direction” or “I will always stay on the path” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 2:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

This continues Moses’ message to King Sihon.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will sell me food for money, so that I may eat; give me water for money, so that I may drink (0)

Moses tells Sihon that the Israelites will not steal from the Amorites and requests that Sihon and his people sell food and water to the Israelites; he is not giving a command. Alternate translation: “I expect to have to pay for food so I can eat and to pay for water so I can drink”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sell me & I may eat & give me & I may drink (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Moses is referring to the people of Israel as if they were Moses himself. Alternate translation: “sell to me and my people … we may eat … give us … we may drink” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: only let me pass through on my feet (0)

Alternate translation: “only let us walk through your land”

Deuteronomy 2:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ar (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:9. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sihon & Heshbon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are the names of a man and a place. See how you translated them in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your God & your might (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hardened his mind and made his heart obstinate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Both of these phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh “caused him to become very stubborn.” (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 2:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to deliver up Sihon and his land before you (0)

Alternate translation: “to give Sihon and his land over to you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: begin to possess it, in order that you may inherit his land (0)

Alternate translation: “take possession of his land, so that you may inherit it”

Deuteronomy 2:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sihon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jahaz (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city in Moab (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 2:34

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people about what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We took all his cities (0)

Alternate translation: “We captured all of King Sihon’s cities”

Deuteronomy 2:36

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Aroer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city on the north bank of the Arnon River. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Valley of the Arnon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Alternate translation: “Arnon” is the name of a river. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:24. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there was not a city too high for us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This negative statement is used to emphasize their success in battle. This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “we were able to defeat the people of every city even if the city had high walls around it” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 2:37

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you did not go (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jabbok River (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a river that created the border between Sihon’s land and the land of the Ammonites. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3

Deuteronomy 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Victories

The victories recorded in this chapter occurred on the east side of the Jordan River. This was not part of the Promised Land, which was on the west side of the Jordan River. (See: Promised Land)

Deuteronomy 3:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Og (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a king. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Edrei (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sihon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a king. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Heshbon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh said to me, ‘Do not fear him; & given you & under your control & You will do & as you did & at Heshbon.’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Yahweh is speaking to Moses as if Moses were the Israelites, so the command “do not fear” and all instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fear him & over him & his people and his land (0)

Here the words “him” and “his” refer to Og.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have given you victory (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

Yahweh speaks of what he will do as if he had already done it. (See: Predictive Past)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will do to him as you did to Sihon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “him” is a metonym for “his people.” Alternate translation: “You will destroy Og and his people as you did Sihon” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 3:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all his people were put under our control (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh put all of Og’s people under our control” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: not one of his people remained (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This is a litotes that is used to emphasize that the Israelites did not let anyone live. Alternate translation: “all of his people were dead” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 3:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There was not one of the sixty cities that we did not take (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

This is a double negative that emphasizes that they took all of the 60 cities. Alternate translation: “We took every one of the sixty cities” (See: Double Negatives)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sixty cities (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “60 cities” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the region of Argob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a region within Bashan. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: These were all cities fortified with (0)

Alternate translation: “These were all cities protected by”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: besides very many (0)

Alternate translation: “in addition to very many” or “not including very many”

Deuteronomy 3:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sihon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a king. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Heshbon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: out of the hand of the two kings (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “out of the hand of” means “from the control of.” Alternate translation: “from the control of the two kings” or “from the two kings” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Amorites (0)

Alternate translation: “Amorite people.” See how you translated the name of this people group in Deuteronomy 1:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: beyond the Jordan (0)

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:1. Alternate translation: “east of the Jordan River”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Valley of the Arnon (0)

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 2:24.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Hermon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a mountain at the northern border of Bashan. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Hermon & Sirion & Senir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are all names of the same mountain which is at the northern border of Bashan. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Bashan & Edrei & Og (0)

See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 1:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of the plain (0)

This is high, flat land between the Arnon River and Mount Gilead.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Salekah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city near Edrei. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For of the remnant & the way people measure (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

This is background information about King Og. (See: Background Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Rephaim (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:11.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look! (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to the important thing I am going to tell you.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Was it not in Rabbah, & live? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The writer uses a question to remind the people of Israel that they could go to Rabbah and see how large Og must have been. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. This could mean: (1) “It was in Rabbah, … live.” or (2) “It is in Rabbah … live.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cubits (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance

A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: Biblical Distance)

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Quote: the way people measure (0)

Alternate translation: “according to the cubit most people use”

Deuteronomy 3:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Aroer (0)

See how you translated the name of this town in Deuteronomy 2:36.

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Quote: the Valley of the Arnon (0)

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 2:24.

Deuteronomy 3:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the region of Argob (0)

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 3:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The same territory is called the land of Rephaim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

The writer begins to present background information about the land that the people of Israel captured. If your language has a way of showing that what follows is background information, you should use it here. (See: Background Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Rephaim (0)

See how you translated the name of this land in Deuteronomy 2:11.

Deuteronomy 3:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

This continues the background information about the land the people of Israel captured (Deuteronomy 3:13).

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Quote: Jair (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Geshurites and the Maakathites (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are people groups who lived west of Bashan. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Havvoth Jair (0)

Translators may make a footnote that says: “The name ‘Havvoth Jair’ means ‘tent villages of Jair’ or ‘realm of Jair.’”

Deuteronomy 3:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I gave (0)

Here “I” refers to Moses.

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Quote: to Machir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Machir was the son of Manasseh. He had died before Moses gave this land. The name is a metonym for the descendants of the person. Alternate translation: “to the descendants of Machir” (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jabbok River (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a river that created the border between Sihon’s land and the land of the Ammonites. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:37. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Another of its borders is also (0)

Alternate translation: “The western border of the Reubenite and Gadite territory is”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Kinnereth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

the Sea of Kinnereth, also called “the Sea of Galilee” or “the Lake of Gennesaret” (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Pisgah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a mountain in the northern part of the Abarim mountain range. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 3:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I commanded you at that time (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses reminds the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh that they must help the other Israelites conquer the rest of the land God promised them. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will pass over armed before (0)

Alternate translation: “will take your weapons and cross the Jordan River ahead of”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your brothers, the people of Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “your fellow Israelites”

Deuteronomy 3:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 3:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh gives rest to your brothers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The writer speaks as if the ability to rest were a physical object that could be given as a gift. The word “rest” is also a metaphor for peaceful life in which there is no war. Alternate translation: “Yahweh allows your brothers to rest” or “Yahweh allows your brothers to stop fighting wars and live peacefully” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: beyond the Jordan (0)

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 1:1. Alternate translation: “east of the Jordan River”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then will you return (0)

Moses is emphasizing that the other tribes must possess their land before Yahweh will permit these three tribes to possess their land. “only then are you to return.”

Deuteronomy 3:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your eyes have seen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” refers to Joshua. Alternate translation: “You have seen” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 3:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people about what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I implored (0)

Here “I” refers to Moses. This means he asked God in a very earnest, emotional way.

Deuteronomy 3:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to show your servant (0)

Here “your servant” is a polite way of speaking to someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: “to show me, your servant”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your strong hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “hand” means control or power. Alternate translation: “your power” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for what god is there & acts? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to emphasize that Yahweh is the only God with the power to do the works he has done. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “for there is no god … acts.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in heaven or in earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

These two extremes together mean “anywhere.” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 3:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: beyond the Jordan (0)

Alternate translation: “west of the Jordan River.” When Moses spoke these words to Yahweh, he was east of the Jordan River in Moab.

Deuteronomy 3:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues telling the people of Israel what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh was angry with me because of you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:37. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 3:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Pisgah (0)

See how you translated this is in Deuteronomy 3:17.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lift up your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The words “lift up your eyes” are an idiom that means look. Alternate translation: “look” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 3:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

Deuteronomy 3:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Beth Peor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a town in Moab near Mount Pisgah. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 4

Deuteronomy 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Law of Moses

In order to possess the land, the people needed to obey the law of Moses. This will be the most important thing in the religious life of Israel. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Moses’ instructions

Moses is not allowed to enter into the Promised Land. Since they are getting ready to possess the Promised Land, Moses gives them some last instructions before his death. (See: Promised Land)

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 his readers to obey his instructions. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 4:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am about to teach you (0)

Moses is telling the people of Israel what God wants them to do.

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Quote: to do them (0)

Alternate translation: “and obey them”

Deuteronomy 4:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not add to the words & neither will you diminish them (0)

Yahweh does not want his people to create new laws, or to ignore those he has already given them.

Deuteronomy 4:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your eyes have seen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “You saw” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because of Baal Peor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “because of the sins you committed at Baal Peor” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Peor (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God has destroyed them from among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses speaks to the people of Israel as though they were one person, so “your” and “you” are singular. (See: Pronouns)

Deuteronomy 4:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you who clung to Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The writer speaks as if trusting in Yahweh and obeying him were like physically holding on to a person. Alternate translation: “you who were careful to obey Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 4:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that you should do so in the midst of the land (0)

Alternate translation: “that you should obey them when you live in the land”

Deuteronomy 4:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: keep them and do them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that they are to obey them. Alternate translation: “obey them carefully” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas behind the words wisdom and understanding, you can express the same idea with adjective phrases. Here, the word sight refers to how the peoples judge or decide on the value of something. Alternate translation: “this is what will show the peoples that you are wise and that you understand what is important” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this great nation is a wise and understanding people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “nation” is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: “the people of this great nation are wise and understanding” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 4:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For what other great nation is there & him? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “For there is no other great nation … him.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 4:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What other great nation is there & today? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no other great nation … today.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 4:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Only pay attention & guard yourself & you do not forget & your eyes & your heart & your life & make them known to your children and your children’s children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person, so all instances of “you,” “your,” and “yourself,” as well as the commands “pay attention,” “guard,” and “make known” are singular. (See: Pronouns and Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Only pay attention and carefully guard yourself (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay careful attention and be sure to remember these things always”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you do not forget & they do not leave your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These phrases means the same thing and emphasize that the people of Israel must remember what they have seen. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your eyes have seen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “you have seen” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 4:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you stood before Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Pronouns and Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Assemble me the people (0)

Alternate translation: “Bring the people together and bring them to me”

Deuteronomy 4:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the Israelites of their history.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with fire to the heart of heaven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. “The heart of” means “the middle of” or “the innermost part of,” and “heaven” here refers to the sky. Alternate translation: “with a fire that went up to the sky” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here “thick darkness” describes the cloud. Alternate translation: “with a thick, dark cloud” (See: Hendiadys)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: thick darkness (0)

Another possible meaning is “heavy cloud.”

Deuteronomy 4:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He declared (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh declared”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to you (0)

Here “you” refers to the Israelites who were at Mount Horeb.

Deuteronomy 4:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the land that you are crossing over to take possession of (0)

Alternate translation: “after you have crossed over the Jordan River and taken possession of the land”

Deuteronomy 4:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 4:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not corrupt yourselves (0)

Alternate translation: “do not do what is wrong”

Deuteronomy 4:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: creeps on the ground (0)

Alternate translation: “crawls on the ground”

Deuteronomy 4:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You shall not lift your eyes & and look & and be drawn & Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” and the words “lift,” “look,” and “be drawn” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You shall not & and be drawn away to worship (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not … and do not let anyone make you want to worship” or “Do not … and do not allow yourself worship” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the host of the heavens (0)

Alternate translation: “everything you can see in the sky.” This is another way of referring to the sun, moon, and stars.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of which Yahweh your God has given a share all the peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Moses speaks of the stars as if they were small objects like food that Yahweh was dividing and giving out to the people groups. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh your God has put there to help all people groups” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 4:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: brought you out of the iron furnace (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of Egypt and the hard work the Israelites did there as if it were an oven in which iron is heated and the Israelites were the iron. Alternate translation: “brought you out of the land where people made you do hard work” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a people of his own inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom that can be translated “people who belong only to him.” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 4:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh was angry with me because of you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:37. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God is giving to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 4:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Pay attention to yourselves (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay careful attention”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God has forbidden you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 4:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God is a devouring fire, a jealous God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses compares how Yahweh acts when he is angry to the way a fire destroys things. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will severely punish and destroy you like a fire does because he does not want you to worship other gods” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person, so the word “your” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 4:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you beget & Yahweh your God (0)

The words “you” and “your” are singular here.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: beget (0)

become the father of, or become the ancestor of

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if you corrupt yourselves (0)

Alternate translation: “if you do what is wrong.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do what is evil in the sight of Yahweh your God, to provoke him to anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you make Yahweh your God angry by doing what he says is evil” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 4:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I call heaven and earth to witness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says or (2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says. (See: Metonymy and Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will not prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. Alternate translation: “you will not be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but you will be completely destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

As indicated in 4:27, not every Israelite will be killed. Here “completely destroy” is a generalization and emphasizes that many of the Israelites will die. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but Yahweh will destroy many of you” (See: Hyperbole and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 4:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will scatter you among the peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks as if the people were seeds that Yahweh would scatter around a field. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will send you to many different places and force you to live there” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will lead you away (0)

Alternate translation: “will send you” or “will cause your enemies to take you away”

Deuteronomy 4:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the work of men’s hands, wood and stone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “men’s hands” refers the men themselves, and “the work … wood and stone” to the idols that they have created. Alternate translation: “the wood and stone idols that men have made” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 4:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel. He speaks as though they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But from there (0)

Alternate translation: “But when you are in those other nations”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will seek (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

The word “you” here is plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when you search after him (0)

Alternate translation: “when you really try to find him” or “when you really try to know him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart and with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 4:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will have come on (0)

Alternate translation: “have happened to”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in those later days (0)

Alternate translation: “afterwards” or “then”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: listen to his voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “listen” is an idiom that means to hear and obey. Also, “his voice” refers to Yahweh and emphasizes what he says. Alternate translation: “obey what he says” (See: Idiom and Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 4:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and the command “ask now” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 4:33

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Did ever a people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and live? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Here the people of Israel are reminded of how Yahweh has spoken to them in an amazing way in the past. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No other people besides you has heard God speak from the middle of the fire and lived.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hear the voice of God speaking (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here God is represented by his voice. Alternate translation: “hear God’s voice as he spoke” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 4:34

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by a mighty hand, and by an outstretched arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “a mighty hand” and “an outstretched arm” are metaphors for Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “by showing his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in front of you” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 4:35

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: To you these things were shown (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh showed you these things” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 4:36

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Quote: he made you to hear & made you see (0)

Alternate translation: “he made sure you heard … made sure you saw”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: made you & you heard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Moses speaks as if the people to whom he was speaking were the people he had spoken to at Mount Sinai many years earlier. The people at Mount Sinai were actually the fathers of the people to whom he was speaking these words. Alternate translation: “made your fathers … your fathers heard” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 4:37

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your fathers (0)

This refers to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob’s sons.

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Quote: with his presence, with his great power (0)

Alternate translation: “with the great power that comes from his presence” or “with his great power”

Deuteronomy 4:39

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lay it on your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember it” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: in heaven above and on the earth beneath (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The two phrases “in heaven” and “on the earth” show two extremes and mean “everywhere.” Alternate translation: “over everything” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 4:40

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Quote: prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 4:41

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses’s speech, which began in Deuteronomy 1:6, has finished, and the writer continues the narrative that ended in Deuteronomy 1:5.

Deuteronomy 4:43

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Bezer & Ramoth & Golan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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

Deuteronomy 4:44

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This is the law (0)

This refers to the laws Moses will give in the following chapters.

Deuteronomy 4:46

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Quote: Beth Peor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a town in Moab near Mount Pisgah. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sihon & Amorites & Heshbon (0)

Alternate translation: “King Sihon … Amorite people … town of Heshbon.” See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4.

Deuteronomy 4:47

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his land (0)

King Sihon’s land

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: beyond the Jordan toward the east (0)

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. Alternate translation: “from the side of the Jordan River toward the east”

Deuteronomy 4:48

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Aroer (0)

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:36.

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Quote: the Valley of the Arnon (0)

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:24.

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Quote: Mount Siyon & Mount Hermon (0)

These are different names for the same mountain. The word “Sion” is another spelling of “Sirion” (Deuteronomy 3:9). See how you translated “Mount Hermon” in Deuteronomy 3:8.

Deuteronomy 4:49

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: eastward beyond the Jordan (0)

This refers to the land across the Jordan River, to the east of Israel. Moses was east of the Jordan when he said this. Alternate translation: “eastward from the side of the Jordan River”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sea of the Arabah & Mount Pisgah (0)

See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 3:17.

Deuteronomy 5

Deuteronomy 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each of the commandements in the list of Ten Commandments in 5:7-21 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT uses a separate paragraph for each commandment.

Special concepts in this chapter

Ten commandments

This chapter repeats the material of Exodus 20. It is known as the Ten Commandments.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors and idioms

Moses uses metaphors and idioms to instruct the people to follow the law of Moses. This is because it is very important to follow these laws. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and Metaphor and Idiom)

Deuteronomy 5:1

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: called to all Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Here “all” is a generalization. Moses wanted everyone in Israel to hear and obey his words, but his voice was probably not so loud that everyone actually heard him. (See: Hyperbole)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that I will speak in your ears today (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “ears” refers to the whole person. This metaphor emphasizes that the people know what Moses has said to them, so they cannot sin and then say they did not know they were sinning. Alternate translation: “that I will speak to you today” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 5:3

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Quote: Yahweh did not make this covenant with our ancestors (0)

This could mean: (1) Yahweh did not only make a covenant with those who were at Horeb; the covenant was also with the later generations of Israelites or (2) Yahweh did not make this covenant with their distant ancestors, such as, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; instead, this covenant began with the Israelites at Horeb.

Deuteronomy 5:4

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: face to face (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Use your language’s idiom for two people who are close to each other and looking at each other when they are speaking to each other. (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on the mount (0)

Alternate translation: “on the mountain”

Deuteronomy 5:5

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Quote: at that time (0)

Moses is referring to an event that happened about 40 years earlier.

Deuteronomy 5:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: out of the house of slavery (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “house of slavery” refers to Egypt where the people of Israel had been slaves. Alternate translation: “out of the place where you were slaves” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 5:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people what Yahweh has commanded them. The phrases “you will” and “you will not” are commands. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will have no other gods before me (0)

Alternate translation: “You must not worship any other gods but me”

Deuteronomy 5:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water below (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: “that is in the earth beneath your feet, or that is in the water below the earth” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 5:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not bow down to them or serve them (0)

Alternate translation: “You will not worship the carved figures or do as they command”

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Quote: You will not (0)

Alternate translation: “Never”

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Quote: I & am a jealous God (0)

Alternate translation: “I … want you to worship only me”

Deuteronomy 5:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: showing covenant faithfulness to thousands, to those who love me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you can express the same idea with “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “faithfully loving thousands, those who love me” or “being faithful to the covenant with thousands, with those who love me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to thousands, to those who love me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Some translations read “to a thousand generations of those who love me.” The word “thousands” is a metonym for a number too many to count. Alternate translation: “forever, to those who love me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metonymy and Numbers)

Deuteronomy 5:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not take the name of Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “You will not use the name of Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.

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Quote: in vain (0)

Alternate translation: “carelessly” or “without proper respect” or “for wrong purposes”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will not hold him guiltless (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will consider him guilty” or “Yahweh will punish him” (See: Double Negatives)

Deuteronomy 5:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to keep it holy (0)

Alternate translation: “to dedicate it to God”

Deuteronomy 5:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do all your work (0)

Alternate translation: “do all your usual duties”

Deuteronomy 5:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seventh day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

Alternate translation: “day 7.” Here “seventh” is the ordinal number for seven. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: On it you will not do (0)

Alternate translation: “On that day never do”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within your gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” is a reference to the city itself. Alternate translation: “within your community” or “inside your city” or “living with you” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 5:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “You must remember” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “a mighty hand” and “an outstretched arm” are metaphors for Yahweh’s power. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “by showing his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 5:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 5:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.

Deuteronomy 5:18

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Quote: You will not commit adultery (0)

Alternate translation: “You will not sleep with anyone other than your spouse”

Deuteronomy 5:20

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Quote: You will not give false witness against your neighbor (0)

Alternate translation: “You will not tell lies about someone”

Deuteronomy 5:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.

Deuteronomy 5:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said.

Deuteronomy 5:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: heard the voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “voice” is a metonym for the sound of the voice or for the person who was speaking. Alternate translation: “heard the sound of the voice” or “heard Yahweh speaking” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 5:25

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the Israelites what the Israelites had said to Moses.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But why should we die? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

They were afraid that they would die if Yahweh spoke to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We are afraid that we will die.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 5:26

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Quote: For who besides us is there & have done? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There are no other people besides us … have done.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all flesh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

This represents all people or living things. Alternate translation: “all people” or “all living beings” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 5:28

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Quote: when you spoke to me (0)

Here “me” refers to Moses.

Deuteronomy 5:29

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Quote: Oh, that there were (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

If your language has an idiom that expresses a strong desire for something, you might want to use it here. Alternate translation: “I would be very happy if there were” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 5:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will teach them (0)

Alternate translation: “you will teach the people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 5:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will keep (0)

Moses is giving a command to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This compares a person disobeying God to a person turning off of the correct path. Alternate translation: “you will not disobey him in any way” or “you will do everything he says” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 5:33

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:40. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 6

Deuteronomy 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s blessings

Yahweh’s continued blessing of the people of Israel is dependent upon the people’s obedience to the law of Moses. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

There are many metaphors in this chapter. These metaphors describe the greatness of the Promised Land the wholehearted worship that is completely dedicated to Yahweh. (See: Metaphor and Promised Land)

Deuteronomy 6:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues the speech to the people of Israel he began in Deuteronomy 5:1. Beginning in verse 2, he speaks to the people of Israel as if they were one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: might keep (0)

Alternate translation: “might obey”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: going over the Jordan (0)

Alternate translation: “going to the other side of the Jordan River”

Deuteronomy 6:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to keep (0)

Alternate translation: “to obey”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that your days may be prolonged (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This can be translated similarly to “prolong your days” in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “that I may prolong your days” or “that I may cause you to live a long time” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 6:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: listen to them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here “listen” means to obey, and “them” refers to Yahweh’s commandments. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “listen to Yahweh’s commandments, statutes, and decrees” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: keep them (0)

Alternate translation: “obey them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land flowing with milk and honey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 6:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh our God is one (0)

Alternate translation: “Our God Yahweh is the one and only God”

Deuteronomy 6:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These three phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated “with all your heart, with all your soul” in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 6:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am commanding you (0)

Moses is speaking God’s commandments to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will be in your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you must always remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 6:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will diligently teach & you will talk (0)

Alternate translation: “I command you to diligently teach … I command you to talk.” The reader should understand these as commands.

Deuteronomy 6:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: tie them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This is a metonym for “write these words on parchment, put the parchment in a pouch, and tie the pouch.” This metonym in turn may be a metaphor for “obey these words so that it is as if they were physically there.” Alternate translation: “tie these words” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a sign upon your hand (0)

Alternate translation: “as something to make you remember my laws”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will serve as frontlets (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This is a metonym for “write these words on parchment, put the parchment in a pouch, and tie the pouch to your head so it sits.” This metonym in turn may be a metaphor for “obey these words so that it is as if they were physically there.” Alternate translation: “my words will serve as frontlets”(See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: frontlets (0)

ornaments a person wears on the forehead

Deuteronomy 6:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will write (0)

This is a command.

Deuteronomy 6:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: large and very good cities that you did not build (0)

All these cities will belong to the people of Israel when they conquer the people in Canaan.

Deuteronomy 6:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: out of the house of bondage (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “house of bondage” refers to Egypt, the place where the people of Israel had been slaves. Alternate translation: “out of the place where you were slaves” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 6:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will honor Yahweh your God; him you will worship, and you will swear by his name (0)

Alternate translation: “It is Yahweh your God and no one else whom you will honor; it is he alone whom you will worship, and it is by his name and only his name that you will swear.” Your language may have another way of emphasizing that Yahweh is telling the Israelites not to worship or serve any other god.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will swear by his name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

To swear by the name of Yahweh means to make Yahweh the basis or the power on which the oath is made. The metonym “his name” refers to Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “you will swear and ask Yahweh to confirm it” or “when you swear you will speak his name” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 6:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the midst of you (0)

Alternate translation: “who lives among you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the anger of Yahweh your God will be kindled against you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

Moses compares Yahweh’s anger to someone starting a fire to destroy things. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. To kindle anger is a metaphor for becoming very angry. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will kindle his anger” or “Yahweh your God will become very angry” (See: Active or Passive and Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: destroy you from (0)

Alternate translation: “destroy you so that there is nothing left of you anywhere on”

Deuteronomy 6:16

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not test Yahweh (0)

Here “test” means to challenge Yahweh and force him to prove himself.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Massah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a place in the desert. The translator may add a footnote that says: “The name ‘Massah’ means ‘testing.’” (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 6:18

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will do what is right and good in the sight of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom is a command and a blessing. If the Israelites obey Yahweh, they will receive blessings from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Do what Yahweh says is right and good” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 6:20

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What are the covenant decrees & commanded you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

In this question the “covenant decrees” represent their meaning and purpose. Alternate translation: “What do the covenant decrees … commanded mean to you” or “Why should you obey the covenant decrees … commanded you” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your son (0)

This refers to the children of the adult people of Israel to whom Moses was speaking Yahweh’s words.

Deuteronomy 6:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with a mighty hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “a mighty hand” refers to Yahweh’s power. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “with his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 6:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on all his house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “his house” refers to the people of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “on all of his people” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before our eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the word “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “where we could see them” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 6:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: might bring us in (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “might bring us into Canaan” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 6:24

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. He tells them what they should tell their children about Yahweh’s commandments. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: keep (0)

obey at all times and for a long time

Deuteronomy 6:25

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Quote: before Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “where Yahweh can see us”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this will be our righteousness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “this” refers to keeping Yahweh’s commands. This is a metonym for Yahweh considering them righteous. Alternate translation: “he will consider us righteous” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 7

Deuteronomy 7 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“You must completely destroy them”

The people of Canaan were to be punished by Yahweh. Yahweh used Israel to punish these nations. If they were not completely destroyed, they would lead Israel into sin. Therefore, they were to be completely destroyed and be shown no mercy. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and mercy, merciful)

Abrahamic Covenant

This chapter references parts of the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham. It also emphasizes Yahweh’s faithfulness to this covenant. (See: covenant and faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Deuteronomy 7:1

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 7:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gives them over to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of victory as if it were a physical object one person could give to another. Alternate translation: “enables you to defeat them” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you defeat them (0)

Here “them” refers to the seven nations from Deuteronomy 7:1.

Deuteronomy 7:4

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For they will (0)

Alternate translation: “If you allow your children to marry the people from the other nations, the people from the other nations will”

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Quote: So the anger of Yahweh will be kindled against you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses compares Yahweh’s anger to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes Yahweh’s power to destroy what makes him angry. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will kindle his anger against you” or “Then Yahweh will become very angry with you” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

The word “you” refers to all the Israelites and so is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 7:5

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Quote: you will deal & You will break & dash & cut & burn (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to all the Israelites here, so these words are all plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 7:6

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses tells the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you are a nation that is set apart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that are on the face of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that live on the earth” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 7:7

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words. All instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: did not set his love upon you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “did not love you more than he loved others” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 7:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with a mighty hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “a mighty hand” refers to Yahweh’s power. These words also appear in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “with his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: redeemed you out of the house of bondage (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves as if Yahweh had paid money to a slave owner. Alternate translation: “rescued you from being slaves” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: house of bondage (0)

Here the metonym “house of bondage” refers to Egypt, the place where the people of Israel had been slaves. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 6:12. Alternate translation: “out of the place where you were slaves”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hand of Pharaoh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hand” means “the control of.” Alternate translation: “control of Pharaoh” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 7:9

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: for a thousand generations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “for 1,000 generations” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 7:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: repays those who hate him to their face (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means “repays them quickly and openly so that they know God has punished them.” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will not be lenient on whoever hates him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

The words “not be lenient” are an understatement to emphasize that Yahweh will severely punish. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will severely punish everyone who hates him” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 7:12

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words. He speaks as if the Israelites are one person in verse 12 and to all of them as a group in verse 13. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 7:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: multiply you (0)

Alternate translation: “increase the number of your people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruit of your body (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom for “your children.” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: the fruit of your ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom for “your crops.” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the multiplication of your cattle (0)

Alternate translation: “your cattle so they will become many”

Deuteronomy 7:14

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will be blessed more than all other peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will bless you more than I bless any other people” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there will not be a childless male or a barren female among you or among your cattle (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Moses uses a negative statement to emphasize that they all will be able to have children. This may be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “All of you will be able to have children and your cattle will be able to reproduce” (See: Litotes)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: among you & your cattle (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

The words “you” and “your” are plural here. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 7:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: take away from you all sickness (0)

Alternate translation: “make sure that you do not become ill” or “keep you completely healthy”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: none of the evil diseases & will he put on you, but he will put them on all those who hate you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks as if disease were a heavy object that Yahweh would put on top of people. Alternate translation: “he will not make you sick with any of the evil diseases … but he will make your enemies sick with them” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 7:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will consume all the peoples (0)

Alternate translation: “I command you to completely destroy all the people groups”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your eye will not pity them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This is a command. Moses speaks as if what the eye sees were the eye itself. Alternate translation: “do not allow what you see to cause you to pity them” or “do not pity them because you see that what you are doing is hurting them” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not worship (0)

Alternate translation: “never worship”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that will be a trap for you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

If the people worship other gods, they will be like an animal caught in a hunter’s trap, and they will be unable to escape. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 7:17

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If you say in your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The people should not be afraid even if they notice that the nations are stronger than they are. Alternate translation: “Even if you say in your heart” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: say in your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “think” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: how can I dispossess them? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to emphasize that the people may feel afraid of the other nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not know how I will be able to dispossess them” (See: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dispossess them (0)

Alternate translation: “take their land away from them”

Deuteronomy 7:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not be afraid (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The people should not be afraid even if they notice that the nations are stronger than they are. Alternate translation: “even then do not be afraid” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you must remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 7:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that your eyes saw (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “that you saw” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “a mighty hand” and “an outstretched arm” are metaphors for Yahweh’s power. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “and the mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 7:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Moreover, Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “And also, Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: send the hornet (0)

This could mean: (1) God will send actual flying insects that sting people and cause pain, or (2) God will cause the people to become terrified and want to run away.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: perish from your presence (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “die so you do not see them anymore” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 7:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not (0)

Alternate translation: “Never”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a great and fearsome God (0)

Alternate translation: “a great and awesome God” or “a great God who causes the people to fear”

Deuteronomy 7:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: little by little (0)

Alternate translation: “slowly”

Deuteronomy 7:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words as if the Israelites are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: give you victory over (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “enable you to defeat” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: victory over them (0)

Alternate translation: “victory over the armies from the other nations”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will greatly confuse them (0)

Alternate translation: “he will make them so they cannot think clearly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until they are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until you have destroyed them” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 7:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will make their name perish from under heaven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The Israelites will completely destroy all the people from those nations, and in the future no one will remember them. (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stand before you (0)

Alternate translation: “stand against you” or “defend themselves against you”

Deuteronomy 7:25

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh’s words. In verse 25 he speaks to the group as a group, so the forms of “you” are plural, but in verse 26 he speaks as if the Israelites are one person, so the forms are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will burn (0)

This is a command.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not covet & trapped by it (0)

These words add to the instruction to burn the idols.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will become trapped by it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Even taking the gold or silver on the idols could cause the people to start worshiping them. By doing this they would become like an animal caught by a trap. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it will become a trap to you” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for it is an abomination to Yahweh your God (0)

These words tell why Yahweh wants the people to burn the idols. “do this because Yahweh your God hates it very much”

Deuteronomy 7:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will utterly detest and abhor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “detest” and “abhor” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of hatred. Alternate translation: “You will completely hate” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for it is set apart for destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh cursing something and promising to destroy it is spoken of as if Yahweh were setting the object apart from everything else. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh has set it apart for destruction” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 8

Deuteronomy 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Forgetting

This chapter recalls the great things that Yahweh has done for Israel and is about to do for them. This is so they do not forget him and they will continue to worship him. They must remember that Yahweh is the source of their blessings. (See: bless, blessed, blessing)

Deuteronomy 8:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must keep & you may live and multiply, and go in and possess & your fathers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

All instances of “you” and “your” and the verbs are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 8:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “You must remember” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forty years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “40 years” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he might humble you (0)

Alternate translation: “he might show you how weak and sinful you are”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to know (0)

Alternate translation: “to reveal” or “to show”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what was in your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The heart is a symbol of a person’s character. Alternate translation: “what kind of people you are” or “how you would behave” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 8:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. He continues to remind them of what they should “call to mind” (Deuteronomy 8:2). (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He humbled you (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh showed you how weak and sinful you are.” See how “he might humble you” is translated in Deuteronomy 8:2.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fed you with manna (0)

Alternate translation: “gave you manna to eat”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it is not by bread alone that people live (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “bread” represents all food. Alternate translation: “food is not the only thing people need so they can live” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it is by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh that people live (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “the mouth of Yahweh” is a metonym for the words that Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “people must obey the commands of Yahweh so they can live” or “people must do what Yahweh tells them to do so they can live” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 8:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your clothing & forty years (0)

This is the last item that they should “call to mind” (Deuteronomy 8:2).

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forty years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “40 years” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 8:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will think & God disciplines you (0)

This continues the list of commands that begins in Deuteronomy 8:1.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will think about in your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “heart” represents the thoughts and understanding of a person. Alternate translation: “You will understand” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 8:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will keep & honor him (0)

This continues the list of commands that begins in Deuteronomy 8:1.

Deuteronomy 8:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land of (0)

Alternate translation: “a land with” or “a land that has”

Deuteronomy 8:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land in which you will eat bread without lack (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This litotes can be translated positively. Alternate translation: “a land where there will be plenty of food for you” (See: Litotes)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: where you will not go without anything (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “where you will have everything you need” (See: Double Negatives)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stones are made of iron (0)

The stones are full of iron ore. Iron is a very hard metal useful for swords and plows.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dig copper (0)

Alternate translation: “mine copper.” Copper is a soft metal useful for making household utensils.

Deuteronomy 8:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will eat and be full (0)

Alternate translation: “You will have enough food to eat until you are full”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will bless (0)

Alternate translation: “you will praise” or “you will give thanks to”

Deuteronomy 8:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 8:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

This verse describes the first two items of a list of five things that might make the Israelites forget about Yahweh (verse 11): “when you eat and are full” and “when you build good houses.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when you eat and are full (0)

Alternate translation: “when you have enough food to eat”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your heart will be lifted up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” represents the inner person. To become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the person’s heart is lifted up. Alternate translation: “you will become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 8:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

This verse describes the last three of the five things that might cause them to forget Yahweh. The first two are “you eat and are full” and “you build good houses and live in them” (Deuteronomy 8:12). The last three are “when your herds and flocks multiply,” “when your silver and gold increase,” and “all that you have is multiplied.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your herds and flocks (0)

Alternate translation: “your herds of cattle and flocks of sheep and goats”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: multiply (0)

increase greatly in number

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all that you have is multiplied (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you have many more things” or “you have many more possessions” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 8:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

This verse contains the first two of three items Moses warns the people to be careful of (Deuteronomy 8:11): that “your heart becomes lifted up” and “you forget Yahweh your God.” It then lists the first of four characteristics of Yahweh that they need to remember, that Yahweh “brought you out of the land of Egypt.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your heart becomes lifted up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” represents the inner person. To become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the person’s heart is lifted up. See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 8:12. Alternate translation: “you become prideful and no longer obey Yahweh” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who brought you out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Moses begins to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh. (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: out of the house of bondage (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is a metaphor for the time they were slaves in Egypt. Alternate translation: “out from the place where you were slaves” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 8:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

This verse gives the second and third items in the list of characteristics that Moses reminds the Israelites that they must remember about “Yahweh your God” (Deuteronomy 8:14) the first being that he “brought you out of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 8:14). the second that he led them “through the … wilderness,” and the third that he “brought … water out of the rock.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Moses continues to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh (Deuteronomy 8:14). (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who led & who brought (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh, who led … Yahweh, who brought”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fiery serpents (0)

Alternate translation: “poisonous snakes”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: thirsty ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

This phrase describes the ground as being thirsty just like a person is thirsty when he needs water. Alternate translation: “dry ground” (See: Personification)

Deuteronomy 8:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

This is the fourth item in the list of characteristics that Moses reminds the Israelites that they must remember about “Yahweh your God” (Deuteronomy 8:14) the first being that he “brought you out of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 8:14), the second that he led them “through the … wilderness” (Deuteronomy 8:15), and the third that he “brought … water out of the rock” (Deuteronomy 8:15).

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He fed (0)

Moses continues to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh (Deuteronomy 8:14). “Yahweh fed”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to do you good (0)

Alternate translation: “to help you” or “because it would be good for you”

Deuteronomy 8:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

This is the third item in the list of things that Yahweh warns the Israelites that they might do (Deuteronomy 8:11), the first being “your heart becomes lifted up” and the second being “you forget Yahweh your God” (Deuteronomy 8:14).

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but you may say in your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This is the third thing the people might do when their hearts “become lifted up” and they “forget Yahweh” (Deuteronomy 8:14). Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s innermost thoughts. Alternate translation: “but you may think to yourself” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My power and the might of my hand acquired all this wealth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hand” refers to a man’s power or ability. Alternate translation: “I got this wealth because I am so strong and powerful” or “I have acquired all these things by my own power and ability” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 8:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But you will call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom is a command. Alternate translation: “But remember” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that he may establish (0)

This could mean: (1) “in this way he establishes” or (2) “in this way he is faithful to establish.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that he may (0)

Alternate translation: “so he can”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: establish (0)

cause to stand or to remain

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as it is today (0)

Alternate translation: “as he is doing now” or “as he is establishing his covenant now”

Deuteronomy 8:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: walk after other gods (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Walking is a metaphor for obeying. Alternate translation: “serve other gods” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against you & you will (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

These instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I testify against you (0)

Alternate translation: “I warn you” or “I tell you in front of witnesses”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will surely perish (0)

Alternate translation: “you will certainly die”

Deuteronomy 8:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before you & you perish & you would not & your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

All these instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before you (0)

Alternate translation: “in front of you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: would not listen to the voice of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “the voice of Yahweh” means what Yahweh tells his people to do. Alternate translation: “would not obey Yahweh’s commandments” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 9

Deuteronomy 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s victory

This chapter assures the Israelites that it is Yahweh who will empower them to conquer the Promised Land. The Israelites will not be strong enough on their own to conquer these other nations. This victory will be Yahweh’s. The people did not earn this victory, but it is Yahweh’s punishment of these sinful nations. (See: Promised Land and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Israel’s sin

Yahweh is about to punish the Canaanites for their sin. He also reminds Israel of their sin. This serves as a warning to the people of Israel. If they sin again, Yahweh will punish them too.

Deuteronomy 9:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Hear, Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “Israel” is a metonym for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Listen, people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to dispossess (0)

Alternate translation: “to take the land from”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fortified up to heaven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

This is an exaggeration that emphasizes how frightened the people were because the cities were so large and strong. See how you translated similar words in Deuteronomy 1:28. Alternate translation: “have walls so high it is like they reach up to the heavens” (See: Hyperbole)

Deuteronomy 9:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sons of the Anakim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce. See how you translated similar words in Deuteronomy 1:28. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who can stand before the sons of Anak? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This means that the sons of Anak were powerful and people were afraid of them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no one who can defend himself against the sons of Anak.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 9:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: today (0)

Moses is speaking of the days and weeks beginning on that day, not of the time since the sun had last set.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a devouring fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh is powerful and able to destroy the armies of the other nations. (See: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: subdue them before you (0)

Alternate translation: “make them weak so you can control them”

Deuteronomy 9:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not say in your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “in your heart” means “in your thoughts.” Alternate translation: “Do not think to yourselves” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has thrust them out (0)

Alternate translation: “has driven the other peoples out”

Deuteronomy 9:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the uprightness of your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. “because you always thought and desired the right things” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that he may make come true the word (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “the word” refers to what God has promised. Alternate translation: “so that he may fulfill the promise” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (0)

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the “ancestors” of whom Moses is speaking.

Deuteronomy 9:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 9:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Remember and do not forget (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Moses repeats the same command both positively and negatively to emphasize the importance of remembering. The command is plural. Alternate translation: “Be careful to remember” (See: Doublet and Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: how you provoked Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” refers to the Israelites that are present with Moses and also the Israelites of the previous generation. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you came to this place, you have been rebellious (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

These instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to this place (0)

This refers to the Jordan River Valley.

Deuteronomy 9:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you provoked & with you to destroy you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

These instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 9:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that Yahweh made with you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Here the second phrase clarifies that “the tablets of stone” are the ones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forty days and forty nights (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 9:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on them was written everything just like all the words that Yahweh announced to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh wrote on them the same words he had said to you” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh announced & out of the middle of the fire (0)

It was as if Yahweh were a person standing in the middle of a fire and speaking with a loud voice.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on the day of the assembly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word assembly, you can express the same idea with the verb “gather together.” Alternate translation: “on the day when you Israelites all came and met together in one place” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 9:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forty days and forty nights (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the two tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

The second phrase clarifies that “the two tablets of stone” are the ones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 9:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your people & have corrupted themselves (0)

Alternate translation: “your people … are doing what is wrong.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They have quickly turned aside out of the path that I commanded them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks as if obeying God’s commands were walking along a path. Alternate translation: “They have already disobeyed my commands” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 9:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: blot out their name from under heaven (0)

Alternate translation: “make their name disappear completely” or “kill them all so no one will ever remember them.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 7:24.

Deuteronomy 9:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.

Deuteronomy 9:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: behold (0)

The word “behold” here shows that Moses was surprised by what he saw.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: molded for yourselves a calf (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The Israelites of the earlier generation had asked Aaron to make a metal calf so they could worship it. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You had quickly turned aside out of the path that Yahweh had commanded you (0)

Moses speaks as if obeying God’s commands were walking along a path. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 9:12. Alternate translation: “You had quickly disobeyed what Yahweh had commanded you”

Deuteronomy 9:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I broke them before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “your eyes” is a synecdoche for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “I broke them right in front of you” or “I broke them where you could see them” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 9:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lay facedown (0)

Alternate translation: “lay with my face on the ground.” This is a way of showing that Yahweh was great and Moses was not.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forty days and forty nights (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 9:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which Yahweh was angry enough against you to destroy you (0)

The words “anger and hot displeasure” are a metonym for what Yahweh would do because he was angry and displeased. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was angry at you—he was extremely displeased with you—he was angry enough to destroy you, and so I was afraid of what he would do”

Deuteronomy 9:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I took & burned & beat & ground & threw (0)

Moses probably commanded other men to do the actual work. Alternate translation: “I had people take … burn … beat … grind … throw”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your sin, the calf that you had made (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the gold calf itself referred to as their “sin.” Alternate translation: “the calf, which you sinfully made” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 9:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Taberah & Massah & Kibroth Hattaavah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of places that the people of Israel went through while they were in the wilderness. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 9:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Go up (0)

They were on low land, and the land Yahweh had told them to take was in the hills, so they had to go uphill to get to it.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rebelled against the commandment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “commandment” is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “rebelled against Yahweh; you did not obey the commandment” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: listen to his voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “his voice” means what God had said. Alternate translation: “obey what he said” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 9:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the day that I knew you (0)

Alternate translation: “from the time I began to lead you.” Some translations read “from the day that he knew you,” the day that Yahweh first knew them.

Deuteronomy 9:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lay facedown before Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “lay with my face on the ground.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 9:18.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forty days and forty nights (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 9:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have redeemed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks as if Yahweh had rescued the Israelites by paying money to free them from slavery. Alternate translation: “you have rescued” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: through your greatness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “greatness” is a metonym for Yahweh’s great power. Alternate translation: “through your great power” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with a mighty hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “a mighty hand” refers to Yahweh’s power. See how you translated similar words in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “with your mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 9:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues praying to Yahweh so that he may not destroy the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 9:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that the land from where you brought us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The words “the land” are a metonym for the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “so that the people of Egypt” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: should say (0)

Alternate translation: “can say”

Deuteronomy 9:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by your great strength and by the display of your power (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of Yahweh’s power that he used to rescue his people. (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 10

Deuteronomy 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter.

This chapter focuses on retelling the great things Yahweh has done. It is a continuation of the material from the previous chapter. It is possible that this is a type of sermon or homily, where Moses is giving the people instructions.

Deuteronomy 10:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: At that time (0)

Alternate translation: “After I finished praying”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the first (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

This refers to the first set of tablets that Moses had broken. Alternate translation: “the tablets you had before” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the mountain (0)

This refers to Mount Sinai.

Deuteronomy 10:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the first (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

This refers to the first set of tablets that Moses had broken. Alternate translation: “the tablets I had before” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: went up the mountain (0)

Alternate translation: “went up Mount Sinai”

Deuteronomy 10:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: out of the middle of the fire (0)

It was as if Yahweh were a person standing in the middle of a fire and speaking with a loud voice. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 9:10.

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Quote: on the day of the assembly (0)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word assembly, you can express the same idea with the verb “gather together.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 9:10. Alternate translation: “on the day when you Israelites all came and met together in one place”

Deuteronomy 10:5

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

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Quote: I turned (0)

Here “I” refers to Moses.

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Quote: came down from the mountain (0)

Alternate translation: “came down from Mount Sinai”

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Quote: in the ark (0)

Alternate translation: “in the box” or “in the chest”

Deuteronomy 10:6

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

General Information:

The writer continues the short account of where the Israelites had traveled. (See: Background Information)

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Quote: Beeroth Bene Jaakan & Moserah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of different places the people of Israel went through while in the wilderness. (See: How to Translate Names)

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Quote: Beeroth Bene Jaakan (0)

Translator may add a footnote: “The name ‘Beeroth Bene Jaakan’ means ‘the wells that belonged to the sons of Jaakan’ or ‘the wells that belonged to the people of Jaakan.’”

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Quote: there he was buried (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that is where they buried him” or “the Israelites buried him there” (See: Active or Passive)

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Quote: Eleazar (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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

Deuteronomy 10:7

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Quote: From there they journeyed & a land of streams of water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

This continues the background information about where the people of Israel traveled. (See: Background Information)

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Quote: Gudgodah & Jotbathah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of different places the people of Israel went through while in the wilderness. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 10:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

General Information:

The writer begins to explain why the tribe of Levi has no inheritance in the land. (See: Background Information)

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Quote: to stand before Yahweh to serve him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. “to offer the sacrifices that Yahweh requires” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: in his name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” refers to authority. Alternate translation: “as representatives of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

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Quote: as today (0)

Alternate translation: “as they are doing today”

Deuteronomy 10:9

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

The writer finishes explaining why the tribe of Levi has no inheritance in the land. (See: Background Information)

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Quote: no portion nor inheritance of land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The tribe of Levi did not receive a portion of the promised land when they arrived there. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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Quote: Yahweh is his inheritance (0)

Yahweh speaks of the special relationship that Aaron and his descendants will have with him as if Yahweh were something that they will inherit. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is what they will have” or “Yahweh will allow them to serve him and he will provide for them through that service”

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Quote: Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “your” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: spoke to him (0)

Alternate translation: “spoke to the tribe of Levi”

Deuteronomy 10:10

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses resumes reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.

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Quote: as at the first time (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

Alternate translation: “first” is the ordinal number for one. Here it refers to the first time Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the stone tablets from Yahweh. “as I did the first time” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

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Quote: forty days and forty nights (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “40 days and 40 nights” (See: Numbers)

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Quote: destroy you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 10:11

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Quote: possess the land (0)

Alternate translation: “take the land” or “take possession of the land”

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Quote: their ancestors (0)

This refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

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Quote: to give to them (0)

Alternate translation: “that I would give to you, their descendants”

Deuteronomy 10:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: Now, Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Now, people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

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Quote: what does Yahweh your God require of you, except to fear & with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to teach the people of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God requires you to do no more than this: to fear … with all your soul.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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Quote: to walk in all his ways (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks as if obeying Yahweh were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “to obey all his commands” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: with all your heart and with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated these two phrases in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 10:13

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Quote: to keep the commandments & for your own good? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to teach the people of Israel. This rhetorical question begins with the words “what does Yahweh your God require of you, except to fear … with all your soul” in verse 12. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “Yahweh your God requires you to do no more than this: to fear … with all your soul, to keep the commandments … for your own good.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 10:14

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: Behold, to (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: to”

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Quote: heaven & earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

These words show two extremes, and are combined to mean that all things everywhere belong to Yahweh. (See: Merism)

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Quote: the heaven of heavens (0)

This refers to the highest places in the heavens. Everything in the heavens belong to God.

Deuteronomy 10:15

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Quote: chose you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here the word “you” refers to all the Israelites and is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 10:16

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Quote: Therefore (0)

Alternate translation: “Because of this”

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Quote: circumcise the foreskin of your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word “foreskin” refers to the fold of skin on a man’s private parts that is removed during circumcision. Here Moses is referring to a spiritual circumcision. This means the people must remove the sin from their lives. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 10:17

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Quote: God of gods (0)

Alternate translation: “the supreme God” or “the only true God”

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Quote: Lord of masters (0)

Alternate translation: “the supreme Lord” or “the greatest Lord”

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Quote: the fearsome one (0)

Alternate translation: “the one who causes people to fear”

Deuteronomy 10:18

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: He executes justice for the fatherless (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh makes sure that people treat the fatherless justly”

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Quote: fatherless (0)

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

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Quote: widow (0)

A true widow is a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

Deuteronomy 10:19

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Quote: Therefore (0)

Alternate translation: “Because of this”

Deuteronomy 10:20

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: him will you worship (0)

Alternate translation: “he is the one you must worship”

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Quote: To him you must cling (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You must rely on him” or “He is the one you must rely on” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: by his name will you swear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

To swear by the name of Yahweh means to make Yahweh the basis or the power on which the oath is made. Here “name” represents Yahweh himself. See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 6:13. Alternate translation: “you will swear and ask Yahweh to confirm it” or “when you swear you will speak his name” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 10:21

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Quote: which your eyes have seen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “which you yourselves have seen” (See: Synecdoche)

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Quote: He is your praise (0)

This could mean: (1) “He is the one you must praise” or (2) “It is because you worship him that other peoples will praise you”

Deuteronomy 10:22

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they are one man, so “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: went down into Egypt (0)

Alternate translation: “traveled south to Egypt” or “went to Egypt”

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Quote: seventy persons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “70 persons” (See: Numbers)

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Quote: as many as the stars of the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This emphasizes the large number of Israelites that were with Moses. Alternate translation: “more than you can count” (See: Simile)

Deuteronomy 11

Deuteronomy 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Therefore

This chapter begins with the word “therefore,” which looks back to the instructions Moses gave in the previous two chapters.

Special concepts in this chapter

Eyewitnesses

The instruction that Moses gives and the retelling of the great things Yahweh has done for Israel are very important. This is because the generation entering into the Promised Land did not witness many of these events. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence)

Covenant

This chapter is included in the covenant God made with Moses, even though it is not explicitly said. (See: covenant and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 11:1

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: always keep (0)

Alternate translation: “always obey”

Deuteronomy 11:2

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Quote: who have not known nor have they seen (0)

Alternate translation: “who have not experienced”

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Quote: his mighty hand, or his outstretched arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “mighty hand” and “outstretched arm” are metaphors for Yahweh’s power. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “or his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 11:3

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Quote: in the midst of Egypt (0)

Alternate translation: “in Egypt”

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Quote: to all his land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “land” represents the people. Alternate translation: “to all his people” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 11:4

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the adult Israelites who were old enough to see what God did in Egypt.

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Quote: Neither did they see what he did (0)

Alternate translation: “Neither did your children see what Yahweh did”

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Quote: the army of Egypt (0)

Alternate translation: “the Egyptian soldiers”

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Quote: they pursued after you (0)

Here “you” means the Israelites who were alive about 40 years earlier.

Deuteronomy 11:5

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Quote: to this place (0)

This means the plain of the Jordan River Valley where Moses is speaking to them before they cross over into Canaan.

Deuteronomy 11:6

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to remind the adults to teach their children God’s mighty deeds.

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Quote: Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is referring to an event in the past when Dathan and Abiram rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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Quote: Dathan & Abiram & Eliab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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

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Quote: son of Reuben (0)

Alternate translation: “descendant of Reuben”

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Quote: earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh causing the land to split open so that the people fell in is spoken of as if the land had a mouth and the ability to swallow people. (See: Personification)

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Quote: every living thing that followed them (0)

This refers to their servants and animals.

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Quote: in the middle of all Israel (0)

This means all the people of Israel witnessed what happened to Dathan, Abiram, their families, and their possessions.

Deuteronomy 11:7

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Quote: But your eyes have seen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “But you have seen” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 11:8

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: possess the land (0)

Alternate translation: “take the land”

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Quote: where you are going over to possess it (0)

The phrase “are going over” is used because the people of Israel will have to cross the Jordan River to enter into Canaan.

Deuteronomy 11:9

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Quote: prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: a land flowing with milk and honey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 11:10

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Quote: watered it with your foot (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) “foot” is a metonym that represents the hard work of walking to carry water to the fields. Alternate translation: “worked hard to water it” or (2) they would use their feet to turn a water wheel that supplied water to the fields. (See: Metonymy)

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Quote: garden of herbs (0)

Alternate translation: “vegetable garden” or “garden of vegetables”

Deuteronomy 11:11

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Quote: drinks water of the rain of the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The land receiving and absorbing a lot of rain is spoken of as if the land were drinking the water. Alternate translation: “the rain from the sky gives it plenty of water” (See: Personification)

Deuteronomy 11:12

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Quote: the eyes of Yahweh your God are always upon it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “eyes” represents attention and care. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God is always watching over it” (See: Metonymy)

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Quote: from the beginning of the year to the end of the year (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here the two extremes “beginning” and “end” are used together to mean the entire year. Alternate translation: “continuously throughout the entire year” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 11:13

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Quote: It will happen, if (0)

This means that what Yahweh promises will happen if the Israelites obey his commands.

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Quote: that I command (0)

Here “I” refers to Moses.

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Quote: with all your heart and with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The idiom “with all your heart” means “completely” and “with … soul” means “with all your being.” These two phrases have similar meanings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:29. Alternate translation: “with all your being” or “with all your energy” (See: Idiom and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 11:14

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Quote: I will give the rain of your land in its season (0)

Alternate translation: “I will cause it to rain on your land in the proper season”

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Quote: I will give (0)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh. This can be stated in the third person. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will give” or “He will give”

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Quote: the former rain and the latter rain (0)

This refers to rain at the beginning of the sowing season and rain for maturing the crops for harvest. Alternate translation: “the autumn rain and spring rain” or “the rain in the right seasons”

Deuteronomy 11:16

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: Pay attention to yourselves (0)

Alternate translation: “Be careful” or “Beware”

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Quote: so that your heart is not deceived (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” represents a person’s desires or thoughts. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that your desires do not deceive you” or “so that you do not deceive yourself” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

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Quote: you turn aside and worship other gods (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Rejecting Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if the person would physically turn and go in a different direction away from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “you start worshiping other gods” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 11:17

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Quote: so that the anger of Yahweh is not kindled against you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

God becoming angry is spoken of as if it were a fire that were starting. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh does not become angry with you” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

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Quote: so that he does not shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain, and the land will not yield its fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

God causing no rain to fall from the sky is spoken of as if he were closing the sky. Alternate translation: “so that he does not cause the rain to stop falling from the sky so that crops will not grow in the land” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 11:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lay up these words of mine in your heart and soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person always thinking about and considering what Moses commands is spoken of as if the heart and soul were a container and Moses’s words were the content to fill the container. Alternate translation: “be very careful to remember these words that I am saying to you” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: these words of mine (0)

Alternate translation: “these commands that I have given you”

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Quote: your heart and soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” and “soul” represent a person’s mind or thoughts. (See: Metonymy)

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Quote: bind them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Alternate translation: “tie these words.” This is a metonym that represents a person writing the words on a parchment, putting the parchment in a pouch, and tying the pouch. This metonymy in turn may be a metaphor meaning the people must be careful to obey Moses’s commands. See how you translated similar phrases in Deuteronomy 6:8. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

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Quote: as a sign on your hand (0)

Alternate translation: “as something to make you remember my laws”

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Quote: let them be as frontlets between your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Alternate translation: “let my words be as frontlets between your eyes.” This is a metonym that represents a person writing Moses’ words on parchement, putting the parchement in a pouch, and tying the pouch so it sits between his eyes. This metonymy in turn may be a metaphor that means the person must be careful to obey all of Moses’ commands. See how you translated similar phrases in Deuteronomy 6:8. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

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Quote: frontlets (0)

ornaments a person wears on the forehead

Deuteronomy 11:19

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Quote: when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Using the different places “in your house” and “on the road,” and the opposites “when you lie down” and “get up,” represent anywhere, anytime. The people of Israel were to discuss God’s commandments and teach them to their children anytime and anywhere. (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 11:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: You will write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates (0)

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 6:9.

Deuteronomy 11:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh may cause you and your children to live a long time” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to your ancestors (0)

This refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

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Quote: to give them for as long as the heavens are above the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This compares how long the people could stay in the land to how long the sky will exist above the earth. This is a way of saying “forever.” Alternate translation: “to give them as a possession forever” or “to allow them to live there forever” (See: Simile)

Deuteronomy 11:22

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: For if you diligently keep all these commandments that I am commanding you, so as to do them (0)

Alternate translation: “For if you are careful to do everything that I have commanded you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: walk in all his ways (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

How Yahweh wants a person to live and behave is spoken of as if they are Yahweh’s ways or roads. A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh’s ways or roads. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to cling to him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to rely on him” or “to have a good relationship with him” Look at how similar words are translated in Deuteronomy 10:20. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 11:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “nations” represent the people groups already living in Canaan. Alternate translation: “all of these people groups from before you, and you will take the land from people groups” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: larger and mightier than yourselves (0)

Although Israel’s army is smaller and weaker than the people groups living in Canaan, Yahweh will enable the people of Israel to defeat them.

Deuteronomy 11:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Every place where the sole of your foot will tread (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “the sole of your foot” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Every place you go” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the river, the Euphrates River (0)

Alternate translation: “from the Euphrates River”

Deuteronomy 11:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: No man will be able to stand before you (0)

The phrase “stand before you” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to stop you” or “No one will be able to oppose you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God will lay the fear of you and the terror of you upon all the land that you tread on (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh causing the people to be very afraid is spoken of as if fear and terror were an object that he will place on the people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will cause the people in every place you go to be very afraid of you” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fear of you and the terror of you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “fear” and “terror” mean the same thing and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: “a terrible fear of you” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: upon all the land that you tread on (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “the land” is a metonym for all the people in the land. Alternate translation: “upon all the people in every place you go” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Deuteronomy 11:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Here Moses summarizes the two options the people of Israel could choose. They could choose to obey and receive God’s blessing or they could choose to disobey and receive God’s punishment.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I set before you today a blessing and a curse (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Allowing the people to choose whether they want God to bless them or curse them is spoken of as if a blessing and a curse were objects that Moses is setting in front of them. Alternate translation: “Today you must choose whether God will bless you or curse you” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 11:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the blessing, if you obey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word blessing, you can express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “God will bless you if you obey” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 11:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but turn aside from the way that I command you today, to go after other gods (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The commands of Yahweh that Moses is telling the people are spoken of as if they were God’s way or road. To not obey God’s commands is spoken of as if people physically were to turn in another direction away from Yahweh to follow other gods. Alternate translation: “but stop obeying what I command you today, in order to worship other gods” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: other gods that you have not known (0)

This refers to the gods that other people groups worship. The Israelites know Yahweh because he has revealed himself to them and they have experienced his power.

Deuteronomy 11:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will set the blessing on Mount Gerizim, and the curse on Mount Ebal (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The blessing and the curse are spoken of as if they were objects that someone will set on the mountains. Alternate translation: “some of you must stand on top of Mount Gerazim and proclaim what will cause Yahweh to bless you, and the others must stand on top of Mount Ebal and proclaim what will cause Yahweh to curse you” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Gerizim & Mount Ebal (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of mountains on the west side of the Jordan River. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 11:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Are they not beyond the Jordan & Moreh? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The Israelites are on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Moses uses a question to remind the people where these mountains are located. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “As you know, they are beyond the Jordan … Moreh.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: beyond the Jordan (0)

Alternate translation: “on the west side of the Jordan River”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: west of the western road (0)

Alternate translation: “in the west”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: over against Gilgal (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Alternate translation: “near Gilgal” This may not be the same place as the city near Jericho. Moses may be referring to a place that is near Shechem. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: oaks of Moreh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are sacred trees near Gilgal. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 11:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 11:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the statutes and the decrees (0)

These are the statutes and decrees Moses will give in Deuteronomy 12-26.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I set before you today (0)

This does not mean these are new. Moses is reviewing the same statutes and decrees that he gave 40 years earlier.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I set before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

God’s statutes and decrees, which Moses is telling the people, are spoken of as if they were objects that Moses is setting before the people. Alternate translation: “I am giving to you” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12

Deuteronomy 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant with Moses

This chapter is a continuation of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. The reasons for these food restrictions are not always known.(See: covenant and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Israel and Yahweh

In the ancient Near East, when nations conquered other nations, they often added the gods of the conquered nation into their collection of gods they worshiped. It was rare to worship only one God. Israel was to be known for worshiping Yahweh and Yahweh alone. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Deuteronomy 12:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still talking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will keep (0)

Alternate translation: “you must obey”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the days that you live on the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase “live on the earth” is an idiom that means as long as a person lives. Alternate translation: “for as long as you live” (See:Idiom)

Deuteronomy 12:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will surely destroy (0)

Alternate translation: “You must destroy”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the nations that you will dispossess (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “nations” represents the people groups that live in Canaan. Alternate translation: “the people groups whose land you will take” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 12:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still talking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must break down their altars (0)

Alternate translation: “you must pull apart the altars of those nations” or “you must destroy the altars of those nations”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dash in pieces (0)

Alternate translation: “break into pieces” or “shatter”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: destroy their name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “their name” represents “the memory of them.” Alternate translation: “destroy them so completely that no one will remember them” or “destroy anything that represents these false gods” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that place (0)

This refers to each place where the nations worshiped their gods.

Deuteronomy 12:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not worship Yahweh your God like that (0)

Alternate translation: “You should not worship Yahweh your God like those nations worshiped their gods”

Deuteronomy 12:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the place that Yahweh your God will choose out of all your tribes to put his name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “his name” refers to God himself. Yahweh will choose one location where he will live and people will come to worship him there. (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it is there that you will go (0)

They will go to worship where God decides.

Deuteronomy 12:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the offerings presented by your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “the offerings that you present” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your offerings for vows, your freewill offerings (0)

Alternate translation: “your offerings to fulfill a vow, your voluntary offerings.” These are types of offerings.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the firstborn of your herds and flocks (0)

God requires that the people give him every firstborn male of their livestock.

Deuteronomy 12:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It is there (0)

This refers to the place that Yahweh will choose for the children of Israel to worship.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rejoice about everything that you have put your hand to (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “put your hand to” represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: “rejoice about all the work you have done” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 12:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will not do all the things that we are doing here today (0)

Alternate translation: “You will not do as we are doing here today.” This means that they would worship in the promised land differently than the way they were worshiping at that moment.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: now everyone is doing whatever is right in his own eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “everyone is doing what he considers to be right” or “now everyone is doing what he judges to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the rest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word the rest, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “to the land where you will rest” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the inheritance that Yahweh your God is giving you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The land that God is giving to the people of Israel is spoken of as if it were a possession that a father leaves as an inheritance for his children. Alternate translation: “to the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you as a permanent possession” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: live in the land (0)

This refers to the land of Canaan.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the land that Yahweh your God is causing you to inherit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

God giving the land of Canaan to the people of Israel is spoken of as if he were a father giving an inheritance to his children. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will give you rest from all your enemies round about (0)

Alternate translation: “he will give you peace from all your enemies around you”

Deuteronomy 12:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the offerings presented by your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “the offerings that you present” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all your choice offerings for vows (0)

Alternate translation: “all your voluntary offerings to fulfill vows”

Deuteronomy 12:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rejoice before Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “rejoice in the presence of Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Levites who are within your gate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” is a reference to the city itself. Alternate translation: “the Levites who live inside your city” or “the Levites living with you” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because he has no portion or inheritance among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The fact that Yahweh would not give any of the land to the Levites is spoken of as if a father were not giving them an inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has no portion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “he” refers to Levi. Levi represents all of his descendants. Alternate translation: “they have no portion” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 12:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Pay attention to yourself (0)

Alternate translation: “Be careful”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: every place that you see (0)

Alternate translation: “any place that pleases you” or “wherever you want”

Deuteronomy 12:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but it is at the place that Yahweh will choose (0)

The burnt offerings are to be made at the tabernacle. Yahweh himself would choose where the tabernacle would be located.

Deuteronomy 12:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: However, you may kill and eat animals within all your gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people could only kill animals as sacrifices in the place that Yahweh would choose. They could kill animals for food anywhere they wanted. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within all your gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” represents the whole city. Alternate translation: “inside your city” or “at your homes” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the unclean & persons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the clean persons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the gazelle and the deer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. Alternate translation: “the antelope and the deer” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 12:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But you will not eat the blood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The blood represents life and God did not allow the people to eat the blood along with the meat. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 12:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses describes to the people all the special offerings and sacrifices that are to be made at the tabernacle.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within your gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” represents the whole city. Alternate translation: “inside your city” or “at your homes” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor that of the offering you present with your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “nor that of any offering which you bring to Yahweh” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 12:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will eat them (0)

Alternate translation: “you will eat your offerings”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before Yahweh (0)

“in the presence of Yahweh

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Levite who is within your gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gate” represents the whole city Alternate translation: “any Levite who lives inside your city” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: everything to which you put your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “put your hand to” represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: “rejoice about all the work you have done” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 12:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Pay attention to yourself (0)

Alternate translation: “Be careful”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that you do not forsake (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “that you take good care of” (See: Double Negatives)

Deuteronomy 12:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: enlarges your borders (0)

Alternate translation: “enlarges your territory” or “gives you even more land”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you say, ‘I will eat flesh,’ because of your desire to eat meat (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

This is a quotation within a quotation. This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “and you decide that you want to eat meat” (See:Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as your soul desires (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “soul” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “as you want” or “as you crave” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 12:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: chooses to put his name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” refers to God himself. Yahweh would choose a place where he will live and the people will come to worship him. Alternate translation: “chooses to dwell” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within your gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” represents the whole city.” Alternate translation: “inside your city” or “within your community” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as your soul desires (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “soul” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “as you desire” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 12:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Like the gazelle and the deer are eaten (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Just like you eat the gazelle and the deer” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gazelle and the deer (0)

These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 12:15.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the unclean & persons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the clean persons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the blood is the life (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the way that blood sustains life is spoken of as if the blood were life itself. Alternate translation: “the blood sustains life” or “the blood causes animals and people to live” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will not eat the life with the meat (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “life” here represents the blood that sustains life. Alternate translation: “You will not eat what sustains life with the meat” or “you will not eat the blood, which sustains life, with the meat” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 12:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what is right in the eyes of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what is right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the blood of your sacrifices will be poured out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the priest will pour out the blood of the sacrifice” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will eat the flesh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

God’s law specifies which parts of the animal are for the burnt offering, which parts are for the priest and which parts are for the offerer to eat. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “you will eat some of the meat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 12:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Observe and listen to all these words that I command you (0)

Alternate translation: “Carefully listen to and obey everything that I am commanding you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that it may go well with you and with your children after you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “children” means all of their descendants. Alternate translation: “that you and your descendants may prosper” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when you do what is good and right (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “good” and “right” have similar meanings and emphasize the importance of right behavior. Alternate translation: “when you do what is right” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what is good and right in the eyes of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what is good and right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be good and right” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 12:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cuts off the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh destroying the people groups in Canaan is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “nations” represents the people living in Canaan. (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when you go in to dispossess them, and you dispossess them (0)

Alternate translation: “when you take everything from them”

Deuteronomy 12:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: pay attention to yourself (0)

Alternate translation: “be careful”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that you are not trapped into following them & trapped into investigating their gods, into asking (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person learning about and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they are caught in a hunter’s trap. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you do not act like them … that you do try to learn about their gods, asking” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: not trapped into following them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The Israelites worshiping idols as the people groups of Canaan worship idols is spoken of as if the Israelites were following behind the other people groups. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: after they are destroyed from before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after Yahweh destroys them before you” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: into asking, ‘How do these nations worship their gods? I will do the same.’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

This is a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “into asking about how those people groups worship their gods so that you can do the same.” (See:Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Deuteronomy 12:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not add to it or take away from it (0)

They are not to create more laws nor are they to ignore laws that God has given them.

Deuteronomy 13

Deuteronomy 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Worshiping other gods

The people were required to listen to Yahweh’s prophets unless they were encouraging the people to worship other gods. The punishment for anyone leading the people to worship other gods was death. These instructions were to keep Israel’s worship of Yahweh pure. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and pure, purify, purification)

Deuteronomy 13:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If there arises among you (0)

Alternate translation: “If there appears among you” or “If someone among you claims to be”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a dreamer of dreams (0)

This is someone who receives messages from God through dreams.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a sign or a wonder (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words have similar meanings and refer to various miracles. (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 13:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: comes about (0)

Alternate translation: “takes place” or “happens”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of which he spoke to you and said, ‘Let us go after other gods, that you have not known, and let us worship them,’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “and he tells you to serve and worship other gods which you have not known,” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let us go after other gods (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they were going after or following other gods. Alternate translation: “Let us follow other gods” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: go after other gods, that you have not known (0)

The phrase “gods, that you have not known” refers to the gods that other people groups worship. The Israelites know Yahweh because he has revealed himself to them and they have experienced his power.

Deuteronomy 13:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not listen to the words of that prophet, or to that dreamer of dreams (0)

Alternate translation: “do not listen to what that prophet say nor to what the dreamer of dreams says”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart and with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 13:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will walk after Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the people were walking after or following Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You will obey Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: obey his voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what he says” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cling to him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “rely on him” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 13:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will be put to death (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must kill” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has spoken rebellion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rebellion, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “he has tried to make you rebel” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who redeemed you out of the house of bondage (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people out of slavery. Alternate translation: “who rescued you out of the place where you were slaves” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the house of bondage (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house of bondage” represents Egypt where the people of Yahweh had been slaves. Alternate translation: “Egypt where you were slaves” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: draw you out of the way in which Yahweh your God commanded you to walk (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

How God wants a person to live or behave is spoken of as if it were a way or road on which God wants his people to walk. A person trying to cause someone else to stop obeying God is spoken of as if the person were trying to get the other person to stop walking on God’s way or road. Alternate translation: “make you disobey what Yahweh your God commanded” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So put away the evil from among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Here “the evil” refers to the evil person or the evil behavior. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “So you must remove from among the people of Israel the person who does this evil thing” or “So you must kill this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 13:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wife of your bosom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

A bosom is a person’s chest. This is a idiom that he holds close to his chest, which means he loves and cherishes her. Alternate translation: “wife you love” or “wife you dearly embrace” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: friend who is to you like your own soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “soul” represents the person’s life. This means the person cares for his friend as much as he cares for his own life. Alternate translation: “your dearest friend” or “a friend you love as much as you love yourself” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Deuteronomy 13:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: any of the gods of the peoples & other end of the earth.’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

This is the end of a quotation within a quotation that begins with the words “secretly entices you and says, ‘Let us go and worship … neither you nor your ancestors—” in verse 6. It can be translated as an indirect quotation. “secretly entices you and says that you should go and worship … neither you nor your ancestors—any of the gods of the peoples … other end of the earth.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that are round about you (0)

Alternate translation: “that are around you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the one end of the earth to the other end of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here the reference to the two extremes of the earth means “everywhere on earth.” Alternate translation: “throughout the entire earth” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 13:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not give in to him (0)

Alternate translation: “Do not agree to what he wants”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not permit your eye to pity him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “your eye” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you msut not look at him with pity” or “you must not show him mercy” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not spare him or conceal him (0)

Alternate translation: “you must not show him mercy or hide from others what he has done”

Deuteronomy 13:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your hand will be the first on him to put him to death (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

This means that he was to throw the first stone at the guilty person. The word “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “you must be the first to strike him to kill him” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hand of all the people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “the other people will join you” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 13:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has tried to draw you away from Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Alternate translation: “to turn you away from Yahweh.” A person trying to cause someone else to stop obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were trying to cause someone to physically turn around and leave Yahweh. Alternate translation: “he has tried to make you disobey Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: out of the house of bondage (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house of bondage” represents Egypt where the people of Yahweh had been slaves. Alternate translation: “out from the place where you were slaves” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 13:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All Israel will hear and fear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is implied that when the people hear about the person who was executed, they will be afraid to act like he did. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 13:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 13:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Some wicked fellows have gone out from among you (0)

The phrase “from among you” means that these wicked men were Israelites who lived in their communities.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: have drawn away the inhabitants of their city and said, ‘Let us go and worship other gods that you have not known.’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “have persuaded those who live in their city to go and worship other gods that they have not known.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: have drawn away the inhabitants of their city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person causing someone else to stop obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person has caused the other person to physically turn and leave Yahweh. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 13:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: examine the evidence, make search, and investigate it thoroughly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

All of these phrases mean basically the same thing. Moses is emphasizing that they must carefully find out what truly happened at the city. (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that such an abominable thing has been done among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the people of the city have done such a terrible thing” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 13:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the edge of the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “edge” represents the whole sword. Alternate translation: “with your swords” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 13:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the spoil (0)

Alternate translation: “all the plunder.” This refers to the possessions and treasures that an army collects after winning a battle.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: heap of ruins (0)

Alternate translation: “pile of ruins”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it must never be built again (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one must ever rebuild the city” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 13:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: None of those things set apart for destruction must stick in your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh cursing something and promising to destroy it is spoken of as if Yahweh were setting the object apart from other things. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must not keep any of the things God has commanded you to destroy” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must stick in your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is a way of saying a person keeps something. Alternate translation: “must you keep” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will turn from the fierceness of his anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh no longer being angry is spoken of as his anger were an object and Yahweh physically turns away from it. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will stop being angry” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to your fathers (0)

Here “fathers” means ancestors or forefathers.

Deuteronomy 13:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you are listening to the voice of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “you are obeying what Yahweh says” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that which is right in the eyes of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “that which is right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “that which Yahweh your God considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14

Deuteronomy 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Law of Moses

This chapter is part of the law of Moses, which is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Clean animals

There are animals which the law considered to be clean and unclean. The people were not allowed to eat the unclean animals. Scholars are uncertain about the reasons for the animals to be considered to be clean or unclean. The result of these food restrictions was a nation that was different than the nations surrounding it. (See: clean, wash)

Deuteronomy 14:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You are the people (0)

All occurrences of “you” refer to the people of Israel. Moses was included as a part of the people. Alternate translation: “We are the people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not cut yourselves, nor shave any part of your face for the dead (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

These were ways the people groups living in Canaan showed that they were grieving over people who had died. Moses is telling the people of Israel not to act like them. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Symbolic Action and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor shave any part of your face (0)

Alternate translation: “nor shave the front of your head”

Deuteronomy 14:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you are a nation & has chosen you (0)

All occurrences of “you” refer to the people of Israel. Moses was included as a part of the people. Alternate translation: “we are a nation … has chosen us”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For you are a nation & surface of the earth (0)

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 7:6.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you are a nation that is set apart to Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God has set you apart from other nations” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for his own possession (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This means basically the same thing as the first part of the sentence. They both mean that the people of Israel belong to Yahweh in a special way. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a people for his own possession (0)

Alternate translation: “a people for his treasured possession” or “his people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: more than all peoples that are on the surface of the earth (0)

Alternate translation: “out of all the people groups in the world”

Deuteronomy 14:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not eat any abominable thing (0)

The people of Israel were not supposed to eat anything that God said was unfit for eating.

Deuteronomy 14:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck (0)

These are all types of deer. If your language does not have a word for each animal it can be translated as “all kinds of deer.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the gazelle (0)

This is wild animal with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 12:15.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the roebuck (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

a type of deer (See: Translate Unknowns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ibex, and the antelope (0)

Both of these are types of antelope. If your language does not have a word for each animal it can be translated as “all kinds of antelope.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ibex (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

a type of antelope (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 14:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that parts the hoof (0)

Alternate translation: “that have split hooves.” This is a hoof that is split into two parts instead of being one whole.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: chews the cud (0)

This means the animal brings its food up from its stomach and chews it again.

Deuteronomy 14:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rabbit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

This is a small animal with long ears that usually lives in holes in the ground. (See: Translate Unknowns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rock badger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

This is a small animal that lives in rocky places. (See: Translate Unknowns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they are unclean to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The pig is unclean to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Of these things that are in water you may eat (0)

Alternate translation: “You may eat these kinds of animals that live in the water”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fins (0)

the thin, flat part which the fish uses to move through the water

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: scales (0)

the small plates that cover the body of the fish

Deuteronomy 14:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they are unclean to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All clean birds (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

An animal that God says is fit for his people to eat is spoken of as if the animal were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: eagle & vulture & osprey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on small animals and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 14:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: red kite & black kite & falcon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on small animals and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 14:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: raven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A bird that either is awake at night or feeds on small animals and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 14:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cormorant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A bird that is either awake at night or feeds on small animals and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 14:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stork & heron, the hoopoe (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These are types of birds that eat small animals and lizards. (See: Translate Unknowns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the bat (0)

animal with wings and furry body which is awake mainly at night and eats insects and rodents

Deuteronomy 14:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All winged, swarming things (0)

This means all flying insects that move in large groups.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: are unclean to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Animals that God says are unfit for his people to eat are spoken of as if the animals are physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they must not be eaten (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must not eat them” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 14:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all clean flying things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Animals that God says are fit for his people to eat are spoken of as if the animals are physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: anything that dies of itself (0)

This means an animal that dies a natural death.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For you are a nation that is set apart to Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh your God has set you apart from other nations” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 14:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: tithe all the yield of your seed (0)

This means they are to give one part out of every ten equal parts from their crops.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: year after year (0)

Alternate translation: “every year”

Deuteronomy 14:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 14:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: carry it (0)

Here “it” refers to the tithe of crops and livestock.

Deuteronomy 14:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will convert the offering into money (0)

Alternate translation: “you will sell your offering for money”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: tie up the money in your hand, and go (0)

Alternate translation: “put the money in a bag and take it with you”

Deuteronomy 14:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for whatever you desire (0)

Alternate translation: “for whatever you want”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 14:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not forsake him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “make sure to give some of your tithe to the Levite” (See: Double Negatives)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for he has no portion nor inheritance with you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The tribe of Levi did not receive a portion of land as their inheritance. Their share of the inheritance was the honor of serving Yahweh as his priests. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: no portion nor inheritance with you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

God not giving land to the Levites is spoken of as if he were not giving them an inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 14:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: every three years you will present all the tithe of your produce (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Once every 3 years the Israelites were to store their tithes within their own towns so that it would be used to provide for the Levites, orphans, widows and foreigners. (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within your gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” represents the entire city or town. Alternate translation: “inside your city” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 14:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because he has no portion nor inheritance with you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

God not giving any land to the Levites is spoken of as if he were not giving them an inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fatherless (0)

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: widow (0)

This is a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in all the work of your hand that you do (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” represents the whole person. This refers to the work that someone does. Alternate translation: “in all the work you do” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 15

Deuteronomy 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Forgiveness of Debt

This chapter gives instructions about the necessity to regularly forgive debt among their fellow countryman. This prevented people from being trapped by their poverty.

Justice

As Yahweh’s chosen nation, there must be justice in Israel. This chapter gives commands that encouraged justice by protecting the poor, servants and slaves. (See: chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Deuteronomy 15:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: seven years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “7 years” (See: Numbers)

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Quote: you must cancel debts (0)

Alternate translation: “forgive every thing which people still owe you”

Deuteronomy 15:2

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Quote: This is the manner of the release (0)

Alternate translation: “This is how to cancel the debts”

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Quote: creditor (0)

a person who lends money to other people

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Quote: his neighbor or his brother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “neighbor” and “brother” share similar meanings and emphasize the close relationship that they have with their fellow Israelites. Alternate translation: “his fellow Israelite” (See: Doublet)

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Quote: because Yahweh’s cancellation of debts has been proclaimed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh has required that you cancel debts” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 15:3

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Quote: your hand must release (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you must not demand it back” or “you must not require repayment” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 15:4

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Quote: no poor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The nominal adjective “poor” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “no poor people” or “no one who is poor” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

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Quote: the land that he gives (0)

This refers to the land of Canaan.

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Quote: he gives you as an inheritance to possess (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The land that Yahweh is giving to his people is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Yahweh is giving them. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 15:5

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Quote: if only you diligently listen to the voice of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what Yahweh himself says. Alternate translation: “if only you are careful to obey what Yahweh your God says” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 15:6

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Quote: you will lend & you will not borrow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The word “money” is understood. You can make the full meaning of this statement clear. Alternate translation: “you will lend money … you will not borrow money” (See: Ellipsis)

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Quote: to many nations & over many nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “nations” represents the people. Alternate translation: “to the people of many nations … over the people of many nations” (See: Metonymy)

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Quote: you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Here “rule over” means to be financially superior. This means basically the same thing as the previous part of the sentence. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 15:7

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Quote: If there is a poor man (0)

Here “man” means a person in general. Alternate translation: “If there is a poor person”

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Quote: one of your brothers (0)

Alternate translation: “one of your fellow Israelites”

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Quote: within any of your gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” represents the entire city or town. Alternate translation: “within any of your towns” (See: Synecdoche)

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Quote: you must not harden your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Being stubborn is spoken of as if the person hardened their heart. Alternate translation: “you must not be stubborn” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: nor shut your hand from your poor brother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person who refuses to provide for a poor person is spoken of as if he were shutting his hand so that the poor person cannot get anything from him. Alternate translation: “nor refuse to help your fellow Israelite who is poor” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 15:8

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Quote: but you must surely open your hand to him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person who helps a poor person is spoken of as if he were opening his hand to him. Alternate translation: “but you must surely help him” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 15:9

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Quote: not to have a wicked thought in your heart, saying (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” represents a person’s mind. Alternate translation: “not to think a wicked thought” (See: Metonymy)

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Quote: The seventh year, the year of release, is near (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is implied that because the year of release will happen soon, the person thinking this will be reluctant to help a poor person since it is likely that the poor person will not have to pay him back. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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Quote: The seventh year (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

The word “seventh” is the ordinal number for seven. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

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Quote: the year of release (0)

Alternate translation: “the year to cancel debts”

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Quote: is near (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Something that will happen soon is spoken of as if it were physically near. Alternate translation: “will happen soon” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: so that you will not be stingy in regard to your poor brother and give him nothing (0)

Alternate translation: “so that you are not stubborn and refuse to give anything to your fellow Israelite”

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Quote: cry out to Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “shout to Yahweh for help”

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Quote: it would be sin for you (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will consider what you have done to be sinful”

Deuteronomy 15:10

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Quote: your heart must not be sorry (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “you should not regret it” or “you should be happy” (See: Synecdoche and Litotes)

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Quote: in all that you put your hand to (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “put your hand to” represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: “in all that you do” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 15:11

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Quote: For the poor will never cease to exist in the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “For there will always be poor people in the land” (See: Double Negatives)

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Quote: For the poor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The nominal adjective “the poor” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “For poor people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

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Quote: I command you and say, ‘You must surely open your hand & in your land.’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “I command you to open your hand … in your land” (See:Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

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Quote: open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person who is willing to help someone else is spoken of as if his hand were open. Alternate translation: “help your fellow Israelite, those who are needy, and those who are poor” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: your brother, to your needy, and to your poor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “needy” and “poor” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that these are people who cannot help themselves. Alternate translation: “help your fellow Israelites who cannot help themselves” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 15:12

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: If your brother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here “brother” means an Israelite in general, whether a male or female. Alternate translation: “If a fellow Israelite” or “If a fellow Hebrew” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

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Quote: is sold to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If a person could not repay their debts, they sometimes sold themselves into slavery to pay what they owed. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “sell themselves to you” (See: Active or Passive)

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Quote: six years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “6 years” (See: Numbers)

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Quote: seventh year (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

Alternate translation: “year 7.” This “seventh” is the ordinal number for seven. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Deuteronomy 15:13

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Quote: you must not let him go empty-handed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person who has no possessions to provide for himself or his family is spoken of as if his hands were empty. Alternate translation: “you must not let him leave without having anything to provide for himself and his family” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 15:14

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Quote: liberally provide for him (0)

Alternate translation: “generously give to him”

Deuteronomy 15:15

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Quote: remember that you were a slave (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” includes their ancestors that were slaves for many years. Alternate translation: “remember that your people were once slaves” (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: that Yahweh your God redeemed you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people from slavery. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 15:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if he says to you, ‘I will not go away from you,’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “if he says to you that he will not go away from you,” (See:Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house” represents the person’s family. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 15:17

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Quote: then you must take an awl and thrust it through his ear to a door (0)

Alternate translation: “then you will place his head near a wooden door frame in your house, and then put the point of the awl through his earlobe into the wood”

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Quote: awl (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

a sharp, pointed tool used to make a hole (See: Translate Unknowns)

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Quote: for life (0)

Alternate translation: “until the end of his life” or “until he dies”

Deuteronomy 15:18

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Quote: It must not seem difficult for you to let him go free from you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This means that they are not resent it when they let someone go free. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Be pleased when you let him go free” (See: Litotes)

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Quote: given twice the value of a hired person (0)

This means the owner only had to pay have the amount for this slave to work than he would for a person he hired to do a job.

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Quote: a hired person (0)

This is a person who works for pay.

Deuteronomy 15:19

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: shear (0)

to cut off wool or hair

Deuteronomy 15:20

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Quote: before Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

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Quote: year by year (0)

Alternate translation: “each year” or “every year”

Deuteronomy 15:21

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Quote: lame (0)

crippled or physically disabled

Deuteronomy 15:22

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Quote: within your gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” represents the city or town. Alternate translation: “within your community” or “inside your city” (See: Synecdoche)

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Quote: the unclean & persons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: the clean persons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: a gazelle or a deer (0)

These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 12:15.

Deuteronomy 15:23

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Quote: you must not eat its blood (0)

Alternate translation: “you must not consume its blood.” Yahweh did not allow Israelites to consume blood because the blood represented life (Deuteronomy 12:23).

Deuteronomy 16

Deuteronomy 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Festivals

This chapter retells the specific commands about how to celebrate the Passover. This recalled the Passover in Egypt, which was an important event in the formation of the nation of Israel. There are several other important festivals described in this chapter. (See: Passover)

Life in Israel

As Yahweh’s chosen nation, there must be justice in Israel. Also, Yahweh must be the only God in Israel. He alone is to be worshiped. (See: chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Deuteronomy 16:1

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: month of Aviv (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It marks when God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt. It is during the last part of March and the first part April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: keep the Passover (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is implied by “keep the Passover” that they would celebrate and eat the Passover meal. Alternate translation: “celebrate the Passover meal” or “eat the Passover meal” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 16:2

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Quote: You will sacrifice the Passover (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Passover” represents the animal that is sacrificed for the Passover celebration. Alternate translation: For the Passover you will offer a sacrifice” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 16:3

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Quote: with it (0)

Here “it” refers to the animal they will sacrifice and eat.

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Quote: seven days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “7 days” (See: Numbers)

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Quote: the bread of affliction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This was the name of the unleavened bread. The full meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “this bread will remind you of how much you suffered while in Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: out of the land of Egypt in haste (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people had to leave Egypt so quickly that they did not have enough time to make bread with yeast in it. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “out of the land of Egypt in such hurry you did not have time to make bread with yeast in it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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Quote: Do this all the days of your life (0)

Alternate translation: “Do this as long as you live”

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Quote: call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 16:4

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Quote: No yeast must be seen among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must not have any yeast among you” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within all your borders (0)

Alternate translation: “inside all your territory” or “in all your land”

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Quote: first day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This “first” is the ordinal number for one. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Deuteronomy 16:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You may not sacrifice the Passover (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Passover” represents the animal that will be sacrificed. Alternate translation: “For the Passover you may not sacrifice the animal” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within any of your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” represents the cities or towns. Alternate translation: “within any of your towns” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 16:6

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Quote: at the going down of the sun (0)

Alternate translation: “at sunset”

Deuteronomy 16:7

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Quote: You must roast it (0)

Alternate translation: “You must cook it”

Deuteronomy 16:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: six days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “6 days” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seventh day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

Alternate translation: “seventh” is the ordinal number for seven. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: solemn assembly (0)

Alternate translation: “special gathering”

Deuteronomy 16:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: count seven weeks (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “count 7 weeks” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase “put the sickle to the standing grain” is a way of referring to the beginning of harvest time. Alternate translation: “from the time that you begin harvesting the grain” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sickle (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

a tool with a curved blade used for cutting grass, grain, and vines (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 16:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the contribution of a freewill offering from your hand that you will give (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “and you will give your free will offering” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: according as Yahweh your God has blessed you (0)

Alternate translation: “according to the harvest which Yahweh your God has given you” This means that the people will base how much they offer on how much they harvested that year.

Deuteronomy 16:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

These do not refer to a specific person. It means these types of people in general. Alternate translation: “your sons, your daughters, your male servants, your females servants, any Levite” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: “within your towns” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This refers to these types of people in general. Alternate translation: “all foreigners, orphans, and widows” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fatherless (0)

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: widow (0)

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

Deuteronomy 16:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 16:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Festival of Shelters (0)

Other names for this festival are “Feast of Tabernacles,” “Festival of Booths,” and “Feast of the Ingathering.” During harvest time, farmers would set up temporary shelters in the field. This festival took place after the last harvest of the year.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seven days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “7 days” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 16:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within your gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the word “gates” represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: “within your towns” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 16:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the festival (0)

Alternate translation: “the Festival of Shelters”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the work of your hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hands” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “all the work you do” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 16:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all your males must appear before Yahweh (0)

Females were allowed, but Yahweh did not require that they come. The men could represent their whole families.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must appear before Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “must come and stand in the presence of Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: No one will appear before Yahweh empty-handed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Alternate translation: “They will not come before Yahweh without an offering” These two negative phrases together have a positive meaning. Alternate translation: “Every person who comes before Yahweh must bring an offering” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 16:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must make judges (0)

Alternate translation: “You must appoint judges” or “You must choose judges”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within all your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” represents a city or town. Alternate translation: “within all your towns” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will be taken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will choose them” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: judge the people with righteous judgment (0)

Alternate translation: “judge the people fairly”

Deuteronomy 16:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not take justice away by force (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a strong person can violently pull away from a weak person. This can be stated in positive form. Your language might have one word that means “use force to take away.” Alternate translation: “You must not be unfair when you judge” or “You must make just decisions” (See: Metaphor and Double Negatives)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “You” refers to those who will be appointed as judges and officers. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Taking a bribe is spoken of as if the bribe were corrupting the people. Alternate translation: “for even a wise man who accepts a bribe will become blind, and even a righteous man who accepts a bribe will tell lies” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A wise person who accepts a bribe so that he does not speak against something evil is spoken of as if he becomes blind. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the wise (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The nominal adjective “the wise” can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “a wise person” or “wise people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: perverts the words of the righteous (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The nominal adjective “righteous” can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “causes a righteous person to lie” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 16:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: follow after justice, after justice alone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

justice is spoken of as a person who is walking. A person who is doing what is fair and just is spoken of as if he was following close behindjustice. Alternate translation: “do only what is fair” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: inherit the land that Yahweh your God is giving you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Receiving the land that God is giving to the people is spoken of as if the people are inheriting the land from God. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 16:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “You” refers to all the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 16:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: any sacred stone pillar, which Yahweh your God hates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

The phrase “which Yahweh your God hates” is giving more information about the sacred stone pillar. Alternate translation: “any sacred stone pillar because Yahweh your God hates them” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sacred stone pillar (0)

This refers to pillars that are idols used to worship false gods.

Deuteronomy 17

Deuteronomy 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Witnesses

In the ancient Near East, it was common for a person to be punished by the testimony of a single person, especially if this was an important person. The rules in this chapter give protection to people, especially the poor by requiring multiple witnesses. This allowed justice to be done. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

King

Israel was not to have a king because Yahweh was their king. Knowing the sinfulness of the people, Yahweh anticipated that one day Israel would have a king. Therefore, this passage gives commands about their king prophetically. They were not allowed to collect chariots because they were a sign of earthly power and the king was to trust in Yahweh. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess, sign, proof, reminder and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 17:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in which is any blemish (0)

Alternate translation: “that has a blemish” or “that has something wrong with it.” The animal is to appear healthy without any deformity.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that would be an abomination to Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “that would be disgusting to Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 17:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If there is found (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you find someone” or “If there is anyone” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within any of your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “city gates” represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: “living in one of your cities” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what is evil in the sight of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “something that Yahweh your God thinks is evil” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: transgresses his covenant (0)

Alternate translation: “disobeys his covenant”

Deuteronomy 17:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if you are told about this (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if someone tells you about this disobedient act” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must make a careful investigation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word investigation, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “you must carefully investigate what happened” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: such an abomination has been done in Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone has done such a horrible thing in Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 17:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, will he who must die be put to death (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “the mouth” represents the testimony of a witness. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If two or three witnesses speak against the person, then you must execute him” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive and Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but at the mouth of only one witness he must not be put to death (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “the mouth” represents the testimony of a witness. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but if only one person speaks against him, then you must not execute him” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 17:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The hand of the witnesses must be the first to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” represents the entire group of witnesses. Alternate translation: “The witnesses themselves must be the first ones to throw stones. Then all the people will execute the person by throwing stones at him” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will remove the evil from among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The nominal adjective “the evil” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites this person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 17:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If a matter arises (0)

Alternate translation: “If there is a matter” or “If there is a situation”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one person’s right and another person’s right (0)

A “right” is a person’s legal authority to do something or to possess something.

Deuteronomy 17:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will seek their advice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word advice, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “you will ask them to advise you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will give you the verdict (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word verdict, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they will decide on the matter” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 17:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Follow the law they teach you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person obeying what the priests and judge decide is spoken of as if the person were physically following behind the law. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must obey what the judge and priests decide about the matter” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right hand or to the left (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A person not doing exactly what the judge and priests say is spoken of as if he were turning off the correct path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Do not disobey anything they tell you” or “Do everything they say” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 17:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in not listening to the priest & or in not listening to the judge (0)

Alternate translation: “and does not obey the priest … or does not obey the judge”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will put away the evil from Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The nominal adjective “the evil” can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 17:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All the people must hear and fear, and act arrogantly no more (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is implied that when the people hear about the person who was executed for acting arrogantly, they will be afraid and not act arrogantly themselves. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 17:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you have come to the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

The word “come to” can be translated as “gone to” or “entered.” (See: Go and Come)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then you say, ‘I will set a king over myself, like all the nations that are round about me,’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “then you decide that you want a king just like the peoples of the nations that surround you have kings,” (See: Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will set a king over myself & round about me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses has the people speaking as if they were one person. It may be more natural to translate this with plural pronouns. Alternate translation: “We will set over ourselves … round about us” (See: Pronouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: set a king over myself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Giving someone the authority to rule as king in Israel is spoken of as if the people were setting the person in a place above them. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the nations that are round about me (0)

Alternate translation: “all the surrounding nations”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “nations” represent the people who live in the nations. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 17:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: someone from among your brothers (0)

Alternate translation: “one of your fellow Israelites”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a foreigner, who is not your brother, over yourself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Both of these phrases mean the same thing. They both refer to a person who is not an Israelite. Yahweh is emphasizing that the people of Israel should not let a foreigner rule over them. Alternate translation: “a foreigner over yourself” or “a non-Israelite over yourself” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 17:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for Yahweh had said to you, ‘You will never return that way again.’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh had said that you must never return to Egypt again.” (See: Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Deuteronomy 17:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that his heart does not turn away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “heart” refers to the whole person. An Israelite king who marries foreign wives and starts to worship their false gods is spoken of as if his heart were to turn away from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “so that they do not cause him to stop honoring Yahweh and start worshiping false gods” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 17:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When he sits on the throne of his kingdom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “throne” represents the person’s power and authority as king. To sit on the throne means to become king. Alternate translation: “When he becomes king” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he must write for himself in a scroll a copy of this law (0)

This could mean: (1) “he must personally write in a scroll a copy of this law for himself” or (2) “he must appoint someone to write in a scroll a copy of this law for him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the law that is before the priests, who are Levites (0)

Alternate translation: “from the copy of the law that the Levitical priests keep”

Deuteronomy 17:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so as to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to observe them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the king must obey all of God’s law. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 17:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that his heart is not lifted up above his brothers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “his heart” refers to the whole person. A king becoming arrogant is spoken of as if his heart were lifted up. Alternate translation: “so that he does not become arrogant” or “so that he does not think he is better than his fellow Israelites” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that he does not turn away from the commandments, to the right hand or to the left (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A king disobeying God’s commands is spoken of as if a person were to turn off the correct path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “so that he does not disobey any of the commandments” or “so that he obeys all of the commandments” (See: Metaphor and Litotes)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prolong his days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Long days is a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated a similar phrase “prolong your days” in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 18

Deuteronomy 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Levites

As Yahweh’s chosen priests, the priest were to trust in Yahweh to provide for them. He provided for them through the rest of the Israelites. Yahweh was their inheritance. (See: chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect, priest, priesthood and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and inherit, inheritance, heir)

Messiah

This chapter is one of the first prophecies about the promised, coming Messiah. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and promise, promised and Christ, Messiah)

Deuteronomy 18:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues telling the people what Yahweh wants them to do.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will have no portion nor inheritance with Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The Levites not receiving any land from Yahweh is spoken of as if they would not receive an inheritance. Alternate translation: “will not possess any of the people’s land” or “will not receive any of the land that the Israelites will possess” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: no portion (0)

Alternate translation: “no part” or “no share”

Deuteronomy 18:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: among their brothers (0)

Alternate translation: “among the other tribes of Israel” or “among the other Israelites”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh is their inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of the great honor that Aaron and his descendants will have by serving Yahweh as priests as if Yahweh were something that they will inherit. See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 10:9. Alternate translation: “instead, they will have Yahweh” or “instead, Yahweh will allow them to serve him and he will provide for them through that service” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 18:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the inner parts (0)

This is the stomach and intestines.

Deuteronomy 18:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must give him (0)

Alternate translation: “you must give to the priest”

Deuteronomy 18:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has chosen him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “him” represents all the Levites. (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to stand to serve in the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “the name of Yahweh” stands for Yahweh himself and his authority. Alternate translation: “to be his special servants” or “to serve as a representative of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: him and his sons forever (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “him” represents all the Levites. Alternate translation: “the Levites and their descendants forever” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 18:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: desires with all his soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “strongly desires” or “really wants” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 18:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then he must serve in the name of Yahweh his God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” represents Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: “then he must serve Yahweh his God as a priest” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who stand there before Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “who serve in the sanctuary in the presence of Yahweh”

Deuteronomy 18:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his family’s inheritance (0)

This is what the priest would inherit from his father.

Deuteronomy 18:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you have come (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

Here “come” can be translated as “gone” or “entered.” (See: Go and Come)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not learn to observe the abominations of those nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

God hates the religious activities of the people in the surrounding nations. He considers them to be terribly evil. Here “nations” represents the people. Alternate translation: “you must not do the terrible things that the people of the other nations do” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 18:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There must not be found among you anyone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There must not be anyone among you” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: anyone who uses divination & tells fortunes & reads signs found in a cup & engages in witchcraft (0)

These are different ways of practicing magic. God has forbidden every kind of magic. If you do not have a word for all of these activities, it can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: “anyone who uses magic to try to find out what will happen in the future, to cast spells”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: reads signs found in a cup (0)

One who reads the shapes and figures in a cup and who predicts future events from what they can see

Deuteronomy 18:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: any charmer & anyone who conjurs up spirits & one who casts spells & who talks with spirits of the dead (0)

These are phrases for people who practice different kinds of magic. God has forbidden every kind of magic. If you do not have a word for all of these types of people, you can translate more generally. Alternate translation: “anyone who uses magic to cast spells, or to talk to the spirits of dead people”

Deuteronomy 18:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: driving them out (0)

Here “them” refers to the people already living in Canaan.

Deuteronomy 18:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For these nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “nations” stands for the people groups that live in Canaan. Alternate translation: “For these people groups” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: these nations that you will dispossess (0)

Alternate translation: “these nations whose land you will take”

Deuteronomy 18:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God will raise up for you a prophet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh appointing a person to be a prophet is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift the person up. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one of your brothers (0)

Alternate translation: “one of your fellow Israelites”

Deuteronomy 18:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This is what you asked (0)

Here “you” refers to the Israelites at Mount Horeb about 40 years earlier.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: at Horeb on the day of the assembly (0)

Alternate translation: “on the day you gathered together at Horeb”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let us not hear again the voice of Yahweh our God, nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “on the day of the assembly when you said that you did not want to hear the voice of Yahweh our God, nor see his great fire anymore, because you were afraid that you would die.” (See:Quotes within Quotes and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let us not hear again the voice of Yahweh our God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here Yahweh is represented by his “voice” to emphasize what he says. Alternate translation: “Let us not hear Yahweh our God speak again” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 18:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will raise up a prophet for them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh appointing a person to be a prophet is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift the person up. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from among their brothers (0)

Alternate translation: “from among their fellow Israelites”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will put my words in his mouth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh telling the prophet what to say is spoken of as if Yahweh would put words in the prophet’s mouth. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: speak to them (0)

Alternate translation: “speak to the people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 18:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: does not listen to the words of mine that he speaks in my name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “my name” represents Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: “does not listen to him when he speaks my message” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: require it of him (0)

Alternate translation: “I will hold him responsible” or “I will punish him.” Here “him” refers to the person who does not listen to the prophet.

Deuteronomy 18:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who speaks a word arrogantly (0)

Alternate translation: “who dares to speak a message” or “who is arrogant enough to speak a message”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in my name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “my name” refers to Yahweh himself and his authority. Alternate translation: “for me” or “with my authority” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a word (0)

Alternate translation: “a message”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who speaks in the name of other gods (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” represents the gods themselves or their authority. This means the prophet claims that false gods told him to speak a certain message. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 18:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This is what you must say in your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” represents the thoughts of a person. Alternate translation: “You ask yourself” or “You must say to yourself” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How will we recognize a message that Yahweh has not spoken? (0)

Alternate translation: “How will we know if the message that the prophet speaks is from Yahweh?” Here “we” refers to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 18:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name of Yahweh” refers to Yahweh himself and his authority. Alternate translation: “a prophet claims to speak for me” or “a prophet claims to speak with my authority” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the prophet has spoken it arrogantly (0)

Alternate translation: “the prophet has spoken this message without my authority”

Deuteronomy 19

Deuteronomy 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice

Another way justice would be maintained in Israel was by avoiding revenge killings. This chapter describes the establishment of special cities to protect those fleeing from revenge killings. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance)

Witnesses

In the ancient Near East, it was common for a person to be punished by the testimony of a single person, especially if this was an important person. The rules in this chapter give protection to people, especially the poor by requiring multiple witnesses. This allowed justice to be done. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Law of retaliation

The chapter describes a famous law, often called the “law of retaliation.” It is said, an “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This does not mean a person who causes another person to lose their eye must have their own eye removed as punishment. This law is not about making all things equal. Instead, it is about limiting the punishment or the ability of a person to retaliate. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 19:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When Yahweh your God cuts off the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh destroying the people who live in Canaan is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This represents the people groups that live in Canaan. (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those whose land Yahweh your God is giving you (0)

Alternate translation: “those nations who were living in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: come after them (0)

Alternate translation: “take the land from those nations” or “possess the land after those nations are gone”

Deuteronomy 19:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: select three cities (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “choose 3 cities” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 19:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must build a road (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

They were to build roads so that it would be easy for people to travel to these cities. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: divide the borders of your land into three parts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is implied that one of the cities they choose must be in each part of the land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the land that Yahweh your God is causing you to inherit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh giving the land to the people of Israel is spoken of as if the people are inheriting the land. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 19:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This is the instruction (0)

Alternate translation: “These are the instructions” or “These are the directions”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: concerning the one who kills another (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The word “person” is understood. Alternate translation: “for a person who kills another person” (See: Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and flees from there (0)

Alternate translation: “and who escapes to one of these cities” or “who runs to one of these cities”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the one who unintentionally kills his neighbor (0)

Here “neighbor” means any person in general. Alternate translation: “any person who kills another person by accident”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: without hating him at the time of the accident (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Alternate translation: “but did not hate his neighbor before he killed him.” This implies there was no cause for him to kill his neighbor purposely. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 19:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For example, if a man goes into the forest & to cut wood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

The author gives a hypothetical situation where a person accidentally kills another person. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ax head slips off of the handle (0)

The iron part of the ax comes off the wooden handle.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: strikes his neighbor and kills him (0)

This means the head of the ax hits and kills the neighbor.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to one of these cities and save his life (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is implied that the family of the dead man may try to get revenge. The man who killed him can flee to one of these cities, and the people there would protect him. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 19:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the avenger of blood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “blood” represents the person who was killed. An “avenger of blood” is a close relative of the person who was killed. This relative is responsible for punishing the murderer. (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the one who took a life (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the one who killed the other person” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the heat of his anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Someone being very angry is spoken of as if anger were something that could become hot. Alternate translation: “and being very angry” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: strike him and kill him (0)

Alternate translation: “And the blood avenger strikes and kills the one who had killed the other person”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: though that man did not deserve to die, since he had not hated his neighbor in the past (0)

Alternate translation: “though that man did not deserve to die since he accidentally killed the other person and was not his enemy, and he had not planned to hurt the man”

Deuteronomy 19:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: enlarges your borders (0)

Alternate translation: “gives you more land to possess”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as he has sworn to your ancestors to do (0)

Alternate translation: “like he promised your ancestors that he would do”

Deuteronomy 19:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if you keep all these commandments to do them (0)

Alternate translation: “if you obey all these commandments”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to always walk in his ways (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

How God wants a person to live or behave is spoken of as if it were Yahweh’s way or road. A person who obeys Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh’s way or road. Alternate translation: “to always obey him” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then you must add three more cities for yourself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “then you must choose three more cities for a person to escape to if he accidentally kills someone” (See: Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: besides these three (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “in addition to the three cities you already established” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 19:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do this so that innocent blood is not shed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do this so that family members do not kill an innocent person” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: innocent blood is not shed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “blood” represents a person’s life. To shed blood means to kill a person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one kills an innocent person” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the midst of the land (0)

Alternate translation: “in the land” or “in the territory”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God is giving you for as an inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The land that Yahweh is giving the people of Israel is spoken of as if it were an inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that no bloodguilt may be on you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The people of Israel being guilty for a person dying because they did not build a city where he would be safe from the “blood avenger” is spoken of as if the guilt of his death is on them. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bloodguilt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “blood” represents a life and “bloodguilt” refers to the guilt someone has for killing an innocent person. (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: may be on you (0)

This means that if a family member kills an innocent person, then all the people of Israel will be guilty for letting that happen.

Deuteronomy 19:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his neighbor (0)

Here “neighbor” means any person in general.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lies in wait for him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “hides and waits in order to kill him” or “plans to kill him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rises up against him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “attacks him” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mortally wounds him so that he dies (0)

Alternate translation: “hurts him so that he dies” or “and kills him”

Deuteronomy 19:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must send and bring him back from there (0)

Alternate translation: “must send someone to get him and bring him back from the city that he escaped to”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: turn him over (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “give him over” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: into the hand of the responsible relative (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “the hand” represents the authority of someone. Alternate translation: “to the authority of the responsible relative” or “to the responsible relative” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the responsible relative (0)

This is the relative of the person who was killed. This relative is responsible for punishing the murderer.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he may die (0)

Alternate translation: “the murderer may die” or “the responsible relative may execute the murderer”

Deuteronomy 19:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your eye must not pity him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “your eye” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Do not show him mercy” or “Do not feel sorry for him” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must eradicate the bloodguilt from Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “bloodguilt” represents the guilt for murdering an innocent person. Alternate translation: “you must execute the murderer so that the people of Israel will not be guilty for the death of an innocent person” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 19:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not remove your neighbor’s landmark (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You must not take land away from your neighbor by moving the markers on the borders of his land” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they set in place (0)

Alternate translation: “that your ancestors placed”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a long time ago (0)

Moses means that when the people have lived in the land for a long time, they should not move the borders that their ancestors made when they first took the land.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in your inheritance that you will inherit, in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you to possess (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh giving the land to the people of Israel is spoken of as if they were inheriting the land. Alternate translation: “in the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you to possess” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 19:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: One sole witness (0)

Alternate translation: “A single witness” or “Only one witness”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must not rise up against a man (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “rise up” means to stand up in court and speak against someone to a judge. Alternate translation: “must not speak to the judges about something bad that a man did” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in any matter that he sins (0)

Alternate translation: “anytime that a man does something bad”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “mouth” represents what the witnesses say. It is implied that there must be at least two or three witnesses. Alternate translation: “at the testimony of at least two or three people” or “based on what at least two or three people say happened” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must any matter be confirmed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will you confirm that the man is guilty” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 19:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Suppose that (0)

Alternate translation: “When” or “If”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: an unrighteous witness (0)

Alternate translation: “a witness who intends to harm someone else”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rises up against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “rise up” means to stand up in court and speak against someone to a judge. Alternate translation: “tells the judge that a man sinned in order to get the man in trouble” or “tells the judge that a man sinned, so the judge will punish him” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 19:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ones between whom the controversy exists (0)

Alternate translation: “the ones who disagree with one another”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This means the two persons must go to the sanctuary where Yahweh’s presence dwells. At the sanctuary are priests and judges who have the authority to make legal decisions for Yahweh. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase “stand before” is an idiom. It means to go to someone with authority and let him make a legal decision about a matter. (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 19:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The judges must make diligent inquiries (0)

Alternate translation: “The judges must work very hard to determine what happened”

Deuteronomy 19:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then must you do to him, as he had wished to do to his brother (0)

Alternate translation: “then you must punish the false witness in the same way as he wanted you to punish the other man”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will remove the evil from among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The nominal adjective “the evil” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “you will remove the evil practice from among you” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 19:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then those who remain (0)

Alternate translation: “When you punish the false witness, the rest of the people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will hear and fear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “will hear about the punishment and be afraid of getting punished” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: commit no longer any such evil (0)

Alternate translation: “never again do something evil like that”

Deuteronomy 19:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your eyes must not pity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “You must not pity him” or “You must not show him mercy” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: life will pay for life & foot for foot (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Here the phrases are shortened because the meaning is understood. It means the people must punish a person in the same way that he harmed another person. (See: Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 20

Deuteronomy 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s protection

Israel was not to worry about the power and strength of other nations. Instead, they were to trust in the power of Yahweh. He is the source of their military strength and protection. This is why a priest leads them into battle, rather than a military commander. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and priest, priesthood)

Holy war

Israel’s conquering of the Promised Land was unique in history. It was a type of holy war and had special rules. This war was really Yahweh’s punishment against the sin of the Canaanite people. If the people were not completely destroyed, they would cause Israel to sin. (See: Promised Land and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“What man is there”

This phrase is used several times to introduce a rhetorical question. The questions are intended to tell the readers that Yahweh only wants soldiers who are completely dedicated to fighting for him. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Excused from fighting

In ancient Israel, men were excused from fighting in battle for several different reasons. Some of these reasons are mentioned in this chapter. Apparently, needing to establish a new house, the need to harvest a field and cowardice were possible excuses. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 20:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you march out to battle against your enemies (0)

Alternate translation: “When you go out to fight in a war against your enemies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: see horses, chariots (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

People considered an army with many horses and chariots to be very strong. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he who brought you up out of the land of Egypt (0)

Yahweh brought the people from Egypt to Canaan. It was common to use the word “up” to refer to traveling from Egypt to Canaan. Alternate translation: “Yahweh who led you out from the land of Egypt”

Deuteronomy 20:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: speak to the people (0)

Alternate translation: “speak to the soldiers of Israel”

Deuteronomy 20:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not let your hearts faint. Do not fear or tremble. Do not be afraid of them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These four expressions all mean the same thing and strongly emphasize that they are not to be afraid. If your language does not have four ways to express this concept, you may use less than four. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not let your hearts faint (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hearts” represents people’s courage. For a heart to faint is an idiom that means “Do not be afraid.” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Deuteronomy 20:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God is the one who is going with you to fight for you against your enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh defeating the enemies of the people of Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight along with the people of Israel. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to save you (0)

Alternate translation: “to give you victory”

Deuteronomy 20:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses says what the army officers must say to the people of Israel before a battle.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The officers must speak (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

One of the officers’ jobs was to decide who could leave the army. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What man is there & Let him go and return to his house (0)

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here has built a new house and has not dedicated it, he should go back to his house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that he does not die in battle and another man dedicates it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. Alternate translation: “so that, if he dies in battle, another man will not dedicate his house instead of him” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Deuteronomy 20:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues describing situations that allow a man to leave the military.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is there anyone who has planted & Let him go home (0)

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here has a new vineyard, but has not yet harvested its grapes, he should go back to his house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so he will not die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. Alternate translation: “so that, if he dies in battle, another man will not harvest its fruit instead of him” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Deuteronomy 20:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What man is there who is engaged to marry a woman & Let him go home (0)

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here has promised to marry a woman, but has not yet married her, he should go back to his house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that he does not die in battle and another man marries her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

The officer is describing a situation that could possibly happen to a soldier. Alternate translation: “so that, if he dies in battle, another man does not marry her instead of him” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Deuteronomy 20:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues describing situations that allow a man to leave the military.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What man is there who is fearful or fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house (0)

Alternate translation: “If any soldier here is afraid and not brave, he should go back to his house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fearful or fainthearted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Both of these words mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “afraid to fight in battle” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his brother’s heart does not melt like his own heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “another Israelite does not become afraid like he is afraid” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: brother’s heart & his own heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” represents a person’s courage. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 20:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they must appoint commanders over them (0)

Alternate translation: “the officers must appoint people to be commanders and to lead the people of Israel”

Deuteronomy 20:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you march up to attack a city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “When you go to attack the people of a city” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: make those people an offer of peace (0)

Alternate translation: “give the people in the city a chance to surrender”

Deuteronomy 20:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: open their gates to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “gates” refers to the city gates. The phrase “open their gates to you” represents the people surrendering and allowing the Israelites to enter their city. Alternate translation: “let you enter their city peacefully” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the people who are found in it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all the people in the city” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must become forced labor for you (0)

Alternate translation: “must become your slaves”

Deuteronomy 20:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But if it makes no offer of peace (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “it” refers to the city which represents the people. Alternate translation: “But if the people of the city do not surrender” or “But if the people of the city do not accept your offer of peace” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 20:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the little ones (0)

Alternate translation: “the children”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all its spoil (0)

Alternate translation: “all the valuable things”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: booty (0)

These are the valuable things which people who win a battle take from the people they attacked.

Deuteronomy 20:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the cities (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “cities” represents the people. Alternate translation: “all the people who live in cities” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 20:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In the cities of these peoples that Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The cities in Canaan that Yahweh is giving to the people is spoken of as if the cities were the people’s inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must save alive nothing that breathes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Alternate translation: “you must not let any living thing stay alive.” This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you must kill every living thing” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 20:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must completely destroy them (0)

Alternate translation: “you must completely destroy these people groups”

Deuteronomy 20:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do this so that they (0)

Alternate translation: “Destroy these nations so that they”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to act in any of their abominable ways & their gods (0)

Alternate translation: “to act in abominable ways like the people in these nations have done with their gods”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If you do, you will sin against Yahweh your God (0)

Alternate translation: “If you act like these people, you will sin against Yahweh your God”

Deuteronomy 20:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wage war (0)

Alternate translation: “fight in a war”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by wielding an ax against them (0)

Alternate translation: “by cutting down the trees with an ax”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For is the tree of the field a man whom you should besiege? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This rhetorical question is to remind the people of what they should already know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “For fruit trees are not people, so they are not your enemy.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 20:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you know are not trees for food (0)

Alternate translation: “you know are not trees that grow fruit to eat”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: siege works (0)

These are tools and structures, such as ladders and towers, that are needed to lay siege to a city.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until it falls (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “until the people of the city lose the war” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it falls (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “it” refers to the city which represents the people of the city. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 21

Deuteronomy 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Elders

Older men were required to lead the people of Israel and help to administer justice. These men would function as judges, which would later become a more official position. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Peace in Israel

The rules and instructions in this chapter help to ensure peace in Israel. This is not a military peace. Instead, it is about establishing peace within Israel and among the people.

Deuteronomy 21:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If someone is found killed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If someone finds a person whom someone else has killed” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lying in the field (0)

The dead person is lying in the field.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it is not known who has attacked him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nobody knows who attacked him” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they must measure to the cities (0)

Alternate translation: “they must measure the distance to the cities”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: him who has been killed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “him whom someone has killed” or “the dead body” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has not borne the yoke (0)

Alternate translation: “has not worn a yoke”

Deuteronomy 21:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: running water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom for water that is moving. Alternate translation: “a stream” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a valley that has been neither plowed nor sown (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a valley where nobody has plowed the ground or planted seeds” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must come forward (0)

Alternate translation: “must come to the valley”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for Yahweh your God has chosen them to serve him (0)

Alternate translation: “because the priests are the ones whom Yahweh your God has chosen to serve him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if he were speaking to one man, so the word “your” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: give blessing (0)

Alternate translation: “bless the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “in the name of” refers to Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: “as one who says and does what Yahweh himself would say and do” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh and to decide every case of dispute and assault by their word (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh, and they will be the ones who settle all disagreements and cases of violence”

Deuteronomy 21:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the heifer whose neck was broken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the heifer whose neck the priests broke” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they must answer to the case (0)

Alternate translation: “they must testify to Yahweh about this case”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Our hands have not shed this blood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hands” are a synecdoche for the whole person and “shed this blood” is a metonym for killing an innocent person. Alternate translation: “We did not kill this innocent person” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: neither have our eyes seen it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “and we did not see anyone kill this person” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 21:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to tell the elders what they should say when they wash their hands over the heifer. He speaks to them as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whom you have redeemed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people from slavery. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not put guilt for innocent bloodshed in the midst of your people Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “do not treat your people Israel as if they are guilty of killing an innocent person” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then the bloodshed will be forgiven them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh will forgive his people Israel for the death of an innocent person” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will put away the innocent blood from your midst (0)

Alternate translation: “you will not be guilty any more of killing an innocent person”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what is right in the eyes of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what is right in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 21:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you go out (0)

Alternate translation: “you who are soldiers go out”

Deuteronomy 21:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have a desire for her (0)

Use a polite phrase for “you want to sleep with her.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wish to take her for yourself as a wife (0)

Alternate translation: “want to marry her”

Deuteronomy 21:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: she will shave her head (0)

Alternate translation: “she will shave the hair off of her head”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cut her nails (0)

Alternate translation: “cut her fingernails”

Deuteronomy 21:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: she will take off the clothes she was wearing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

She will do this after the man brings her to his house and when she shaves her head and cuts her fingernails and toenails as mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:12. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “she will take off the clothes of her people and put on Israelite clothes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when she was taken captive (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when you took her captive” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a full month (0)

Alternate translation: “an entire month” or “a whole month”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: After that you may lie with her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “After that you may have sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 21:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But if you take no delight in her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

You may need to make explicit that the man sleeps with the woman. Alternate translation: “But if you sleep with her and then decide that you do not want her as your wife” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: let her go where she wishes (0)

Alternate translation: “let her go wherever she wants to go”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because you have humiliated her (0)

Alternate translation: “because you shamed her by sleeping with her and then sending her away”

Deuteronomy 21:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one is loved and the other is hated (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: This could mean: (1) “the man loves one of his wives and he hates the other wife” or (2) “the man loves one wife more than he loves the other wife” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if the firstborn son is of her that is hated (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if the firstborn son belongs to the wife whom the man hates” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 21:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then on the day that the man (0)

Alternate translation: “when the man”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the man causes his sons to inherit what he possesses (0)

Alternate translation: “the man gives his possessions to his sons as an inheritance”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he may not make the son of the beloved wife the firstborn before the son of the hated wife (0)

Alternate translation: “he may not treat the son of the beloved wife as if he were the firstborn instead of the son of the hated wife”

Deuteronomy 21:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a double portion (0)

Alternate translation: “twice as much”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that son is the beginning of his strength (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that son is the one who shows that the man can become the father of sons” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 21:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” is a metonym for what a person says. Alternate translation: “who will not obey what his father or mother say” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they correct him (0)

Alternate translation: “they punish him for his wrongdoing” or “they train and instruct him”

Deuteronomy 21:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must lay hold on him and bring him out (0)

Alternate translation: “must force him to come out”

Deuteronomy 21:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This son of ours (0)

Alternate translation: “Our son”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will not obey our voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” is a metonym for what a person says or a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “he will not do what we tell him to do” or “he will not obey us” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a glutton (0)

a person who eats and drinks too much

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a drunkard (0)

a person who drinks too much alcohol and gets drunk often

Deuteronomy 21:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stone him to death with stones (0)

Alternate translation: “throw stones at him until he dies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will remove the evil from among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “Israel” is a metonym for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “All the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will hear of it and fear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “will hear about what happened to the son and be afraid that the people will punish them also” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 21:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If a man has committed a sin worthy of death (0)

Alternate translation: “If a man has done something so bad that you need to punish him by killing him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he is put to death (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you execute him” or “you kill him” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you hang him on a tree (0)

This could mean: (1) “after he has died you hang him on a tree” or (2) “you kill him by hanging him on a wooden post”

Deuteronomy 21:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bury him the same day (0)

Alternate translation: “bury him on the same day as when you execute him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for whoever is hanged is cursed by God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) “because God curses everyone whom people hang on trees” and (2) “people hang on trees those whom God has cursed.” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not defile the land (0)

by leaving something God has cursed hanging in the tree

Deuteronomy 22

Deuteronomy 22 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Order in Israel

The instructions in this chapter help to maintain order in this chapter. The people are to have integrity. The people’s sin will result in serious punishment. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Virgin woman

If a woman was not a virgin, she was not considered to be worth marrying. The man who slept with her was responsible for providing for her since she will not be able to find a husband to provide for her. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 22:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: go astray (0)

Alternate translation: “walk away from its owner”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hide yourself from them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “act as if you do not see them” or “go away without doing anything” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 22:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If your fellow Israelite is not near to you (0)

Alternate translation: “If your fellow Israelite lives far away from you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: or if you do not know him (0)

Alternate translation: “or if you do not know who the owner of the animal is”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it must be with you until he looks for it (0)

Alternate translation: “you must keep the animal with you until its owner comes looking for it”

Deuteronomy 22:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must do the same with his donkey (0)

Alternate translation: “You must return his donkey in the same way”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must do the same with his garment (0)

Alternate translation: “you must return his clothing in the same way”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not hide yourself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you must not act as if you do not see that he has lost something” or “you must not go away without doing anything” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 22:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must surely help him to lift it up again (0)

Alternate translation: “you must help your fellow Israelite lift the animal back up onto its feet”

Deuteronomy 22:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what pertains to a man (0)

Alternate translation: “men’s clothing”

Deuteronomy 22:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bird’s nest (0)

a home that birds make for themselves out of sticks, grass, plants, and mud

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with young ones or eggs in it (0)

Alternate translation: “with baby birds or eggs in the nest”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the mother sitting on the young (0)

Alternate translation: “the mother bird is sitting on the baby birds”

Deuteronomy 22:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 22:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a railing for your roof (0)

a low fence around the edge of the roof so people will not fall off the roof

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that you do not bring blood on your house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Blood is a symbol for death. Alternate translation: “so that it will not be the fault of your household if someone dies” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if anyone falls from there (0)

Alternate translation: “if anyone falls from the roof because you did not make a railing”

Deuteronomy 22:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that the whole harvest is not confiscated by the holy place (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The words “holy place” is a metonym for the priests who work in the holy place. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that the priests in Yahweh’s holy place do not take away the whole harvest” or “so that you do not defile the whole harvest and the priests do not allow you to use it” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the yield of the vineyard (0)

Alternate translation: “the fruit that grows in the vineyard”

Deuteronomy 22:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wool (0)

soft, curly hair that grows on a sheep

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: linen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

thread made from the flax plant (See: Translate Unknowns)

Deuteronomy 22:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fringes (0)

threads that are bound together and hang from the end of each corner of the cloak

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the cloak (0)

a long garment that a person wears over his other clothes

Deuteronomy 22:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he goes in to her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he has sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 22:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then accuses her of shameful things (0)

Alternate translation: “then accuses her of having slept with someone before she was married”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: puts a bad reputation on her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word reputation, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “makes other people think she is a bad person” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but when I came near to her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way of saying “to have sexual relations with someone.” Alternate translation: “but when I slept with her” (See: Euphemism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I found no proof of virginity in her (0)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word proof, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “she could not prove to me that she was a virgin”

Deuteronomy 22:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must take proof of her virginity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “must take something that proves that she has never had sexual relations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 22:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 22:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has accused her of shameful things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he has accused her of having slept with someone before he married her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I did not find in your daughter the proof of virginity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “Your daughter could not prove that she has never had sexual relations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But here is the proof of my daughter’s virginity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “But this proves that my daughter has never had sexual relations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then they will spread the garment out before the elders of the city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “And then the mother and father will show the clothing with the bloodstain to the elders as proof that she was a virgin” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 22:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 22:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they must fine him (0)

Alternate translation: “they must make him pay as a punishment”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one hundred shekels (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney

Alternate translation: “100 shekels” (See: Biblical Money and Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: give them to the father of the girl (0)

Alternate translation: “give the money to the father of the girl”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has caused a bad reputation for a virgin of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word reputation, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “has caused people to think that a virgin of Israel is a bad person” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he may not send her away (0)

Alternate translation: “never allow him to divorce her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: during all his days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “for his entire life” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 22:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But if this thing is true (0)

Alternate translation: “But if it is true” or “But if what the man said is true”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that the proof of virginity was not found in the girl (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the man did not find proof that the girl was a virgin” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the proof of virginity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “proof” and “virginity” can be translated as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “something that proves that the girl has never had sexual relations” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 22:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then they must bring out the girl (0)

Alternate translation: “then the elders must bring out the girl”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stone her to death with stones (0)

Alternate translation: “throw stones at her until she dies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because she has committed a disgraceful action in Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “because she has done a disgraceful thing in Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to act as a harlot in her father’s house (0)

Alternate translation: “acting like a harlot while living in her father’s house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will remove the evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 22:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If a man is found (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If someone finds a man” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lying with (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “having sexual relations with” (See: Euphemism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and you will remove (0)

Alternate translation: “in this way you will remove”

Deuteronomy 22:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: engaged to a man (0)

Alternate translation: “who is promised to marry a man”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lies with her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 22:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: take & and stone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

These commands are addressed to Israel as a group and so are plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: take both of them (0)

Alternate translation: “then you must bring both the girl and the man who slept with her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because she did not cry out (0)

Alternate translation: “because she did not call for help”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because he violated his neighbor’s wife (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The Israelites at that time thought of a man and woman who had engaged each other for marriage as husband and wife. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because he slept with a girl who belongs to a fellow Israelite” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will remove the evil from among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 22:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the engaged girl (0)

a girl whose parents have agreed to let her marry a certain man, but she has not married him yet

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lies with her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then only the man who lies with her must die (0)

Alternate translation: “then you must only kill the man who lay with her”

Deuteronomy 22:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there is no sin worthy of death in the girl (0)

Alternate translation: “you are not to punish her by killing her for what she did”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For this case is like when a man attacks his neighbor and kills him (0)

Alternate translation: “Because this situation is like the situation when somebody attacks another person and kills him”

Deuteronomy 22:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For he found her in the field (0)

Alternate translation: “Because the man found the girl working in the field”

Deuteronomy 22:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but who is not engaged (0)

Alternate translation: “but whose parents have not promised another man that she will marry him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lies with her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if they are discovered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if somebody finds out what happened” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 22:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fifty shekels of silver (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney

A shekel weighs eleven grams. Alternate translation: “fifty pieces of silver” or “550 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Money and Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He may not send her away during all his days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “He must never divorce her during his entire life” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 22:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must not take his father’s wife as his own (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “must not marry his father’s former wife, even if she is not his mother” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23

Deuteronomy 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The assembly of Yahweh

This was probably the corporate worship of Yahweh, when the people would come together to worship him.

Racial superiority

Yahweh viewed Israel as superior to the other nations of Canaan. In many cultures, this may be seen as immoral. It must be remembered that the instructions of this chapter are very remote from the modern world. These people groups were always sinful and idolatrous. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Deuteronomy 23:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: man injured by crushing or cutting off (0)

Alternate translation: “man whose private body parts someone has crushed or cut off”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: may enter the assembly of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “may be a full member of the Israelite community” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 23:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: illegitimate child (0)

This could mean: (1) a child born to parents who committed incest or adultery or (2) a child born to a prostitute.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as far as to the tenth generation of his descendants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This “tenth” is the ordinal number for ten. Alternate translation: “even after ten generations of the illegitimate child’s descendants” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: none of them (0)

Alternate translation: “none of these descendants”

Deuteronomy 23:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: may not belong to the assembly of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “may not be a full member of the Israelite community” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as far as to the tenth generation of his descendants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This “tenth”is the ordinal number for ten. Alternate translation: “even after ten generations of his descendants” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Deuteronomy 23:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they did not meet you with bread and with water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “they did not welcome you by bringing you food and drink” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against you & curse you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 23:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: would not listen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “did not pay attention” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: turned the curse into a blessing for you (0)

Alternate translation: “had him bless you and not curse you”

Deuteronomy 23:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must never seek their peace or prosperity (0)

This could mean: (1) “You should never make a peace treaty with the Ammonites and the Moabites” or (2) “You must not do anything to cause things to go well for those 2 people groups to enable them to prosper” .

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: during all your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “as long as you are a nation” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 23:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not detest an Edomite (0)

Alternate translation: “Do not hate an Edomite”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for he is your brother (0)

Alternate translation: “because he is your relative”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not abhor an Egyptian (0)

Alternate translation: “do not hate an Egyptian”

Deuteronomy 23:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The descendants of the third generation that are born to them may belong to the assembly of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This “third” is the ordinal number for three. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “If an Edomite or an Egyptian comes to live in the Israelite community, his grandchildren may become full members of that community” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you march out as an army against your enemies, then you must keep yourselves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks here to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against your enemies (0)

Alternate translation: “to fight against your enemies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: keep yourselves from every evil thing (0)

Alternate translation: “keep yourselves away from all bad things”

Deuteronomy 23:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: any man who is unclean because of what happened to him at night (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way of saying that he had an emission of semen. Alternate translation: “any man who is unclean because he had an emission of semen while he was asleep” (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 23:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 23:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will have something among your tools to dig with (0)

Alternate translation: “you should have a tool that you can use to dig with”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when you squat down to relieve yourself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way of saying to defecate. Alternate translation: “when you squat down to defecate” (See: Euphemism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must dig with it (0)

Alternate translation: “you must dig a hole with the tool”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cover up what has come out from you (0)

Alternate translation: “cover up your excrement”

Deuteronomy 23:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that he may not see any unclean thing among you (0)

Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh may not see any unclean thing among you”

Deuteronomy 23:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a slave who has escaped from his master (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “a slave from another country who escaped from his master and came to Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let him live with you (0)

Alternate translation: “Let the slave live among your people”

Deuteronomy 23:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cultic prostitute & among any of the daughters & among the sons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This could mean: (1) Moses openly forbids women and men to perform sexual acts as part of temple service or (2) Moses uses a euphemism to forbid women and men to perform sexual acts to receive money. (See: Euphemism)

Deuteronomy 23:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not bring the wages of a prostitute & into the house (0)

Alternate translation: “A woman who earns money as a prostitute must not bring that money … into the house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a dog (0)

a man who allows men to have sex with him for money

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: into the house of Yahweh your God (0)

Alternate translation: “into the temple”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for any vow (0)

Alternate translation: “to fulfill a vow”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: both these (0)

the wages of a female prostitute and of a male prostitute.

Deuteronomy 23:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lend on interest (0)

to lend to somebody and force that person to pay back more than was lent

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: interest of money & anything that is lent on interest (0)

Alternate translation: “you must not charge interest when you lend somebody money, food, or anything else”

Deuteronomy 23:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all that you put your hand to (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “all that you do” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 23:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not be slow in fulfilling it (0)

Alternate translation: “you must not take a long time to fulfill the vow”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you (0)

Alternate translation: “because Yahweh your God will blame you and punish you if you do not fulfill your vow”

Deuteronomy 23:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But if you will refrain from making a vow, it will be no sin for you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “But, if you do not make a vow, you will not sin because you will not have a vow to fulfill” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: That which has gone out from your lips (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “The words you have spoken” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: according as you have vowed to Yahweh your God (0)

Alternate translation: “whatever you have vowed to Yahweh your God that you will do”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: anything that you have freely promised with your mouth (0)

Alternate translation: “anything that people have heard you promise to do because you wanted to do it”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with your mouth (0)

Alternate translation: “so that people heard you say it”

Deuteronomy 23:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you may eat as many grapes as you desire (0)

Alternate translation: “then you may enjoy eating grapes until you are full”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but do not put any in your basket (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “but you may not put any grapes in your bag to take them away with you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 23:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you go into your neighbor’s ripe grain (0)

Alternate translation: “When you walk through your neighbor’s field where there is grain growing”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand (0)

Alternate translation: “then you may eat the kernels of grain with your hand”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but do not put a sickle to your neighbor’s ripe grain (0)

Alternate translation: “but do not cut down your neighbor’s ripe grain and take it with you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sickle (0)

a sharp tool that farmers use to harvest wheat

Deuteronomy 24

Deuteronomy 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the teaching about how to maintain justice in Israel. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Special concepts in this chapter

“No man may take a mill or an upper millstone as a pledge”

A millstone was the way a person made a living. To take a person’s millstone was to take away the way they earned money and produced food. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Lending money

Lending money to fellow Israelites was a way to help them out. It was not intended to be a way to make money off their brothers. This chapter gives limitations regarding the lending of money.

Deuteronomy 24:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When a man takes a wife and marries her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The phrases “takes a wife” and “marries her” mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “When a man marries a woman” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if she finds no favor in his eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the “eyes” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “if he decides that he does not like her” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because he has found some unsuitable thing in her (0)

Alternate translation: “because for some reason he has decided that he does not want to keep her”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he must write her a certificate of divorce (0)

Alternate translation: “he must give his wife an official paper saying that they are not married anymore”

Deuteronomy 24:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: she may go and be another man’s wife (0)

Alternate translation: “she may go and marry another man”

Deuteronomy 24:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel about a woman who gets a divorce and marries another man. Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If the second husband hates her (0)

Alternate translation: “If the second husband decides that he hates the woman”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: certificate of divorce (0)

This is an official paper saying that the man and woman are not married anymore. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 24:1.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: puts it into her hand (0)

Alternate translation: “gives it to the woman”

Deuteronomy 24:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: after she has become impure (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “after she has become unclean by the divorce and remarriage to another man” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not cause the land to become guilty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The land is spoken of as if it could sin. Alternate translation: “You must not spread guilt around in the land” (See: Personification)

Deuteronomy 24:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When a man takes a new wife (0)

Alternate translation: “When a man is newly married to a woman”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: neither may he be commanded to go on any forced duty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one is to force him to live away from his home and do any kind of work” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will be free to be at home (0)

Alternate translation: “he will be free to live at home”

Deuteronomy 24:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mill (0)

a tool for making flour by grinding grain in between two heavy discs of stone

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: upper millstone (0)

the top disc of stone in a mill

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for that would be taking a person’s life as a pledge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “life” is a metonym for what a person needs to keep himself alive. Alternate translation: “because he would be taking from the man what the man needs to make food for his family” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 24:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If a man is found kidnapping (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom for “If a man kidnaps.” It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you find a man kidnapping” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: kidnapping (0)

using physical force to take an innocent person away from his home and imprison him

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: any of his brothers from among the people of Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “any of his fellow Israelites”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that thief must die (0)

Alternate translation: “then other Israelites should kill that thief as a punishment for what he did”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will remove the evil from among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The adjective “evil” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “you must remove from among the Israelites the person who does this evil thing” or “you must execute this evil person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Deuteronomy 24:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Take heed & you carefully observe (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites here as if they were one man, so the word “you” and the command “take heed” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Take heed regarding any plague of leprosy (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention if you suffer from leprosy” or “Pay attention if you have leprosy”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: every instruction given to you which the priests, the Levites, teach you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all of the instructions that I have given you and that the priests, who are Levites, teach you to do” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: teach you & you will act (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses here speaks to the Israelites as a group, so these instances of the word “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as I commanded them, so you will act (0)

Alternate translation: “you must make sure that you do exactly what I have commanded them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: commanded them (0)

The word “them” refers to the priests, who are Levites.

Deuteronomy 24:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind what Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites here as if they were one man, so the word “your” and the command “call to mind” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you were coming out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses here speaks to the Israelites as a group, so the word “you” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as you were coming out of Egypt (0)

Alternate translation: “during the time when you were leaving Egypt”

Deuteronomy 24:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you make your neighbor any kind of loan (0)

Alternate translation: “When you loan something to your neighbor”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to fetch his pledge (0)

Alternate translation: “to take his pledge”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his pledge (0)

This refers to what he has promised that he would give you if he did not pay back the loan.

Deuteronomy 24:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will stand outside (0)

Alternate translation: “You should wait outside his house”

Deuteronomy 24:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not lie down to sleep with his pledge in your possession (0)

Alternate translation: “you must not keep his coat overnight” or “you must return his pledge before you lie down to sleep”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his pledge (0)

This refers to what he has promised that he would give you if he did not pay back the loan. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 24:10.

Deuteronomy 24:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: restore to him the pledge (0)

Alternate translation: “give him back what he has given you to show that he will pay back the loan”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “so that he will have his coat to keep himself warm when he sleeps, and he will be grateful to you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cloak (0)

This is a coat or other clothing that keeps a person warm at night. This was probably the “pledge” Moses was speaking of in Deuteronomy 24:10-12.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will be righteousness for you before Yahweh your God (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will approve of the way you handled this matter”

Deuteronomy 24:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not oppress a hired servant (0)

Alternate translation: “You must not treat a hired servant poorly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hired servant (0)

a person who gets paid daily for his work

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: poor and needy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words have similar meanings and emphasize that this is a person who cannot help himself. (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: within your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “city gates” mean towns or cities. Alternate translation: “in one of your cities” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 24:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Each day you must give him his wage (0)

Alternate translation: “You should give the man the money he earns every single day”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the sun must not go down on this unsettled matter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. The Israelites considered the new day as starting when the sun went down. Alternate translation: “you should pay the man on the same day he does the work” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for he is poor and is counting on it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because he is poor and depends on his wages to buy his food for the next day” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he does not cry out against you to Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “he does not call out to Yahweh and ask him to punish you”

Deuteronomy 24:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The parents must not be put to death for their children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must not execute the parents because of something bad that one of their children did” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: neither must the children be put to death for their parents (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language, Alternate translation: “and you must not execute the children because of something bad that their parents did” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: everyone must be put to death for his own sin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you should only execute a person because of something bad that he did himself” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 24:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not use force to take away the justice that is due the foreigner or the fatherless (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a stronger person can violently pull away from a weaker person. Alternate translation: “You must not treat a foreigner or the fatherless unfairly” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fatherless (0)

This refers to children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor take the widow’s cloak as a pledge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

A lender would take something from the borrower to ensure that she would pay him back. He was not allowed to take her coat because she needed it to stay warm. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and do not take a widow’s cloak as a pledge because she needs it to stay warm” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 24:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 24:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you reap your harvest in your field (0)

Alternate translation: “When you cut down the grain in your field”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: an omer of grain (0)

Some versions translate this as “a sheaf.” Either translation refers to stalks of grain, enough to be easily carried, possibly tied in a bundle.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it must be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, or for the widow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “you must leave the sheaf so a foreigner, an orphan, or a widow can take it” (See: Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in all the work of your hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hands” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in all the work that you do” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 24:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you shake your olive tree (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “When you shake the branches of your olive tree, causing the olives to fall to the ground so you can pick them up” (See: Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must not go over the branches again (0)

Alternate translation: “do not pick every single olive from the tree”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, or for the widow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the olives that stay on the branches are for foreigners, orphans, and widows to pick and take with them” (See: Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 24:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What is left over will be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow (0)

Alternate translation: “The grapes that you do not pick will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow to pick”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

These refer to groups of people. Alternate translation: “for foreigners, for those who are fatherless, and for the widows” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Deuteronomy 24:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 25

Deuteronomy 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues to teach about justice in Israel. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“A perfect and just weight you must have”

In the ancient Near East, money was weighted on a scale. If a persons weight was off, they were robbing people. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 25:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 25:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If the guilty man deserves to be beaten (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If the judge orders them to beat the guilty man” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be beaten in his presence (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will watch them beat him” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the ordered number of blows, as was his crime (0)

Alternate translation: “the number of times he has ordered because of the bad deed he did”

Deuteronomy 25:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The judge may give him forty blows (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “The judge may say that they should beat the guilty person 40 times” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but he may not exceed that number (0)

Alternate translation: “but the judge may not order them to beat him more than 40 times”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for if he should exceed that number and beat him with many more blows (0)

Alternate translation: “because if the judge orders them to beat him many more than 40 times”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then your fellow Israelite would be humiliated before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “then the judge would humiliate your fellow Israelite in front of all of the people of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: humiliated before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: “humiliated, and you would all see it” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 25:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not muzzle the ox (0)

Alternate translation: “You must not put something over the mouth of an ox”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when he treads out the grain (0)

while he separates the grain from the chaff by walking on it or dragging heavy wood over it

Deuteronomy 25:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If brothers live together (0)

This could mean: (1) “If brothers live on the same property” or (2) “If brothers live near each other.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then the wife of the dead man must not be married off to someone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then the family of the dead man must not let the widow marry someone” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: shall go in to her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “shall have sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do the duty of a husband’s brother to her (0)

Alternate translation: “do what the brother of a dead husband is supposed to do”

Deuteronomy 25:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will succeed in the name of that man’s dead brother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “name” is a metonym for the person’s family line. Alternate translation: “will continue the family line of that man’s dead brother” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that his name will not perish from Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “name” is a metonym for the person’s family line. Alternate translation: “so that his family line will not disappear from Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 25:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must go up to the gate to the elders (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “must go up to the city gate where the elders judge cases” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: refuses to raise up for his brother a name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” refers to the memory of someone through his descendants. Alternate translation: “refuses to give his brother a son” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother to me (0)

Alternate translation: “he will not do what a husband’s brother is supposed to do and marry me”

Deuteronomy 25:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I do not wish to take her (0)

Alternate translation: “I do not wish to marry her”

Deuteronomy 25:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: must come up to him in the presence of the elders (0)

Alternate translation: “must walk up close to him with the elders there watching”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who does not build up his brother’s house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house” is a metonym for the family. Alternate translation: “who does not give his brother a son and continue his brother’s family line” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 25:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: His name will be called in Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “People in Israel will know his family as”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The house of him whose sandal has been taken off (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here removing the sandal symbolizes that the brother would not receive any of the property of his dead brother. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The house of him whose sandal his brother’s widow took off his foot” or “The family of a man who did not marry the wife of his dead brother” or “The family whom everyone despises” or “The family who is shameful” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 25:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: out of the hand of him who struck him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hand” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “so the one who struck him will not strike him again” or “from the man who hit him” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 25:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your eye must have no pity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eye” means the whole person. Alternate translation: “you should not feel sorry for her” or “you must not show her mercy” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 25:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not have in your bag different weights, a large and a small (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “You must not cheat people by using a weight that is larger than you say it is when you buy things and by using a weight that is smaller than you say it is when you sell things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: weights (0)

Weights were stones used on a balance to determine how much something weighs

Deuteronomy 25:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must not have in your house different measures, a large and a small (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “You must not cheat people by using a measure that is larger than you say it is when you buy things and by using a measure that is smaller than you say it is when you sell things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: measures (0)

A measure was a basket or other container for measuring how much there is of something.

Deuteronomy 25:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel about using fair weights and measures when buying and selling. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A perfect and just (0)

Alternate translation: “A correct and fair”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: weight & measure (0)

See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 25:13.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your days may be long (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you may live for a long time” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 25:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For all who do such things, all that act unrighteously (0)

Alternate translation: “because everyone who cheats people by using different sized weights and measures”

Deuteronomy 25:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind what Amalek did to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom, and “Amalek” is a metonym for the Amelikite people. Alternate translation: “Remember what the Amalekites did to you” (See: Idiom and How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as you came out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

The word “you” here is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 25:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: how he met you on the road (0)

Alternate translation: “how they met you along the way”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: attacked those of you at the rear (0)

Alternate translation: “attacked those of your people who were in the back of the line”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all who were feeble in your rear (0)

Alternate translation: “all the people who were weak in the back of the line”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: faint and weary (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These words have similar meanings and emphasize how tired the people were. Alternate translation: “tired and exhausted” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he did not honor God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he was not afraid of God’s punishment” or “he did not respect God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 25:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven (0)

Alternate translation: “you must kill all of the Amalekites so that nobody will remember them anymore”

Deuteronomy 26

Deuteronomy 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter recalls the great events of Israel’s history when Yahweh brought them out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 26:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 26:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: some of the first of all the harvest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

Alternate translation: “some of the first fruits of the harvest” or “some of the first crops of the harvest.” This “first” is the ordinal number for one. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Deuteronomy 26:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 26:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My ancestor was a wandering Aramean (0)

This is the beginning of the statement that the Israelite male should make when bringing his basket.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a wandering Aramean (0)

This refers to Jacob, who was the ancestor of all the Israelites. He lived for many years in Aram-Nahairam, a region located in Syria.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stayed there (0)

Alternate translation: “lived the rest of his life there”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There he became (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “he” is a metonym for “Jacob’s descendants.” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a great, mighty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These words mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that Israel became a large and powerful nation. Alternate translation: “very great” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 26:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

This continues what the Israelite must say when he brings his first crops to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: treated us badly and afflicted us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases say basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Egyptians acted very harshly. (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: treated us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “us” refers to the people of Israel that were living in Egypt. The speaker includes himself as one of the people whether he lived in Egypt or not. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Deuteronomy 26:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he heard our voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” refers to the whole person and his cries or prayers. Alternate translation: “he heard our cries” or “he heard our prayers” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our affliction, our labor, and our oppression (0)

Alternate translation: “that the Egyptians were afflicting us, that we were doing very hard work, and that the Egyptians were oppressing us”

Deuteronomy 26:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

This continues what the Israelite must say when he brings his first crops to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh brought us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “us” refers to the people of Israel that were living in Egypt. The speaker includes himself as one of the people whether he lived in Egypt or not. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “a mighty hand” and “an outstretched arm” are metaphors for Yahweh’s power. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:34. Alternate translation: “by showing his mighty power” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with great fearsomeness (0)

Alternate translation: “with acts that terrified the people who saw them”

Deuteronomy 26:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land that flows with milk and honey (0)

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming”

Deuteronomy 26:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Israelites what they must say when they bring theire first crops to Yahweh. He speaks to them as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: first of the harvest (0)

Alternate translation: “first fruits of the harvest” or “first crops of the harvest”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You must set it down (0)

Alternate translation: “You must set the basket down.”

Deuteronomy 26:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must rejoice in all the good that Yahweh your God has done for you (0)

Alternate translation: “you must rejoice and be grateful for all the good things that Yahweh your God has done for you”

Deuteronomy 26:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the third year (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This “third” is the ordinal number for three. Every three years the people of Israel gave a tenth of the harvest to the poor. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fatherless (0)

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: widow (0)

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her now that she is old.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: eat within your city gates and be filled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “gates” means towns or cities. Alternate translation: “so that those within your towns may have enough food to eat” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 26:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have brought out of (0)

These are the first words of another statement that the Israelite was supposed to say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: neither have I forgotten them (0)

This means that he has obeyed all of God’s commandments.

Deuteronomy 26:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

This continues what the Israelite must say to Yahweh when he gives his tithe to the poor.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have not eaten any of it in my mourning (0)

Alternate translation: “I have not eaten any of the tithe while I was mourning”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when I was impure (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here “impure” means the person is unclean according to the Law. God does not allow an unclean person to touch the tithe he is giving to God. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “when I was unclean according to the Law” or “when the law says I cannot touch it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have listened to the voice of Yahweh my God; I have obeyed everything you have commanded me to do (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice of Yahweh” is a metonym for what Yahweh says. Both statements share similar meanings. They emphasize that the person has obeyed all of God’s commands. (See: Metonymy and Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 26:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the holy place where you live, from heaven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “from heaven, your holy dwelling place” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land flowing with milk and honey (0)

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming”

Deuteronomy 26:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart and with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 26:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that you will walk in his ways and keep his statutes, his commandments, and his decrees, and that you will listen to his voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

The words “walk,” “keep,” and “listen” have similar meanings here. Here “voice” refers to what God has said. Alternate translation: “that you will completely obey everything Yahweh commands” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 26:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a people who are his own possession (0)

Alternate translation: “a people who belong to him”

Deuteronomy 26:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will set you high above (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he will make you more important than” or “he will make you greater than” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will set you high above all the other nations that he has made, and you will receive praise, fame, and honor (0)

This could mean: (1) “he will cause you to become greater than any other nation that he has established, and he will enable you to praise him and honor him” or (2) “he will have people praise you more than they praise every other nation that he has made; people will say that you are better than any other nation, and they will honor you.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will be a people that is set apart to Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will set you apart from other nations” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 27

Deuteronomy 27 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“May the man be cursed”

This phrase is repeated several times in this chapter. This parallelism serves as a warning to the Israelites when they will live in the Promised Land. This is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: Promised Land and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Deuteronomy 27:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted, the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: command you today (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so the word “you” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I command (0)

Here “I” refers to Moses. The elders are there in agreement with Moses, but he is the only one speaking.

Deuteronomy 27:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will pass (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so the word “you” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: plaster them with plaster (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Plaster is usually a mixture of lime, sand, and water that is spread on something. It dries to form a hard, smooth surface on which a person can write. Alternate translation: “spread plaster on them” or “make them so you can write on them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 27:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land flowing with milk and honey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 27:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have passed & set up & I am commanding you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is addressing the Israelites as a group, so the instances of “you” and the command “set up” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: plaster them with plaster (0)

Alternate translation: “spread plaster on them” or “make them so you can write on them.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:2.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Ebal (0)

This is a mountain near Shechem. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 11:29.

Deuteronomy 27:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you must raise no iron tool to work the stones (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the chisels that would make the stones smoother, in order that they might fit together better. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “you will not shape the altar stones with iron tools” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 27:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: unworked stones (0)

stones in their natural shape that no one has shaped with metal tools

Deuteronomy 27:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: write on the stones (0)

This refers to the stones they were to set up on Mount Ebal and cover with plaster. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:2 and Deuteronomy 27:4.

Deuteronomy 27:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 27:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: obey the voice of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what he says. Alternate translation: “obey what Yahweh your God says” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am commanding (0)

Moses is commanding. The Levites are there in agreement with Moses, but he is the only one speaking.

Deuteronomy 27:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: These tribes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “tribes” refers to the people from the tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. Alternate translation: “The people from these tribes” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Gerizim (0)

A small mountain north of Mount Ebal. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 11:29.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Joseph (0)

This combines the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, who were descendants of Joseph.

Deuteronomy 27:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Ebal (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 11:29.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: pronounce curses (0)

Alternate translation: “say in a loud voice how Yahweh will curse Israel”

Deuteronomy 27:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed & sets it up in secret (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This is the statement the Levites must shout to all the people of Israel. It may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the person … sets it up in secret” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the work of the hands of a craftsman (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “something a man has made” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: craftsman (0)

a man who knows how to make things well

Deuteronomy 27:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 27:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who removes his neighbor’s landmark (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of the statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “who takes land away from his neighbor by moving the markers on the borders of his land” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 27:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 27:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: uses force to take away the justice due to a foreigner & widow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a stronger person can violently pull away from a weaker person. Your language might have one word that means “use force to take away.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 24:17. Alternate translation: “treats a foreigner … widow unfairly” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fatherless (0)

These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: widow (0)

This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.

Deuteronomy 27:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his father’s wife (0)

This does not refer to the man’s mother, but another wife of his father.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has taken away his father’s rights (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

When a man marries a woman, only he has the legal right to sleep with her. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he has taken away his father’s legal rights” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 27:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the daughter of his father, or with the daughter of his mother (0)

This means a man cannot sleep with his sister, even if she has a different mother or father.

Deuteronomy 27:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 27:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May the man be cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:16. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28

Deuteronomy 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Blessings and warnings

This chapter explains some of the blessings and warnings associated with Israel’s obedience to the law of Moses. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

Deuteronomy 28:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the voice of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what he says. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh your God says” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so as to keep (0)

Alternate translation: “and obey”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: set you above (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of being important or being great as if it were being physically higher, as on a higher hill. Alternate translation: “make you more important than” or “make you greater than” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All these blessings will come on you and overtake you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses describes the blessings as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if you cannot escape having him bless you” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

Deuteronomy 28:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Blessed will you be (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless you” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the city & in the field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This merism means that Yahweh will bless them everywhere. (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 28:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground, and the fruit of your beasts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

These idioms for “your children, and your crops, and all your animals” form a merism for everything the Israelites valued. (See: Idiom and Merism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruit of your beasts, the increase of your cattle, and the young of your flock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

This doublet is three ways of saying that Yahweh will make the Israelites’ animals many and strong. Alternate translation: “all of your animals along with the calves of the cattle and the lambs of the flocks” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 28:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Blessed will be (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your basket and your kneading trough (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Israelites used a basket to carry grain. A “kneading trough” was a bowl they used to mix the grain and make bread. Alternate translation: “all the food you grow and all the food you eat” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when you come in & when you go out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This merism refers to all of life’s activities everywhere they go. (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 28:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck down before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “cause you to defeat the armies that attack you” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but will flee before you seven ways (0)

Alternate translation: “but they will run away from you in seven directions”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seven ways (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. The actual number could be more or less than seven. Alternate translation: “in many different directions” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:8

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Quote: Yahweh will command the blessing to come on you in your barns (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses describes Yahweh blessing the Israelites as if Yahweh were commanding a person to attack them by surprise. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh blesses you, you will be surprised by how much grain you have in your barns” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in all that you put your hand to (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in everything you do” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: Yahweh will establish you as a people that is set apart for himself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh put them in a place different from the place all other nations live in. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make you a holy people that belongs to him” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:10

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Quote: you are called by the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “called by the name of Yahweh” means belonging to him. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has called you his own” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your cattle, in the fruit of your ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 28:4. Alternate translation: “with children, animals, and crops” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:12

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Quote: his storehouse of the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of the clouds from which the rain falls as if they were a building where he stores the rain. Alternate translation: “the clouds” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: at the right time (0)

Alternate translation: “when the crops need it”

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Quote: all the work of your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “hand” is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “all the work that you do” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 28:13

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the head, and not the tail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This metaphor describes the nation of Israel as an animal and means the Israelites will always be the leaders over other nations and never the servants following behind them. The Israelites will be superior in power, money, and honor. (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: will be only above & will never be beneath (0)

The Israelites will rule over others but never have others rule them.

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Quote: I am commanding you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, so the word “you” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 28:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if you do not turn away from any of the words that I am commanding you today, to the right hand or to the left, so as to go after other gods to serve them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Disobeying Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if a person physically turned and went in a different direction from Yahweh’s words. Alternate translation: “if you do not disobey what I am commanding you today by serving other gods” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But if (0)

Here Moses starts describing the curses the people will receive if they disobey.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the voice of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” means what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh your God is saying” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then all these curses will come on you and overtake you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if you cannot escape having him curse you” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

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Quote: come on you and overtake you (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:2.

Deuteronomy 28:16

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: Cursed will you be (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse you” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the city & in the field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This merism means that Yahweh will bless them everywhere. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:3. (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 28:17

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Quote: your basket and your kneading trough (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The Israelites used a basket to carry grain. A “kneading trough” was a bowl they used to mix the grain and make bread. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:5. Alternate translation: “all the food you grow and all the food you eat” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Cursed will be (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom for “your children, your crops.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:4. (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the increase of your cattle, and the young of your flock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

This doublet is two ways of saying that Yahweh will make the Israelites’ animals many and strong. Alternate translation: “the calves of the cattle and the lambs of the flocks” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 28:19

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Quote: when you come in & when you go out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This merism refers to all of life’s activities everywhere they go. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:6 (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 28:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: curses, confusion, and rebukes (0)

Alternate translation: “disasters, fear, and frustration”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in all that you put your hand to (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in everything you do” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until you are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until your enemies destroy you” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forsaken me (0)

Here “me” refers to Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 28:21

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Quote: cling to you (0)

Alternate translation: “remain on you”

Deuteronomy 28:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: infectious diseases, with fever, with inflammation (0)

Alternate translation: “diseases and burning fevers that will make you weak.” These all refer to diseases that cause people to grow weak and die.

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Quote: with drought (0)

Alternate translation: “with lack of rain”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mildew (0)

mold that grows on crops and causes them to rot

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: These will pursue you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Moses speaks of the bad things that would happen to the Israelites as if they were people or animals who would chase after the Israelites. Alternate translation: “You will suffer from them” (See: Personification)

Deuteronomy 28:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: skies & will be bronze (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of the skies being like bronze because there will be no rain. Alternate translation: “skies … will give no rain” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: the earth & will be iron (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of the earth being like iron because no crops will grow. Alternate translation: “nothing will grow from the ground” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:24

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Quote: Yahweh will make the rain of your land into powder and dust (0)

Alternate translation: “instead of rain, Yahweh will send sandstorms”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until you are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until it destroys you” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will cause you to be struck down before your enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause your enemies to strike you down” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to be struck down before (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:7.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will flee before them seven ways (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

This means the Israelites will be afraid and panic and run away from their enemies. See similar wording in Deuteronomy 28:7. Alternate translation: “you will flee in seven directions” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seven ways (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in many different directions” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will be tossed to and fro among all the kingdoms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The peoples of the other nations will drive you from one nation to another” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the boils of Egypt (0)

Alternate translation: “the same skin disease with which I cursed the Egyptians”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: boils & ulcers, scurvy, and itch (0)

These are different types of skin diseases.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from which you cannot be healed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “from which no one will be able to heal you” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will grope about at noonday like the blind grope in the darkness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Alternate translation: “You will be like blind people who grope in darkness even at noonday.” The Israelites will have a difficult life even when everyone else is enjoying life. (See: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will be always oppressed and robbed (0)

Alternate translation: “stronger people will always oppress and rob you”

Deuteronomy 28:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 28:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your ox will be slain before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You will watch as someone kills your ox” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your donkey will be forcibly taken away from before you and will not be restored to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone will take your donkey by force and will not give it back” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your sheep will be given to your enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will give your sheep to your enemies” or “I will allow your enemies to take your sheep” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your sons and your daughters will be given to other peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will give your sons and your daughters to other peoples” or “Your enemies will take your sons and daughters” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your eyes will look for them the entire day, but will fail with longing for them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “your eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you will grow tired as you constantly watch for them and long to see them again” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There will be no strength in your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “strength in your hand” refers to power. “Alternate translation: “You will be powerless to do anything about it” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:33

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a nation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “a nation” means the people from a nation. Alternate translation: “people from a nation” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will always be oppressed and crushed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “oppressed” and “crushed” mean basically the same thing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they will always oppress and crush you” or “they will oppress you continually” (See: Doublet and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:34

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Quote: you will become insane by what you have to see happen (0)

Alternate translation: “what you see will make you go crazy”

Deuteronomy 28:35

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from which you cannot be cured (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that no one will be able to cure” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:36

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 28:37

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of horror, a proverb, and a byword, among all the peoples where Yahweh will lead you away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here the words “proverb” and “byword” mean basically the same thing. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “of horror. The people, in the places where Yahweh will send you, will make up proverbs and bywords about you” or “of horror. Yahweh will send you to peoples who will laugh at you and ridicule you” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: byword (0)

a word or phrase that people use to shame others

Deuteronomy 28:38

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but will gather little seed in (0)

Alternate translation: “but will harvest very little food”

Deuteronomy 28:40

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues describing God’s curses if the people disobey him. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but you will not rub any of the oil on yourself (0)

People would rub olive oil on themselves to make their skin healthy.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your olive trees will drop their fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

You may need to make explicit that the fruit drops before it is ripe. Alternate translation: “your olive trees will drop their fruit before the fruit is ripe” or “the olives will fall off your olive trees before they are ripe” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 28:42

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 28:43

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The foreigner who is (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This does not mean a specific foreigner but refers to foreigners in general. Alternate translation: “The foreigners who are” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rise up above you higher and higher; you yourself will come down lower and lower (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means foreigners will have more power, money, and honor than the Israelites. (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:44

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will & to him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This does not mean a specific foreigner (verse 43) but refers to foreigners in general. Alternate translation: “They will … to them” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will be the head, and you will be the tail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means foreigners will have more power and authority than the Israelites. See how you translated a similar phrase in Deuteronomy 28:13. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:45

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All these curses will come on you and will pursue and overtake you until you are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. See how you translated something similar in Deuteronomy 28:2. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if he is chasing you and you cannot escape having him curse you” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the voice of Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the words “voice of Yahweh” are a metonym for what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh your God said” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his commandments and his regulations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “commandments” and “regulations” are a doublet for “all that Yahweh has commanded you to do.” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 28:47

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: joyfulness and gladness of heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here “joyfulness” and “gladness of heart” mean the same thing. They emphasize that the people should have been very glad to worship Yahweh. (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 28:48

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will put a yoke of iron on your neck (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is a metaphor for Yahweh allowing the enemy to treat the Israelites cruelly and make them slaves. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:49

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from far away, from the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the enemy will come from a nation that is very far away from Israel. (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “from places that you know nothing about” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like an eagle flies to its victim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means the enemy will come suddenly and the Israelites will not be able to stop them. (See: Simile)

Deuteronomy 28:50

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a nation with a fierce face that does not respect the aged and does not show favor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “nation” is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: “a nation whose people have fierce expressions, who do not respect the aged and do not show favor” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:51

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until you are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until they destroy you” or “until they leave you with nothing” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:52

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues describing the army that will attack the Israelites if they do not obey Yahweh. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: you in all your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the phrase “city gates” represents a city. Alternate translation: “your cities” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 28:53

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Quote: the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “the flesh of your sons and of your daughters” explains the metaphor “the fruit of your own body.” The people will be so hungry after the enemy army surrounds their city that they will eat their own children. (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

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Quote: the fruit of your own body (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks of children as if they were fruit that was produced by the bodies of their parents. Alternate translation: “your own children” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 28:54

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: who is tender and very delicate among you—he (0)

Alternate translation: “who is tender and very delicate among you—even he.” Moses is saying that not only those one would expect to eat their children, but even the last person one would expect to eat his own children will eat his children.

Deuteronomy 28:55

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Quote: all your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “city gates” represents the cities themselves. Alternate translation: “all your cities” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 28:56

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: The tender and delicate woman among you & tenderness—she (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Alternate translation: “The tender and delicate woman among you … tenderness—even she.” Moses is saying that not only those one would expect to eat their children, but even women of noble birth and normally very gentle, whom one would never expect to eat their children, will eat their children. The word “you” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: who would not venture to put the bottom of her foot on the ground for delicateness and tenderness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Moses is exaggerating. He is emphasizing that this noble woman is so rich and lives in such luxury that she would not allow herself to get dirty. (See: Hyperbole)

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Quote: for delicateness and tenderness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “delicateness” and “tenderness” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “because she is so delicate and tender” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 28:57

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Quote: within your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “city gates” represents the cities themselves. Alternate translation: “within your cities” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 28:58

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: that are written (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written” (See: Active or Passive)

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Quote: this glorious and fearful name, Yahweh your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “name” refers to Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God who is glorious and awesome” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:59

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Quote: Yahweh will make your plagues terrible, and those of your descendants (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will send terrible plagues on you and your descendants” or “Yahweh will make sure that you and your descendants suffer from terrible plagues”

Deuteronomy 28:60

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: He will bring on you again all the diseases of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “He will make sure that you again suffer from the diseases of Egypt” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: they will cling to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the diseases will not stop, and no one will be able to heal you of them” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:61

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Quote: every sickness and plague that is not written (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Here “every” is a generalization that means “many.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “even other sicknesses and plagues that I have not written” (See: Hyperbole and Active or Passive)

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Quote: until you are destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until he has destroyed you” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 28:62

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Quote: You will be left & you were like & you did not listen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so all instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: you were like the stars of the heavens in number (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means that in the past there were many Israelites. (See: Simile)

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Quote: to the voice of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the metonym “voice of Yahweh” refers to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “to what Yahweh says” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 28:63

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Quote: Yahweh once rejoiced over you & multiplying you & rejoice over you in making you perish and in destroying you. You will be plucked (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so all instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: Yahweh once rejoiced over you in doing you good, and in multiplying you (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh once enjoyed doing you good and causing you to become many”

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Quote: he will rejoice over you in making you perish (0)

Alternate translation: “he will enjoy making you die”

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Quote: You will be plucked off the land that you are going into to possess (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses uses a metaphor to speak of the people as though they were fruit that Yahweh would take off a bush. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He will remove you from the land which you are entering to possess” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

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Quote: you are going (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 28:64

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Quote: scatter you & you will worship & you have not known & you nor your ancestors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: from the one end of the earth to the other end of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

These two extremes together mean everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: “throughout the earth” or “all over the earth” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 28:65

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: there will be no rest for the bottoms of your feet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the phrase “the bottoms of your feet” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you will have to continually wander because you have no permanent home where you can rest” (See: Synecdoche)

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Quote: Yahweh will give you there a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a soul that mourns (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause you to be afraid, without hope, and sad” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:66

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Quote: Your life will hang in doubt before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “You will not know whether you will live or die” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 28:67

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: because of the fear in your hearts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “because of the fear you are feeling” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: the things your eyes will have to see (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “the terrifying things I will force you to see” (See: Synecdoche and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 28:68

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Quote: I had said (0)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 29

Deuteronomy 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a retelling of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses, along with its blessings and cursing. (See: covenant and bless, blessed, blessing and curse, cursed, cursing)

Deuteronomy 29:1

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Quote: These are the words that Yahweh commanded Moses to tell (0)

This refers to words that Moses is about to speak.

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Quote: in the land of Moab (0)

This is on the east side of the Jordan where the Israelites were staying before they entered the land of Canaan. “while they were in the land of Moab”

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Quote: words that were added to the covenant & at Horeb (0)

These additional commands were given to make Yahweh’s covenant apply better to the people once they were settled in their new land. These new commands did not belong to a different covenant, but rather were additions to the original covenant.

Deuteronomy 29:2

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Quote: You have seen everything that Yahweh did before your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Yahweh expected them to remember what Yahweh had done and they had seen it. Here the “eyes” represent the whole person and emphasize what the person has seen. Alternate translation: “You have seen all that Yahweh did so that you would see and remember what he did” (See: Synecdoche)

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Quote: your eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “your” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 29:3

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Quote: the great sufferings that your eyes saw (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” emphasizes that Yahweh expected them to remember that they had seen it. Alternate translation: “you saw for yourselves that the people suffered terribly” (See: Synecdoche)

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Quote: the signs, and those great wonders (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “signs” and “wonders” both refer to the plagues that Yahweh had sent upon Egypt. Alternate translation: “and all of the powerful things that Yahweh did” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 29:4

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Quote: Yahweh has not given you a heart to know, eyes to see, or ears to hear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The people do have hearts, eyes, and ears. This metonym says that Yahweh has not enabled them to understand from what they saw and heard who Yahweh is, and how and why they should obey him. (See: Metonymy)

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Quote: given you a heart to know (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “enabled you to understand” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 29:5

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Quote: I have led you (0)

Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: forty years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “40 years” (See: Numbers)

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Quote: your sandals & your feet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “your” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 29:6

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Quote: other alcoholic drinks (0)

Alcoholic drinks made probably from fermented grains. They were not distilled liquors.

Deuteronomy 29:7

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Quote: Sihon, the king of Heshbon, and Og, the king of Bashan (0)

See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4.

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Quote: came out against us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “us” refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Deuteronomy 29:9

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Quote: keep the words of this covenant and do them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the people were to obey Yahweh’s commands. Alternate translation: “obey all the words of this covenant” (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 29:10

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 29:11

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Quote: among you in your camp & your wood & your water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: the foreigner who is among you in your camp, from him who cuts your wood to him who draws (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

There were many foreigners among the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the foreigners who are among you in your camp, from those who cut your wood to those who get your water” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Deuteronomy 29:12

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: to enter into the covenant of Yahweh your God and into the oath that Yahweh your God is making with you today (0)

Alternate translation: “to agree to the covenant and to swear that you will obey all that Yahweh your God commands”

Deuteronomy 29:13

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Quote: a people for himself (0)

Alternate translation: “a people group that belongs to him alone”

Deuteronomy 29:14

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Quote: I am making (0)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh. “Yahweh is making”

Deuteronomy 29:15

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Quote: standing here with us (0)

Here “us” refers to Moses and the people of Israel.

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Quote: those who are not here (0)

Alternate translation: “our future descendants, who are not here”

Deuteronomy 29:16

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Quote: we lived (0)

Alternate translation: “we were slaves”

Deuteronomy 29:18

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Quote: whose heart is turning away today from Yahweh our God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “heart” refers to the whole person, and “turning away” means to stop obeying. Alternate translation: “who no longer obeys Yahweh our God” (See: Synecdoche)

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Quote: any root that produces gall and wormwood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of someone who secretly worships another God as if he were a root, and the evil deeds he does to serve that god, and which he encourages others to do, as a bitter plant that poisons people. Alternate translation: “any person who worships idols and causes others to disobey Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 29:19

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Quote: that person (0)

The person described in verse 18.

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Quote: bless himself in his heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “congratulate himself” or “encourage himself” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “even though I still refuse to obey Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: This would destroy the wet together with the dry (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the words “wet” and “dry” are metaphors for the righteous people and the wicked people. This forms a merism for “everyone.” Alternate translation: “This would cause Yahweh to destroy both the righteous people and the wicked people in the land” (See: Metaphor and Merism)

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Quote: wet & dry (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

These nominal adjectives can be translated as nouns. Because the land was usually dry and the people needed rain so their crops would grow, these words are metaphors for “living … dead” or “good … bad.” Alternate translation: “wet things … dry things” or “good people … bad people” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 29:20

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Quote: the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy will smolder (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Just as a fire can grow in intensity, so can God’s anger and Jealousy grow in intensity. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s jealous anger will grow like a fire” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here the word “jealousy” describes “the anger of Yahweh.” Alternate translation: Yahweh’s jealous anger” (See: Hendiadys)

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Quote: that are written (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written” (See: Active or Passive)

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Quote: the curses that are written in this book will come on him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 28:15. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will curse him with the curses written in this book in ways that will completely surprise him” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

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Quote: Yahweh will blot out his name from under heaven (0)

This means God will completely destroy the person and his family. In the future people will not remember him. A similar phrase appears in Deuteronomy 7:24.

Deuteronomy 29:22

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Quote: The generation to come, your children who will rise up after you (0)

The words “your children … after you” tell who “the generation to come” is.

Deuteronomy 29:23

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Quote: when they see that the whole land has become sulfur and burning salt (0)

People put sulfur and salt on the soil to keep anything from growing. “when they see that Yahweh has burned the land with sulfur and salt”

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Quote: where nothing is sown or bears fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where no one can sow seed and the crops do not bear fruit” (See: Active or Passive)

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Quote: like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah (0)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word overthrow, you can express the same idea with a clause. Alternate translation: “as when Yahweh completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah”

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Quote: Admah and Zeboyim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of cities that Yahweh destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 29:24

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Quote: they will say together with all the other nations & mean? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

This can be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “they will ask with all the other nations why Yahweh has done this to the land, and what the heat of this great anger means.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

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Quote: they will say together with all the other nations (0)

Alternate translation: “your descendants and the people of all the other nations will say”

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Quote: What does the heat of this great anger mean? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

The writer is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: “What does this terrible anger mean?” (See: Hendiadys)

Deuteronomy 29:25

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Quote: It is because they abandoned the covenant of Yahweh, the God of their ancestors (0)

This is the answer to “Why has Yahweh done this to this land?” (Deuteronomy 29:24). “Yahweh has done this to the land because the Israelites did not follow the promises and the laws of his covenant”

Deuteronomy 29:26

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Quote: served other gods and bowed down to them (0)

Alternate translation: “obeyed other gods and worshiped them”

Deuteronomy 29:27

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Quote: the anger of Yahweh has been kindled against this land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses compares Yahweh being angry to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes God’s power to destroy whatever makes him angry, and it can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has became very angry with this land” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

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Quote: this land, so as to bring on it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “land” is a metonym representing the people. Alternate translation: “the people of this land, so as to bring on them” (See: Metonymy)

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Quote: that are written (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written” (See: Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 29:28

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Quote: Yahweh has uprooted them from their land & and has thrown them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Israel is compared to a bad plant that Yahweh has pulled up and thrown out of a garden. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has removed them from their land … and has forced them to go” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: in anger, in wrath, and in great fury (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “anger” and “wrath” and “fury” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the great intensity of Yahweh’s anger. Alternate translation: “in extremely great anger” or “because he was extremely angry” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 29:29

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Quote: The secret matters belong alone to Yahweh our God (0)

Alternate translation: “Some things Yahweh our God has not revealed, and only he knows them”

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Quote: that are revealed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that he has revealed” (See: Active or Passive)

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Quote: we may do all the words of this law (0)

Alternate translation: “we may do everything that this law commands us to do”

Deuteronomy 30

Deuteronomy 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Moses begins to give final instructions to Israel before his death in anticipation of their entrance into the Promised Land. There were warnings and blessings associated with the people’s obedience to the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: Promised Land and bless, blessed, blessing and covenant)

Deuteronomy 30:1

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When all these things have come on you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “these things” refer to the blessings and curses described in chapters 28-29. The phrase “have come on you” is an idiom that means to happen. Alternate translation: “When all these things happen to you” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that I have set before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks of the blessings and curses that Moses told the people as if they were objects that he set in front of them. Alternate translation: “that I have just now told you about” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call them to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember them” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: among all the other nations (0)

Alternate translation: “while you are living in the other nations”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has driven you (0)

Alternate translation: “has forced you to go”

Deuteronomy 30:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: obey his voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” is referring to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what he says” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart and with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 30:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: reverse your captivity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Alternate translation: “free you from your captivity.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word captivity, you can express the same idea with a verbal clause. Alternate translation: “free you from those who had captured you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 30:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If any of your exiled people are in the farthest places (0)

Alternate translation: “Even those of your exiled people who are in the farthest places”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: under the heavens (0)

Alternate translation: “under the sky” or “on the earth”

Deuteronomy 30:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: circumcise your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is not a literal removal of flesh. It means God will remove their sin and enable them to love and obey him. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart and with all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 30:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will put all these curses on your enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of curses as though they were a load or a cover that someone could physically put on top of a person. Alternate translation: “will cause your enemies to suffer from these curses” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 30:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: obey the voice of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” means what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what Yahweh says” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 30:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the work of your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in all the work you do” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the fruit of your body & in the fruit of your cattle & in the fruit of your ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

These three phrases are idioms for “in children … in calves … in crops.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 28:4. (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 30:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that are written (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with all your heart and all your soul (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” and “soul” are metonyms for a person’s inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 4:29. (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Deuteronomy 30:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: neither is it too far for you to reach (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses speaks of being able to understand what a commandment requires a person to do as if it were that person being able to reach a physical object. Alternate translation: “neither is it too difficult for you to understand what Yahweh requires you to do” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 30:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who will go up for us to heaven and bring it down to us and make us able to hear it, so that we may do it? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Here Moses uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that the people of Israel think that Yahweh’s commands are too difficult for them to know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Someone must travel to heaven to learn God’s commands and then return to tell us what they are so we can obey them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 30:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us and make us to hear it, so that we may do it? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This rhetorical question continues the idea that the people of Israel think Yahweh’s commands are too difficult to know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Someone must travel across the sea to learn God’s commands and then return and tell us what they are.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 30:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in your mouth and your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This means that the people already know God’s commands and can tell them to others. (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 30:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have placed before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Putting something where another person can see it is a metaphor for telling someone about something. Alternate translation: “I have told you about” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: life and good, death and evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

You can make clear the implicit information. Alternate translation: “what is good and will cause you to live, and what is evil and will cause you to die” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 30:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: multiply (0)

increase greatly in number

Deuteronomy 30:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if your heart turns away & but instead are drawn away and bow down to other gods and worship them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “heart” refers to the whole person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if you stop being loyal to God … and the people living in the land convince you to bow down and worship other gods” (See: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 30:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to you today that you & you will not prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as a group. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 30:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I call heaven and earth to witness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says, or (2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says (See: Metonymy and Personification and Apostrophe)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to witness against you (0)

Alternate translation: “to be willing to say that you have done evil things”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against you today (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as a group. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 30:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: obey his voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” refers to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “obey what he says” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to cling to him (0)

Alternate translation: “to rely on him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For he is your life and the length of your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These phrases have the same meaning and are metonyms for Yahweh, emphasizing that he is the one who gives life and determines the length of people’s lifetimes. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the only one who can enable you to live a long life” (See: Doublet and Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: swore to your ancestors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: “swore that he would give to your ancestors” (See: Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 31

Deuteronomy 31 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Final instructions

In the Ancient Near East, it was common for an important leader to give instructions for his people to follow after his death. In this chapter, Moses begins his final words to the people of Israel. These are words that he wants them to remember long after he is gone. This section also helped to make a smooth transition to Joshua’s leadership.

Deuteronomy 31:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one hundred twenty years old (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “120 years old” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I can no more go out and come in (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here the extremes “go out” and “come in” used together mean that Moses can no longer do what a healthy person can do. Alternate translation: “I am no longer able to go everywhere that you need to go, so I cannot be your leader any longer” (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 31:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your God & before you & before you & you will dispossess & before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will dispossess them (0)

Alternate translation: “you will take their land”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Joshua, he will go over before you, as Yahweh has spoken (0)

Alternate translation: “Joshua will lead you across the river, as Yahweh promised”

Deuteronomy 31:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he did to Sihon and to Og, the kings of the Amorites (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “Sihon” and “Og” refer to two Kings of the Amorites and their armies. See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4. Alternate translation: “he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their armies” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 31:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Be strong and of good courage (0)

Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fear not, and do not be afraid of them (0)

Alternate translation: “do not fear them at all”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God & with you & fail you nor forsake you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will not fail you nor forsake you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This can be treated as litotes and translated positively. Alternate translation: “he will always fulfill his promise to you and will always be with you” (See: Litotes)

Deuteronomy 31:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the sight of all Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This means that all of the people of Israel were present. Alternate translation: “in the presence of all the Israelites” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Be strong and of good courage (0)

Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 31:5.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will cause them to inherit it (0)

Alternate translation: “you will help them take the land”

Deuteronomy 31:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gave it out to the priests, the sons of Levi (0)

Alternate translation: “gave it out to the Levites, who are the priests”

Deuteronomy 31:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seven years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “7 years” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fixed for the cancellation of debts (0)

Alternate translation: “for canceling debts”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Festival of Shelters (0)

Other names for this festival are “Feast of Tabernacles,” “Festival of Booths,” and “Feast of the Ingathering.” During harvest, farmers would set up temporary shelters in the field. This festival took place after the last harvest of the year. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 16:13.

Deuteronomy 31:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh your God & you will read (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

• Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in their hearing (0)

Alternate translation: “so that they can hear it”

Deuteronomy 31:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the priests and the elders.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your foreigner who is within your city gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “city gates” represents the cities themselves. Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the instances of “your” here are singular. Alternate translation: “your foreigners who live in your cities” (See: Synecdoche and Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: keep all the words of this law (0)

Alternate translation: “carefully obey all the commands in this law”

Deuteronomy 31:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look, the (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you. The”

Deuteronomy 31:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a pillar of cloud (0)

This was a thick cloud of smoke in the shape of an upright column.

Deuteronomy 31:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look, you (0)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am going to tell you. You”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will sleep with your fathers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way to say “you will die.” Alternate translation: “you will die and join your ancestors who have died before you” (See: Euphemism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will rise up and act like a prostitute (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Being a prostitute is a metaphor for worshiping gods other than Yahweh. Alternate translation: “will start to be unfaithful to me” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 31:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my anger will be kindled against them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh compares his anger to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes God’s power to destroy whatever makes him angry. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will kindle my anger against them” or “I will become angry with them” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will hide my face from them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will not help them” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will be devoured (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will devour them” or “I will allow their enemies to devour them” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: devoured (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is a metaphor for “completely destroyed.” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Many disasters and troubles will find them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

This describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. Alternate translation: “They will experience many disasters and troubles” (See: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Have these disasters not come upon us & midst? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

This describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “These disasters are destroying me … midst.” (See: Personification and Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our God is not in our midst (0)

Alternate translation: “God is no longer protecting us” or “God has left us alone”

Deuteronomy 31:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Moses about the Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Put it in their mouths (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Make them memorize and sing it” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 31:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land flowing with milk and honey (0)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “a land where plenty of milk and honey flow” or “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:3.

Deuteronomy 31:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When many evils and troubles come upon this people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here evils and troubles are described as if they were human and could find people. Alternate translation: “When this people experiences many evils and troubles” (See: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this song will testify before them as a witness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

This speaks of the song as if it were a human witness testifying in court against Israel. (See: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their descendants will not forget to keep it in their mouths” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “their descendants will remember to keep it in their mouths” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

The idiom “forget it from the mouth” means to stop speaking about it. Alternate translation: “their descendants will not stop speaking about it to each other” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the plans that they are forming (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

What people plan to do is spoken of as if it were a physical object. Alternate translation: “what they plan to do” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the land that I promised (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

God’s promise of the land was to give it to the people of Israel. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the land that I promised I would give to them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 31:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Be strong and of good courage (0)

Alternate translation: “Be strong and courageous.” See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 31:5.

Deuteronomy 31:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: witness against you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 31:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses continues speaking to the Levites about all the Israelite people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your rebellion and your stiff neck (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word “your” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your stiff neck (0)

See how you translated “stubborn” in Deuteronomy 9:6.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: how much more after my death? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This rhetorical question emphasizes how rebellious the people were. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “you will be even more rebellious after I die.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 31:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that I may speak these words in their ears (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “in their ears” means the people themselves. Alternate translation: “so that I may speak the words of this song to them” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call heaven and earth to witness against them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says or (2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says. A similar phrase appears in Deuteronomy 30:19. (See: Metonymy and Personification and Apostrophe)

Deuteronomy 31:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will utterly corrupt yourselves (0)

Alternate translation: “you will do what is completely wrong.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: turn aside out of the path that I have commanded you (0)

Alternate translation: “stop following the instructions I have given to you.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 9:12.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what is evil in the sight of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what is evil in Yahweh’s judgment” or “what Yahweh considers to be evil” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: through the work of your hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “your hands” means the people themselves. Alternate translation: “because of what you have made” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 31:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Moses recited in the ears of all the assembly of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “ears” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “Moses recited to all the people of Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: recited (0)

This could mean: (1) “sang” or (2) “spoke.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the words of this song (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the words of the song that Yahweh taught him” (See: Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 32

Deuteronomy 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 32:1-43.

Special concepts in this chapter

Punishment

This chapter prophesies a time when Israel will be disobedient to Yahweh and he will have to punish them. This is meant to serve as a warning to the nation. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Deuteronomy 32:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Give ear, you heavens & Let the earth listen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

Yahweh speaks to the heavens and earth as if they are there listening. This could mean: (1) Yahweh is speaking to the inhabitants of heaven and earth or (2) Yahweh is speaking to the heavens and earth as if they are persons. (See: Apostrophe)

Deuteronomy 32:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let my teaching drop down like the rain & and like the showers on the plants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means Yahweh wants the people to eagerly accept his helpful teaching. (See: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: distill (0)

Use the word in your language for the process by which dew appears.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dew (0)

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings

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Quote: tender grass (0)

Alternate translation: “new plants”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: showers (0)

heavy rain

Deuteronomy 32:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: proclaim the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. “tell how good Yahweh is” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ascribe greatness to our God (0)

Alternate translation: “make sure people know that our God is great”

Deuteronomy 32:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his work (0)

Alternate translation: “everything he does”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all his paths are just (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: “he does everything in a just way” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He is just and upright (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh is fair and does what is right. (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 32:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. Moses continues to use parallelism to emphasize what he is saying. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: acted corruptly against him (0)

Alternate translation: “opposed him by doing what is wrong.” See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a perverted and crooked generation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “perverted” and “crooked” mean basically the same thing. Moses uses them to emphasize how wicked the generation is. Alternate translation: “a completely wicked generation” (See: Doublet)

Deuteronomy 32:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do you reward Yahweh in this way & people? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: “You should give Yahweh proper praise … people.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you foolish and senseless people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “foolish” and “senseless” mean the same thing and emphasize how foolish the people are for disobeying Yahweh. Alternate translation: “you extremely foolish people” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your father & has created you & made you and established you (0)

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is he not your father, the one who has created you? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to scold the people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is your father and the one who created you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deuteronomy 32:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind & think about & your father & show you & your elders & tell you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: days of ancient times (0)

Alternate translation: “days of long ago.” Moses refers to the time period when the ancestors of the people of Israel were alive.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: think about the years of many ages past (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This is a repetition of what Moses just said in the previous portion. Moses wants the people of Israel to focus on their history as a nation. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will show you (0)

Alternate translation: “he will make it clear to you” or “he will enable you to understand it”

Deuteronomy 32:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gave the nations their inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. “put the nations in the places where they would live.” Similar words, “giving to you as an inheritance,” appear in Deuteronomy 4:21. (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he set the boundaries of the peoples, as he also fixed the number of their gods (0)

God assigned each people group, together with its gods, to its own territory. In this way, he limited the influence of a people group’s idols.

Deuteronomy 32:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. As he speaks to the Israelites, he talks about them as if they were someone else and as if they were one man. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For Yahweh’s portion is his people; Jacob is his apportioned inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases means basically the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: “The descendants of Jacob are Yahweh’s inheritance” (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 32:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He found him & shielded him and cared for him & guarded him (0)

You may need to translate this as if Moses were talking about the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “He found our ancestors … shielded them and cared for them … guarded them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: howling wilderness (0)

Here “howling” refers to the sound the wind makes as it blows through the empty land.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he guarded him as the apple of his eye (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. The apple of an eye refers to the dark part inside the eyeball that allows a person to see. This is a very important and sensitive part of the body. This means that the people of Israel are very important to God and something he protects. Alternate translation: “he protected him as something very valuable and precious” (See: Idiom and Simile)

Deuteronomy 32:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As an eagle that guards her nest and flutters over her young, Yahweh spread out his wings and took them, and carried them on his pinions (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means Yahweh watched over and protected the Israelites while they were in the desert. (See: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: pinions (0)

the outer edges of a bird’s wings

Deuteronomy 32:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: led him & with him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses again speaks of the Israelites as “Jacob” (Deuteronomy 32:9). You may need to translate as if Moses were speaking of the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “led them … with them” (See: Pronouns)

Deuteronomy 32:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He made him ride on high places of the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. The word “him” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh made them ride on high places of the land” or “Yahweh helped them take and occupy the land” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: made him ride & fed him & nourished him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses continues to speak of the Israelites as “Jacob” (Deuteronomy 32:9). You may need to translate this as though Moses were speaking of the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “made our ancestors ride … fed them … nourished them” (See: Pronouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he fed him the fruits of the field (0)

Alternate translation: “he brought him to a land with plenty of crops he could eat”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he nourished him with honey from the rock, and oil from the flinty crag (0)

The land had many wild bees, which produce honey, with hives inside rock holes. There were also many olive trees, which provide oil, and grow on rocks, hills, and mountains.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nourished him with honey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is like a mother giving her breast to an infant. “allowed him to suck honey” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: Parallelism and Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He ate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Moses continues to speak of the Israelites as “Jacob” (Deuteronomy 32:9). You may need to translate as though Moses were speaking of the Israelites as many people. Alternate translation: “Our ancestors ate” (See: Pronouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fat of lambs, rams of Bashan and goats (0)

The people of Israel had many healthy herd animals.

Deuteronomy 32:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues speaking his poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jeshurun (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Moses speaks of the Israelites as if they were a well-fed animal whose owner named it Jeshurun. You may add a footnote that says, “The name ‘Jeshurun’ means ‘upright one.’” If your language cannot speak of the Israelites as Jeshurun, you may refer to the Israelites as many people, as the UST does. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Rock of his salvation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means Yahweh is strong like a rock and able to protect his people. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:4. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They made Yahweh jealous (0)

The Israelites made Yahweh jealous.

Deuteronomy 32:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses continues to speak his song to the Israelites. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They sacrificed (0)

Alternate translation: “The people of Israel sacrificed”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gods that recently appeared (0)

This means the Israelites recently learned about these gods.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your fathers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as many people, so the word “your” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 32:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You have deserted & your father & you forgot & gave you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You have deserted the Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Yahweh is called the rock because he is strong and protective. Alternate translation: “You have left the protective care of Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:4. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who became your father & who gave you birth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This compares Yahweh to a father and a mother. This means God caused them to live and to be a nation. Alternate translation: “who fathered you … who gave life to you” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his sons and his daughters (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This refers to the people of Israel whom Yahweh gave life to and made into a nation. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will hide my face from them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will turn away from them” or “I will stop helping them” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will see what their end will be (0)

Alternate translation: “I will see what happens to them”

Deuteronomy 32:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They have made me jealous (0)

Here “me” refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what is not god (0)

Alternate translation: “what are false gods”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: worthless things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

You may need to make explicit what the “things” are. Alternate translation: “worthless idols” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who are not a people (0)

Alternate translation: “people who do not belong to one people group”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: foolish nation (0)

Translate “foolish” as in Deuteronomy 32:6.

Deuteronomy 32:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For a fire is kindled by my anger & foundations of the mountains (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh compares his anger to a fire. This emphasizes his power to destroy what makes him angry. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a fire is kindled by my anger and is burning & it is devouring & it is setting (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I start a fire because I am angry, and it burns … it is devouring … it is setting” or “when I am angry, I destroy my enemies like a fire, and I destroy everything on earth and in … I devour … I set” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the lowest Sheol (0)

Alternate translation: “even to the world of the dead”

Deuteronomy 32:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will heap disasters on them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of bad things that would happen to the Israelites as if they were something like dirt that he could pile up on top of the Israelites. Alternate translation: “I will make sure that many bad things happen to them” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will shoot all my arrows at them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Yahweh compares the bad things he will make sure happen to the Israelites to someone shooting arrows from a bow. Alternate translation: “I will do all I can do to kill them” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will be wasted by hunger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hunger, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “be hungry..” Alternate translation: “They will grow weak and die because they are hungry” (See: Active or Passive and Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will & hunger and devoured by burning heat and bitter destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

Here, burning heat could mean: (1) the Israelites will suffer from fevers or (2) the weather will be unusually hot during a drought or famine. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They will … hunger, and burning heat and terrible disasters will devour them” or “They will … hunger, and they will die from burning heat and terrible disasters” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will send on them the teeth of wild animals, with the poison of things that crawl in the dust (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The teeth and the poison are synecdoches for the animals that use these things to kill. Alternate translation: “I will send wild animals to bite them, and things that crawl in the dust to bite and poison them” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 32:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Outside the sword will bereave (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “sword” represents the army of the enemy. Alternate translation: “When the Israelites are outside, the enemy army will kill them” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: terror will do so (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh speaks of being afraid as if it were a person who comes into a house and kills those who live in it. Alternate translation: “you will die because you are afraid” (See: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: young man and virgin, the nursing baby, and the man of gray hairs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

These terms describing people of different ages are combined to mean that all kinds of people will die. (See: Merism)

Deuteronomy 32:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I said that I would & away, that I would & mankind. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

This can be translated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: “I said, ‘I will … away, and I will … mankind.’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I would make the memory of them to cease from among mankind (0)

Alternate translation: “I would make all people forget about them”

Deuteronomy 32:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Were it not that I feared the provocation of the enemy (0)

Alternate translation: “I was afraid of the provocation of the enemy”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the provocation of the enemy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

This abstract noun can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “that the enemy would provoke me” or “that the enemy would cause me to be angry” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the enemy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Yahweh speaks of his enemies as if they are one man. Alternate translation: “my enemy” or “my enemies” (See: Pronouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: judge mistakenly (0)

Alternate translation: “misunderstand”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Our hand is exalted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hand” represents the strength or power of a person. To be exalted is an idiom for defeating an enemy. Alternate translation: “We have defeated them because we are more powerful” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Deuteronomy 32:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 32:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their coming fate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Moses states something that he wishes were true, but he knows that they are not wise and do not understand that their disobedience will cause Yahweh to bring this disaster on them. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their coming fate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fate, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what is going to happen to them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 32:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words and tell them more of what they would have understood if they were wise (Deuteronomy 32:29). (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How could one chase a thousand & Yahweh had given them up? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Moses uses a question to scold the people for not being wise enough to understand why their enemies are defeating them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement as in the UST. (See: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “How could 1 enemy soldier chase 1,000 of your men, and 2 enemy soldiers cause 10,000 of your men to run away” (See: Numbers and Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: unless their Rock had sold them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word “Rock” refers to Yahweh who is strong and able to protect his people. Alternate translation: “unless Yahweh, their Rock, had handed them over” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Alternate translation: “The Rock” here is a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. Translate “Rock” as in Deuteronomy 32:4. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Alternate translation: “The Rock” here is a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. Translate “Rock” as in Deuteronomy 32:4. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our enemies’ rock is not like our Rock (0)

The enemies’ idols and false gods are not powerful like Yahweh.

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Quote: just as even our enemies admit (0)

Alternate translation: “not only do we say so, but our enemies say so also”

Deuteronomy 32:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For their vine comes from the vine of Sodom & clusters are bitter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses compares enemies who worship false gods to the wicked people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah and to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit. This means their enemies are wicked and will cause the Israelites to die if the Israelites start to act like the people who live around them. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their vine comes from the vine of Sodom, and from the fields of Gomorrah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The vine is a metaphor for the people group. “it is as if their vine were a branch of the vines that grew in the fields of Sodom and Gomorrah” or Alternate translation: “they do evil the same way the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah did” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their clusters (0)

Alternate translation: “their clusters of grapes”

Deuteronomy 32:33

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh’s words. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their wine is the poison of serpents and the cruel venom of asps (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses continues comparing the enemies of the people of Israel to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit and wine. This means their enemies are wicked. (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: asps (0)

poisonous snakes

Deuteronomy 32:34

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is not this plan secretly kept by me, sealed up among my treasures? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This question emphasizes that Yahweh’s plans for the people of Israel are kept secret like a valuable treasure. The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I know what I have planned to do to the Israelite people and to their enemies, and I have locked up those plans as someone would lock up his valuable possessions.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

Deuteronomy 32:35

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. This is the end of Moses’s quotation of Yahweh’s words that begins in Deuteronomy 32:20. (See: Parallelism)

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Quote: Vengeance is mine to give, and recompense (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “vengeance” and “recompense” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “I will have vengeance and punish Israel’s enemies” (See: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: recompense (0)

to punish or reward a person for what he has done

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Quote: their foot slips (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Something bad has happened to them. Alternate translation: “they are helpless” (See: Idiom)

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Quote: the day of disaster for them (0)

Alternate translation: “the time for me to destroy them”

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Quote: the things that are to come on them will hurry to happen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the bad things that will happen to his enemies as if the bad things were people running eagerly to punish them. Alternate translation: “I will punish them quickly” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:36

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to speak a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For Yahweh will give justice to his people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you can express the same idea with an adjective or as an adverb. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh will do what is just for his people” or “For Yahweh will act justly towards his people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

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Quote: he will pity his servants (0)

Alternate translation: “he will feel that he needs to help his servants”

Deuteronomy 32:37

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 32:38

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Here Yahweh mocks the people of Israel for offering sacrifices to other gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The gods to whom the Israelites offered meat and wine have not come to help them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let them rise up and help you; let them be your protection (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

Yahweh says this to mock the Israelites. He knows these gods cannot help them. Alternate translation: “These idols are not even able to get up and help or to protect you” (See: Irony)

Deuteronomy 32:39

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I, even I (0)

Alternate translation: “I, I myself” or “I, I alone.” Yahweh repeats “I” to emphasize that only he is God.

Deuteronomy 32:40

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Quote: I lift up my hand to heaven and say (0)

Alternate translation: “I lift up my hand to heaven and swear” or “I have taken an oath.” Lifting up the hand is a sign of making an oath.

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Quote: As I live forever (0)

Alternate translation: “As certainly as I live forever” or “I swear by my life which is never-ending.” This statement assures the people that what God says in Deuteronomy 32:41-Deuteronomy 32:42 will happen.

Deuteronomy 32:41

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When I sharpen my glittering sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Alternate translation: “When I sharpen my shining sword.” This means God is preparing to judge and punish his enemies. Alternate translation: “When I am ready to judge my enemies” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when my hand begins to bring justice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “when I get ready to judge the wicked” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 32:42

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword will devour flesh with the blood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of arrows as if they were people to whom he could give alcohol and make them drunk, and of a sword as if it were a person who was so hungry that he would eat an animal before draining the blood out. These metaphors are metonyms for a soldier using arrows and a sword to kill many enemies. This in turn is a metaphor for Yahweh killing his enemies in war. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy and Personification)

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Quote: from the heads of the leaders of the enemy (0)

A possible meaning is “from the long-haired heads of the enemy.”

Deuteronomy 32:43

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

This is the end of Moses’ song. (See: Parallelism)

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Quote: Rejoice, you nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Moses addresses the peoples of all the nations as if they were there listening. (See: Metonymy and Apostrophe)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for he will avenge the blood of his servants; he will render vengeance on his enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “blood of his servants” represents the lives of his innocent servants who were killed. Alternate translation: “for he will take revenge on his enemies, who killed his servants” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 32:44

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: recited (0)

This could mean: (1) “spoke” or (2) “sang.”

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Quote: in the ears of the people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “ears” represents the people themselves and emphasizes that Moses wanted to make sure they heard the song clearly. Alternate translation: “to the people so they would be sure to hear it” (See: Synecdoche)

Deuteronomy 32:45

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Quote: reciting (0)

This could mean: (1) “speaking” or (2) “singing.”

Deuteronomy 32:46

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Quote: He said to them (0)

Alternate translation: “Moses said to the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Fix your mind on (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to” or “Think about” (See: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have witnessed to you (0)

This could mean: (1) “I have testified to you,” referring to what Yahweh has said he will do to the Israelites if they disobey, or (2) “I have commanded you,” referring to what Yahweh was commanding them to do.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your children (0)

Alternate translation: “your children and descendants”

Deuteronomy 32:47

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is (0)

Alternate translation: “this law is”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: no trivial matter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This litotes can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “something very important” (See: Litotes)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because it is your life (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word life, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “live..” You may need to make explicit the metonymy of obeying the law, which represents the law itself. Alternate translation: “because you will live if you obey it” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prolong your days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:26. Alternate translation: “be able to live a long time” (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 32:49

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mountains of Abarim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a mountain range in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Abarim, up Mount Nebo (0)

Alternate translation: “Abarim and climb up Mount Nebo”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Nebo (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the highest place in the Abarim Mountains. (See: How to Translate Names)

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Quote: opposite Jericho (0)

Alternate translation: “on the other side of the river from Jericho”

Deuteronomy 32:50

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Quote: General Information: (0)

General Information:

Yahweh finishes speaking to Moses.

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Quote: be gathered to your people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way of saying Moses’ spirit would join the spirits of his relatives in the world of the dead. Alternate translation: “join your ancestors who died before you” (See: Euphemism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Mount Hor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a mountain on the border of Edom. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 32:51

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Meribah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of the place in the desert where Moses disobeyed God. (See: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wilderness of Zin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a wilderness on the southern border of Judah. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 33

Deuteronomy 33 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic lines of Moses’ blessings in 33:1-29.

Special concepts in this chapter

Families

Moses gives a series of prophecies or instructions for each of the tribes of Israel and Israel overall. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Deuteronomy 33:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses begins to bless the tribes of Israel. Moses speaks the blessing in the form of short poems. (See: Parallelism)

Deuteronomy 33:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh came from Sinai and rose from Seir upon them. He shined out from Mount Paran (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Moses compares Yahweh to the rising sun. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh came from Sinai, he looked to them like the sun when it rises from Seir and shines out from Mount Paran” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: upon them (0)

Alternate translation: “upon the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ten thousands of holy ones (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “10,000 angels” (See: Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In his right hand were flashes of lightning (0)

Other This could mean: (1) “In his right hand were flames of fire” or (2) “He gave them a law of fire” or (3) “He came from the south, down his mountain slopes.”

Deuteronomy 33:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

These verses are difficult to understand. Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. Moses speaks the blessing in the form of short poems. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the peoples (0)

Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all his holy ones are in your hand & your feet & your words (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

The pronouns “his” and “your” refer to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “all Yahweh’s holy ones are in his hand … his feet … his words” (See: Pronouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all his holy ones are in your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The hand is a metonym for power and protection. Alternate translation: “you protect all his holy people” (See: Metonymy)

Deuteronomy 33:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: an inheritance (0)

Alternate translation: “a possession” or “a precious possession”

Deuteronomy 33:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Verse 5 is difficult to understand. Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there was a king (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh became king”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jeshurun (0)

This is another name for Israel. Translated as in Deuteronomy 32:15.

Deuteronomy 33:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let Reuben live (0)

This begins Moses’ blessings to the individual tribes of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but may his men be few (0)

Other This could mean: (1) “and may his men not be few” or (2) “even though his men are few.”

Deuteronomy 33:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the voice of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice of Judah” refers to the cries and prayers of the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “when the people of Judah pray to you” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be a help (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word help, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “help him to fight” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Deuteronomy 33:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your Thummim and your Urim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

These were sacred stones the high priest carried on his breastplate and used at times to determine God’s will. Here “your” refers to Yahweh. (See: Forms of You and Translate Unknowns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your faithful one, the one whom you tested & with whom you struggled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Moses refers to the tribe of Levi as if it were one man. (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your faithful one (0)

Alternate translation: “the one who seeks to please you.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Massah (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:16. Translator may add a footnote that says: “The name ‘Massah’ means ‘testing.’”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Meribah (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:51. Translator may add a footnote that says: “The name ‘Meribah’ means ‘argue’ or ‘quarrel.’”

Deuteronomy 33:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:2. The blessings are short poems. He continues describing the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:8. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your word (0)

Alternate translation: “your commands”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: guarded & kept (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These words both mean to watch over and to protect. They are often metaphors for “obeyed,” but here they should be translated literally because they refer to a time when the Levites literally killed people who were rebelling against Yahweh. (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 33:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:8. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your & your & you & your (0)

Moses is speaking to Yahweh, so all these words are singular.

Deuteronomy 33:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues describing the tribe of Levi, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:8. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: accept (0)

be pleased with

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the work of his hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the word “hands” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “all the work that he does” (See: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Shatter the loins of (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The loins were considered the center of strength, and are here represent strength. Alternate translation: “Take away the strength of” or “Utterly destroy” (See: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rise up & rise up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This phrase is used twice as a metaphor. Alternate translation: “rise up to fight … cause any more trouble” (See: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rise up against (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “fight against” (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 33:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The one loved by Yahweh lives (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

Here Moses is referring to the members of the tribe of Benjamin. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The ones whom Yahweh loves live” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lives in security (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstact noun “security” can be translated using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “lives where no one can harm him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he lives between Yahweh’s arms (0)

This could mean: (1) Yahweh protects the tribe of Benjamin with his power or (2) Yahweh lives in the hill region of the tribe of Benjamin. In both translations, it means Yahweh takes care of them.

Deuteronomy 33:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: About Joseph (0)

This refers to the tribe of Ephraim and the tribe of Manasseh. Both tribes descended from Joseph.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May his land be blessed by Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “his” refers to Joseph which represents the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless their land” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the precious things of heaven, with the dew (0)

Alternate translation: “with the precious dew from the sky” or “with the precious rain from the sky”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dew (0)

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:2.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the deep that lies beneath (0)

This refers to the water under the ground.

Deuteronomy 33:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:13. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May his land be blessed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 33:13. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless his land” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the precious things of the harvest of the sun (0)

Alternate translation: “with the best crops that the sun causes to grow”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the precious things of the produce of the months (0)

Alternate translation: “with the best crops that grow month to month”

Deuteronomy 33:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: finest things & precious things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Moses is probably referring to food crops. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “the best fruits … the precious fruits” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ancient mountains (0)

Alternate translation: “the mountains that existed long ago”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: everlasting hills (0)

Alternate translation: “the hills that will exist forever”

Deuteronomy 33:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:13. (See: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May his land be blessed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 33:13. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless his land” (See: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: its abundance (0)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abundance, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what it produces in large amounts”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: him who was in the bush (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, who spoke to Moses from the burning bush” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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Quote: Let the blessing come on the head of Joseph (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This metaphor is of a man putting his hand on the head of a son and asking God to bless the son. The man here is Yahweh. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless Joseph as a father blesses his son” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: come on the head of Joseph, and on the top of the head of him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “head” and “top of the head” represent the whole person. Also, Joseph represents his descendants. Alternate translation: “be upon the descendants of Joseph” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)

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Quote: top of the head (0)

Another possible meaning is “brow” or “forehead.”

Deuteronomy 33:17

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Joseph, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:13. (See: Parallelism)

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Quote: The firstborn of an ox, majestic is he (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The ox is a metaphor for something large and strong. The word “firstborn” is a metaphor for honor. Alternate translation: “People will honor Joseph’s descendants, who are many and powerful” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: his horns are the horns of (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The horn is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: “he is as strong as” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: With them he will push (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Pushing with his horns is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: “He is so strong that he will push” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: ten thousands of Ephraim & the thousands of Manasseh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

This means the tribe of Ephraim will be stronger than the tribe of Manasseh. Alternate translation: “the people of Ephraim, who number many times 10,000 … the people of Manasseh, who number many times 1,000” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 33:18

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless each tribe of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He speaks to the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar as if they were one man, so the word “your” and the command “rejoice” here are singular. (See: Parallelism and Forms of You)

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Quote: Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and you, Issachar, in your tents (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people of Zebulun were located near the Mediterranean Sea. They traveled by sea and traded with other people. The people of Issachar preferred peaceful living and working the land and raising cattle. You can make clear the understood information. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 33:19

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Quote: There will they offer (0)

Alternate translation: “It is there that they will offer”

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Quote: sacrifices of righteousness (0)

Alternate translation: “acceptable sacrifices” or “proper sacrifices”

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Quote: For they will suck the abundance of the seas, and from the sand on the seashore (0)

This could mean: (1) they will trade with people across the sea or (2) they were beginning to use sand in making pottery.

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Quote: For they will suck the abundance of the seas (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The Hebrew word translated “suck” here refers to how a baby nurses at its mother’s breast. It means the people will gain wealth from the sea like a baby gets milk from its mother. (See: Metaphor)

Deuteronomy 33:20

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

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Quote: Blessed be he who enlarges Gad (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: This could mean: (1) “May Yahweh bless Gad and give him much land to live in” or (2) “People should say that Yahweh is good because he has given Gad much land to live in” (See: Active or Passive)

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Quote: He will live there like a lioness, and he will tear off an arm or a head (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means the people of Gad are strong and secure, and they will defeat their enemies in war. (See: Simile)

Deuteronomy 33:21

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He continues to describe the tribe of Gad as one man, which he began to do in Deuteronomy 33:20. (See: Parallelism)

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Quote: the leader’s portion (0)

This means a larger piece of land that a leader normally took.

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Quote: He came with the heads of the people (0)

Alternate translation: “They met with all the leaders of the Israelites”

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Quote: He carried out the justice of Yahweh and his decrees with Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “They obeyed all that Yahweh had commanded the Israelites”

Deuteronomy 33:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

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Quote: Dan is a lion cub that leaps out from Bashan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The people of Dan are strong like a lion cub, and they attack their enemies who live in Bashan. You can make clear the understood information. (See: Metaphor and Ellipsis)

Deuteronomy 33:23

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. He speaks of the descendants of Naphtali as if they were one man. (See: Parallelism)

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Quote: satisfied with favor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh being pleased with Naphtali is spoken of as if “favor” were food that Naphtali ate until he was no longer hungry. Alternate translation: “who has all the good things he desires because Yahweh is pleased with him” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: full of the blessing of Yahweh (0)

Blessings are spoken of as if they were food that Naphtali ate until he could hold no more. Alternate translation: “whom Yahweh has blessed so that he has all he needs”

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Quote: take possession (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks as if the tribe of Naphtali is one man, so these words are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: the land to the west and south (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the land around Lake Galilee. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 33:24

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems. (See: Parallelism)

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Quote: dip his foot in olive oil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Olive oil was used for food and for the skin of the face and arms. Feet were dirty, so to put the foot in olive oil was to ruin valuable oil. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “have so much olive oil that he can afford to waste it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 33:25

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Quote: your city bars & your days & your security (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the tribe of Asher as if they are one man, so all instances of “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: May your city bars be iron and bronze (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Cities had large bars across their gates to keep enemies out. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “May you be safe from attacks by your enemies” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 33:26

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Quote: rides through the heavens & on the clouds (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is an image of Yahweh riding on clouds through the sky like a king on his chariot riding through a battlefield. Alternate translation: “rides through the heavens like a king rides through a battlefield … on the clouds like a king on his chariot” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: to your help (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Alternate translation: “to help you.” Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” here is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Deuteronomy 33:27

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Quote: The eternal God is a refuge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here, refuge refers to a shelter or a place safe from danger. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word refuge, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The eternal God will protect his people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

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Quote: underneath are the everlasting arms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The words “everlasting arms” are a metaphor for Yahweh’s promise to protect his people forever. Alternate translation: “he will support and take care of his people forever” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: He thrust out & he said (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

Moses speaks of the future as if it were the past to emphasize that what he is saying will come true. AT “He will thrust out … he will say” (See: Predictive Past)

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Quote: before you & Destroy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word “you” and the command “destroy” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: he said, “Destroy!” (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

If this direct quotation would not work well in your language, you may change it to an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “he will tell you to destroy them!” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Deuteronomy 33:28

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Quote: Israel dwelt & Jacob’s spring was secure (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

This could mean: (1) Moses speaks of the future as if it were the past to emphasize that what he is saying will come true, “Israel will dwell … Jacob’s spring will be secure” or (2) Moses is blessing Israel, “May Israel dwell … and may Jacob’s spring be secure.” (See: Predictive Past)

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Quote: Jacob’s spring (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This could mean: (1) Jacob’s home or (2) Jacob’s descendants. (See: Metonymy)

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Quote: let his heavens drop dew (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The dew is spoken of as being so much that it is as if it were raining. This could mean: (1) Moses is blessing Israel, “may much dew cover the land like rain” or (2) Moses is telling what will happen in the future, “much dew will cover the land like rain.” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: dew (0)

water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:2.

Deuteronomy 33:29

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Quote: General Information: (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words “you” and “your” here are singular. (See: Forms of You)

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Quote: Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh & majesty? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “There is no other people group like you, a people whom Yahweh has saved … majesty.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

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Quote: the shield & the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This merism speaks of Yahweh defending the Israelites from their enemies and enabling them to attack their enemies. (See: Merism)

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Quote: the shield of your help (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word “shield” is a metaphor for Yahweh protecting and defending the Israelites. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word help, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the one who protects you and helps you” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

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Quote: the sword of your majesty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word “sword” is a metaphor for the power to kill with the sword in order to win battles. Alternate translation: “the one who enables you to win battles and so have majesty” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: you will trample down their high places (0)

This could mean: (1) the Israelites will destroy the places where the other people worship false gods or (2) the Israelites will walk on the backs of their enemies when the Israelites defeat them.

Deuteronomy 34

Deuteronomy 34 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter may have been written by Joshua, since it recorded Moses’ death. This chapter officially ends the revelation of the law of Moses, and life in the Promised Land is about to begin again. (See: INVALID bible/kt/reveal and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and Promised Land)

Deuteronomy 34:1

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Quote: Mount Nebo (0)

This is the highest point of Mount Pisgah which is in the northern part of the Abarim mountain range. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:49.

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Quote: Pisgah (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:17.

Deuteronomy 34:3

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Quote: the City of Palms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is another name for Jericho. (See: How to Translate Names)

Deuteronomy 34:4

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Quote: look at it with your eyes (0)

Alternate translation: “see it for yourself”

Deuteronomy 34:6

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Quote: Beth Peor (0)

This was a town in Moab. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29.

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Quote: to this day (0)

This refers to the time that this was written or edited, not to the present time in the twenty-first century.

Deuteronomy 34:7

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Quote: one hundred twenty years old (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “30 days” (See: Numbers)

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Quote: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated (0)

This means his eyes and body were still strong and healthy.

Deuteronomy 34:8

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Quote: thirty days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

Alternate translation: “30 days” (See: Numbers)

Deuteronomy 34:9

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Quote: son of Nun (0)

See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:38.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Joshua & was full of the spirit of wisdom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The writer speaks as if Joshua were a container and the spirit were a physical object that could be put into a container. Alternate translation: “Yahweh enabled Joshua … to be very wise” (See: Metaphor)

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Quote: Moses had laid his hands on him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Moses had laid his hands on him to set Joshua apart so Joshua would serve Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Deuteronomy 34:10

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Quote: Yahweh knew face to face (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. It means Yahweh and Moses had a very close relationship. (See: Idiom)

Deuteronomy 34:12

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Quote: in all the great (0)

Alternate translation: “who did all the great”