English: Translation Words

Key Terms

abomination

Related Ideas:

abominable, abominably, disgusting, foul

Definition:

The term "abomination" is used to refer to something that causes disgust or extreme dislike.

• The Egyptians considered the Hebrew people to be an "abomination." This means that the Egyptians disliked the Hebrews and didn't want to associate with them or be near them.
• Some of the things that the Bible calls "an abomination to Yahweh" include lying, pride, sacrificing humans, worship of idols, murder, and sexual sins such as adultery and homosexual acts.
• In teaching his disciples about the end times, Jesus referred to a prophecy by the prophet Daniel about an "abomination of desolation" that would be set up as a rebellion against God, defiling his place of worship.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "abomination" could also be translated by "something God hates" or "something disgusting" or "disgusting practice" or "very evil action."
• Depending on the context, ways to translate the phrase "is an abomination to" could include "is greatly hated by" or "is disgusting to" or "is totally unacceptable to" or "causes deep disgust."
• The phrase "abomination of desolation" could be translated as "defiling object that causes people to be greatly harmed" or "disgusting thing that causes great sorrow."

(See also: adultery, desecrate, desolate, false god, sacrifice)

Bible References:

• Ezra 09:1-2
• Genesis 46:34
• Isaiah 01:13
• Matthew 24:15
• Proverbs 26:25

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6292, H8251, H8262, H8263, H8441, H8581, G946

Forms Found in the English ULB:

abominable, abomination, abominations, committed ... abominably, disgusting practices, disgusting thing, disgusting things, foul, foul thing

adopt

Related Ideas:

adoption

Definition:

The terms "adopt" and "adoption" refer to the process of someone legally becoming the child of people who are not his biological parents.

• The Bible uses "adoption" and "adopt" in a figurative way to describe how God causes people to be part of his family, making them his spiritual sons and daughters.
• As adopted children, God makes believers to be co-heirs with Jesus Christ, giving them all of the privileges of sons and daughters of God.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could be translated with a term that the language of translation uses to describe this special parent-child relationship. Make sure it is understood that this has a figurative or spiritual meaning.
• The phrase "experience adoption as sons" could be translated as "be adopted by God as his children" or "become God's (spiritual) children."
• To "wait for the adoption of sons" could be translated as "look forward to becoming God's children" or "wait expectantly for God to receive as children."
• The phrase "adopt them" could be translated as "receive them as his own children" or "make them his own (spiritual) children."

(See also: heir, inherit, spirit)

Bible References:

• Ephesians 01:5
• Galatians 04:3-5
• Romans 08:14-15
• Romans 08:23
• Romans 09:04

Word Data:

• Strong's: G5206

Forms Found in the English ULB:

adopt, adopted, adoption

adultery

Related Ideas:

adulterer, adulteress, adulterous, immoral woman

Definition:

The term "adultery" refers to a sin that occurs when a married person has sexual relations with someone who is not that person's spouse. Both of them are guilty of adultery. The term "adulterous" describes this kind of behavior or any person who commits this sin.

• The term "adulterer" refers generally to any person who commits adultery.
• Sometimes the term "adulteress" is used to specify that it was a woman who committed adultery.
• Adultery breaks the promises that a husband and wife made to each other in their covenant of marriage.
• God commanded the Israelites to not commit adultery.
• The term "adulterous" is often used in a figurative sense to describe the people of Israel as being unfaithful to God, especially when they worshiped false gods.

Translation Suggestions:

• If the target language does not have one word that means "adultery," this term could be translated with a phrase such as "having sexual relations with someone else's wife" or "being intimate with another person's spouse."
• Some languages may have an indirect way of talking about adultery, such as "sleeping with someone else's spouse" or "being unfaithful to one's wife." (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#figs-euphemism)
• When "adulterous" is used in a figurative sense, it is best to translate it literally in order to communicate God's view of his disobedient people as being compared to an unfaithful spouse. If this does not communicate accurately in the target language, the figurative use of "adulterous" could be translated as "unfaithful" or "immoral" or "like an unfaithful spouse."

(See also: commit, covenant, sexual immorality, faithful)

Bible References:

• Exodus 20:14
• Hosea 04:1-2
• Luke 16:18
• Matthew 05:28
• Matthew 12:39
• Revelation 02:22

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 13:06 "Do not commit adultery."
• 28:02 Do not commit adultery.
• 34:07 "The religious leader prayed like this, 'Thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like other men-such as robbers, unjust men, adulterers, or even like that tax collector.'"

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2114, H5003, H5004, H5237, G3428, G3429, G3430, G3431, G3432

Forms Found in the English ULB:

adulterer, adulterers, adulteress, adulteresses, adulteries, adulterous, adultery, immoral woman

Almighty

Facts:

The term "Almighty" literally means "all-powerful"; in the Bible, it always refers to God.

• The titles "the Almighty" or "the Almighty One" refer to God and reveal that he has complete power and authority over everything.
• This term is also used to describe God in the titles "Almighty God" and "God Almighty" and "Lord Almighty" and "Lord God Almighty."

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could also be translated as "All-powerful" or "Completely Powerful One" or "God, who is completely powerful."
• Ways to translate the phrase "Lord God Almighty" could include "God, the Powerful Ruler" or "Powerful Sovereign God" or "Mighty God who is Master over everything."

(Translation suggestions: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-names)

(See also: God, lord, power)

Bible References:

• Exodus 06:2-5
• Genesis 17:01
• Genesis 35:11-13
• Job 08:03
• Numbers 24:15-16
• Revelation 01:7-8
• Ruth 01:19-21

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7706, G3841

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Almighty, Almighty's

altar

Definition:

An altar was a raised structure on which the Israelites burned animals and grains as offerings to God.

• During Bible times, simple altars were often made by forming a mound of packed-down dirt or by carefully placing large stones to form a stable pile.
• Some special box-shaped altars were made of wood overlaid with metals such as gold, brass, or bronze.
• Other people groups living near the Israelites also built altars to offer sacrifices to their gods.

(See also: altar of incense, false god, grain offering, sacrifice)

Bible References:

• Genesis 08:20
• Genesis 22:09
• James 02:21
• Luke 11:49-51
• Matthew 05:23
• Matthew 23:19

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 03:14 After Noah got off the boat, he built an altar and sacrificed some of each kind of animal which could be used for a sacrifice.
• 05:08 When they reached the place of sacrifice, Abraham tied up his son Isaac and laid him on an altar.
• 13:09 A priest would kill the animal and burn it on the altar.
• 16:06 He (Gideon) built a new altar dedicated to God near where the altar to the idol used to be and made a sacrifice to God on it.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H741, H2025, H4056, H4196, G1041, G2379

Forms Found in the English ULB:

altar, altars

amen

Related Ideas:

let it be so

Definition:

The term "amen" is a word used to emphasize or call attention to what a person has said. It is often used at the end of a prayer. Sometimes it is translated as "truly."

• When used at the end of a prayer, "amen" communicates agreement with the prayer or expresses a desire that the prayer be fulfilled.
• In his teaching, Jesus used "amen" to emphasize the truth of what he said. He often followed that by "and I say to you" to introduce another teaching that related to the previous teaching.
• When Jesus uses "amen" this way, some English versions (and the ULB) translate this as "verily" or "truly."

Translation Suggestions:

• Consider whether the target language has a special word or phrase that is used to emphasize something that has been said.
• When used at the end of a prayer or to confirm something, "amen" could be translated as "let it be so" or "may this happen" or "that is true."
• When Jesus says, "truly I tell you," this could also be translated as "Yes, I tell you sincerely" or "That is true, and I also tell you."
• The phrase "truly, truly I tell you" could be translated as "I tell you this very sincerely" or "I tell you this very earnestly" or "what I am telling you is true."

(See also: fulfill, true)

Bible References:

• Deuteronomy 27:15
• John 05:19
• Jude 01:24-25
• Matthew 26:33-35
• Philemon 01:23-25
• Revelation 22:20-21

Word Data:

• Strong's: H543, G281

Forms Found in the English ULB:

amen, let it be so

angel

Related Ideas:

archangel

Definition:

An angel is a powerful spirit being whom God created. Angels exist to serve God by doing whatever he tells them to do. The term "archangel" refers to the angel who rules or leads all the other angels.

• The word "angel" literally means "messenger."
• The term "archangel" literally means "chief messenger." The only angel referred to in the Bible as an "archangel" is Michael.
• In the Bible, angels gave messages to people from God. These messages included instructions about what God wanted the people to do.
• Angels also told people about events that were going to happen in the future or events that had already happened.
• Angels have God's authority as his representatives and sometimes in the Bible they spoke as if God himself was speaking.
• Other ways that angels serve God are by protecting and strengthening people.
• A special phrase, "angel of Yahweh," has more than one possible meaning: 1) It may mean "angel who represents Yahweh" or "messenger who serves Yahweh." 2) It may refer to Yahweh himself, who looked like an angel as he talked to a person. Either one of these meanings would explain the angel's use of "I" as if Yahweh himself was talking.

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate "angel" could include "messenger from God" or "God's heavenly servant" or "God's spirit messenger."
• The term "archangel" could be translated as "chief angel" or "head ruling angel" or "leader of the angels."
• Also consider how these terms are translated in a national language or another local language.
• The phrase "angel of Yahweh" should be translated using the words for "angel" and "Yahweh." This will allow for different interpretations of that phrase. Possible translations could include "angel from Yahweh" or "angel sent by Yahweh" or "Yahweh, who looked like an angel."

(See also: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: chief, head, messenger, Michael, ruler, servant)

Bible References:

• 2 Samuel 24:16
• Acts 10:3-6
• Acts 12:23
• Colossians 02:18-19
• Genesis 48:16
• Luke 02:13
• Mark 08:38
• Matthew 13:50
• Revelation 01:20
• Zechariah 01:09

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 02:12 God placed large, powerful angels at the entrance to the garden to keep anyone from eating the fruit of the tree of life.
• 22:03 The angel responded to Zechariah,"I was sent by God to bring you this good news."
• 23:06 Suddenly, a shining angel appeared to them (the shepherds), and they were terrified. The angel said, "Do not be afraid, because I have some good news for you."
• 23:07 Suddenly, the skies were filled with angels praising God…
• 25:08 Then angels came and took care of Jesus.
• 38:12 Jesus was very troubled and his sweat was like drops of blood. God sent an angel to strengthen him.
• 38:15 "I could ask the Father for an army of angels to defend me."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H47, H4397, G32, G743, G2465

Forms Found in the English ULB:

angel, angels, archangel

anoint

Related Ideas:

perfume, sons of fresh olive oil

Definition:

The term "anoint" means to rub or pour oil on a person or object. Sometimes the oil was mixed with spices, giving it a sweet, perfumed smell. The term is also used figuratively to refer to the Holy Spirit choosing and empowering someone.

• In the Old Testament, priests, kings, and prophets were anointed with oil to set them apart for special service to God.
• Objects such as altars or the tabernacle were also anointed with oil to show that they were to be used to worship and glorify God.
• In the New Testament, sick people were anointed with oil for their healing.
• The New Testament records two times that Jesus was anointed with perfumed oil by a woman, as an act of worship. One time Jesus commented that in doing this she was preparing him for his future burial.
• After Jesus died, his friends prepared his body for burial by anointing it with oils and spices.
• The titles "Messiah" (Hebrew) and "Christ" (Greek) mean "the Anointed (One)."
• Jesus the Messiah is the one who was chosen and anointed as a Prophet, High Priest, and King.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, the term "anoint" could be translated as "pour oil on" or "put oil on" or "consecrate by pouring perfumed oil on."
• To "be anointed" could be translated as "be consecrated with oil." or "be appointed" or "be consecrated."
• In some contexts the term "anoint" could be translated as "appoint."
• A phrase like "the anointed priest," could be translated as "the priest who was consecrated with oil" or "the priest who was set apart by the pouring on of oil."

(See also: Christ, consecrate, high priest, King of the Jews, priest, prophet )

Bible References:

• 1 John 02:20
• 1 John 02:27
• 1 Samuel 16:2-3
• Acts 04:27-28
• Amos 06:5-6
• Exodus 29:5-7
• James 05:13-15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1101, H1878, H3323, H4473, H4886, H4888, H4899, H5480, G218, G1472, G3462, G3464, G5545, G5548

Forms Found in the English ULB:

anoint, anointed, anointing, perfume, sons of fresh olive oil

antichrist

Definition:

The term "antichrist" refers to a person or teaching that is against Jesus Christ and his work. There are many antichrists in the world.

• The apostle John wrote that a person is the antichrist if he deceives people by saying that Jesus is not the Messiah or if he denies that Jesus is both God and human.
• The Bible also teaches that there is a general spirit of antichrist in the world which opposes Jesus' work.

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways to translate this term could include a word or phrase that means "Christ-opposer" or "enemy of Christ" or "person who is against Christ."
• The phrase "spirit of the antichrist" could also be translated as "spirit that is against Christ" or "(someone) teaching lies about Christ" or "attitude of believing lies about Christ" or "spirit that teaches lies about Christ."
• Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language. (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: Christ, reveal, tribulation)

Bible References:

• 1 John 02:18
• 1 John 04:03
• 2 John 01:07

Word Data:

• Strong's: G500

Forms Found in the English ULB:

antichrist, antichrists

apostle

Related Ideas:

apostleship

Definition:

The "apostles" were men sent by Jesus to preach about God and his kingdom. The term "apostleship" refers to the position and authority of those who were chosen as apostles.

• The word "apostle" means "someone who is sent out for a special purpose." The apostle has the same authority as the one who sent him.
• Jesus' twelve closest disciples became the first apostles. Other men, such as Paul and James, also became apostles.
• By God's power, the apostles were able to boldly preach the gospel and heal people, and were able to force demons to come out of people.

Translation Suggestions:

• The word "apostle" can also be translated with a word or phrase that means "someone who is sent out" or "sent-out one" or "person who is called to go out and preach God's message to people."
• It is important to translate the terms "apostle" and "disciple" in different ways.
• Also consider how this term was translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language. (See https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: authority, disciple, James (son of Zebedee), Paul, the twelve)

Bible References:

• Jude 01:17-19
• Luke 09:12-14

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 26:10 Then Jesus chose twelve men who were called his apostles. The apostles traveled with Jesus and learned from him.
• 30:01 Jesus sent his apostles to preach and to teach people in many different villages.
• 38:02 Judas was one of Jesus' apostles. He was in charge of the apostles' money bag, but he loved money and often stole from the bag.
• 43:13 The disciples devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, eating together, and prayer.
• 46:08 Then a believer named Barnabas took Saul to the apostles and told them how Saul had preached boldly in Damascus.

Word Data:

• Strong's: G651, G652, G2491, G5376, G5570

Forms Found in the English ULB:

apostle, apostles, apostles', apostleship

appoint

Related Ideas:

appointment, direct, predetermine, put in place, reserve, select, set in place, set over, set up, set under

Definition:

The terms "appoint" and "appointed" refer to choosing someone to fulfill a specific task or role.

• To "be appointed" can also refer to being "chosen" to receive something, as in "appointed to eternal life." That people were "appointed to eternal life" means they were chosen to receive eternal life.
• The phrase "appointed time" refers to God's "chosen time" or "planned time" for something to happen.
• The word "appoint" may also mean to "command" or "assign" someone to do something.
• To "predetermine" something is to decide beforehand that it will happen and make sure that it happens.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, ways to translate "appoint" could include "choose" or "assign" or "formally choose" or "designate."
• The term "appointed" could be translated as "assigned" or "planned" or "specifically chose."
• The phrase "be appointed" could also be translated as "be chosen."

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 08:11
• Acts 03:20
• Acts 06:02
• Acts 13:48
• Genesis 41:33-34
• Numbers 03:9-10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H561, H977, H2163, H2706, H2708, H3198, H3245, H3259, H4150, H4152, H4483, H4487, H4662, H5258, H5414, H5975, H6485, H6680, H6942, H6966, H7760, H7761, H7896, G322, G606, G2525, G2749, G2820, G3724, G4296, G4384, G4400, G4929, G5021, G5083, G5087

Forms Found in the English ULB:

appoint, appointed, appointed by lot, appointment, appoints, area ... reserved, directed, predetermined, put ... in place, reserved, selected, selects, set ... in place, set ... over, set ... up, set under

ark

Related Ideas:

chest

Definition:

The term "ark" literally refers to a rectangular wooden box that is made to hold or protect something. An ark can be large or small, depending on what it is being used for.

• In the English Bible, the word "ark" is first used to refer to the very large, rectangular, wooden boat that Noah built to escape the worldwide flood. The ark had a flat bottom, a roof, and walls.
• Ways to translate this term could include "very large boat" or "barge" or "cargo ship" or "large, box-shaped boat."
• The Hebrew word that is used to refer to this huge boat is the same word used for the basket or box that held baby Moses when his mother put him in the Nile River to hide him. In that case it is usually translated as "basket."
• In the phrase "ark of the covenant," a different Hebrew word is used for "ark." This could be translated as "box" or "chest" or "container."
• When choosing a term to translate "ark," it is important in each context to consider what size it is and what it is being used for.

(See also: ark of the covenant, basket)

Bible References:

• 1 Peter 03:20
• Exodus 16:33-36
• Exodus 30:06
• Genesis 08:4-5
• Luke 17:27
• Matthew 24:37-39

Word Data:

• Strong's: H727, H8392, G2787

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ark, chest

ark of the covenant

Related Ideas:

ark of Yahweh, ark of the covenant decrees, ark of the covenant of Yahweh

Definition:

These terms refer to a special wooden chest, overlaid with gold, that contained the two stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written. It also contained Aaron's staff and a jar of manna.

• The term "ark" here could be translated as "box" or "chest" or "container."
• The objects in this chest reminded the Israelites of God's covenant with them.
• The ark of the covenant was located in the "most holy place."
• God's presence was above the ark of the covenant in the most holy place of the tabernacle, where he spoke to Moses on behalf of the Israelites.
• During the time that the ark of the covenant was in the most holy place of the temple, the high priest was the only one who could approach the ark, once a year on the Day of Atonement.
• Many English versions translate the term "covenant decrees" literally as "testimony." This refers to the fact that the Ten Commandments were a testimony or witness to God's covenant with his people. It is also translated as "covenant law."

(See also: ark, covenant, atonement, holy place, testimony)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 06:15
• Exodus 25:10-11
• Hebrews 09:05
• Judges 20:27
• Numbers 07:89
• Revelation 11:19

Word Data:

• Strong's: H727, H1285, H3068, H5715

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ark of Yahweh, ark of the covenant, ark of the covenant decrees, ark of the covenant of Yahweh

atonement

Related Ideas:

atone

Definition:

The terms "atone" and "atonement" refer to how God provided a sacrifice to pay for people's sins and to appease his wrath for sin.

• In Old Testament times, God allowed temporary atonement to be made for the sins of the Israelites by the offering of a blood sacrifice, which involved killing an animal.
• As recorded in the New Testament, Christ's death on the cross is the only true and permanent atonement for sin.
• When Jesus died, he took the punishment that people deserve because of their sin. He paid the atonement price with his sacrificial death.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "atone" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "pay for" or "provide payment for" or "cause someone's sins to be forgiven" or "make amends for a crime."
• Ways to translate "atonement" could include "payment" or "sacrifice to pay for sin" or "providing the means of forgiveness."
• Make sure the translation of this term does not refer to payment of money.

(See also: atonement lid, forgive, propitiation, reconcile, redeem)

Bible References:

• Ezekiel 43:25-27
• Ezekiel 45:18-20
• Leviticus 04:20
• Numbers 05:08
• Numbers 28:22

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3722, H3725

Forms Found in the English ULB:

atone, atoned, atonement, atones

atonement lid

Definition:

The "atonement lid" was a slab of gold that was used to cover the top of the ark of the covenant. In many English translations, it is also referred to as an "atonement cover."

• The atonement lid was about 115 centimeters in length and 70 centimeters in width.
• Above the atonement lid were two gold cherubim with their wings touching.
• Yahweh said that he would meet with the Israelites above the atonement lid, under the outstretched wings of the cherubim. Only the high priest was permitted to meet with Yahweh in this way, as the representative of the people.
• Sometimes this atonement lid has been referred to as a "mercy seat" because it communicates God's mercy in coming down to redeem sinful human beings.

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways to translate this term could include "ark covering where God promises to redeem" or "place where God atones" or "lid of ark where God forgives and restores."
• Can also mean "place of propitiation."
• Compare this term with how you translated "atonement," "propitiation," and "redemption."

(See also: ark of the covenant, atonement, cherubim, propitiation, redeem)

Bible References:

• Exodus 25:17
• Exodus 30:06
• Exodus 40:17-20
• Leviticus 16:1-2
• Numbers 07:89

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3727, G2435

Forms Found in the English ULB:

atonement lid

authority

Related Ideas:

authority to judge, place in charge, put in charge, right

Definition:

The term "authority" refers to the power of influence and control that someone has over someone else.

• Kings and other governing rulers have authority over the people they are ruling.
• The word "authorities" can refer to people, governments, or organizations that have authority over others.
• The word "authorities" can also refer to spirit beings who have power over people who have not submitted themselves to God’s authority.
• Masters have authority over their servants or slaves. Parents have authority over their children.
• Governments have the authority or right to make laws that govern their citizens.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "authority" can also be translated as "control" or "right" or "qualifications."
• Sometimes "authority" is used with the meaning of "power."
• When "authorities" is used to refer to people or organizations who rule people, it could also be translated as "leaders" or "rulers" or "powers."
• The phrase "by his own authority" could also be translated as, "with his own right to lead" or "based on his own qualifications."
• The expression, "under authority" could be translated as, "responsible to obey" or "having to obey others' commands."

(See also: citizen, command, obey, power, ruler)

Bible References:

• Colossians 02:10
• Esther 09:29
• Genesis 41:35
• Jonah 03:6-7
• Luke 12:05
• Luke 20:1-2
• Mark 01:22
• Matthew 08:09
• Matthew 28:19
• Titus 03:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2940, H4475, H4910, H4915, H6486, H6666, H6680, H7980, H7990, H8633, G831, G1413, G1849, G1850, G2003, G2525, G2715, G2917, G2963, G5247

Forms Found in the English ULB:

authorities, authority, authority to judge, places ... in charge, put ... in charge, puts ... in charge, right, was ... in charge, were ... in charge

baptize

Related Ideas:

baptism

Definition:

In the New Testament, the terms "baptize" and "baptism" usually refer to ritually bathing a Christian with water to show that he has been cleansed from sin and has been united with Christ.

• Besides water baptism, the Bible talks about being "baptized with the Holy Spirit" and "baptized with fire."
• The term "baptism" is also used in the Bible to refer to going through great suffering.

Translation Suggestions:

• Christians have different views about how a person should be baptized with water. It is probably best to translate this term in a general way that allows for different ways of applying the water.
• Depending on the context, the term "baptize" could be translated as "purify," "pour out on," "plunge (or dip) into," "wash," or "spiritually cleanse." For example, "baptize you with water" could be translated as, "plunge you into water."
• The term "baptism" could be translated as "purification," "a pouring out," "a dipping," "a cleansing," or "a spiritual washing."
• When it refers to suffering, "baptism" could also be translated as "a time of terrible suffering" or "a cleansing through severe suffering."
• Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language.

(See also: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: John (the Baptist), repent, Holy Spirit)

Bible References:

• Acts 02:38
• Acts 08:36
• Acts 09:18
• Acts 10:48
• Luke 03:16
• Matthew 03:14
• Matthew 28:18-19

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 24:03 When people heard John's message, many of them repented from their sins, and John baptized them. Many religious leaders also came to be baptized by John, but they did not repent or confess their sins.
• 24:06 The next day, Jesus came to be baptized by John.
• 24:07 John said to Jesus, "I am not worthy to baptize you. You should baptize me instead."
• 42:10 So go, make disciples of all people groups by baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and by teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
• 43:11 Peter answered them, "Every one of you should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that God will forgive your sins."
• 43:12 About 3,000 people believed what Peter said and became disciples of Jesus. They were baptized and became part of the church at Jerusalem.
• 45:11 As Philip and the Ethiopian traveled, they came to some water. The Ethiopian said, "Look! There is some water! May I be baptized?"
• 46:05 Saul immediately was able to see again, and Ananias baptized him.
• 49:14 Jesus invites you to believe in him and be baptized.

Word Data:

• Strong's: G907

Forms Found in the English ULB:

baptism, baptize, baptized, baptizing

believe

Related Ideas:

be persuaded, belief, believer, have faith, persuade, persuasive

Definition:

The terms "believe" and "believe in" are closely related, but have slightly different meanings:

• believe
  • To believe something is to accept or trust that it is true.
  • To believe someone is to acknowledge that what that person has said is true.
  • To persuade someone is to get that person to believe that something is true.
• believe in
  • To "believe in" someone means to "trust in" that person. It means to trust that the person is who he says he is, that he always speaks the truth, and that he will do what he has promised to do.
  • When a person truly believes in something, he will act in such a way that shows that belief.
  • The phrase "have faith in" usually has the same meaning as "believe in."
  • To "believe in Jesus" means to believe that he is the Son of God, that he is God himself who also became human and who died as a sacrifice to pay for our sins. It means to trust him as Savior and live in a way that honors him.

In the Bible, the term "believer" refers to someone who believes in and relies on Jesus Christ as Savior.

• The term "believer" literally means "person who believes."
• The term "Christian" eventually came to be the main title for believers because it indicates that they believe in Christ and obey his teachings.

The term "unbelief" refers to not believing something or someone.

• In the Bible, "unbelief" refers to not believing in or not trusting in Jesus as one's Savior.
• A person who does not believe in Jesus is called an "unbeliever."

Translation Suggestions:

Translating "believe" and "believe in":

• To "believe" could be translated as to "know to be true" or "know to be right."
• To "believe in" could be translated as "trust completely" or "trust and obey" or "completely rely on and follow."

Translating "believer":

• Some translations may prefer to say "believer in Jesus" or "believer in Christ."
• This term could also be translated by a word or phrase that means "person who trusts in Jesus" or "someone who knows Jesus and lives for him."
• Other ways to translate "believer" could be "follower of Jesus" or "person who knows and obeys Jesus."
• The term "believer" is a general term for any believer in Christ, while "disciple" and "apostle" were used more specifically for people who knew Jesus while he was alive. It is best to translate these terms in different ways, in order to keep them distinct.

Translating "unbelief" and "unbeliever":

• Other ways to translate "unbelief" could include "lack of faith" or "not believing."
• The term "unbeliever" could be translated as "person who does not believe in Jesus" or "someone who does not trust in Jesus as Savior."

(See also: believe, apostle, Christian, disciple, faith, trust)

Bible References:

• Genesis 15:06
• Genesis 45:26
• Job 09:16-18
• Habakkuk 01:5-7
• Mark 06:4-6
• Mark 01:14-15
• Luke 09:41
• John 01:12
• Acts 06:05
• Acts 09:42
• Acts 28:23-24
• Romans 03:03
• 1 Corinthians 06:01
• 1 Corinthians 09:05
• 2 Corinthians 06:15
• Hebrews 03:12
• 1 John 03:23

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 03:04 Noah warned the people about the coming flood and told them to turn to God, but they did not believe him.
• 04:08 Abram believed God's promise. God declared that Abram was righteous because he believed God's promise.
• 11:02 God provided a way to save the firstborn of anyone who believed in him.
• 11:06 But the Egyptians did not believe God or obey his commands.
• 37:05 Jesus replied, "I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies. Everyone who believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
• 43:01 After Jesus returned to heaven, the disciples stayed in Jerusalem as Jesus had commanded them to do. The believers there constantly gathered together to pray.
• 43:03 While the believers were all together, suddenly the house where they were was filled with a sound like a strong wind. Then something that looked like flames of fire appeared over the heads of all the believers.
• 43:13 Every day, more people became believers.
• 46:06 That day many people in Jerusalem started persecuting the followers of Jesus, so the believers fled to other places. But in spite of this, they preached about Jesus everywhere they went.
• 46:01 Saul was the young man who guarded the robes of the men who killed Stephen. He did not believe in Jesus, so he persecuted the believers.
• 46:09 Some believers who fled from the persecution in Jerusalem went far away to the city of Antioch and preached about Jesus. It was at Antioch that believers in Jesus were first called "Christians."
• 47:14 They also wrote many letters to encourage and teach the believers in the churches.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H539, H3948, H6601, G544, G569, G3982, G4100, G4102, G4103

Forms Found in the English ULB:

am persuaded, belief, believe, believed, believer, believers, believes, believing, has faith, persuade, persuaded, persuading, persuasiveness, were persuaded

beloved

Related Ideas:

dear, lovely, treasured

Definition:

The term "beloved" is an expression of affection that describes someone who is loved and dear to someone else.

• The term "beloved" literally means "loved (one)" or "(who is) loved."
• God refers to Jesus as his "beloved Son."
• In their letters to Christian churches, the apostles frequently address their fellow believers as "beloved."
• Something or someone who is "lovely" attracts the love and good desires of others.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could also be translated as "loved" or "loved one" or "well-loved," or "very dear."
• In the context of talking about a close friend, this could be translated as "my dear friend" or "my close friend." In English it is natural to say "my dear friend, Paul" or "Paul, who is my dear friend." Other languages may find it more natural to order this in a different way.
• Note that the word "beloved" comes from the word for God's love, which is unconditional, unselfish, and sacrificial.

(See also: love)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 04:14
• 1 John 03:02
• 1 John 04:07
• Mark 01:11
• Mark 12:06
• Revelation 20:09
• Romans 16:08
• Song of Solomon 01:14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H157, H1730, H2532, H3033, H3039, H4261, G25, G26, G27, G5207

Forms Found in the English ULB:

beloved, dear, lovely, treasured

bind

Related Ideas:

bond, bound, chain, fetter, put in bonds, put on, restrain, tie, wrap

Definition:

The term "bind" means to tie something or fasten it securely. Something that is tied or joined together is called a "bond." The term "bound" is the past tense of this term.

• To be "bound" means to have something tied or wrapped around something else.
• In a figurative sense, a person can be "bound" to a vow, which means he is "required to fulfill" what he promised to do.
• The term "bonds" refers to anything that binds, confines, or imprisons someone. It usually refers to physical chains, fetters or ropes that keep a person from being free to move.
• In Bible times, bonds such as ropes or chains were used to attach prisoners to the wall or floor of a stone prison.
• The term "bind" can also be used to talk about wrapping cloth around a wound to help it heal.
• A dead person would be "bound" with cloth in preparation for burial.
• The term "bond" is used figuratively to refer to something, such as sin, that controls or enslaves someone.
• A bond can also be a close relationship between people in which they support each other emotionally, spiritually and physically. This applies to the bond of marriage.
• For example, a husband and wife are "bound" or tied to each other. It is a bond that God does not want broken.
• The term "bind" can also refer to forbidding an activity.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "bind" could also be translated as "tie" or "tie up" or "wrap (around)."
• Figuratively, it could be translated as to "restrain" or to "prevent" or to "keep from (something)."
• A special use of "bind" in Matthew 16 and 18 means "forbid" or "not permit."
• The term "bonds" could be translated as "chains" or "ropes" or "shackles."
• Figuratively the term "bond" could be translated as "knot" or "connection" or "close relationship."
• The phrase "bond of peace" means "being in harmony, which brings people in closer relationship to each other" or "the tying together that peace brings."
• To "bind up" could be translated as "wrap around" or "put a bandage on."
• To "bind" oneself with a vow could be translated as "promise to fulfill a vow" or "commit to fulfill a vow."
• Depending on the context, the term "bound" could also be translated as "tied" or "tied up" or "chained" or "obligated (to fulfill)" or "required to do."

(See also: fulfill, peace, prison, servant, vow)

Bible References:

• Leviticus 08:07
• Matthew 16:19

Word Data:

• Strong's: H247, H481, H612, H615, H631, H632, H640, H2296, H3729, H4147, H5178, H6029, H6123, H6887, H7194, H7405, H7576, H8244, G254, G1195, G1198, G1199, G1210, G1249, G1402, G2611, G3784, G4019, G4029, G4886, G4887

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bind, binding, bond, bonds, bound, chain, chained, chains, fetters, is bound, put ... in bonds, puts on, restrain, tie, tie up, tied, tied up, tying, wrapped

birthright

Definition:

The term "birthright" in the Bible refers to the honor, family name, and physical wealth that was normally given to the firstborn son in a family.

• The birthright of the firstborn son included a double portion of the father's inheritance.
• A king's firstborn son was normally given the birthright to rule after his father died.
• Esau sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob. Because of this, Jacob inherited the blessing of the firstborn instead of Esau.
• The birthright also included the honor of having the family descendants traced through the firstborn son's line.

Translation Suggestions:

• Possible ways to translate "birthright" could include, "rights and wealth of the firstborn son" or "family honor" or "privilege and inheritance of the firstborn."

(See also: firstborn, inherit, descendant)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 05:01
• Genesis 25:34
• Genesis 43:33
• Hebrews 12:14-17

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1062, G4415

Forms Found in the English ULB:

birthright

blameless

Related Ideas:

blamelessly, faultless, without blame

Definition:

The term "blameless" literally means "without blame." It is used to refer to a person who obeys God wholeheartedly, but it does not mean that the person is sinless.

• Abraham and Noah were considered blameless before God.
• A person who has a reputation for being "blameless" behaves in a way that honors God.
• According to one verse, a person who is blameless is "one who fears God and turns away from evil."

Translation Suggestions:

• This could also be translated as "with no fault to his character" or "completely obedient to God" or "avoiding sin" or "keeping away from evil."

Bible References:

• 1 Thessalonians 02:10
• 1 Thessalonians 03:11-13
• 2 Peter 03:14
• Colossians 01:22
• Genesis 17:1-2
• Philippians 02:15
• Philippians 03:06

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1368, H2135, H2136, H8535, H8549, G273, G274, G298, G299, G410, G423, G677

Forms Found in the English ULB:

blameless, blamelessly, faultless, without blame

blasphemy

Related Ideas:

blaspheme, blasphemer, blasphemous, insult, revile, taunt

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "blasphemy" refers to speaking in a way that shows a deep disrespect for God or people. To "blaspheme" or "insult" or "revile" someone is to speak against that person so that others think something false or bad about him.

• Most often, to blaspheme God means to slander or insult him by saying things that are not true about him or by behaving in an immoral way that dishonors him.
• It is blasphemy for a human being to claim to be God or to claim that there is a God other than the one true God.
• Some English versions translate this term as "slander" when it refers to blaspheming people.

Translation Suggestions:

• To "blaspheme" can be translated as to "say evil things against" or to "dishonor God" or to "slander."
• Ways to translate "blasphemy" could include "speaking wrongly about others" or "slander" or "spreading false rumors."

(See also: dishonor, slander)

Bible References:

• 1 Timothy 01:12-14
• Acts 06:11
• Acts 26:9-11
• James 02:5-7
• John 10:32-33
• Luke 12:10
• Mark 14:64
• Matthew 12:31
• Matthew 26:65
• Psalms 074:10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1421, H1442, H2778, H3639, H5006, H5007, H5344, G987, G988, G989, G3059, G3680, G5196

Forms Found in the English ULB:

blaspheme, blasphemed, blasphemer, blasphemers, blasphemes, blasphemies, blaspheming, blasphemous, blasphemy, insult, insulted, insulting, insults, revile, reviled, reviling

bless

Related Ideas:

happier, happy

Definition:

To "bless" someone or something means to cause good and beneficial things to happen to the person or thing that is being blessed.

• Blessing someone also means expressing a desire for positive and beneficial things to happen to that person.
• In Bible times, a father would often pronounce a formal blessing on his children.
• When people "bless" God or express a desire that God be blessed, this means they are praising him.
• The term "bless" is sometimes used for consecrating food before it is eaten, or for thanking and praising God for the food.

Translation Suggestions:

• To "bless" could also be translated as to "provide abundantly for" or to "be very kind and favorable toward."
• "God has brought great blessing to" could be translated as "God has given many good things to" or "God has provided abundantly for" or "God has caused many good things to happen to".
• "He is blessed" could be translated as "he will greatly benefit" or "he will experience good things" or "God will cause him to flourish."
• "Blessed is the person who" could be translated as "How good it is for the person who."
• Expressions like "blessed be the Lord" could be translated as "May the Lord be praised" or "Praise the Lord" or "I praise the Lord."
• In the context of blessing food, this could be translated as "thanked God for the food" or "praised God for giving them food" or "consecrated the food by praising God for it."

(See also: praise)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 10:16
• Acts 13:34
• Ephesians 01:03
• Genesis 14:20
• Isaiah 44:03
• James 01:25
• Luke 06:20
• Matthew 26:26
• Nehemiah 09:05
• Romans 04:09

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 01:07 God saw that it was good and he blessed them.
• 01:15 God made Adam and Eve in his own image. He blessed them and told them, "Have many children and grandchildren and fill the earth."
• 01:16 So God rested from all he had been doing. He blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on this day he rested from his work.
• 04:04 "I will make your name great. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All families on earth will be blessed because of you."
• 04:07 Melchizedek blessed Abram and said, "May God Most High who owns heaven and earth bless Abram."
• 07:03 Isaac wanted to give his blessing to Esau.
• 08:05 Even in prison, Joseph remained faithful to God, and God blessed him.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H833, H835, H8055, H1288, H1293, G1757, G2127, G2128, G2129, G3106, G3107, G3108, G3741

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bless, blessed, blesses, blessing, blessings, happier, happy

blood

Related Ideas:

bleeding

Definition:

The term "blood" refers to the red liquid that comes out of a person's skin when there is an injury or wound. Blood brings life-giving nutrients to a person's entire body.

• Blood symbolizes life and when it is shed or poured out, it symbolizes the loss of life, or death.
• When people made sacrifices to God, they killed an animal and poured its blood on the altar. This symbolized the sacrifice of the animal's life to pay for people's sins.
• Through his death on the cross, Jesus' blood symbolically cleanses people from their sins and pays for the punishment they deserve for those sins.
• The expression "flesh and blood" refers to human beings.
• The expression "own flesh and blood" refers to people who are biologically related.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term should be translated with the term that is used for blood in the target language.
• The expression "flesh and blood" could be translated as "people" or "human beings."
• Depending on the context, the expression "my own flesh and blood" could be translated as "my own family" or "my own relatives" or "my own people."
• If there is an expression in the target language that is used with this meaning, that expression could be used to translate "flesh and blood."

(See also: flesh)

Bible References:

• 1 John 01:07
• 1 Samuel 14:32
• Acts 02:20
• Acts 05:28
• Colossians 01:20
• Galatians 01:16
• Genesis 04:11
• Psalms 016:4
• Psalms 105:28-30

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 08:03 Before Joseph's brothers returned home, they tore Joseph's robe and dipped it in goat's blood.
• 10:03 God turned the Nile River into blood, but Pharaoh still would not let the Israelites go.
• 11:05 All the houses of the Israelites had blood around the doors, so God passed over those houses and everyone inside was safe. They were saved because of the lamb's blood.
• 13:09 The blood of the animal that was sacrificed covered the person's sin and made that person clean in God's sight.
• 38:05 Then Jesus took a cup and said, "Drink this. It is my blood of the New Covenant that is poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
• 48:10 When anyone believes in Jesus, the blood of Jesus takes away that person's sin, and God's punishment passes over him.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1818, H5332, G129, G130, G131

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bleeding, blood

boast

Related Ideas:

boastful

Definition:

The term "boast" means to talk proudly about something or someone. Often it means to brag about oneself.

• Someone who is "boastful" talks about himself in a proud way.
• God rebuked the Israelites for "boasting in" their idols. They arrogantly worshiped false gods instead of the true God.
• The Bible also talks about people boasting in such things as their wealth, their strength, their fruitful fields, and their laws. This means that they were proud about these things and did not acknowledge that God is the one who provided these things.
• God urged the Israelites to instead "boast" or be proud about the fact that they know him.
• The apostle Paul also talks about boasting in the Lord, which means being glad and thankful to God for all he has done for them.

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways to translate "boast" could include "brag" or "talk proudly" or "be proud."
• The term "boastful" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "full of prideful talk" or "prideful" or "talking proudly about oneself."
• In the context of boasting in or about knowing God, this could be translated as "take pride in" or "exalt in" or "be very glad about" or "give thanks to God about."
• Some languages have two words for "pride": one that is negative, with the meaning of being arrogant, and the other that is positive, with the meaning of taking pride in one's work, family, or country.

Translation Suggestions:

(See also: proud)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 20:11
• 2 Timothy 03:1-4
• James 03:14
• James 04:15-17
• Psalms 044:08

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1984, H3235, H6286, G212, G213, G1461, G2620, G2744, G2745, G2746, G3166

Forms Found in the English ULB:

boast, boasted, boastful, boasting, boasts, reason for boasting

body

Related Ideas:

bodily, body of Christ, carcass, corpse

Definition:

The term "body" literally refers to the physical body of a person or animal. This term is also used figuratively to refer to an object or whole group that has individual members.

• Often the term "body" refers to a dead person. Sometimes this is referred to as a "dead body" or a "corpse." The dead body of an animal is called a "carcass."
• When Jesus said to the disciples at his last Passover meal, "This (bread) is my body," he was referring to his physical body that would be "broken" (killed) to pay for their sins.
• In the Bible, Christians as a group are referred to as the "body of Christ." Just as a physical body has many parts, the "body of Christ" has many individual members. Each individual believer has a special function in the body of Christ to help the whole group work together to serve God and bring him glory.
  • Jesus is also referred to as the "head" (leader) of the "body" of his believers. Just as a person's head tells his body what to do, so Jesus is the one who guides and directs Christians as members of his "body."

Translation Suggestions:

• The best way to translate this term would be with the word that is most commonly used to refer to a physical body in the project language. Make sure that the word used is not an offensive term.
• When referring collectively to believers, for some languages it may be more natural and accurate to say "spiritual body of Christ."
• When Jesus says, "This is my body," it is best to translate this literally, with a note to explain it if needed.
• Some languages may have a separate word when referring to a dead body, such as "corpse" for a person or "carcass" for an animal. Make sure the word used to translate this makes sense in the context and is acceptable.

(See also: head, spirit)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 10:12
• 1 Corinthians 05:05
• Ephesians 04:04
• Judges 14:08
• Numbers 06:6-8
• Psalm 031:09
• Romans 12:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H990, H1320, H1472, H1480, H1655, H3409, H4191, H5038, H5315, H6297, H7607, G4430, G4561, G4954, G4983

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bodies, bodily, body, carcass, carcasses, corpse, corpses

born again

Related Ideas:

born from God, born from him, new birth

Definition:

The term "born again" was first used by Jesus to describe what it means for God to change a person from being dead spiritually to being alive spiritually. The terms "born of God" and "born of the Spirit" also refer to a person being given new spiritual life.

• All humans are born spiritually dead and are given a "new birth" when they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
• At the moment of the spiritual new birth, God's Holy Spirit begins to live in the new believer and empowers him to produce good spiritual fruit in his life.
• It is God's work to cause a person to be born again and become his child.
• Jesus uses the metaphor of being born again to speak of the time when he returns and rules over the earth.

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways to translate "born again" could include "born anew" or "born spiritually."
• It is best to translate this term literally and use the normal word in the language that would be used for being born.
• The term "new birth" might be translated as "spiritual birth."
• The phrase "born of God" could be translated as "caused by God to have new life like a newborn baby" or "given new life by God."
• In the same way, "born of the Spirit" could be translated as "given new life by the Holy Spirit" or "empowered by the Holy Spirit to become God's child" or "caused by the Spirit to have new life like a newborn baby."

(See also: Holy Spirit, save)

Bible References:

• 1 John 03:09
• 1 Peter 01:03
• 1 Peter 01:23
• John 03:04
• John 03:07
• Titus 03:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: G313, G509, G1080, G3824

Forms Found in the English ULB:

born again, born from God, born from him, born of God, new birth

brother

Related Ideas:

brotherhood

Definition:

The term "brother" usually refers to a male person who shares at least one biological parent with another person.

• In the Old Testament, the term "brothers" is also used as a general reference to relatives, such as members of the same tribe, clan, or people group.
• In the New Testament, the apostles often used "brothers" to refer to fellow Christians, including both men and women, since all believers in Christ are members of one spiritual family, with God as their heavenly Father.
• A few times in the New Testament, the apostles used the term "sister" when referring specifically to a fellow Christian who was a woman, or to emphasize that both men and women are being included. For example, James emphasizes that he is talking about all believers when he refers to "a brother or sister who is in need of food or clothing."

Translation Suggestions:

• It is best to translate this term with the literal word that is used in the target language to refer to a natural or biological brother, unless this would give wrong meaning.
• In the Old Testament especially, when "brothers" is used very generally to refer to members of the same family, clan, or people group, possible translations could include "relatives" or "clan members" or "fellow Israelites."
• In the context of referring to a fellow believer in Christ, this term could be translated as "brother in Christ" or "spiritual brother."
• If both males and females are being referred to and "brother" would give a wrong meaning, then a more general kinship term could be used that would include both males and females.
• Other ways to translate this term so that it refers to both male and female believers could be "fellow believers" or "Christian brothers and sisters."
• Make sure to check the context to determine whether only men are being referred to, or whether both men and women are included.

(See also: apostle, God the Father, sister, spirit)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:26
• Genesis 29:10
• Leviticus 19:17
• Nehemiah 03:01
• Philippians 04:21
• Revelation 01:09

Word Data:

• Strong's: H251, H252, H264, H1730, H2993, H7453, G80, G81, G2385, G2500, G4613, G5360, G5569

Forms Found in the English ULB:

brother, brother's, brotherhood, brothers, brothers'

call

Related Ideas:

appeal to, invite, summon

Definition:

The terms "call to" and "call out" mean to say something loudly to someone who is not nearby. To "call" someone means to summon that person. There are also some other meanings.

• To "call out" to someone means to shout or speak loudly to someone far away. It can also mean to ask someone for help, especially God.
• Often in the Bible, "call" has a meaning of "summon" or "command to come" or "request to come."
• God calls people to come to him and be his people. This is their "calling."
• When God "calls" people, it means that God has appointed or chosen people to be his children, to be his servants and proclaimers of his message of salvation through Jesus.
• This term is also used in the context of naming someone. For example, "His name is called John," means, "He is named John" or "His name is John."
• To be "called by the name of" means that someone is given the name of someone else. God says that he has called his people by his name.
• A different expression, "I have called you by name" means that God has specifically chosen that person.
• To appeal to someone is to ask someone to do something.
• To invite someone is to ask them to do something that they might like to do.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "call" could be translated by a word that means "summon," which includes the idea of being intentional or purposeful in calling.
• The expression "call out to you" could be translated as "ask you for help" or "pray to you urgently."
• When the Bible says that God has "called" us to be his servants, this could be translated as, "specially chose us" or "appointed us" to be his servants.
• "You must call his name" can also be translated as, "you must name him."
• "His name is called" could also be translated as, "his name is" or "he is named."
• To "call out" could be translated as, "say loudly" or "shout" or "say with a loud voice." Make sure the translation of this does not sound like the person is angry.
• The expression "your calling" could be translated as "your purpose" or "God's purpose for you" or "God's special work for you."
• To "call on the name of the Lord" could be translated as "seek the Lord and depend on him" or "trust in the Lord and obey him."
• To "call on" an official is to tell him to do what he is supposed to do as part of his job.
• To "call for" something could be translated by "demand" or "ask for" or "command."
• The expression "you are called by my name" could be translated as, "I have given you my name, showing that you belong to me."
• When God says, "I have called you by name," this could be translated as, "I know you and have chosen you."

(See also: pray)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 18:24
• 1 Thessalonians 04:07
• 2 Timothy 01:09
• Ephesians 04:01
• Galatians 01:15
• Matthew 02:15
• Philippians 03:14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2199, H3259, H4744, H6817, H7121, H7123, H7769, H7773, G154, G1528, G1793, G1941, G1951, G2028, G2046, G2564, G2821, G2822, G2840, G2919, G3004, G3106, G3333, G3343, G3603, G3686, G3687, G3870, G4341, G4377, G4779, G4867, G5455, G5537, G5581

Forms Found in the English ULB:

appeal to, appealed to, appealing to, call, called, called on, called out, calling, calling out, calls, calls out, invite, invited, summon, summoned, summoning

centurion

Definition:

A centurion was a Roman army officer who had a group of 100 soldiers under his command.

• This could also be translated with a term that means, "leader of a hundred men" or "army leader" or "officer in charge of a hundred."
• One Roman centurion came to Jesus to request healing for his servant.
• The centurion in charge of Jesus' crucifixion was amazed when he witnessed how Jesus died.
• God sent a centurion to Peter so that Peter could explain to him the good news about Jesus.

(See also: Rome)

Bible References:

• Acts 10:01
• Acts 27:01
• Acts 27:42-44
• Luke 07:04
• Luke 23:47
• Mark 15:39
• Matthew 08:07
• Matthew 27:54

Word Data:

• Strong's: G1543, G2760

Forms Found in the English ULB:

centurion, centurions

children

Related Ideas:

child, childhood, childless

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "child" is often used to generally refer to someone who is young in age, including an infant.

• The word "childhood" refers to the time that a person is a child.
• The word "childless" describes a person who has no children.
• The word "children" is the plural form of "child."

The words "child" and "children" also have several figurative uses.

• In the Bible, disciples or followers are sometimes called "children."
• Often the term "children" is used to refer to a person's descendants.
• The phrase "children of" can refer to being characterized by something. Some examples of this would be:
  • children of the light
  • children of obedience
  • children of the devil
• This term can also refer to people who are like spiritual children. For example, "children of God" refers to people who belong to God through faith in Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "children" could be translated as "descendants" when it is referring to a person's great-grandchildren or great-great-grandchildren, etc.
• Depending on the context, "children of" could be translated as, "people who have the characteristics of" or "people who behave like."
• If possible, the phrase, "children of God" should be translated literally since an important biblical theme is that God is our heavenly Father. A possible translation alternate would be, "people who belong to God" or "God's spiritual children."
• When Jesus calls his disciples "children," this could also be translated as, "dear friends" or "my beloved disciples."
• When Paul and John refer to believers in Jesus as "children," this could also be translated as "dear fellow believers."
• The phrase, "children of the promise" could be translated as, "people who have received what God promised them."

(See also: descendant, promise, son, spirit, believe, beloved)

Bible References:

• 1 John 02:28
• 3 John 01:04
• Galatians 04:19
• Genesis 45:11
• Joshua 08:34-35
• Nehemiah 05:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1069, H1121, H1123, H1129, H1397, H1580, H2029, H2030, H2056, H2145, H2233, H2945, H3173, H3205, H3206, H3243, H3490, H4392, H5288, H5290, H5759, H5953, H6185, H7908, H7909, H7921, G730, G815, G1025, G1064, G3439, G3515, G3516, G3808, G3812, G3813, G3816, G4690, G5040, G5041, G5042, G5043, G5044, G5207, G5388

Forms Found in the English ULB:

child, childhood, childless, children

Christ

Related Ideas:

Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah

Facts:

The terms "Messiah" and "Christ" mean "Anointed One" and refer to Jesus, God's Son.

• Both "Messiah" and "Christ" are used in the New Testament to refer to God's Son, whom God the Father appointed to rule as king over his people, and to save them from sin and death.
• In the Old Testament, the prophets wrote prophecies about the Messiah hundreds of years before he came to earth.
• Often a word meaning "anointed (one)" is used in the Old Testament to refer to the Messiah who would come.
• Jesus fulfilled many of these prophecies and did many miraculous works that proves he is the Messiah; the rest of these prophecies will be fulfilled when he returns.
• The word "Christ" is often used as a title, as in "the Christ" and "Christ Jesus." "Christ" also came to be used as part of his name, as in "Jesus Christ." These names emphasize that God's Son is the Messiah, who will reign forever.
• Jesus the Messiah is the one who was chosen and anointed as a Prophet, High Priest, and King.

Translation Suggestions:

• In many languages "Jesus" and "Christ" are spelled in a way that keeps the sounds or spelling as close to the original as possible. For example, "Jesucristo," "Jezus Christus," "Yesus Kristus", and "Hesukristo" are some of the ways that these names are translated into different languages.
• For the term "Christ," some translators may prefer to use only some form of the term "Messiah" throughout.
• This term could be translated using its meaning, "the Anointed One" or "God's Anointed Savior."
• Many languages use a transliterated word that looks or sounds like "Christ" or "Messiah." (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-transliterate)
• The transliterated word could be followed by the definition of the term, as in "Christ, the Anointed One."
• Be consistent in how this is translated throughout the Bible so that it is clear that the same term is being referred to.
• Make sure the translations of "Messiah" and "Christ" work well in contexts where both terms occur in the same verse (such as John 1:41).

(See also: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-names)

(See also: Son of God, David, Jesus, anoint)

Bible References:

• 1 John 05:1-3
• Acts 02:35
• Acts 05:40-42
• John 01:40-42
• John 03:27-28
• John 04:25
• Luke 02:10-12
• Matthew 01:16

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 17:07 The Messiah was God's Chosen One who would save the people of the world from sin.
• 17:08 As it happened, the Israelites would have to wait a long time before the Messiah came, almost 1,000 years.
• 21:01 From the very beginning, God planned to send the Messiah.
• 21:04 God promised King David that the Messiah would be one of David's own descendants.
• 21:05 The Messiah would start the New Covenant.
• 21:06 God's prophets also said that the Messiah would be a prophet, a priest, and a king.
• 21:09 The prophet Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be born from a virgin.
• 43:07 "But God raised him to life again to fulfill the prophecy which says, 'You will not let your Holy One rot in the grave.'"
• 43:09 "But know for certain that God has caused Jesus to become both Lord and Messiah!"
• 43:11 Peter answered them, "Every one of you should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that God will forgive your sins."
• 46:06 Saul reasoned with the Jews, proving that Jesus was the Messiah.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4899, G3323, G5547

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Christ, Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah

Christian

Definition:

Some time after Jesus went back to heaven, people made up the name "Christian" which means, "follower of Christ."

• It was in the city of Antioch where Jesus' followers were first called "Christians."
• A Christian is a person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God, and who trusts Jesus to save him from his sins.
• In our modern times, often the term "Christian" is used for someone who identifies with the Christian religion, but who is not really following Jesus. This is not the meaning of "Christian" in the Bible.
• Because the term "Christian" in the Bible always refers to someone who truly believes in Jesus, a Christian is also called a "believer."

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could be translated as "Christ-follower" or "follower of Christ" or perhaps something like, "Christ-person."
• Make sure that the translation of this term is translated differently than terms used for disciple or apostle.
• Be careful to translate this term with a word that can refer to everyone who believes in Jesus, not just certain groups.
• Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language. (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: Antioch, Christ, church, disciple, believe, Jesus, Son of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 06:7-8
• 1 Peter 04:16
• Acts 11:26
• Acts 26:28

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 46:09 It was at Antioch that believers in Jesus were first called "Christians."
• 47:14 ] Paul and other Christian leaders traveled to many cities, preaching and teaching people the good news about Jesus.
• 49:15 If you believe in Jesus and what he has done for you, you are a Christian!
• 49:16 If you are a Christian, God has forgiven your sins because of what Jesus did.
• 49:17 Even though you are a Christian, you will still be tempted to sin.
• 50:03 Before he returned to heaven, Jesus told Christians to proclaim the good news to people who have never heard it.
• 50:11 When Jesus returns, every Christian who has died will rise from the dead and meet him in the sky.

Word Data:

• Strong's: G5546

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Christian, Christians

church

Definition:

In the New Testament, the term "church" refers to a local group of believers in Jesus who regularly met together to pray and hear God's word preached. The term "the Church" often refers to all Christians.

• This term literally refers to a "called out" assembly or congregation of people who meet together for a special purpose.
• When this term is used to refer to all believers everywhere in the whole body of Christ, some Bible translations capitalize the first letter ("Church") to distinguish it from the local church.
• Often the believers in a particular city would meet together in someone's home. These local churches were given the name of the city such as the "church at Ephesus."
• In the Bible, "church" does not refer to a building.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "church" could be translated as a "gathering together" or "assembly" or "congregation" or "ones who meet together."
• The word or phrase that is used to translate this term should also be able to refer to all believers, not just one small group.
• Make sure that the translation of "church" does not just refer to a building.
• The term used to translate "assembly" in the Old Testament could also be used to translate this term.
• Also consider how it is translated in a local or national Bible translation. (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: assembly, believe, Christian)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 05:12
• 1 Thessalonians 02:14
• 1 Timothy 03:05
• Acts 09:31
• Acts 14:23
• Acts 15:41
• Colossians 04:15
• Ephesians 05:23
• Matthew 16:18
• Philippians 04:15

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 43:12 About 3,000 people believed what Peter said and became disciples of Jesus. They were baptized and became part of the church at Jerusalem.
• 46:09 Most of the people in Antioch were not Jews, but for the first time, very many of them also became believers. Barnabas and Saul went there to teach these new believers more about Jesus and to strengthen the church.
• 46:10 So the church in Antioch prayed for Barnabas and Saul and placed their hands on them. Then they sent them off to preach the good news of Jesus in many other places.
• 47:13 The good news of Jesus kept spreading, and the Church kept growing.
• 50:01 For almost 2,000 years, more and more people around the world have been hearing the good news about Jesus the Messiah. The Church has been growing.

Word Data:

• Strong's: G1577

Forms Found in the English ULB:

church, churches

circumcise

Related Ideas:

circumcision, uncircumcision

Definition:

The term "circumcise" means to cut off the foreskin of a man or male child. A circumcision ceremony may be performed in connection with this.

• God commanded Abraham to circumcise every male among his family and servants as a sign of God's covenant with them.
• God also commanded Abraham's descendants to continue to do this for every baby boy born into their households.
• The phrase, "circumcision of the heart" refers figuratively to the "cutting away" or removal of sin from a person.
• In a spiritual sense, "the circumcised" refers to people whom God has purified from sin through the blood of Jesus and who are his people.
• The term "uncircumcised" refers to those who have not been circumcised physically. It can also refer figuratively to those who have not been circumcised spiritually, who do not have a relationship with God.

The terms "uncircumcised" and "uncircumcision" refer to a male who has not been physically circumcised. These terms are also used figuratively.

• Egypt was a nation that also required circumcision. So when God talks about Egypt being defeated by the "uncircumcised," he is referring to people whom the Egyptians despised for not being circumcised.

• The Bible refers to people who have an "uncircumcised heart" or who are "uncircumcised in heart." This a figurative way of saying that these people are not God's people, and are stubbornly disobedient to him.

• If a word for circumcision is used or known in the language, "uncircumcised" could be translated as "not circumcised."

• The expression "the uncircumcision" could be translated as "people who are not circumcised" or "people who do not belong to God," depending on the context.

• Other ways to translate figurative senses of this term could include "not God's people" or "rebellious like those who don't belong to God" or "people who have no sign of belonging to God."

• The expression "uncircumcised in heart" could be translated as "stubbornly rebellious" or "refusing to believe." However, if possible it is best to keep the expression or a similar one since spiritual circumcision is an important concept.

Translation Suggestions:

• If the culture of the target language performs circumcisions on males, the word used to refer to this should be used for this term.
• Other ways to translate this term would be, "cut around" or "cut in a circle" or "cut off the foreskin."
• In cultures where circumcision is not known, it may be necessary to explain it in a footnote or glossary.
• Make sure the term used to translate this does not refer to females. It may be necessary to translate this with a word or phrase that includes the meaning of "male."

(See also: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: Abraham, covenant)

Bible References:

• Genesis 17:11
• Genesis 17:14
• Exodus 12:48
• Leviticus 26:41
• Joshua 05:03
• Judges 15:18
• 2 Samuel 01:20
• Jeremiah 09:26
• Ezekiel 32:25
• Acts 10:44-45
• Acts 11:03
• Acts 15:01
• Acts 11:03
• Romans 02:27
• Galatians 05:03
• Ephesians 02:11
• Philippians 03:03
• Colossians 02:11
• Colossians 02:13

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 05:03 "You must circumcise every male in your family."
• 05:05 That day Abraham circumcised all the males in his household.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4135, H4139, H5243, H6188, H6189, G203, G564, G1986, G4059, G4061

Forms Found in the English ULB:

circumcise, circumcised, circumcision, uncircumcised, uncircumcision

clean

Related Ideas:

cleanness, cleanse, unclean, uncleanness, wash

Definition:

The term "clean" literally means to not have any dirt or stain. In the Bible, words like "clean" and "washed" are often used figuratively to mean, "pure," "holy," "free from sin," or "innocent".

• "Cleanse" is the process of making something "clean." It could also be translated as "wash" or "purify."
• In the Old Testament, God told the Israelites which animals he had specified as ritually "clean" and which ones were "unclean." Only the clean animals were permitted to be used for eating or for sacrifice. In this context, the term "clean" means that the animal was acceptable to God for use as a sacrifice.
• A person who had certain skin diseases would be unclean until the skin was healed enough to no longer be contagious. Instructions for cleansing the skin had to be obeyed in order for that person to be declared "clean" again.
• Sometimes "clean" is used figuratively to refer to moral purity.

In the Bible, the term "unclean" is used figuratively to refer to things that God declared to be unfit for his people to touch, eat, or sacrifice.

• God gave the Israelites instructions about which animals were "clean" and which ones were "unclean." The unclean animals were not permitted to be used for eating or for sacrifice.
• People with certain skin diseases were said to be "unclean" until they were healed.
• If the Israelites touched something "unclean," they themselves would be considered unclean for a certain period of time.
• Obeying God's commands about not touching or eating unclean things kept the Israelites set apart for God's service.
• This physical and ritual uncleanness was also symbolic of moral uncleanness.
• In another figurative sense, "unclean spirit" refers to an evil spirit.

Translation Suggestions:

Translating "clean":

• This term could be translated with the common word for "clean" or "pure" (in the sense of being not dirty).
• Other ways to translate this could include, "ritually clean" or "acceptable to God."
• "Cleanse" could be translated by "wash" or "purify."
• Make sure that the words used for "clean" and "cleanse" can also be understood in a figurative sense.

Translating "unclean""

• The term "unclean" could also be translated as "not clean" or "unfit in God's eyes" or "physically unclean" or "defiled."
• When referring to a demon as an unclean spirit, "unclean" could be translated as "evil" or "defiled."
• The translation of this term should allow for spiritual uncleanness. It should be able to refer to anything that God declared as unfit for touching, eating, or sacrifice.

(See also: defile, demon, holy, sacrifice)

Bible References:

• Genesis 07:02
• Genesis 07:08
• Deuteronomy 12:15
• Psalms 051:07
• Proverbs 20:30
• Ezekiel 24:13
• Matthew 23:27
• Luke 05:13
• Acts 08:07
• Acts 10:27-29
• Colossians 03:05
• 1 Thessalonians 04:07
• James 04:08

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1249, H1252, H1305, H1351, H2134, H2135, H2141, H2398, H2889, H2890, H2891, H2893, H2930, H2931, H2932, H3722, H5079, H5352, H5355, H5356, H6663, H7137, H8552, H8562, G167, G169, G2511, G2512, G2513, G2514, G2839, G2840

Forms Found in the English ULB:

clean, cleaned, cleanness, cleans, cleanse, cleansed, cleanses, cleansing, purge, unclean, uncleanness, wash, washed, washes, washing

command

Related Ideas:

commandment, forbid, order, requirement, solemn command

Definition:

The term to "command" means to order someone to do something. A "command" or "commandment" is what the person was ordered to do.

• Although these terms have basically the same meaning, "commandment" often refers to certain commands of God which are more formal and permanent, such as the "Ten Commandments."
• A command can be positive ("Honor your parents") or negative ("Do not steal").
• To "take command" means to "take control" or "take charge" of something or someone.
• To "forbid" is to command that someone not do something.

Translation Suggestions

• It is best to translate this term differently from the term "law." Also compare with the definitions of "decree" and "statute."
• Some translators may prefer to translate "command" and "commandment" with the same word in their language.
• Others may prefer to use a special word for commandment that refers to lasting, formal commands that God has made.

(See decree, statute, law, Ten Commandments)

Bible References:

• Luke 01:06
• Matthew 01:24
• Matthew 22:38
• Matthew 28:20
• Numbers 01:17-19
• Romans 07:7-8

Word Data:

• Strong's: H560, H565, H1696, H1697, H1881, H2706, H2708, H2710, H2942, H2951, H3027, H3245, H3982, H3983, H4406, H4687, H4931, H5713, H5749, H6346, H6490, H6673, H6680, H7101, H7218, H7227, H7262, H7970, H8269, G1263, G1291, G1296, G1297, G1299, G1690, G1778, G1781, G1785, G2003, G2004, G2008, G2036, G2753, G3056, G3143, G3726, G3852, G3853, G4367, G4487, G5506

Forms Found in the English ULB:

command, commanded, commanding, commandment, commandments, commands, forbid, forbidden, forbidding, give ... solemn command, given ... solemn commands, given an order, given orders, order, ordered, orders, requirement, solemn commands

compassion

Related Ideas:

compassionate, deal gently with, pity, sympathy

Definition:

The term "compassion" refers to a feeling of concern for people, especially for those who are suffering. A "compassionate" person cares about other people and helps them.

• The word "compassion" usually includes caring about people in need, as well as taking action to help them.
• The Bible says that God is compassionate, that is, he is full of love and mercy.
• In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he tells them to "clothe themselves with compassion." He is instructing them to care about people and to actively help others who are in need.
• To have "sympathy" for someone is to understand how that person feels and to want to help him.

Translation Suggestions:

• The literal meaning of "compassion" is "bowels of mercy." This is an expression that means "mercy" or "pity." Other languages may have their own expression that means this.
• Ways of translating "compassion" could include, "a deep caring for" or "helpful mercy."
• The term "compassionate" could also be translated as, "caring and helpful" or "deeply loving and merciful."

Bible References:

• Daniel 01:8-10
• Hosea 13:14
• James 05:9-11
• Jonah 04:1-3
• Mark 01:41
• Romans 09:14-16

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2550, H2580, H2603, H5150, H5162, H5164, H7349, H7355, H7356, G1653, G3356, G3627, G4697, G4834, G4835

Forms Found in the English ULB:

compassion, compassionate, compassions, deal gently with, pitied, pity, sympathy

condemn

Related Ideas:

condemnation, denounce, sentence, sentence of condemnation, sentenced to death

Definition:

The terms "condemn" and "condemnation" refer to judging someone for doing something wrong.

• Often the word "condemn" includes punishing that person for what they did wrong.
• Sometimes "condemn" means to falsely accuse someone or to judge someone harshly.
• To "denounce" someone is to say that he is guilty of great evil.
• The term "condemnation" refers to the act of condemning or accusing someone. The word "judgment" means the same as "condemnation."

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, this term could be translated as "harshly judge" or "criticize falsely."
• The phrase "condemn him" could be translated as,"judge that he is guilty" or "state that he must be punished for his sin."
• The term "condemnation" could be translated as, "harsh judging" or "declaring to be guilty" or "punishment of guilt."

(See also: judge, punish)

Bible References:

• 1 John 03:20
• Job 09:29
• John 05:24
• Luke 06:37
• Matthew 12:07
• Proverbs 17:15-16
• Psalms 034:22
• Romans 05:16

Word Data:

• Strong's: H816, H6600, H7561, H8199, H8381, G843, G1349, H1882, G1935, G2607, G2613, G2631, G2632, G2633, G2917, G2919, G2920

Forms Found in the English ULB:

condemn, condemnation, condemned, condemning, condemns, denounce, sentence, sentence of condemnation, sentenced to death

confess

Related Ideas:

confession, profess

Definition:

To confess means to admit or assert that something is true. A "confession" is a statement or admission that something is true.

• The term "confess" can refer to boldly stating the truth about God. It can also refer to admitting that we have sinned.
• The Bible says that if people confess their sins to God, he will forgive them.
• James the apostle wrote in his letter that when believers confess their sins to each other, this brings spiritual healing.
• The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that someday everyone will confess or declare that Jesus is Lord.
• Paul also said that if people confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead, they will be saved.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, ways to translate "confess" could include, "admit" or "testify" or "declare" or "acknowledge" or "affirm."
• Different ways to translate "confession" could be, "declaration" or "testimony" or "statement about what we believe" or "admitting sin."

(See also: faith, testimony)

Bible References:

• 1 John 01:8-10
• 2 John 01:7-8
• James 05:16
• Leviticus 05:5-6
• Matthew 03:4-6
• Nehemiah 01:6-7
• Philippians 02:9-11
• Psalms 038:17-18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3034, H8426, G1843, G3670, G3671

Forms Found in the English ULB:

confess, confessed, confesses, confessing, confession, profess

conscience

Definition:

The conscience is the part of a person's thinking through which God makes him aware that he is doing something sinful.

• God gave people a conscience to help them know the difference between what is right and what is wrong.
• A person who obeys God is said to have a "pure" or "clear" or "clean" conscience.
• If a person has a "clear conscience" it means that he is not hiding any sin.
• If someone ignores their conscience and no longer feels guilty when he sins, this means his conscience is no longer sensitive to what is wrong. The Bible calls this a "seared" conscience, one that is "branded" as if with a hot iron. Such a conscience is also called "insensitive" and "polluted."
• Possible ways to translate this term could include, "inner moral guide" or "moral thinking."

Bible References:

• 1 Timothy 01:19
• 1 Timothy 03:09
• 2 Corinthians 05:11
• 2 Timothy 01:03
• Romans 09:01
• Titus 01:15-16

Word Data:

• Strong's: G4893

Forms Found in the English ULB:

conscience, consciences

consecrate

Related Ideas:

consecrated portion, consecration

Definition:

To consecrate means to dedicate something or someone to serve God. The person or object that is consecrated is considered holy and set apart for God.

• The meaning of this term is similar to "sanctify" or to "make holy," but with the added meaning of formally setting apart someone for service to God.
• Things that were consecrated to God included animals to be sacrificed, the altar of burnt offering, and the tabernacle.
• People who were consecrated to God included the priests, the people of Israel, and the oldest male child.
• Sometimes the word "consecrate" has a meaning that is similar to "purify," especially when it pertains to preparing people or things for God's service so that they will be cleansed and acceptable to him.

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate "consecrate" could include, "set apart for God's service" or "purify for service to God."
• Also consider how the terms "holy" and "sanctify" are translated.

(See also: holy, pure, sanctify)

Bible References:

• 1 Timothy 04:3-5
• 2 Chronicles 13:8-9
• Ezekiel 44:19

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3027, H4390, H4394, H4888, H5144, H5145, H6942, H6944

Forms Found in the English ULB:

consecrate, consecrated, consecrated portion, consecrates, consecration

cornerstone

Definition:

The term "cornerstone" refers to a large stone that has been specially cut and placed in the corner of the foundation of a building.

• All the other stones of the building are measured and placed in relation to the cornerstone.
• It is very important for the strength and stability of the whole structure.
• In the New Testament, the Assembly of believers is metaphorically compared to a building which has Jesus Christ as its "cornerstone."
• In the same way that the cornerstone of a building supports and determines the position of the whole building, so Jesus Christ is the cornerstone on which the Assembly of believers is founded and supported.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "cornerstone" could also be translated as "main building stone" or "foundation stone."
• Consider whether the target language has a term for a part of a building's foundation that is the main support. If so, this term could be used.
• Another way to translate this would be, "a foundation stone used for the corner of a building."
• It is important to keep the fact that this is a large stone, used as a solid and secure building material. If stones are not used for constructing buildings, there may be another word that could be used that means "large stone" (such as "boulder") but it should also have the idea of being well-formed and made to fit.

Bible References:

• Acts 04:11
• Ephesians 02:20
• Matthew 21:42
• Psalms 118:22

Word Data:

• Strong's: H68, H6438, H7218, G204, G1137, G2776, G3037

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cornerstone, cornerstones

covenant

Related Ideas:

agreed, contract, new covenant, will

Definition:

A covenant is a formal, binding agreement between two parties that one or both parties must fulfill.

• This agreement can be between individuals, between groups of people, or between God and people.
• When people make a covenant with each other, they promise that they will do something, and they must do it.
• Examples of human covenants include marriage covenants, business agreements or contracts, and treaties between countries.
• Throughout the Bible, God made several different covenants with his people.
• In some of the covenants, God promised to fulfill his part without conditions. For example, when God established his covenant with mankind promising to never destroy the earth again with a worldwide flood, this promise had no conditions for people to fulfill.
• In other covenants, God promised to fulfill his part only if the people obeyed him and fulfilled their part of the covenant.

The term "new covenant" refers to the commitment or agreement God made with his people through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.

• God's "new covenant" was explained in the part of the Bible called the "New Testament."
• This new covenant is in contrast to the "old" or "former" covenant that God had made with the Israelites in Old Testament times.
• The new covenant is better than the old one because it is based on the sacrifice of Jesus, which completely atoned for people's sins forever. The sacrifices made under the old covenant did not do this.
• God writes the new covenant on the hearts of those who become believers in Jesus. This causes them to want to obey God and to begin to live holy lives.
• The new covenant will be completely fulfilled in the end times when God establishes his reign on earth. Everything will once again be very good, as it was when God first created the world.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, ways to translate this term could include, "binding agreement" or "formal commitment" or "pledge" or "contract."

• Some languages may have different words for covenant depending on whether one party or both parties have made a promise they must keep. If the covenant is one-sided, it could be translated as "promise" or "pledge."

• Make sure the translation of this term does not sound like people proposed the covenant. In all cases of covenants between God and people, it was God who initiated the covenant.

• The term "new covenant" could be translated as "new formal agreement" or "new pact" or "new contract."

• The word "new" in these expressions has the meaning of "fresh" or "new kind of" or "another."

(See also: covenant, promise)

Bible References:

• Genesis 09:12
• Genesis 17:07
• Genesis 31:44
• Exodus 34:10-11
• Joshua 24:24-26
• 2 Samuel 23:5
• 2 Kings 18:11-12
• Mark 14:24
• Luke 01:73
• Luke 22:20
• Acts 07:08
• 1 Corinthians 11:25-26
• 2 Corinthians 03:06
• Galatians 03:17-18
• Hebrews 12:24

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 04:09 Then God made a covenant with Abram. A covenant is an agreement between two parties.
• 05:04 "I will make Ishmael a great nation, too, but my covenant will be with Isaac."
• 06:04 After a long time, Abraham died and all of the promises that God had made to him in the covenant were passed on to Isaac.
• 07:10 The covenant promises God had promised to Abraham and then to Isaac now passed on to Jacob."
• 13:02 God said to Moses and the people of Israel, "If you will obey my voice and keep my covenant, you will be my prized possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation."
• 13:04 Then God gave them the covenant and said, "I am Yahweh, your God, who saved you from slavery in Egypt. Do not worship other gods."
• 15:13 Then Joshua reminded the people of their obligation to obey the covenant that God had made with the Israelites at Sinai.
• 21:05 Through the prophet Jeremiah, God promised that he would make a New Covenant, but not like the covenant God made with Israel at Sinai. In the New Covenant, God would write his law on the people's hearts, the people would know God personally, they would be his people, and God would forgive their sins. The Messiah would start the New Covenant.
• 21:14 Through the Messiah's death and resurrection, God would accomplish his plan to save sinners and start the New Covenant.
• 38:05 Then Jesus took a cup and said, "Drink this. It is my blood of the New Covenant that is poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Do this to remember me every time you drink it."
• 48:11 But God has now made a New Covenant that is available to everyone. Because of this New Covenant, anyone from any people group can become part of God's people by believing in Jesus.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1285, H1697, H2319, H2374, G1242, G4934

Forms Found in the English ULB:

agreed, contract, covenant, covenants, new covenant, will

covenant faithfulness

Related Ideas:

covenant loyalty, loving kindness, steadfast love, unfailing love

Definition:

This term is used to describe God's commitment to fulfill the promises that he made to his people.

• God made promises to the Israelites in formal agreements called "covenants."
• The "covenant faithfulness" or "covenant loyalty" of Yahweh refers to the fact that he keeps his promises to his people.
• God's faithfulness to keep his covenant promises is an expression of his grace toward his people.
• The term "loyalty" is another word that refers to being committed and dependable, to do and say what has been promised, and what will benefit someone else.

Translation Suggestions:

• The way this term is translated will also depend on how the terms "covenant" and "faithfulness" are translated.
• Other ways to translate this term could include, "faithful love" or "loyal, committed love" or "loving dependability."

(See also: covenant, faithful, grace, Israel, people of God, promise)

Bible References:

• Ezra 03:11
• Numbers 14:18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2617

Forms Found in the English ULB:

covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty, loving kindness, steadfast love, unfailing love

cross

Definition:

In Bible times, a cross was an upright wooden post stuck into the ground, with a horizontal wooden beam attached to it near the top.

• During the time of the Roman Empire, the Roman government would execute criminals by tying or nailing them to a cross and leaving them there to die.
• Jesus was falsely accused of crimes he did not commit and the Romans put him to death on a cross.
• Note that this is a completely different word from the verb "cross" that means to go over to the other side of something, such as a river or lake.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could be translated using a term in the target language that refers to the shape of a cross.
• Consider describing the cross as something on which people were killed, using phrases such as "execution post" or "tree of death."
• Also consider how this word is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language. (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: crucify, Rome)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 01:17
• Colossians 02:15
• Galatians 06:12
• John 19:18
• Luke 09:23
• Luke 23:26
• Matthew 10:38
• Philippians 02:08

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 40:01 After the soldiers mocked Jesus, they led him away to crucify him. They made him carry the cross on which he would die.
• 40:02 The soldiers brought Jesus to a place called "the Skull" and nailed his arms and feet to the cross.
• 40:05 The Jewish leaders and the other people in the crowd mocked Jesus. They said to him, "If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross and save yourself! Then we will believe you."
• 49:10 When Jesus died on the cross, he received your punishment.
• 49:12 You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that he died on the cross instead of you, and that God raised him to life again.

Word Data:

• Strong's: G4716

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cross

crucify

Related Ideas:

nail him to a cross

Definition:

The term "crucify" means to execute someone by attaching him to a cross and leaving him there to suffer and die in great pain.

• The victim was either tied to the cross or nailed to it. Crucified people died from blood loss or from suffocation.
• The ancient Roman Empire frequently used this method of execution to punish and kill people who were terrible criminals or who had rebelled against the authority of their government.
• The Jewish religious leaders asked the Roman governor to order his soldiers to crucify Jesus. The soldiers nailed Jesus to a cross. He suffered there for six hours, and then died.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "crucify" could be translated as, "kill on a cross" or "execute by nailing to a cross."

(See also: cross, Rome)

Bible References:

• Acts 02:23
• Galatians 02:20-21
• Luke 23:20-22
• Luke 23:34
• Matthew 20:17-19
• Matthew 27:23-24

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 39:11 But the Jewish leaders and the crowd shouted, "Crucify him (Jesus)!"
• 39:12 Pilate became afraid that the crowd would begin to riot, so he ordered his soldiers to crucify Jesus.played a major role in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• 40:01 After the soldiers mocked Jesus, they led him away to crucify him. They made him carry the cross on which he would die.
• 40:04 Jesus was crucified between two robbers.
• 43:06 "Men of Israel, Jesus was a man who did many mighty signs and wonders by the power of God, as you have seen and already know. But you crucified him!"
• 43:09 "You crucified this man, Jesus."
• 44:08 Peter answered them, "This man stands before you healed by the power of Jesus the Messiah. You crucified Jesus, but God raised him to life again!"

Word Data:

• Strong's: G388, G4362, G4717, G4957

Forms Found in the English ULB:

crucified, crucify, nailing ... to a cross

curse

Related Ideas:

accursed, speak evil

Definition:

The term "curse" means to cause negative things to happen to the person or thing that is being cursed.

• A curse can be a statement that harm will happen to someone or something.
• To curse someone can also be an expression of desire that bad things will happen to them.
• It can also refer to the punishment or other negative things that someone causes to happen to someone.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could be translated as "cause bad things to happen to" or "declare that something bad will happen to" or "swear to cause evil things to happen to."
• In the context of God sending curses on his disobedient people, it could be translated as, "punish by allowing bad things to happen."
• The term "cursed" when used to describe people could be translated as, "(this person) will experience much trouble."
• The phrase "cursed be" could be translated as, "May (this person) experience great difficulties."
• The phrase, "Cursed is the ground" could be translated as, "The soil will not be very fertile."
• "Cursed be the day I was born" could also be translated as, "I am so miserable it would have been better not to be born."
• However, if the target language has the phrase "cursed be" and it has the same meaning, then it is good to keep the same phrase.

(See also: bless)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 14:24-26
• 2 Peter 02:12-14
• Galatians 03:10
• Galatians 03:14
• Genesis 03:14
• Genesis 03:17
• James 03:10
• Numbers 22:06
• Psalms 109:28

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 02:09 God said to the snake, "You are cursed!"
• 02:11 "Now the ground is cursed, and you will need to work hard to grow food."
• 04:04 "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you."
• 39:07 Then Peter vowed, saying, "May God curse me if I know this man!"
• 50:16 Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought sin into this world, God cursed it and decided to destroy it.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H422, H423, H779, H1288, H2194, H2778, H3994, H5344, H6895, H7043, H7045, H7621, G331, G332, G685, G1944, G2551, G2652, G2653, G2671, G2672

Forms Found in the English ULB:

accursed, curse, cursed, curses, cursing, speaks evil

daughter of Zion

Definition:

"Daughter of Zion" is a figurative way of referring to the people of Israel. It is usually used in prophecies.

• In the Old Testament, "Zion" is often used as another name for the city of Jerusalem.
• Both "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are also used to refer to Israel.
• The term "Daughter" is a term of endearment or affection. It is a metaphor for the patience and care that God has for his people.

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate this could include "my daughter Israel, from Zion" or "people from Zion, who are like a daughter to me" or "Zion, my dear people Israel."
• It is best to keep the term "Zion" in this expression since it is used many times in the Bible. A note could be included in the translation to explain its figurative meaning and prophetic use.
• It is also better to keep the term "Daughter" in the translation of this expression, as long as it is understood correctly.

(See also: Jerusalem, prophet, Zion)

Bible References:

• Jeremiah 06:02
• John 12:15
• Matthew 21:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6726

Forms Found in the English ULB:

daughter of Zion

day of the Lord

Related Ideas:

day of Christ Jesus, day of Jesus Christ, day of Yahweh, day of Yahweh's wrath

Description:

The Old Testament term "day of Yahweh" is used to refer to one or more specific times when God would punish people for their sin.

• The New Testament term "day of the Lord" usually refers to the day or time when the Lord Jesus will come back to judge people at the end of time.
• This final, future time of judgment and resurrection is also sometimes referred to as the "last day." This time will begin when the Lord Jesus comes back to judge sinners and will permanently establish his rule.
• The word "day" in these phrases may sometimes refer to a literal day or it may refer to a "time" or "occasion" that is longer than a day.
• Sometimes the punishment is referred to as a "pouring out of God's wrath" upon those who do not believe.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, other ways to translate "day of Yahweh" could include "time of Yahweh" or "time when Yahweh will punish his enemies" or "time of Yahweh's wrath."
• Other ways to translate "day of the Lord" could include "time of the Lord's judgment" or "time when the Lord Jesus will return to judge people."

(See also: day, judgment day, Lord, resurrection, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 05:05
• 1 Thessalonians 05:02
• 2 Peter 03:10
• 2 Thessalonians 02:02
• Acts 02:20-21
• Philippians 01:9-11

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3068, H3117, G2250, G2962

Forms Found in the English ULB:

day of Christ Jesus, day of Jesus Christ, day of Yahweh, day of Yahweh's wrath, day of our Lord Jesus, day of our Lord Jesus Christ, day of the Lord

deacon

Definition:

A deacon is a person who serves in the local church, helping fellow believers with practical needs, such as food or money.

• The word "deacon" is taken directly from a Greek word meaning "servant" or "minister."
• From the time of the early Christians, being a deacon has been a well-defined role and ministry in the Church body.
• For example, in the New Testament, deacons would make sure that whatever money or food that the believers shared would be distributed fairly to the widows among them.
• The term "deacon" could also be translated as "church minister" or "church worker" or "church servant," or some other phrase that shows that the person has been formally appointed to do specific tasks that benefit the local Christian community.

(See also: minister, servant)

Bible References:

• 1 Timothy 03:10
• 1 Timothy 03:13
• Philippians 01:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: G1249

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deacon, deacons

demon

Related Ideas:

demonic

Definition:

All these terms refer to demons, which are spirit beings that oppose God's will.

• God created angels to serve him. When the devil rebelled against God, some of the angels also rebelled and were thrown out of heaven. It is believed that demons and evil spirits are these "fallen angels."
• Sometimes these demons are called "unclean spirits." The term "unclean" means "impure" or "evil" or "unholy."
• Because demons serve the devil, they do evil things. Sometimes they live inside people and control them.
• Demons are more powerful than human beings, but not as powerful as God.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "demon" could also be translated as "evil spirit."
• The term "unclean spirit" could also be translated as "impure spirit" or "corrupt spirit" or "evil spirit."
• Make sure that the word or phrase used to translate this term is different from the term used to refer to the devil.
• Also consider how the term "demon" is translated in a local or national language. (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: demon-possessed, Satan, false god, false god, angel, evil, clean)

Bible References:

• James 02:19
• James 03:15
• Luke 04:36
• Mark 03:22
• Matthew 04:24

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 26:09 Many people who had demons in them were brought to Jesus. When Jesus commanded them, the demons came out of the people, and often shouted, "You are the Son of God!"
• 32:08 The demons came out of the man and entered the pigs.
• 47:05 Finally one day when the slave girl started yelling, Paul turned to her and said to the demon that was in her, "In the name of Jesus, come out of her." Right away the demon left her.
• 49:02 He (Jesus) walked on water, calmed storms, healed many sick people, drove out demons, raised the dead to life, and turned five loaves of bread and two small fish into enough food for over 5,000 people.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7307, H7451, H7700, G169, G1139, G1140, G1141, G1142, G4190, G4151

Forms Found in the English ULB:

demon, demonic, demons

demon-possessed

Related Ideas:

possessed by a demon

Definition:

A person who is demon-possessed has a demon or evil spirit that controls what he does and thinks.

• Often a demon-possessed person will hurt himself or other people because the demon causes him to do that.
• Jesus healed demon-possessed people by commanding the demons to come out of them. This is often called "casting out" demons.

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways to translate this term could include "demon-controlled" or "controlled by an evil spirit" or "having an evil spirit living inside."

(See also: demon)

Bible References:

• Mark 01:32
• Matthew 04:24
• Matthew 08:16
• Matthew 08:33

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 26:09 Many people who had demons in them were brought to Jesus.
• 32:02 When they reached the other side of the lake, a demon-possessed man came running up to Jesus.
• 32:06 The man with the demon cried out in a loud voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please do not torture me!"
• 32:09 The people from the town came and saw the man who used to have the demons.
• 47:03 Every day as they (Paul and Silas) walked there, a slave girl possessed by a demon followed them.

Word Data:

• Strong's: G1139

Forms Found in the English ULB:

demon-possessed, possessed by a demon, possessed by demons

disciple

Definition:

The term "disciple" refers to a person who spends much time with a teacher, learning from that teacher's character and teaching.

• The people who followed Jesus around, listening to his teachings and obeying them, were called his "disciples."
• John the Baptist also had disciples.
• During Jesus' ministry, there were many disciples who followed him and heard his teachings.
• Jesus chose twelve disciples to be his closest followers; these men became known as his "apostles."
• Jesus' twelve apostles continued to be known as his "disciples" or "the twelve."
• Just before Jesus went up to heaven, he commanded his disciples to teach other people about how to become Jesus' disciples, too.
• Anyone who believes in Jesus and obeys his teachings is called a disciple of Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "disciple" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "follower" or "student" or "pupil" or "learner."
• Make sure that the translation of this term does not refer only to a student who learns in a classroom.
• The translation of this term should also be different from the translation of "apostle."

(See also: apostle, believe, Jesus, John (the Baptist), the twelve)

Bible References:

• Acts 06:1
• Acts 09:26-27
• Acts 11:26
• Acts 14:22
• John 13:23
• Luke 06:40
• Matthew 11:03
• Matthew 26:33-35
• Matthew 27:64

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 30:08 He (Jesus) gave the pieces to his disciples to give to the people. The disciples kept passing out the food, and it never ran out!
• 38:01 About three years after Jesus first began preaching and teaching publicly, Jesus told his disciples that he wanted to celebrate this Passover with them in Jerusalem, and that he would be killed there.
• 38:11 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus told his disciples to pray that they would not enter into temptation.
• 42:10 Jesus said to his disciples, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So go, make disciples of all people groups by baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and by teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3928, G3100, G3101, G3102

Forms Found in the English ULB:

disciple, disciples

discipline

Related Ideas:

idle, confront, disorderly, self-discipline, train

Definition:

The term "discipline" refers to training people to obey a set of guidelines for moral behavior.

• Parents discipline their children by providing moral guidance and direction for them and teaching them to obey.
• Similarly, God disciplines his children to help them produce healthy spiritual fruit in their lives, such as joy, love, and patience.
• Discipline involves instruction regarding how to live to please God, as well as punishment for behavior that is against God's will.
• Self-discipline is the process of applying moral and spiritual principles to one's own life.
• To "confront" someone is to try to force him to stop doing what he is doing, either by speaking strongly to him or by physically preventing him from continuing.
• To be "disorderly" is to reject discipline and correction, either by being idle or by doing harmful things.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "discipline" could be translated as "train and instruct" or "morally guide" or "punish for wrongdoing."
• The noun "discipline" could be translated as "moral training" or "punishment" or "moral correction" or "moral guidance and instruction."

Bible References:

• Ephesians 06:4
• Hebrews 12:05
• Proverbs 19:18
• Proverbs 23:13-14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3198, H3256, H3925, H4148, H7378, H8433, G812, G1651, G3809, G3810, G3811, G4995

Forms Found in the English ULB:

are ... idle, confronted, discipline, disciplined, disciplines, disorderly, no discipline, self-discipline, trained, training, trains, untrained, were ... idle

divine

Related Ideas:

deity, divine nature

Definition:

The term "divine" refers to anything pertaining to God.

• Some ways this term is used include "divine authority," "divine judgment," "divine nature," "divine power," and "divine glory."
• In one passage in the Bible, the term "divine" is used to describe something about a false deity.

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate the term "divine" could include "God's" or "from God" or "pertaining to God" or "characterized by God."
• For example, "divine authority" could be translated as "God's authority" or "authority that comes from God."
• The phrase "divine glory" could be translated as "God's glory" or "the glory that God has" or "glory that comes from God."
• Some translations may prefer to use a different word when describing something that pertains to a false god.

(See also: authority, false god, glory, God, judge, power)

Bible References:

• 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
• 2 Peter 01:04
• Romans 01:20

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2303, G2304, G2305, G2316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deity, divine, divine nature

dominion

Related Ideas:

control, dominate, subjugate

Definition:

The term "dominion" refers to power, control, or authority over people, animals, or land.

• Jesus Christ is said to have dominion over all the earth, as prophet, priest, and king.
• Satan's dominion has been defeated forever by Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
• At creation, God said that man is to have dominion over fish, birds, and all creatures on the earth.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, other ways to translate this term could include "authority" or "power" or "control."
• The phrase "have dominion over" could be translated as "rule over" or "manage."

(See also: authority, power)

Bible References:

• 1 Peter 05:10-11
• Colossians 01:13
• Jude 01:25

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4474, H4475, H4910, G4912, H4915, H7287, H7985, G1849, G2634, G2904, G2963

Forms Found in the English ULB:

control, controls, dominate, dominion, dominions, subjugate

elect

Related Ideas:

Chosen One, choice, choose, election

Definition:

The term "the elect" literally means "chosen ones" or "chosen people" and refers to those whom God has appointed or selected to be his people. "Chosen One" or "Chosen One of God" is a title that refers to Jesus, who is the chosen Messiah.

• The term "choose" means to select something or someone or to decide something. It is often used to refer to God appointing people to belong to him and to serve him.
• To be "chosen" means to be "selected" or "appointed" to be or do something.
• God chose people to be holy, to be set apart by him for the purpose of bearing good spiritual fruit. That is why they are called "the chosen (ones) or "the elect."
• The term "chosen one" is sometimes used in the Bible to refer to certain people such as Moses and King David whom God had appointed as leaders over his people. It is also used to refer to the nation of Israel as God's chosen people.
• The phrase "the elect" is an older term that literally means "the chosen ones" or "the chosen people." This phrase in the original language is plural when referring to believers in Christ.
• In older English Bible versions, the term "elect" is used in both the Old and New Testaments to translate the word for "chosen one(s)." More modern versions use "elect" only in the New Testament, to refer to people who have been saved by God through faith in Jesus. Elsewhere in the Bible text, they translate this word more literally as "chosen ones."

Translation Suggestions:

• It is best to translate "elect" with a word or phrase that means "chosen ones" or "chosen people." This could also be translated as "people whom God chose" or "the ones God appointed to be his people."
• The phrase "who were chosen" could also be translated as "who were appointed" or "who were selected" or "whom God chose."
• "I chose you" could be translated as "I appointed you" or "I selected you."
• In reference to Jesus, "Chosen One" could also be translated as "God's chosen One" or "God's specially appointed Messiah" or "the One God appointed (to save people)."

(See also: appoint, Christ)

Bible References:

• 2 John 01:01
• Colossians 03:12
• Ephesians 01:3-4
• Isaiah 65:22-23
• Luke 18:07
• Matthew 24:19-22
• Romans 08:33

Word Data:

• Strong's: H972, H977, H1262, H1305, H3045, H4005, H6901, G138, G140, G1586, G1588, G1589, G1951, G3724, G4400, G4401, G4899, G5500

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Chosen One, choice, choose, chooses, chose, chosen, chosen one, chosen ones, chosen people, elect, election

ephod

Definition:

An ephod was an apron-like garment worn by the Israelite priests. It had two parts, front and back, that were joined together at the shoulders and tied around the waist with a cloth belt.

• One kind of ephod was made of plain linen and was worn by the ordinary priests.
• The ephod worn by the high priest was specially embroidered with gold, blue, purple, and red yarn.
• The breastpiece of the high priest was attached to the front of the ephod. Behind the breastpiece were stored the Urim and Thummim, which were stones used for asking God what his will was in certain matters.
• The judge Gideon foolishly made an ephod out of gold and it became something that the Israelites worshiped as an idol.

(See also: priest)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 02:18-19
• Exodus 28:4-5
• Hosea 03:04
• Judges 08:27
• Leviticus 08:07

Word Data:

• Strong's: H641, H642, H646

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ephod

eternity

Related Ideas:

ages long ago, eternal, ever, everlasting, for all time, forever, forevermore

Definition:

The terms "everlasting" and "eternal" have very similar meanings and refer to something that will always exist or that lasts forever.

• The term "eternity" refers to a state of being that has no beginning or end. It can also refer to life that never ends.
• After this present life on earth, humans will spend eternity either in heaven with God or in hell apart from God.
• The terms "eternal life" and "everlasting life" are used in the New Testament to refer to living forever with God in heaven.
• The phrase "forever and ever" has the idea of time that never ends and expresses what eternity or eternal life is like.

The term "forever" refers to never-ending time. Sometimes it is used figuratively to mean "a very long time."

• The term "forever and ever" emphasizes that something will always happen or exist.
• The phrase "forever and ever" is a way of expressing what eternity or eternal life is. It also has the idea of time that never ends.
• God said that David's throne would last "forever." This is referred to the fact that David's descendant Jesus will reign as king forever.

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways to translate "eternal" or "everlasting" could include"unending" or "never stopping" or "always continuing."

• The terms "eternal life" and "everlasting life" could also be translated as "life that never ends" or "life that continues without stopping" or "the raising up of our bodies to live forever."

• Depending on the context, different ways to translate "eternity" could include "existing outside of time" or "unending life" or "life in heaven."

• Also consider how this word is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language. (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

• "Forever" could also be translated by "always" or "never ending."

• The phrase "will last forever" could also be translated as "always exist" or "will never stop" or "will always continue."

• The emphatic phrase "forever and ever" could also be translated as "for always and always" or "not ever ending" or "which never, ever ends."

• David's throne lasting forever could be translated as "David's descendant will reign forever" or "a descendant of David will always be reigning."

(See also: David, reign, life)

Bible References:

• Genesis 17:08
• Genesis 48:04
• Exodus 15:17
• 2 Samuel 03:28-30
• 1 Kings 02:32-33
• Job 04:20-21
• Psalms 021:04
• Isaiah 09:6-7
• Isaiah 40:27-28
• Daniel 07:18
• Luke 18:18
• Acts 13:46
• Romans 05:21
• Hebrews 06:19-20
• Hebrews 10:11-14
• 1 John 01:02
• 1 John 05:12
• Revelation 01:4-6
• Revelation 22:3-5

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 27:01 One day, an expert in the Jewish law came to Jesus to test him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
• 28:01 One day, a rich young ruler came up to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only One who is good, and that is God. But if you want to have eternal life, obey God's laws."
• 28:10 Jesus answered, "Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or property for my name's sake, will receive 100 times more and will also receive eternal life."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1755, H3117, H4481, H5331, H5703, H5705, H5769, H5865, H5957, H6924, G126, G165, G166, G1336

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ages long ago, eternal, eternity, ever, everlasting, for all time, forever, forevermore, never

eunuch

Definition:

Usually the term "eunuch" refers to a man who has been castrated. The term later became a general term to refer to any government official, even those without the deformity.

• Jesus said that some eunuchs were born that way, perhaps because of damaged sex organs or because of not being able to function sexually. Others chose to live like eunuchs in a celibate lifestyle.
• In ancient times, eunuchs were often kings' servants who were set as guards over the women's quarters.
• Some eunuchs were important government officials, such as the Ethiopian eunuch who met the apostle Philip in the desert.

(See also: Philip)

Bible References:

• Acts 08:27
• Acts 08:36
• Acts 08:39
• Isaiah 39:7-8
• Jeremiah 34:17-19
• Matthew 19:12

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5631, G2134, G2135

Forms Found in the English ULB:

eunuch, eunuchs

evangelist

Definition:

An "evangelist" is a person who tells other people the good news about Jesus Christ.

• The literal meaning of "evangelist" is "someone who preaches the good news."
• Jesus sent his apostles out to spread the good news about how to be part of God's kingdom through trusting in Jesus and his sacrifice for sin.
• All Christians are exhorted to share this good news.
• Some Christians are given a special spiritual gift to effectively tell the gospel to others. These people are said to have the gift of evangelism and are called "evangelists."

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "evangelist" could be translated as "someone who preaches the good news" or "teacher of the good news" or "person who proclaims the good news (about Jesus)" or "good news proclaimer."

(See also: good news, spirit, gift)

Bible References:

• 2 Timothy 04:05
• Ephesians 04:11-13

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2099

Forms Found in the English ULB:

evangelist, evangelists

evil

Related Ideas:

deal violently, displeasing, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly

Definition:

The terms "evil" and "wicked" both refer to anything that is opposed to God's holy character and will.

• While "evil" may describe a person's character, "wicked" may refer more to a person's behavior. However, both terms are very similar in meaning.
• The term "wickedness" refers to the state of being that exists when people do wicked things.
• The results of evil are clearly shown in how people mistreat others by killing, stealing, slandering and being cruel and unkind.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, the terms "evil" and "wicked" can be translated as "bad" or "sinful" or "immoral."
• Other ways to translate these could include "not good" or "not righteous" or "not moral."
• Make sure the words or phrases that are used to translate these terms fit the context that is natural in the target language.

(See also: disobey, sin, good, righteous, demon)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 24:11
• 1 Timothy 06:10
• 3 John 01:10
• Genesis 02:17
• Genesis 06:5-6
• Job 01:01
• Job 08:20
• Judges 09:57
• Luke 06:22-23
• Matthew 07:11-12
• Proverbs 03:07
• Psalms 022:16-17

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 02:04 "God just knows that as soon as you eat it, you will be like God and will understand good and evil like he does."
• 03:01 After a long time, many people were living in the world. They had become very wicked and violent.
• 03:02 But Noah found favor with God. He was a righteous man living among wicked people.
• 04:02 God saw that if they all kept working together to do evil, they could do many more sinful things.
• 08:12 "You tried to do evil when you sold me as a slave, but God used the evil for good!"
• 14:02 They (Canaanites) worshiped false gods and did many evil things.
• 17:01 But then he (Saul) became a wicked man who did not obey God, so God chose a different man who would one day be king in his place.
• 18:11 In the new kingdom of Israel, all the kings were evil.
• 29:08 The king was so angry that he threw the wicked servant into prison until he could pay back all of his debt.
• 45:02 They said, "We heard him (Stephen) speak evil things about Moses and God!"
• 50:17 He (Jesus) will wipe away every tear and there will be no more suffering, sadness, crying, evil, pain, or death.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H205, H1100, H1431, H1681, H1942, H2154, H2554, H2555, H5765, H2162, H2248, H2254, H3238, H3399, H3415, H4849, H5753, H5766, H5767, H5771, H5807, H5999, H6090, H6184, H6293, H7451, H7455, H7489, H7561, H7562, H7563, H7564, H7701, H8133, G92, G93, G94, G932, G983, G984, G987, G988, G2549, G2551, G2554, G2555, G2556, G2559, G2560, G2635, G2636, G4151, G4189, G4190, G4191, G4550, G5337

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deal violently, deal worse, displeasing, do ... evil, do ... violence, done ... violence, evil, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, evils, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violated, violates, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly, wretches

exalt

Related Ideas:

exaltation, high position, leadership position, lifted up

Definition:

To exalt is to lift up. Often exalt means to praise or honor someone or something. It can also mean to put someone in an honored position of leadership.

• In the Bible, the term "exalt" is most often used for honoring God.
• When a person exalts himself, it means he thinks about himself in a proud or arrogant way.

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate "exalt" could include "highly praise" or "honor greatly" or "extol" or "speak highly of."
• In some contexts it could be translated by a word or phrase that means "put in a higher position" or "give more honor to" or "talk about proudly."
• "Do not exalt yourself" could also be translated as "Do not think of yourself too highly" or "Do not brag about yourself."
• "Those that exalt themselves" could also be translated as "Those who think proudly about themselves" or "Those who boast about themselves."

(See also: praise, worship, glory, boast, proud)

Bible References:

• 1 Peter 05:5-7
• 2 Samuel 22:47
• Acts 05:31
• Philippians 02:9-11
• Psalms 018:46

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1361, H1362, H1364, H4791, H4984, H5375, H5549, H5927, H7311, H7426, H7682, G5229, G5251, G5311, G5312

Forms Found in the English ULB:

exalt, exaltation, exalted, exalting, exalts, high position, leadership positions, lifted up, lofty

exhort

Related Ideas:

exhortation, urge

Definition:

The term "exhort" means to strongly encourage and urge someone to do what is right. Such encouragement is called "exhortation."

• The purpose of exhortation is to persuade other people to avoid sin and follow God's will.
• The New Testament teaches Christians to exhort each other in love, not harshly or abruptly.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "exhort" could also be translated as "strongly urge" or "persuade" or "advise."
• Make sure the translation of this term does not imply that the exhorter is angry. The term should convey strength and seriousness, but should not refer to angry speech.
• In most contexts, the term "exhort" should be translated differently than "encourage," which means to inspire, reassure, or comfort someone.
• Usually this term will also be translated differently from "admonish," which means to warn or correct someone for his wrong behavior.

Bible References:

• 1 Thessalonians 02:3-4
• 1 Thessalonians 02:12
• 1 Timothy 05:02
• Luke 03:18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5927, H6484, G3867, G3870, G3874

Forms Found in the English ULB:

exhort, exhortation, exhortations, exhorted, exhorting, urge, urged

faith

Definition:

In general, the term "faith" refers to a belief, trust or confidence in someone or something.

• To "have faith" in someone is to believe that what he says and does is true and trustworthy.
• To "have faith in Jesus" means to believe all of God's teachings about Jesus. It especially means that people trust in Jesus and his sacrifice to cleanse them from their sin and to rescue them from the punishment they deserve because of their sin.
• True faith or belief in Jesus will cause a person to produce good spiritual fruits or behaviors because the Holy Spirit is living in him.
• Sometimes "faith" refers generally to all the teachings about Jesus, as in the expression "the truths of the faith."
• In contexts such as "keep the faith" or "abandon the faith," the term "faith" refers to the state or condition of believing all the teachings about Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

• In some contexts, "faith" can be translated as "belief" or "conviction" or "confidence" or "trust."
• For some languages these terms will be translated using forms of the verb "believe." (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#figs-abstractnouns)
• The expression "keep the faith" could be translated by "keep believing in Jesus" or "continue to believe in Jesus."
• The sentence "they must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith" could be translated by "they must keep believing all the true things about Jesus that they have been taught."
• The expression "my true son in the faith" could be translated by something like "who is like a son to me because I taught him to believe in Jesus" or "my true spiritual son, who believes in Jesus."

(See also: believe, faithful)

Bible References:

• 2 Timothy 04:07
• Acts 06:7
• Galatians 02:20-21
• James 02:20

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 05:06 When Isaac was a young man, God tested Abraham's faith by saying, "Take Isaac, your only son, and kill him as a sacrifice to me."
• 31:07 Then he (Jesus) said to Peter, "You man of little faith, why did you doubt?"
• 32:16 Jesus said to her, "Your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
• 38:09 Then Jesus said to Peter, "Satan wants to have all of you, but I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith will not fail.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H529, H530, G1680, G3640, G4102, G4103

Forms Found in the English ULB:

faith

faithful

Related Ideas:

faithfully, faithfulness, reliable

Definition:

To be "faithful" to God means to consistently live according to God's teachings. It means to be loyal to him by obeying him.The state or condition of being faithful is "faithfulness."

• A person who is faithful can be trusted to always keep his promises and to always fulfill his responsibilities to other people.
• A faithful person perseveres in doing a task, even when it is long and difficult.
• Faithfulness to God is the consistent practice of doing what God wants us to do.

The term "unfaithful" describes people who do not do what God has commanded them to do. The condition or practice of being unfaithful is "unfaithfulness."

• The people of Israel were called "unfaithful" when they began to worship idols and when they disobeyed God in other ways.
• In marriage, someone who commits adultery is "unfaithful" to his or her spouse.
• God used the term "unfaithfulness" to describe Israel's disobedient behavior. They were not obeying God or honoring him.

Translation Suggestions:

Translating "faithful" and "faithfulness"

• In many contexts, "faithful" can be translated as "loyal" or "dedicated" or "dependable."
• In other contexts, "faithful" can be translated by a word or phrase that means "continuing to believe" or "persevering in believing and obeying God."
• Ways that "faithfulness" could be translated could include "persevering in believing" or "loyalty" or "trustworthiness" or "believing and obeying God."

Translating "unfaithful" and "unfaithfulness"

• Depending on the context, "unfaithful" could be translated as "not faithful" or "unbelieving" or "not obedient" or "not loyal."
• The phrase "the unfaithful" could be translated as "people who are not faithful (to God)" or "unfaithful people" or "those who disobey God" or "people who rebel against God."
• The term "unfaithfulness" could be translated as "disobedience" or "disloyalty" or "not believing or obeying."
• In some languages, the term "unfaithful" is related to the word for "unbelief."

(See also: adultery, believe, disobey, faith, believe)

Bible References:

• Genesis 24:49
• Leviticus 26:40
• Numbers 12:07
• Joshua 02:14
• Judges 02:16-17
• 1 Samuel 02:9
• Psalm 012:1
• Proverbs 11:12-13
• Isaiah 01:26
• Jeremiah 09:7-9
• Hosea 05:07
• Luke 12:46
• Luke 16:10
• Colossians 01:07
• 1 Thessalonians 05:24
• 3 John 01:05

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 08:05 Even in prison, Joseph remained faithful to God, and God blessed him.
• 14:12 Even so, God was still faithful to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• 15:13 The people promised to remain faithful to God and follow his laws.
• 17:09 David ruled with justice and faithfulness for many years, and God blessed him. However, toward the end of his life he sinned terribly against God.
• 18:04 God was angry with Solomon and, as a punishment for Solomon's unfaithfulness, he promised to divide the nation of Israel into two kingdoms after Solomon's death.
• 35:12 "The older son said to his father, 'All these years I have worked faithfully for you!"
• 49:17 But God is faithful and says that if you confess your sins, he will forgive you.
• 50:04 If you remain faithful to me to the end, then God will save you."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H529, H530, H539, H540, H571, H2181, H2616, H2623, H4603, H4820, G569, G4102, G4103

Forms Found in the English ULB:

faithful, faithful one, faithful people, faithfully, faithfulness, reliable, show ... self ... faithful

faithless

Related Ideas:

faithless deeds, faithlessly, faithlessness, unbelief, unbeliever, unfaithful, unfaithfully, unfaithfulness

Definition:

The term "faithless" means to not have faith or to not believe.

• This word is used to describe people who do not believe in God. Their lack of belief is seen by the immoral way they act.
• The prophet Jeremiah accused Israel of being faithless and disobedient to God.
• They worshiped idols and followed other ungodly customs of people groups who did not worship or obey God.

Translation Suggestions

• Depending on the context, the term "faithless" could be translated as "unfaithful" or "unbelieving" or "disobedient to God" or "not believing."
• The term "faithlessness" could be translated as "unbelief" or "unfaithfulness" or "rebellion against God."

(See also: believe, faithful, disobey)

Bible References:

• Ezekiel 43:6-8
• Ezra 09:1-2
• Jeremiah 02:19
• Proverbs 02:22
• Revelation 21:7-8

Word Data:

• Strong's: H898, H4603, H4604, H5472, G570, G569, G571, G802

Forms Found in the English ULB:

be unfaithful, faithless, faithless deeds, faithlessly, faithlessness, those who do not believe, unbelief, unbeliever, unbelievers, unbelieving, unfaithful, unfaithfully, unfaithfulness

favor

Related Ideas:

favorable, favoritism, privilege, request for favor, show favor

Definition:

To "favor" is to prefer. When someone favors a person, he regards that person positively and does more to benefit that person than he does to benefit others.

• The term "favoritism" means the attitude of acting favorably toward some people but not others. It means the inclination to pick one person over another or one thing over another because the person or item is preferred. Generally, favoratism is considered unfair.
• Jesus grew up "in favor with" God and men. This means they approved of his character and behavior.
• The expression "find favor" with someone means that someone is approved of by that person.
• When a king shows favor to someone, it often means that he approves of that person's request and grants it.
• A "favor" can also be a gesture or action towards or for another person for their benefit.

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways to translate the term "favor" could include, "blessing" or "benefit" or "credit."
• The "favorable year of Yahweh" could be translated as "the year (or time) when Yahweh will bring great blessing."
• The term "favoritism" could be translated as "partiality" or "being prejudiced" or "unjust treatment." This word is related to the word "favorite," which means "the one who is preferred or loved best."

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 02:25-26
• 2 Chronicles 19:07
• 2 Corinthians 01:11
• Acts 24:27
• Genesis 41:16
• Genesis 47:25
• Genesis 50:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H995, H1156, H1293, H1779, H1921, H2580, H2603, H2604, H2617, H2896, H5278, H5375, H5414, H5922, H6213, H6437, H6440, H7522, H7965, H8467, G1184, G3685, G3982, G4380, G4382, G5485, G5486

Forms Found in the English ULB:

favor, favorable, favored, favoritism, favors, privilege, request for favor, seek ... favor, seeking the favor, show favor, shown favor, sought ... favor

fear

Related Ideas:

afraid, alarmed, anxiety, coward, dismay, dread, fainthearted, fearful, fearlessly, fearsome, frighten, timid, unafraid

Definition:

The terms "fear" and "afraid" refer to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.

• The term "fear" can also refer to a deep respect and awe for a person in authority.
• The phrase "fear of Yahweh," as well as related terms "fear of God" and "fear of the Lord," refer to a deep respect of God and the showing of that respect by obeying him. This fear is motivated by knowing that God is holy and hates sin.
• The Bible teaches that a person who fears Yahweh will become wise.
• "Anxiety" is fear about the future, what is going to happen.
• To be "alarmed" is to be surprised and afraid because something bad has suddenly happened.
• "Dread" is great fear.
• Someone who is "timid" is afraid to act because something bad might happen as a result.
• Someone who is "unafraid" is not afraid.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, to "fear" can be translated as to "be afraid" or to "deeply respect" or to "revere" or to "be in awe of."
• The term "afraid" could be translated as "terrified" or "scared" or "fearful."
• The sentence "The fear of God fell on all of them" could be translated as "Suddenly they all felt a deep awe and respect for God" or "Immediately, they all felt very amazed and revered God deeply" or "Right then, they all felt very afraid of God (because of his great power)."
• The phrase "fear not" could also be translated as "do not be afraid" or "stop being afraid."
• Note that the phrase "fear of Yahweh" does not occur in the New Testament. The phrase "fear of the Lord" or "fear of the Lord God" is used instead.

(See also: marvel, awe, Lord, power, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 1 John 04:18
• Acts 02:43
• Acts 19:15-17
• Genesis 50:21
• Isaiah 11:3-5
• Job 06:14
• Jonah 01:09
• Luke 12:05
• Matthew 10:28
• Proverbs 10:24-25

Word Data:

• Strong's: H367, H926, H928, H1204, H1481, H1672, H1674, H1763, H2119, H2729, H2730, H2731, H2844, H2849, H2865, H3016, H3025, H3372, H3373, H3374, H4032, H4034, H4035, H4116, H4172, H6206, H6342, H6343, H6345, H6427, H7264, H7267, H7297, H7390, H7461, H7493, H8175, G870, G1167, G1168, G1169, G1568, G1630, G1719, G2125, G5398, G5399, G5401

Forms Found in the English ULB:

afraid, alarmed, anxiety, cowards, dismay, dismayed, dread, dreaded, fainthearted, fear, feared, fearful, fearful thing, fearlessly, fears, fearsome, frighten, frightened, timid, unafraid

fellowship

Related Ideas:

alliance, associate with, association, allied with, contribution, participants with, partnership, share, united

Definition:

In general, the term "fellowship" refers to friendly interactions between members of a group of people who share similar interests and experiences.

• In the Bible, the term "fellowship" usually refers to the unity of believers in Christ.
• Christian fellowship is a shared relationship that believers have with one another through their relationship with Christ and the Holy Spirit.
• The early Christians expressed their fellowship through listening to the teaching of God's Word and praying together, through the sharing of their belongings, and through eating meals together.
• Christians also have fellowship with God through their faith in Jesus and his sacrificial death on the cross which removed the barrier between God and people.
• An "alliance" is a kind of fellowship between governments in which the governments agree to work together, usually to fight common enemies.

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate "fellowship" could include "a sharing together" or "relationship" or "companionship" or "Christian community."

Bible References:

• 1 John 01:03
• Acts 02:40-42
• Philippians 01:3-6
• Philippians 02:01
• Philippians 03:10
• Psalms 055:12-14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2266, H2270, H4541, H6148, H8641, G2842, G2844, G3352, G3353, G4790

Forms Found in the English ULB:

alliance, alliances, associate with, association, be allied with, be participants with, contribution, contributions, fellowship, participant, participants, partnership, share, sharers, shares, sharing, united

filled with the Holy Spirit

Related Ideas:

full of the Holy Spirit

Definition:

The term "filled with the Holy Spirit" is a figurative expression that, when used to describe a person means the Holy Spirit is empowering that person to do God's will.

• The expression "filled with" is an expression that often means "controlled by."
• People are "filled with the Holy Spirit" when they follow the Holy Spirit's leading and completely rely on him to help them do what God wants.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could be translated as "empowered by the Holy Spirit" or "controlled by the Holy Spirit." But it should not sound as though the Holy Spirit is forcing the person to do something.
• A sentence such as "he was filled with the Holy Spirit" could be translated as "he was living fully by the Spirit's power" or "he was completely guided by the Holy Spirit" or "the Holy Spirit was guiding him completely."
• This term is similar in meaning to the expression "live by the Spirit," but "filled with the Holy Spirit" emphasizes the completeness with which a person allows the Holy Spirit to have control or influence over his life. So these two expressions should be translated differently, if possible.

(See also: Holy Spirit)

Bible References:

• Acts 04:31
• Acts 05:17
• Acts 06:8-9
• Luke 01:15
• Luke 01:39-41
• Luke 04:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4390, H4392, H7646, H8003, G40, G4130, G4137, G4151

Forms Found in the English ULB:

filled ... with the Holy Spirit, full ... of the Holy Spirit, full ... of the Spirit

flesh

Related Ideas:

fleshly, human, living creatures, meat, physical

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "flesh" literally refers to the soft tissue of the physical body of a human being or animal.

• The Bible also uses the term "flesh" in a figurative way to refer to all human beings or all living creatures.
• In the New Testament, the term "flesh" can be used to talk about something that is associated with being human. For example, to decide something according to the flesh means to decide something according to human standards.
• In the New Testament, the term "flesh" can be used to refer to the sinful nature of human beings. This is often used in contrast to their spiritual nature.
• The expression "own flesh and blood" refers to someone who is biologically related to another person, such as a parent, sibling, child, or grandchild.
• The expression "flesh and blood" can also refer to a person's ancestors or descendants.
• The expression "one flesh" refers to the physical uniting of a man and woman in marriage.

Translation Suggestions:

• In the context of an animal's body, "flesh" could be translated as "body" or "skin" or "meat."
• When it is used to refer generally to all living creatures, this term could be translated as "living beings" or "everything that is alive."
• When referring in general to all people, this term could be translated as "people" or "human beings" or "everyone who lives."
• The expression "flesh and blood" could also be translated as "relatives" or "family" or "kinfolk" or "family clan." There may be contexts where it could be translated as "ancestors" or "descendants."
• Some languages may have an expression that is similar in meaning to "flesh and blood."
• The expression "become one flesh" could be translated as "unite sexually" or "become as one body" or "become like one person in body and spirit." The translation of this expression should be checked to make sure it is acceptable in the project language and culture. (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#figs-euphemism). It should also be understood that this is figurative, and does not mean that a man and a woman who "become one flesh" literally become one person.

Bible References:

• 1 John 02:16
• 2 John 01:07
• Ephesians 06:12
• Galatians 01:16
• Genesis 02:24
• John 01:14
• Matthew 16:17
• Romans 08:08

Word Data:

• Strong's: H120, H829, H1320, H1321, H2878, H7607, H7683, G2907, G4559, G4561

Forms Found in the English ULB:

flesh, fleshly, human, humans, living creatures, meat, physical

fool

Related Ideas:

folly, foolish, foolishly, foolishness, insane, insanity, out of his mind, senseless, stupid, thoughtless, unwise

Definition:

The term "fool" refers to a person who often makes wrong choices, especially choosing to disobey. The term "foolish" describes a person or behavior that is not wise.

• In the Bible, the term "fool" usually refers to a person who does not believe or obey God. This is often contrasted to the wise person, who trusts in God and obeys God.
• In the Psalms, David describes a fool as a person who does not believe in God, one who ignores all the evidence of God in his creation.
• The Old Testament book of Proverbs also gives many descriptions of what a fool, or foolish person, is like.
• The term "folly" refers to an action that is not wise because it is against God's will. Often "folly" also includes the meaning of something that is ridiculous or dangerous.
• A person who is "insane" or suffering from "insanity" is unable to know truth from error, right from wrong, or good from evil and often acts without knowing what he is doing.
• Something that is hollow has nothing on its inside.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "fool" could be translated as "foolish person" or "unwise person" or "senseless person" or "ungodly person."
• Ways to translate "foolish" could include "lacking understanding" or "unwise" or "senseless."

(See also: wise)

Bible References:

• Ecclesiastes 01:17
• Ephesians 05:15
• Galatians 03:03
• Genesis 31:28
• Matthew 07:26
• Matthew 25:08
• Proverbs 13:16
• Psalms 049:13

Word Data:

• Strong's: H191, H196, H200, H1197, H1198, H1984, H2973, H3684, H3687, H3688, H3689, H3690, H5014, H5034, H5036, H5039, H5528, H5529, H5530, H5531, H6612, H8417, H8604, G453, G454, G781, G801, G877, G878, G2757, G3150, G3154, G3471, G3472, G3473, G3474, G3912, G3913

Forms Found in the English ULB:

act of disgraceful folly, acted ... foolishly, disgraceful folly, folly, fool, foolish, foolishness, fools, insane, insanity, out of ... mind, senseless, spoken ... foolishly, stupid, thoughtless, unwise

forgive

Related Ideas:

forgiven, forgiveness, pardon

Definition:

To forgive someone means to not hold a grudge against that person even though they did something hurtful. "Forgiveness" is the act of forgiving someone.

• Forgiving someone often means not punishing that person for something he has done wrong.
• This term can be used figuratively to mean "cancel," as in the expression "forgive a debt."
• When people confess their sins, God forgives them based on Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross.
• Jesus taught his disciples to forgive others as he has forgiven them.

The term "pardon" means to forgive and not punish someone for his sin.

• This word has the same meaning as "forgive" but may also include the meaning of a formal decision to not punish someone who is guilty.
• In a court of law, a judge can pardon a person found guilty of a crime.
• Even though we are guilty of sin, Jesus Christ pardoned us from being punished in hell, based on his sacrificial death on the cross.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "forgive" could be translated as "pardon" or "cancel" or "release" or "not hold against" (someone).
• The term "forgiveness" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "practice of not resenting" or "declaring (someone) as not guilty" or "the act of pardoning."
• If the language has a word for a formal decision to forgive, that word could be used to translate "pardon."

(See also: guilt)

Bible References:

• Genesis 50:17
• Numbers 14:17-19
• Deuteronomy 29:20-21
• Joshua 24:19-20
• 2 Kings 05:17-19
• Psalms 025:11
• Psalms 025:17-19
• Isaiah 55:6-7
• Isaiah 40:02
• Luke 05:21
• Acts 08:22
• Ephesians 04:31-32
• Colossians 03:12-14
• 1 John 02:12

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 07:10 But Esau had already forgiven Jacob, and they were happy to see each other again.
• 13:15 Then Moses climbed the mountain again and prayed that God would forgive the people. God listened to Moses and forgave them.
• 17:13 David repented of his sin and God forgave him.
• 21:05 In the New Covenant, God would write his law on the people's hearts, the people would know God personally, they would be his people, and God would forgive their sins.
• 29:01 One day Peter asked Jesus, "Master, how many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me?"
• 29:08 I forgave your debt because you begged me.
• 38:05 Then Jesus took a cup and said, "Drink this. It is my blood of the New Covenant that is poured out for the forgiveness of sins.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5546, H5547, H3722, H5375, H5545, H5547, G859, G863, G2433, G5483

Forms Found in the English ULB:

forgave, forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, forgives, pardon, pardoned

forsaken

Related Ideas:

abandon, give up, leave, walk away from

Definition:

The term "forsake" means to abandon someone or to give up something. Someone who has been "forsaken" has been deserted or abandoned by someone else.

• When people "forsake" God, they are being unfaithful to him by disobeying him.
• When God "forsakes" people, he has stopped helping them and allowed them to experience suffering in order to cause them to turn back to him.
• This term can also mean to forsake things, such as forsaking, or not following, God's teachings.
• The term "forsaken" can be used in the past tense, as in "he has forsaken you" or as in referring to someone who has "been forsaken."

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways to translate this term could include "abandon" or "neglect" or "give up" or "go away from" or "leave behind," depending on the context.
• To "forsake" God's law could be translated "disobey God's law." This could also be translated as "abandon" or "give up on" or "stop obeying" his teachings or his laws.
• The phrase "be forsaken" can be translated as "be abandoned" or "be deserted."
• It more clearer to use different words to translate this term, depending on whether the text describes forsaking a thing or a person.

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 06:11-13
• Daniel 11:29-30
• Genesis 24:27
• Joshua 24:16-18
• Matthew 27:45-47
• Proverbs 27:9-10
• Psalms 071:18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H488, H2308, H5203, H5800, H7503, G646, G657, G863, G1459, G2641

Forms Found in the English ULB:

abandon, abandoned, forsake, give up, has left, have left, leave, left, walk away from

fulfill

Related Ideas:

carry out, fill to the limit, finish, fulfillment, in full, make something full

Definition:

The term "fulfill" means to complete or accomplish something that was expected.

• When a prophecy is fulfilled, it means that God causes to happen what was predicted in the prophecy.
• If a person fulfills a promise or a vow, it means that he does what he has promised to do.
• To fulfill a responsibility means to do the task that was assigned or required.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "fulfill" could be translated as "accomplish" or "complete" or "cause to happen" or "obey" or "perform."
• The phrase "has been fulfilled" could also be translated as "has come true" or "has happened" or "has taken place."
• Ways to translate "fulfill," as in "fulfill your ministry," could include "complete" or "perform" or "practice" or "serve other people as God has called you to do."

(See also: prophet, Christ, minister, call)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 02:27
• Acts 03:17-18
• Leviticus 22:17-19
• Luke 04:21
• Matthew 01:22-23
• Matthew 05:17
• Psalms 116:12-15

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 24:04 John fulfilled what the prophets said, "See I send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way."
• 40:03 The soldiers gambled for Jesus' clothing. When they did this, they fulfilled a prophecy that said, "They divided my garments among them, and gambled for my clothing."
• 42:07 Jesus said, "I told you that everything written about me in God's word must be fulfilled."
• 43:05 "This fulfills the prophecy made by the prophet Joel in which God said, 'In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit.'"
• 43:07 "This fulfills the prophecy which says, 'You will not let your Holy One rot in the grave.'"
• 44:05 "Although you did not understand what you were doing, God used your actions to fulfill the prophecies that the Messiah would suffer and die."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1214, H4390, H5487, H7999, G378, G4135, G4137, G4138, G5048, G5055

Forms Found in the English ULB:

carried out, fill up ... to the limit, finishing, fulfill, fulfilled, fulfillment, fulfills, in full, make ... full

Gentile

Facts:

The term "Gentile" refers to anyone who is not a Jew. Gentiles are people who are not descendants of Jacob.

• In the Bible, the term "uncircumcised" is also used figuratively to refer to Gentiles because many of them did not circumcise their male children as the Israelites did.
• Because God chose the Jews to be his special people, they thought of the Gentiles as outsiders who could never be God's people.
• The Jews were also called "Israelites" or "Hebrews" at different times in history. They referred to anyone else as a "Gentile."
• Gentile could also be translated as "not a Jew" or "non-Jewish" or "not an Israelite" (Old Testament) or "non-Jew.".
• Traditionally, Jews would neither eat with nor associate with Gentiles, which at first caused problems within the early church.

(See also: Israel, Jacob, Jew)

Bible References:

• Acts 09:13-16
• Acts 14:5-7
• Galatians 02:16
• Luke 02:32
• Matthew 05:47
• Matthew 06:5-7
• Romans 11:25

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1471, G1482, G1484

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gentile, Gentiles

gift

Related Ideas:

give, gracious gift

Definition:

The term "gift" refers to anything that is given or offered to someone. A gift is given without the expectation of getting anything in return

• Money, food, clothing, or other things given to poor people are called "gifts."
• In the Bible, an offering or sacrifice given to God is also called a gift.
• The gift of salvation is something God gives us through faith in Jesus.
• In the New Testament, the term "gifts" is also used to refer to special spiritual abilities that God gives to all Christians for serving other people.

Translation Suggestions:

• The general term for "gift" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "something that is given."
• In the context of someone having a gift or special ability that comes from God, the term "gift from the Spirit" could be translated as "spiritual ability" or "special ability from the Holy Spirit" or "special spiritual skill that God gave."

(See also: spirit, Holy Spirit)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 12:01
• 2 Samuel 11:08
• Acts 08:20
• Acts 10:04
• Acts 11:17
• Acts 24:17
• James 01:17
• John 04:9-10
• Matthew 05:23
• Matthew 08:4

Word Data:

• Strong's: H814, H4503, H4864, H4976, H4978, H4979, H4991, H5379, H7810, H7964, H8641, G331, G1390, G1394, G1431, G1434, G1435, G3311, G5485, G5486

Forms Found in the English ULB:

gift, gifts, give, gracious gift

glory

Related Ideas:

beautiful, beauty, glorify, glorious, take pride

Definition:

In general, the term "glory" means honor, splendor, and extreme greatness. Anything that has glory is said to be "glorious."

• Sometimes "glory" refers to something of great value and importance. In other contexts it communicates splendor, brightness, or judgment.
• For example, the expression "glory of the shepherds" refers to the lush pastures where their sheep had plenty of grass to eat.
• Glory is especially used to describe God, who is more glorious than anyone or anything in the universe. Everything in his character reveals his glory and his splendor.
• The expression to "glory in" means to boast about or take pride in something.

The term "glorify" means to show or tell how great and important something or someone is. It literally means to "give glory to."

• People can glorify God by telling about the wonderful things he has done.
• They can also glorify God by living in a way that honors him and shows how great and magnificent he is.
• When the Bible says that God glorifies himself, it means that he reveals to people his amazing greatness, often through miracles.
• God the Father will glorify God the Son by revealing to people the Son's perfection, splendor, and greatness.
• Everyone who believes in Christ will be glorified with him. When they are raised to life, they will be changed to reflect his glory and to display his grace to all creation.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, different ways to translate "glory" could include "splendor" or "brightness" or "majesty" or "awesome greatness" or "extreme value."

• The term "glorious" could be translated as "full of glory" or "extremely valuable" or "brightly shining" or "awesomely majestic."

• The expression "give glory to God" could be translated as "honor God's greatness" or "praise God because of his splendor" or "tell others how great God is."

• The expression "glory in" could also be translated as "praise" or "take pride in" or "boast about" or "take pleasure in."

• "Glorify" could also be translated as "give glory to" or "bring glory to" or "cause to appear great."

• The phrase "glorify God" could also be translated as "praise God" or "talk about God's greatness" or "show how great God is" or "honor God (by obeying him)."

• The term "be glorified" could also be translated as, "be shown to be very great" or "be praised" or "be exalted."

(See also: exalt, obey, praise)

Bible References:

• Exodus 24:17
• Numbers 14:9-10
• Isaiah 35:02
• Luke 18:43
• Luke 02:09
• John 12:28
• Acts 03:13-14
• Acts 07:1-3
• Romans 08:17
• 1 Corinthians 06:19-20
• Philippians 02:14-16
• Philippians 04:19
• Colossians 03:1-4
• 1 Thessalonians 02:05
• James 02:1-4
• 1 Peter 04:15-16
• Revelation 15:04

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 23:07 Suddenly, the skies were filled with angels praising God, saying, "Glory to God in heaven and peace on earth to the people he favors!"
• 25:06 Then Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and all their glory and said, "I will give you all this if you bow down and worship me."
• 37:01 When Jesus heard this news, he said, "This sickness will not end in death, but it is for the glory of God."
• 37:08 Jesus responded, "Did I not tell you that you would see God's glory if you believe in me?"

Word Data:

• Strong's: H117, H142, H155, H1342, H1926, H1927, H1935, H1984, H2896, H3367, H3513, H3519, H3520, H5278, H6286, H6643, H7623, H8231, H8597, G1391, G1392, G1740, G1741, G2570, G2744, G4888

Forms Found in the English ULB:

beautiful, beauty, glories, glorified, glorifies, glorify, glorifying, glorious, glory, take pride

god

Related Ideas:

disgusting figure, false god, goat idols, goddess, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry

Definition:

A false god is something that people worship instead of the one true God. The term "goddess" refers specifically to a female false god.

• These false gods or goddesses do not exist. Yahweh is the only God.
• People sometimes make objects into idols to worship as symbols of their false gods.
• In the Bible, God's people frequently turned away from obeying him in order to worship false gods.
• Demons often deceive people into believing that the false gods and idols they worship have power.
• Baal, Dagon, and Molech were three of the many false gods that were worshiped by people in Bible times.
• Asherah and Artemis (Diana) were two of the goddesses that ancient peoples worshiped.

An idol is an object that people make so they can worship it. Something is described as "idolatrous" if it involves giving honor to something other than the one true God.

• People make idols to represent the false gods that they worship.
• These false gods do not exist; there is no God besides Yahweh.
• Sometimes demons work through an idol to make it seem like it has power, even though it does not.
• Idols are often made of valuable materials like gold, silver, bronze, or expensive wood.
• An "idolatrous kingdom" means a "kingdom of people who worship idols" or a "kingdom of people who worship earthly things."
• The term "idolatrous figure" is another word for a "carved image" or an "idol."

Translation Suggestions:

• There may already be a word for "god" or "false god" in the language or in a nearby language.
• The term "idol" could be used to refer to false gods.
• In English, a lower case "g" is used to refer to false gods, and upper case "G" is used to refer to the one true God. Other languages also do that.
• Another option would be to use a completely different word to refer to the false gods.
• Some languages may add a word to specify whether the false god is described as male or female.

(See also: God, Asherah, Baal, Molech, demon, image, kingdom, worship)

Bible References:

• Genesis 35:02
• Exodus 32:01
• Psalms 031:06
• Psalms 081:8-10
• Isaiah 44:20
• Acts 07:41
• Acts 07:43
• Acts 15:20
• Acts 19:27
• Romans 02:22
• Galatians 04:8-9
• Galatians 05:19-21
• Colossians 03:05
• 1 Thessalonians 01:09

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 10:02 Through these plagues, God showed Pharaoh that he is more powerful than Pharaoh and all of Egypt's gods.
• 13:04 Then God gave them the covenant and said, "I am Yahweh, your God, who saved you from slavery in Egypt. Do not worship other gods."
• 14:02 They (Canaanites) worshiped false gods and did many evil things.
• 16:01 The Israelites began to worship the Canaanite gods instead of Yahweh, the true God.
• 18:13 But most of Judah's kings were evil, corrupt, and they worshiped idols. Some of the kings even sacrificed their children to false gods.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H205, H367, H410, H426, H430, H457, H1322, H1544, H1892, H3649, H4656, H4906, H5236, H5566, H6090, H6091, H6456, H6459, H6673, H6736, H6754, H7723, H8163, H8251, H8267, H8441, H8655, G1140, G1493, G1494, G1495, G1496, G1497, G2299, G2712

Forms Found in the English ULB:

disgusting figure, disgusting figures, false god, goat idols, god, goddess, gods, idol, idol's, idolater, idolaters, idolatrous, idolatry, idols, idols'

God

Related Ideas:

the living God

Facts:

In the Bible, the term "God" refers to the eternal being who created the universe out of nothing. God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God's personal name is "Yahweh."

• God has always existed; he existed before anything else existed, and he will continue to exist forever.
• He is the only true God and has authority over everything in the universe.
• God is perfectly righteous, infinitely wise, holy, sinless, just, merciful, and loving.
• He is a covenant-keeping God, who always fulfills his promises.
• People were created to worship God and he is the only one they should worship.
• God revealed his name as "Yahweh," which means "he is" or "I am" or "the One who (always) exists."
• The Bible also teaches about false "gods," which are nonliving idols that people wrongly worship.

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate "God" could include "Deity" or "Creator" or "Supreme Being."
• Other ways to translate "God" could be "Supreme Creator" or "Infinite Sovereign Lord" or "Eternal Supreme Being."
• Consider how God is referred to in a local or national language. There may also already be a word for "God" in the language being translated. If so, it is important to make sure that this word fits the characteristics of the one true God as described above.
• Many languages capitalize the first letter of the word for the one true God, to distinguish it from the word for a false god.
• Another way to make this distinction would be to use different terms for "God" and "god."
• The phrase "I will be their God and they will be my people" could also be translated as "I, God, will rule over these people and they will worship me."

(Translation suggestions: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-names)

(See also: create, false god, God the Father, Holy Spirit, false god, Son of God, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 1 John 01:07
• 1 Samuel 10:7-8
• 1 Timothy 04:10
• Colossians 01:16
• Deuteronomy 29:14-16
• Ezra 03:1-2
• Genesis 01:02
• Hosea 04:11-12
• Isaiah 36:6-7
• James 02:20
• Jeremiah 05:05
• John 01:03
• Joshua 03:9-11
• Lamentations 03:43
• Micah 04:05
• Philippians 02:06
• Proverbs 24:12
• Psalms 047:09

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 01:01 God created the universe and everything in it in six days.
• 01:15 God made man and woman in his own image.
• 05:03 "I am God Almighty. I will make a covenant with you."
• 09:14 God said, "I AM WHO I AM. Tell them, 'I AM has sent me to you.' Also tell them, 'I am Yahweh, the God of your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is my name forever.'"
• 10:02 Through these plagues, God showed Pharaoh that he is more powerful than Pharaoh and all of Egypt's gods.
• 16:01 The Israelites began to worship the Canaanite gods instead of Yahweh, the true God.
• 22:07 You, my son, will be called the prophet of the Most High God who will prepare the people to receive the Messiah!"
• 24:09 There is only one God. But John heard God the Father speak, and saw Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit when he baptized Jesus.
• 25:07 "Worship only the Lord your God and only serve him."
• 28:01 "There is only one who is good, and that is God."
• 49:09 But God loved everyone in the world so much that he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in Jesus will not be punished for his sins, but will live with God forever.
• 50:16 But some day God will create a new heaven and a new earth that will be perfect.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H136, H410, H426, H430, H433, H2623, H3069, H4136, H6697, G112, G516, G932, G935, G2098, G2124, G2128, G2152, G2153, G2299, G2304, G2312, G2314, G2315, G2316, G2317, G2318, G2319, G2320, G4151, G5207, G5377, G5463, G5537, G5538

Forms Found in the English ULB:

God, God's, the living God

God the Father

Related Ideas:

Father, heavenly Father, my Father

Facts:

The terms "God the Father" and "heavenly Father" refer to Yahweh, the one true God. Another term with the same meaning is "Father," used most often when Jesus was referring to him.

• God exists as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each one is fully God, and yet they are only one God. This is a mystery that mere humans cannot fully understand.
• God the Father sent God the Son (Jesus) into the world, and he sends the Holy Spirit to his people.
• Anyone who believes in God the Son becomes a child of God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit comes to live in that person. This is another mystery that human beings cannot fully understand.

Translation Suggestions:

• In translating the phrase "God the Father," it is best to translate "Father" with the same word that the language naturally uses to refer to a human father.
• The term "heavenly Father" could be translated by "Father who lives in heaven" or "Father God who lives in heaven" or "God our Father from heaven."
• Usually "Father" is capitalized when it refers to God.

(Translation suggestions: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-names)

(See also: ancestor, God, heaven, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Son of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 08:4-6
• 1 John 02:01
• 1 John 02:23
• 1 John 03:01
• Colossians 01:1-3
• Ephesians 05:18-21
• Luke 10:22
• Matthew 05:16
• Matthew 23:09

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 24:09 There is only one God. But John heard God the Father speak, and saw Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit when he baptized Jesus.
• 29:09 Then Jesus said, "This is what my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
• 37:09 Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, thank you for hearing me."
• 40:07 Then Jesus cried out, "It is finished! Father, I give my spirit into your hands."
• 42:10 "So go, make disciples of all people groups by baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and by teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
• 43:08 "Jesus is now exalted to the right hand of God the Father."
• 50:10 "Then the righteous ones will shine like the sun in the kingdom of God their Father."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1, H2, G3962

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Father, God the Father, heavenly Father, my Father

godly

Related Ideas:

godless, godless actions, godlessness, godliness, ungodliness, ungodly

Definition:

The term "godly" is used to describe a person who acts in a way that honors God and shows what God is like. "Godliness" is the character quality of honoring God by doing his will.

• A person who has godly character will show the fruits of the Holy Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self control.
• The quality of godliness shows that a person has the Holy Spirit and is obeying him.

The terms "ungodly" and "godless" describe people who are in rebellion against God. Living in an evil way, without thought of God, is called "ungodliness" or "godlessness."

• The meanings of these words are very similar. However, "godless" and "godlessness" may describe a more extreme condition in which people or nations do not even acknowledge God or his right to rule them.
• God pronounces judgment and wrath on ungodly people, on everyone who rejects him and his ways.

Translation Suggestions:

• The phrase "the godly" could be translated as "godly people" or "people who obey God." (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#figs-nominaladj)

• The adjective "godly" could be translated as "obedient to God" or "righteous" or "pleasing to God."

• The phrase "in a godly manner" could be translated as "in a way that obeys God" or "with actions and words that please God."

• Ways to translate "godliness" could include "acting in a way that pleases God" or "obeying God" or "living in a righteous manner."

• Depending on the context, the term "ungodly" could be translated as "displeasing to God" or "immoral" or "disobeying God."

• The terms "godless" and "godlessness" literally mean that the people are "without God" or "having no thought of God" or "acting in a way that does not acknowledge God."

• Other ways to translate "ungodliness" or "godlessness" could be "wickedness" or "evil" or "rebellion against God".

(See also evil, honor, obey, righteous, righteous)

Bible References:

• Job 27:10
• Proverbs 11:09
• Acts 03:12
• 1 Timothy 01:9-11
• 1 Timothy 04:07
• 2 Timothy 03:12
• Hebrews 12:14-17
• Hebrews 11:7
• 1 Peter 04:18
• Jude 01:16

Word Data:

• Strong's: H120, H2611, H2612, H5760, H7563, G763, G764, G765, G2124, G2150, G2152, G2153, G2317

Forms Found in the English ULB:

godless, godless actions, godlessness, godliness, godly, godly life, ungodliness, ungodly

good

Related Ideas:

best, better, fair, good things, goodness, improved, prefer, proper, well

Definition:

The word "good" has different meanings depending on the context. Many languages will use different words to translate these different meanings.

• In general, something is good if it fits with God's character, purposes, and will.
• Something that is "good" could be pleasing, excellent, helpful, suitable, profitable, or morally right.
• Land that is "good" could be called "fertile" or "productive."
• A "good" crop could be a "plentiful" crop.
• A person can be "good" at what they do if they are skillful at their task or profession, as in, the expression, "a good farmer."
• In the Bible, the general meaning of "good" is often contrasted with "evil."
• The term "goodness" usually refers to being morally good or righteous in thoughts and actions.
• The goodness of God refers to how he blesses people by giving them good and beneficial things. It also can refer to his moral perfection.
• Actions that are "proper" are those that are good and right for the situation in which they are done.
• "Goods" are good things, valuable possessions.
• To "prefer" something is to think it is better than other things.

Translation Suggestions:

• The general term for "good" in the target language should be used wherever this general meaning is accurate and natural, especially in contexts where it is contrasted to evil.
• Depending on the context, other ways to translate this term could include "kind" or "excellent" or "pleasing to God" or "righteous" or "morally upright" or "profitable."
• "Good land" could be translated as "fertile land" or "productive land"; a "good crop" could be translated as a "plentiful harvest" or "large amount of crops."
• The phrase "do good to" means to do something that benefits others and could be translated as "be kind to" or "help" or "benefit" someone.
• To "do good on the Sabbath" means to "do things that help others on the Sabbath."
• Depending on the context, ways to translate the term "goodness" could include "blessing" or "kindness" or "moral perfection" or "righteousness" or "purity."

(See also: evil, holy, profit, righteous)

Bible References:

• Galatians 05:22-24
• Genesis 01:12
• Genesis 02:09
• Genesis 02:17
• James 03:13
• Romans 02:04

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 01:04 God saw that what he had created was good.
• 01:11 God planted…the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."
• 01:12 Then God said, "It is not good for man to be alone."
• 02:04 "God just knows that as soon as you eat it, you will be like God and will understand good and evil like he does."
• 08:12 "You tried to do evil when you sold me as a slave, but God used the evil for good!"
• 14:15 Joshua was a good leader because he tTable of Contentsrusted and obeyed God.
• 18:13 Some of these kings were good men who ruled justly and worshiped God.
• 28:01 "Good teacher, what must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me 'good?' There is only one who is good, and that is God."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H155, H410, H1580, H1926, H2532, H2617, H2623, H2895, H2896, H2898, H3190, H3191, H3276, H3787, H3966, H4399, H5232, H6743, H7225, H7368, H7399, H7999, H8231, H8232, G14, G15, G18, G19, G515, G744, G865, G979, G1342, G1380, G1832, G2095, G2097, G2106, G2107, G2108, G2109, G2140, G2163, G2293, G2565, G2567, G2570, G2573, G2986, G3140, G4147, G4632, G4851, G5224, G5358, G5543, G5544, G5623

Forms Found in the English ULB:

best, better, do ... good, fair, good, good things, goodness, goods, improved, made ... better, prefer, proper, seemed good, well

good news

Related Ideas:

gospel

Definition:

The term "gospel" literally means "good news" and refers to a message or announcement that tells people something that benefits them and makes them glad.

• In the Bible, this term usually refers to the message about God's salvation for people through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
• In most English Bibles, "good news" is usually translated as "gospel" and is also used in phrases such as, the "gospel of Jesus Christ," the "gospel of God" and the "gospel of the kingdom."
• The writers of the New Testament use a verb based on this noun to talk about telling or proclaiming good news or preaching the gospel.

Translation Suggestions:

• Different ways to translate this term could include, "good message" or "good announcement" or "God's message of salvation" or "the good things God teaches about Jesus."
• Depending on the context, ways to translate the phrase, "good news of" could include, "good news about" or "good message about" or "good message from" or "the good things God tells us about" or "what God says about how he saves people."

(See also: kingdom, sacrifice, save)

Bible References:

• 1 Thessalonians 01:05
• Acts 08:25
• Colossians 01:23
• Galatians 01:06
• Luke 08:1-3
• Mark 01:14
• Philippians 02:22
• Romans 01:03

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 23:06 The angel said, "Do not be afraid, because I have some good news for you. The Messiah, the Master, has been born in Bethlehem!"
• 26:03 Jesus read, "God has given me his Spirit so that I can proclaim good news to the poor, freedom to captives, recovery of sight for the blind, and release to the oppressed. This is the year of the Lord's favor."
• 45:10 Philip also used other Scriptures to tell him the good news of Jesus.
• 46:10 Then they sent them off to preach the good news about Jesus in many other places.
• 47:01 One day, Paul and his friend Silas went to the town of Philippi to proclaim the good news about Jesus.
• 47:13 The good news about Jesus kept spreading, and the Church kept growing.
• 50:01 For almost 2,000 years, more and more people around the world have been hearing the good news about Jesus the Messiah.
• 50:02 When Jesus was living on earth he said, "My disciples will preach the good news about the kingdom of God to people everywhere in the world, and then the end will come."
• 50:03 Before he returned to heaven, Jesus told Christians to proclaim the good news to people who have never heard it.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1319, G2097, G2098, G4283

Forms Found in the English ULB:

announce good news, announced the good news, announcing ... the good news, being told good news, bring ... good news, brings ... good news, brought ... good news, good news, gospel, gospel's, had ... good news proclaimed, preach the gospel, preached the gospel beforehand, preaching ... the gospel, proclaim ... gospel, proclaimed the good news, proclaimed the gospel, proclaiming ... good news, proclaiming the gospel, telling ... good news, were told the good news

grace

Related Ideas:

generous, gracious, graciously

Definition:

The word "grace" refers to help or blessing that is given to someone who has not earned it. The term "gracious" describes someone who shows grace to others.

• God's grace toward sinful human beings is a gift that is freely given.
• The concept of grace also refers to being kind and forgiving to someone who has done wrong or hurtful things.
• The expression to "find grace" is an expression that means to receive help and mercy from God. Often it includes the meaning that God is pleased with someone and helps him.

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways that "grace" could be translated include "divine kindness" or "God's favor" or "God's kindness and forgiveness for sinners" or "merciful kindness."
• The term "gracious" could be translated as "full of grace" or "kind" or "merciful" or "mercifully kind."
• The expression "he found grace in the eyes of God" could be translated as "he received mercy from God" or "God mercifully helped him" or "God showed his favor to him" or "God was pleased with him and helped him."

Bible References:

• Acts 04:33
• Acts 06:08
• Acts 14:04
• Colossians 04:06
• Colossians 04:18
• Genesis 43:28-29
• James 04:07
• John 01:16
• Philippians 04:21-23
• Revelation 22:20-21

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2580, H2587, H2589, H2603, G5485, G5543

Forms Found in the English ULB:

act of grace, generous, grace, gracious, graciously, graciously given

guilt

Related Ideas:

guilty, accountable, reason for a penalty

Definition:

The term "guilt" refers to the fact of having sinned or committed a crime.

• To "be guilty" means to have done something morally wrong, that is, to have disobeyed God.
• The opposite of "guilty" is "innocent."

Translation Suggestions:

• Some languages might translate "guilt" as "the weight of sin" or "the counting of sins."
• Ways to translate to "be guilty" could include a word or phrase that means, to "be at fault" or "having done something morally wrong" or "having committed a sin."

(See also: innocent, iniquity, punish, sin)

Bible References:

• Exodus 28:36-38
• Isaiah 06:07
• James 02:10-11
• John 19:04
• Jonah 01:14

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 39:02 They brought many witnesses who lied about him (Jesus). However, their statements did not agree with each other, so the Jewish leaders could not prove he was guilty of anything.
• 39:11 After speaking with Jesus, Pilate went out to the crowd and said, "I find no guilt in this man." But the Jewish leaders and the crowd shouted, "Crucify him!" Pilate replied, "He is not guilty." But they shouted even louder. Then Pilate said a third time, "He is not guilty!"
• 40:04 Jesus was crucified between two robbers. One of them mocked Jesus, but the other said, "Don't you fear God? We are guilty, but this man is innocent.
• 49:10 Because of your sin, you are guilty and deserve to die.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6140, H816, H817, H818, H819, H2398, H5352, H5355, H5771, H7561, H7563, G338, G1777, G5267

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cause ... to become guilty, find guilty, guilt, guilty, held accountable, reason for ... penalty

Hades

Related Ideas:

Sheol

Definition:

The terms "Hades" and "Sheol" are used in the Bible to refer to death and the place where the souls of people go when they die. Their meanings are similar.

• The Hebrew term "Sheol" is often used in the Old Testament to refer generally to the place of death.
• In the New Testament, the Greek term "Hades" refers to a place for the souls of people who rebelled against God. These souls are referred to as going "down" to Hades. This is sometimes contrasted to going "up" to heaven, where the souls of people who believe in Jesus live.
• The term "Hades" is coupled with the term "death" in the book of Revelation. In the end times, both death and Hades will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, which is hell.

Translation Suggestions

• The Old Testament term "Sheol" could be translated as "place of the dead" or "place for dead souls." Some translations translate this as "the pit" or "death," depending on the context.
• The New Testament term "Hades" could also be translated as "place for unbelieving dead souls" or "place of torment for the dead" or "place for the souls of unbelieving dead people."
• Some translations keep the words "Sheol" and "Hades," spelling them to fit the sound patterns of the language of translation. (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)
• A phrase could also be added to each term to explain it, examples of doing this are, "Sheol, place where dead people are" and "Hades, place of death."

(Translation suggestions: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: death, heaven, hell, tomb)

Bible References:

• Acts 02:31
• Genesis 44:29
• Jonah 02:02
• Luke 10:15
• Luke 16:23
• Matthew 11:23
• Matthew 16:18
• Revelation 01:18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7585, G86

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hades, Sheol

heart

Related Ideas:

kidneys

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "heart" is often used figuratively to refer to a person's thoughts, emotions, desires, or will.

• To have a "hard heart" is a common expression that means a person stubbornly refuses to obey God.
• The expressions "with all my heart" or "with my whole heart" mean to do something with no holding back, with complete commitment and willingness.
• The expression "take it to heart" means to treat something seriously and apply it to one's life.
• The term "brokenhearted" describes a person who is very sad. That person has been deeply hurt emotionally.
• The kidneys are also used as a synecdoche for the physical inner organs and as a metonym for a person's innermost thoughts and emotions.

Translation Suggestions

• Some languages use a different body part such as "stomach" or "liver" to refer to these ideas.
• Other languages may use one word to express some of these concepts and another word to express others.
• If "heart" or other body part does not have this meaning, some languages may need to express this literally with terms such as "thoughts" or "emotions" or "desires" or "inner self".
• Depending on the context, "with all my heart" or "with my whole heart" could be translated as "with all my energy" or "with complete dedication" or "completely" or "with total commitment."
• The expression "take it to heart" could be translated as "treat it seriously" or "carefully think about it."
• The expression "hard-hearted" could also be translated as "stubbornly rebellious" or "refusing to obey" or "continually disobeying God."
• Ways to translate "brokenhearted" could include "very sad" or "feeling deeply hurt."

(See also: hard)

Bible References:

• 1 John 03:17
• 1 Thessalonians 02:04
• 2 Thessalonians 03:13-15
• Acts 08:22
• Acts 15:09
• Luke 08:15
• Mark 02:06
• Matthew 05:08
• Matthew 22:37

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2436, H2504, H2910, H3519, H3629, H3820, H3821, H3823, H3824, H3825, H3826, H4578, H5315, H7307, H7356, G1282, G1271, G2133, G2588, G2589, G4641, G4698, G5590

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heart, hearts, kidneys

heaven

Related Ideas:

heavenly, in midair, overhead, sky

Definition:

The term that is translated as "heaven" usually refers to where God lives. The same word can also mean "sky," depending on the context.

• The term "heavens" refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars. It also includes the heavenly bodies, such as far-off planets, that we can't directly see from the earth.
• The term "sky" refers to the blue expanse above the earth that has clouds and the air we breathe. Often the sun and moon are also said to be "up in the sky."
• In some contexts in the Bible, the word "heaven" could refer to either the sky or the place where God lives.
• When "heaven" is used figuratively, it is a way of referring to God. For example, when Matthew writes about the "kingdom of heaven" he is referring to the kingdom of God.

Translation Suggestions:

• When "heaven" is used figuratively, it could be translated as "God."
• For "kingdom of heaven" in the book of Matthew, it is best to keep the word "heaven" since this is distinctive to Matthew's gospel.
• The terms "heavens" or "heavenly bodies" could also be translated as, "sun, moon, and stars" or "all the stars in the universe."
• The phrase, "stars of heaven" could be translated as "stars in the sky" or "stars in the galaxy" or "stars in the universe."

(See also: kingdom of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 08:22-24
• 1 Thessalonians 01:8-10
• 1 Thessalonians 04:17
• Deuteronomy 09:01
• Ephesians 06:9
• Genesis 01:01
• Genesis 07:11
• John 03:12
• John 03:27
• Matthew 05:18
• Matthew 05:46-48

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 04:02 They even began building a tall tower to reach heaven.
• 14:11 He (God) gave them bread from heaven, called "manna."
• 23:07 Suddenly, the skies were filled with angels praising God, saying, "Glory to God in heaven and peace on earth to the people he favors!"
• 29:09 Then Jesus said, "This is what my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
• 37:09 Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, thank you for hearing me."
• 42:11 Then Jesus went up to heaven, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7834, H8064, H8065, G932, G2032, G3321, G3770, G3771, G3772

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heaven, heavenly, heavens, in midair, overhead, skies, sky

Hebrew

Facts:

The "Hebrews" were people who were descended from Abraham through the line of Isaac and Jacob. Abraham is the first person in the Bible to be called a "Hebrew."

• The term "Hebrew" also refers to the language that the Hebrew people spoke. The vast majority of the Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language.
• In different places in the Bible, the Hebrews were also called "Jewish people" or "Israelites." It is best to keep all three terms distinct in the text, as long as it is clear that these terms refer to the same people group.

(Translation suggestions: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-names)

(See also: Israel, Jew, Jewish leaders)

Bible References:

• Acts 26:12-14
• Genesis 39:13-15
• Genesis 40:15
• Genesis 41:12-13
• John 05:1-4
• John 19:13
• Jonah 01:8-10
• Philippians 03:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5680, G1445, G1446, G1447

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hebrew, Hebrews, Hebrews'

hell

Related Ideas:

delivered to Tartarus, hell, lake of fire

Definition:

Hell is the final place of unending pain and suffering where God will punish everyone who rebels against him and rejects his plan of saving them through Jesus' sacrifice. It is also referred to as the "lake of fire."

• Hell is described as a place of fire and severe suffering.
• Satan and the evil spirits who follow him will be thrown into hell for eternal punishment.
• People who do not believe in Jesus' sacrifice for their sin and do not trust in him to save them will be punished forever in hell.
• "Tartarus" is a name for hell borrowed from Greek religion to refer to the place where evil spirits are punished.

Translation Suggestions:

• These terms should probably be translated differently since they occur in different contexts.
• Some languages cannot use "lake" in the phrase "lake of fire" because it refers to water.
• The term "hell" could be translated as "place of suffering" or "final place of darkness and pain."
• The term "lake of fire" could also be translated as, "sea of fire" or "huge fire (of suffering)" or "field of fire."

(See also: heaven, death, Hades, abyss)

Bible References:

• James 03:06
• Luke 12:05
• Mark 09:42-44
• Matthew 05:21-22
• Matthew 05:29
• Matthew 10:28-31
• Matthew 23:33
• Matthew 25:41-43
• Revelation 20:15

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 50:14 He (God) will throw them into hell, where they will weep and grind their teeth in anguish forever. A fire that never goes out will continually burn them, and worms will never stop eating them.
• 50:15 He will throw Satan into hell where he will burn forever, along with everyone who chose to follow him rather than to obey God.

Word Data:

• Strong's: G86, G1067, G3041, G4442, G5020, G5394

Forms Found in the English ULB:

delivered ... to Tartarus, hell, lake of fire

high priest

Related Ideas:

high priesthood

Definition:

The term "high priest" refers to a special priest who was appointed to serve for one year as the leader of all the other Israelite priests.

• The high priest had special responsibilities. He was the only one who was permitted to go into the most holy part of the temple to offer a special sacrifice once a year.
• The Israelites had many priests, but only one high priest at a time.
• When Jesus was being arrested, Caiaphas was the official high priest. Caiphas' father-in-law Annas is also mentioned sometimes because he was a former high priest who probably still had power and authority over the people.

Translation Suggestions:

• "High priest" could be translated as "supreme priest" or "highest ranking priest."
• Make sure this term is translated differently from the term "chief priest."

(See also: Annas, Caiaphas, chief priests, priest, temple)

Bible References:

• Acts 05:27
• Acts 07:01
• Acts 09:01
• Exodus 30:10
• Hebrews 06:19-20
• Leviticus 16:32
• Luke 03:02
• Mark 02:25-26
• Matthew 26:3-5
• Matthew 26:51-54

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 13:08 No one could enter the room behind the curtain except the high priest, because God lived there.
• 21:07 The Messiah who would come would be the perfect high priest who would offer himself as a perfect sacrifice to God.
• 38:03 The Jewish leaders, led by the high priest, paid Judas thirty silver coins to betray Jesus.
• 39:01 The soldiers led Jesus to the house of the high priest in order for the high priest to question him.
• 39:03 Finally, the high priest looked directly at Jesus and said, "Tell us, are you the Messiah, the Son of the living God?"
• 44:07 The next day, the Jewish leaders brought Peter and John to the high priest and the other religious leaders.
• 45:02 So the religious leaders arrested Stephen and brought him to the high priest and the other leaders of the Jews, where more false witnesses lied about Stephen.
• 46:01 The high priest gave Saul permission to go to the city of Damascus to arrest Christians there and bring them back to Jerusalem.
• 48:06 Jesus is the Great High Priest. Unlike other priests, he offered himself as the only sacrifice that could to take away the sin of all the people in the world. Jesus was the perfect high priest because he took the punishment for every sin that anyone has ever committed.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7218, H1419, H3548, G748, G749

Forms Found in the English ULB:

high priest, high priesthood, high priests

holy

Related Ideas:

holiness, sacred, unholy

Definition:

The terms "holy" and "holiness" refer to the character of God that is totally set apart and separated from everything that is sinful and imperfect.

• Only God is absolutely holy. He makes people and things holy.
• A person who is holy belongs to God and has been set apart for the purpose of serving God and bringing him glory.
• An object that God has declared to be holy is one that he has set apart for his glory and use, such as an altar that is for the purpose of offering sacrifices to him.
• People cannot approach him unless he allows them to, because he is holy and they are merely human beings, sinful and imperfect.
• In the Old Testament, God set apart the priests as holy for special service to him. They had to be ceremonially cleansed from sin in order to approach God.
• God also set apart as holy certain places and things that belonged to him or in which he revealed himself, such as his temple.
• Believers in Jesus are holy people, not because of what they have done, but rather because of their faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who makes them holy.
• When people of any religion, true or false, consider something "sacred," they consider it holy according to their religion.

Literally, the term "unholy" means "not holy." It describes someone or something that does not honor God.

• This word is used to describe someone who dishonors God by rebelling against him.
• A thing that is called "unholy" could be described as being common, profane or unclean. It does not belong to God.

The term "sacred" describes something that relates to worshiping God or to the pagan worship of false gods.

• In the Old Testament, the term "sacred" was often used to describe the stone pillars and other objects used in the worship of false gods. This could also be translated as "religious."
• "Sacred songs" and "sacred music" refer to music that was sung or played for God's glory. This could be translated as "music for worshiping Yahweh" or "songs that praise God."
• The phrase "sacred duties" referred to the "religious duties" or "rituals" that a priest performed to lead people in worshiping God. It could also refer to the rituals performed by a pagan priest to worship a false god.
• The phrase "sacred gifts" refers to things that someone has set apart for God and then given to God at the temple.

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate "holy" might include "set apart for God" or "belonging to God" or "completely pure" or "perfectly sinless" or "separated from sin."

• To "make holy" is often translated as "sanctify" in English. It could also be translated as "set apart (someone) for God's glory."

• Ways to translate "unholy" could include "not holy" or "not belonging to God" or "not honoring to God" or "not godly."

• In some contexts, "unholy" could be translated as "unclean."

(See also: Holy Spirit, consecrate, sanctify, set apart)

Bible References:

• Genesis 28:22
• 2 Kings 03:02
• Lamentations 04:01
• Ezekiel 20:18-20
• Matthew 07:6
• Mark 08:38
• Acts 07:33
• Acts 11:08
• Romans 01:02
• 2 Corinthians 12:3-5
• Colossians 01:22
• 1 Thessalonians 03:13
• 1 Thessalonians 04:07
• 2 Timothy 03:15
• 1 Timothy 05:10
• 2 Corinthians 09:12-15
• Revelation 16:06
• Revelation 20:9-10

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 01:16 He (God) blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on this day he rested from his work.
• 09:12 "You are standing on holy ground."
• 13:01 "If you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my prized possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation."
• 13:05 "Always be sure to keep the Sabbath day holy."
• 22:05 "So the baby will be holy, the Son of God."
• 50:02 As we wait for Jesus to return, God wants us to live in a way that is holy and that honors him.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2455, H2623, H4676, H4720, H6918, H6922, H6942, H6944, H6948, G37, G38, G39, G40, G41, G42, G462, G2150, G2413, G2839, G3741, G3742

Forms Found in the English ULB:

holier, holiest, holiness, holy, holy duties, honored as holy, makes ... holy, sacred, sacred gifts, sacred places, unholy

Holy One

Related Ideas:

holy one

Definition:

The term "Holy One" is a title in the Bible that almost always refers to God.

• In the Old Testament, this title often occurs in the phrase "Holy One of Israel."
• In the New Testament, Jesus is also referred to as the "Holy One."
• The term "holy one" is sometimes used in the Bible to refer to an angel.

Translation Suggestions:

• The literal term is "the Holy" (with "One" being implied.) Many languages (like English) will translate this with the implied noun included (such as "One" or "God").
• This term could also be translated as "God, who is holy" or "the Set Apart One."
• The phrase "the Holy One of Israel" could be translated as "the Holy God whom Israel worships" or "the Holy One who rules Israel."
• It is best to translate this term using the same word or phrase that is used to translate "holy."

(See also: holy, God)

Bible References:

• 1 John 02:20
• 2 Kings 19:22
• Acts 02:27
• Acts 03:13-14
• Isaiah 05:15-17
• Isaiah 41:14
• Luke 04:33-34

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6918, G40, G3741

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Holy One, holy ones

holy place

Definition:

In the Bible, the terms "the holy place" and "the most holy place" refer to the two parts of the tabernacle or temple building.

• The "holy place" was the first room, and it contained the altar of incense and the table with the special "bread of the presence" on it.
• The "most holy place" was the second, innermost room, and it contained the ark of the covenant.
• A thick, heavy curtain separated the outer room from the inner room.
• The high priest was the only one who was permitted to go into the most holy place.
• Sometimes "holy place" refers to both the building and courtyard areas of either the temple or tabernacle. It could also refer generally to any place that is set apart for God.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "holy place" could also be translated as "room set apart for God" or "special room for meeting God" or "place reserved for God."
• The term "most holy place" could be translated as "room that is the most set apart for God" or "most special room for meeting God."
• Depending on the context, ways to translate the general expression "a holy place" could include "a consecrated place" or "a place that God has set apart" or "a place in the temple complex, which is holy" or "a courtyard of God's holy temple."

(See also: altar of incense, ark of the covenant, bread, consecrate, courtyard, curtain, holy, set apart, tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 06:16-18
• Acts 06:12-15
• Exodus 26:33
• Exodus 31:10-11
• Ezekiel 41:01
• Ezra 09:8-9
• Hebrews 09:1-2
• Leviticus 16:18
• Matthew 24:15-18
• Revelation 15:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1964, H4720, H4725, H5116, H6918, H6944, G39, G40, G3485, G5117

Forms Found in the English ULB:

holy place

Holy Spirit

Related Ideas:

Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh

Facts:

These terms all refer to the Holy Spirit, who is God. The one true God exists eternally as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

• The Holy Spirit is also referred to as "the Spirit" and "Spirit of Yahweh" and "Spirit of truth."
• Because the Holy Spirit is God, he is absolutely holy, infinitely pure, and morally perfect in all his nature and in everything he does.
• Along with the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit was active in creating the world.
• When God's Son, Jesus, returned to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to his people to lead them, teach them, comfort them, and enable them to do God's will.
• The Holy Spirit guided Jesus and he guides those who believe in Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could simply be translated with the words used to translate "holy" and "spirit."
• Ways to translate this term could also include "Pure Spirit" or "Spirit who is Holy" or "God the Spirit."

(See also: holy, spirit, God, Lord, God the Father, Son of God, gift)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 10:10
• 1 Thessalonians 04:7-8
• Acts 08:17
• Galatians 05:25
• Genesis 01:1-2
• Isaiah 63:10
• Job 33:04
• Matthew 12:31
• Matthew 28:18-19
• Psalms 051:10-11

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 01:01 But God's Spirit was there over the water.
• 24:08 When Jesus came up out of the water after being baptized, the Spirit of God appeared in the form of a dove and came down and rested on him.
• 26:01 After overcoming Satan's temptations, Jesus returned in the power of the Holy Spirit to the region of Galilee where he lived.
• 26:03 Jesus read, "God has given me his Spirit so that I can proclaim good news to the poor, freedom to captives, recovery of sight for the blind, and release to the oppressed."
• 42:10 "So go, make disciples of all people groups by baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and by teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
• 43:03 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak in other languages.
• 43:08 "And Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit just as he promised he would do. The Holy Spirit is causing the things that you are are now seeing and hearing."
• 43:11 Peter answered them, "Every one of you should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that God will forgive your sins. Then he will also give you the gift of the Holy Spirit."
• 45:01 He (Stephen) had a good reputation and was full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3068, H6944, H7307, G40, G4151

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh

honor

Related Ideas:

dignified, esteem, held in honor, highly regarded, honorable, of high standing, places of honor, recognition

Definition:

The terms "honor" and to "honor" refer to giving someone respect, esteem, or reverence.

• Honor is usually given to someone who is of higher status and importance, such as a king or God.
• God instructs Christians to honor others.
• Children are instructed to honor their parents in ways that include respecting them and obeying them.
• The terms "honor" and "glory" are often used together, especially when referring to Jesus. These may be two different ways of referring to the same thing.
• Ways of honoring God include thanking and praising him, and showing him respect by obeying him and living in a way that shows how great he is.
• To "esteem" someone is to consider him worthy of great honor.

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways to translate "honor" could include "respect" or "esteem" or "high regard."
• The term to "honor" could be translated as to "show special respect to" or to "cause to be praised" or to "show high regard for" or to "highly value."

(See also: dishonor, glory, glory, praise)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 02:8
• Acts 19:17
• John 04:44
• John 12:26
• Mark 06:04
• Matthew 15:06

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1420, H1921, H1922, H1923, H1926, H1935, H2082, H2142, H3366, H3367, H3368, H3372, H3373, H3374, H3444, H3513, H3519, H3655, H3678, H5081, H5082, H5375, H5457, H6213, H6286, H6437, H6942, H6944, H6965, H7236, H7613, H7812, H8597, H8416, G820, G1391, G1392, G1741, G1784, G2151, G2233, G2570, G3170, G4411, G4586, G5091, G5092, G5093, G5399

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dignified, esteem, held in honor, highly regarded, honor, honorable, honored, honoring, honors, of high standing, places of honor, recognition

hope

Definition:

Hope is strongly desiring something to happen. Hope can imply either certainty or uncertainty regarding a future event.

• In the Bible, the term "hope" also has the meaning of "trust," as in "my hope is in the Lord." It refers to a sure expectation of receiving what God has promised his people.
• To have "no hope" means to have no expectation of something good happening. It means that it is actually very certain that it will not happen.

Translation Suggestions:

• In some contexts, the term to "hope" could also be translated as to "wish" or to "desire" or to "expect."
• The expression "nothing to hope for" could be translated as "nothing to trust in" or "no expectation of anything good"
• To "have no hope" could be translated as "have no expectation of anything good" or "have no security" or "be sure that nothing good will happen."
• The expression "have set your hopes on" could also be translated as "have put your confidence in" or "have been trusting in."
• The phrase "I find hope in your Word" could also be translated as "I am confident that your Word is true" or "Your Word helps me trust in you" or "When I obey your Word, I am certain to be blessed."
• Phrases such as "hope in" God could also be translated a, "trust in God" or "know for sure that God will do what he has promised" or "be certain that God is faithful."

(See also: bless, confidence, good, obey, trust, word of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 29:14-15
• 1 Thessalonians 02:19
• Acts 24:14-16
• Acts 26:06
• Acts 27:20
• Colossians 01:05
• Job 11:20

Word Data:

• Strong's: H982, H983, H986, H1891, H2976, H3176, H3689, H4009, H4723, H7663, H7664, H8431, H8615, G1679, G1680, G2070, G4276

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hope, hoped, hopes, look to ... in hope, uselessly hope

house of God

Related Ideas:

house of Yahweh

Definition:

In the Bible, the phrases "house of God" (God's house) and "house of Yahweh (Yahweh's house) refer to a place where God is worshiped.

• This term is also used more specifically to refer to the tabernacle or the temple.
• Sometimes "God's house" is used to refer to the people of God.

Translation Suggestions:

• When referring to a place of worship, this term could be translated as "a house for worshiping God" or "a place for worshiping God."
• If it is referring to the temple or tabernacle, this could be translated as "the temple (or tabernacle) where God is worshiped (or "where God is present" or "where God meets with his people.")
• The word "house" may be important to use in the translation in order to communicate that God "dwells" there, that is, his spirit is in that place to meet with his people and to be worshiped by them.

(See also: people of God, tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

• 1 Timothy 03:14-15
• 2 Chronicles 23:8-9
• Ezra 05:13
• Genesis 28:17
• Judges 18:30-31
• Mark 02:26
• Matthew 12:04

Word Data:

• Strong's: H426, H430, H1004, H1005, H3068, G2316, G3624

Forms Found in the English ULB:

house of ... God, house of Yahweh

humble

Related Ideas:

humbly, humility, lowliness of mind

Definition:

The term "humble" describes a person who does not think of himself as better than others. He is not proud or arrogant. Humility is the quality of being humble.

• To be humble before God means to understand one's weakness and imperfection in comparison with his greatness, wisdom and perfection.
• When a person humbles himself, he puts himself in a position of lower importance.
• Humility is caring about the needs of others more than one's own needs.
• Humility also means serving with a modest attitude when using one's gifts and abilities.
• The phrase "be humble" could be translated as "don't be prideful."
• "Humble yourself before God" could be translated as "Submit your will to God, recognizing his greatness."

(See also: proud)

Bible References:

• James 01:21
• James 03:13
• James 04:10
• Luke 14:11
• Luke 18:14
• Matthew 18:04
• Matthew 23:12

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 17:02 David was a humble and righteous man who trusted and obeyed God.
• 34:10 "God will humble everyone who is proud, and he will lift up whoever humbles himself."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1792, H3665, H6031, H6035, H6038, H6041, H6800, H6819, H7511, H7807, H7812, H8213, H8214, H8215, H8217, H8467, G858, G4236, G4239, G4240, G5011, G5012, G5013, G5391

Forms Found in the English ULB:

humble, humbled, humbles, humbling, humbly, humility, lowliness of mind

hypocrite

Related Ideas:

hypocrisy

Definition:

The term "hypocrite" refers to a person who does things to appear righteous, but who secretly is acting in evil ways. The term "hypocrisy" refers to the behavior that deceives people into thinking a person is righteous.

• Hypocrites want to be seen doing good things so that people will think that they are good people.
• Often a hypocrite will criticize other people for doing the same sinful things that they themselves do.
• Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because although they acted religiously like wearing certain clothes and eating certain foods, they were not kind or fair to people.
• A hypocrite points out faults in other people, but doesn't admit his own faults.

Translation Suggestions:

• Some languages have an expression like "two-faced" that refers to a hypocrite or a hypocrite's actions.
• Other ways to translate "hypocrite" could include "fraud" or "pretender" or "arrogant, deceitful person."
• The term "hypocrisy" could be translated by, "deception" or "fake actions" or "pretending."

Bible References:

• Galatians 02:13
• Luke 06:41-42
• Luke 12:54-56
• Luke 13:15
• Mark 07:6-7
• Matthew 06:1-2
• Romans 12:09

Word Data:

• Strong's: G505, G5272, G5273

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hypocrisy, hypocrite, hypocrites

image of God

Definition:

The term "image" refers to something that looks like something else or that is like someone in character or essence. The phrase "image of God" is used in different ways, depending on the context.

• At the beginning of time, God created human beings "in his image," that is, "in his likeness." This means that people have certain characteristics that reflect the image of God, such as the ability to feel emotion, the ability to reason and communicate, and a spirit that lives eternally.
• The Bible teaches that Jesus, God's Son, is "the image of God," that is, he is God himself. Unlike human beings, Jesus was not created. From all eternity God the Son has had all the divine characteristics because he has had the same essence with God the Father.

Translation Suggestions:

• When referring to Jesus, "image of God" could be translated as "exact likeness of God" or "same essence as God" or "same being as God."
• When referring to human beings, "God created them in his image" could be translated with a phrase that means "God created them to be like him" or "God created them with characteristics like his own."

(See also: image, Son of God, Son of God)

Bible References:

• 2 Corinthians 04:3-4
• Colossians 03:9-11
• Genesis 01:26-27
• Genesis 09:06
• James 03:9-10
• Romans 08:28-30

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6459, H6754, G1504, G2316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

image of God

in Christ

Related Ideas:

in Christ Jesus, in Jesus, in the Lord, in the Lord Jesus, into Christ

Definition:

The phrase "in Christ" and related terms refer to the state or condition of being in relationship with Jesus Christ through faith in him.

• Other related terms include "in Christ Jesus, in Jesus Christ, in the Lord Jesus, in the Lord Jesus Christ."
• Possible meanings for the term "in Christ" could include "because you belong to Christ" or "through the relationship you have with Christ" or "based on your faith in Christ."
• These related terms all have the same meaning of being in a state of believing in Jesus and being his disciple.
• Note: Sometimes the word "in" belongs with the verb. For example, "share in Christ" means to "share in" the benefits that come from knowing Christ. To "glory in" Christ means to be glad and give praise to God for who Jesus is and what he has done. To "believe in" Christ means to trust him as Savior and know him.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, different ways to translate "in Christ" and "in the Lord" (and related phrases) could include:

• "who belong to Christ"

• "because you believe in Christ"

• "because Christ has saved us"

• "in service to the Lord"

• "relying on the Lord"

• "because of what the Lord has done."

• People who "believe in" Christ or who "have faith in" Christ believe what Jesus taught and are trusting him to save them because of his sacrifice on the cross that paid the penalty for their sins. Some languages may have one word that translates verbs like "believe in" or "share in" or "trust in."

(See also: Christ, Lord, Jesus, believe, faith)

Bible References:

• 1 John 02:05
• 2 Corinthians 02:17
• 2 Timothy 01:01
• Galatians 01:22
• Galatians 02:17
• Philemon 01:06
• Revelation 01:10
• Romans 09:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2962, G5547

Forms Found in the English ULB:

in Christ, in Christ Jesus, in Jesus, in him, in the Lord, in the Lord Jesus, into Christ

inherit

Related Ideas:

heritage, inheritance,legacy

Definition:

The term "inherit" refers to receiving something valuable from a parent or other person because of a special relationship with that person. The "inheritance" is what is received.

• A physical inheritance that is received may be money, land, or other kinds of property.

• A spiritual inheritance is everything that God gives people who trust in Jesus, including blessings in the present life as well as eternal life with him.

• The Bible also calls God's people his inheritance, which means that they belong to him; they are his valued possession.

• God promised Abraham and his descendants that they would inherit the land of Canaan, that it would belong to them forever.

• There is also a figurative or spiritual sense in which people who belong to God are said to "inherit the land." This means that they will prosper and be blessed by God in both physical and spiritual ways.

• In the New Testament, God promises that those who trust in Jesus will "inherit salvation" and "inherit eternal life." It is also expressed as, "inherit the kingdom of God." This is a spiritual inheritance that lasts forever.

• There are other figurative meanings for these terms:

• The Bible says that wise people will "inherit glory" and righteous people will "inherit good things."

• To "inherit the promises" means to receive the good things that God has promised to give his people.

• This term is also used in a negative sense to refer to foolish or disobedient people who "inherit the wind" or "inherit folly." This means they receive the consequences of their sinful actions, including punishment and worthless living.

Translation Suggestions:

• As always, consider first whether there are already terms in the target language for the concept of an heir or an inheritance, and use those terms.
• Depending on the context, other ways that the term "inherit" could be translated might include "receive" or "possess" or "come into possession of."
• Ways to translate "inheritance" could include "promised gift" or "secure possession."
• When God's people are referred to as his inheritance this could be translated as "valued ones belonging to him."
• The term "heir" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "privileged child who receives the father's possessions" or "person chosen to receive (God's) spiritual possessions or blessings."
• The term "heritage" could be translated as "blessings from God" or "inherited blessings."

(See also: heir, Canaan, Promised Land)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 06:09
• 1 Peter 01:04
• 2 Samuel 21:03
• Acts 07:4-5
• Deuteronomy 20:16
• Galatians 05:21
• Genesis 15:07
• Hebrews 09:15
• Jeremiah 02:07
• Luke 15:11
• Matthew 19:29
• Psalm 079:01

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 04:06 When Abram arrived in Canaan God said, "Look all around you. I will give to you and your descendants all the land that you can see as an inheritance."
• 27:01 One day, an expert in the Jewish law came to Jesus to test him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
• 35:03 "There was a man who had two sons. The younger son told his father, 'Father, I want my inheritance now!' So the father divided his property between the two sons."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2490, H2506, H3423, H3425, H4181, H5157, H5159, G2816, G2817, G2819

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heritage, inherit, inheritance, inheritances, inherited, legacy

iniquity

Definition:

The term "iniquity" is a word that is very similar in meaning to the term "sin," but may more specifically refer to conscious acts of wrongdoing or great wickedness.

• The word "iniquity" literally means a twisting or distorting (of the law). It refers to major injustice.
• Iniquity could be described as deliberate, harmful actions against other people.
• Other definitions of iniquity include "perversity" and "depravity," which are both words that describe conditions of terrible sin.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "iniquity" could be translated as "wickedness" or "perverse actions" or "harmful acts."
• Often, "iniquity" occurs in the same text as the word "sin" and "transgression" so it is important to have different ways of translating these terms.

(See also: sin, transgress, trespass)

Bible References:

• Daniel 09:13
• Exodus 34:5-7
• Genesis 15:14-16
• Genesis 44:16
• Habakkuk 02:12
• Matthew 13:41
• Matthew 23:27-28
• Micah 03:10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H205, H5753, H5758, H5766, H5771, H5999, H7451, H7562

Forms Found in the English ULB:

commits iniquity, guilt of ... iniquity, iniquities, iniquity

innocent

Related Ideas:

guiltless, innocence

Definition:

The term "innocent" means to not be guilty of a crime or other wrongdoing. It can also refer more generally to people who are not involved in evil things.

• A person accused of doing something wrong is innocent if he has not committed that wrong.
• Sometimes the term "innocent" is used to refer to people who have done nothing wrong to deserve the bad treatment they are receiving, as in an enemy army attacking "innocent people."

Translation Suggestions:

• In most contexts, the term "innocent" can be translated as "not guilty" or "not responsible" or "not to blame" for something.
• When referring in general to innocent people, this term could be translated as "who have done nothing wrong" or "who are not involved in evil."
• The frequently occurring expression "innocent blood" could be translated as "people who did nothing wrong to deserve being killed."
• The expression "shed innocent blood" could be translated as "kill innocent people" or "kill people who did nothing wrong to deserve it."
• In the context of someone being killed, "innocent of the blood of" could be translated as "not guilty for the death of."
• When talking about people not hearing the good news about Jesus but not accepting it, "innocent of the blood of" could be translated as "not responsible for whether they remain spiritually dead or not" or "not responsible for whether they accept this message."
• When Judas said "I have betrayed innocent blood," he was saying "I have betrayed a man who did nothing wrong" or "I have caused the death of a man who was sinless."
• When Pilate said about Jesus "I am innocent of the blood of this innocent man," this could be translated as "I am not responsible for the killing of this man who has done nothing wrong to deserve it."

(See also: guilt)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 04:04
• 1 Samuel 19:05
• Acts 20:26
• Exodus 23:07
• Jeremiah 22:17
• Job 09:23
• Romans 16:18

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 08:06 After two years, Joseph was still in prison, even though he was innocent.
• 40:04 One of them mocked Jesus, but the other said, "Do you have no fear of God? We are guilty, but this man is innocent."
• 40:08 When the soldier guarding Jesus saw everything that happened, he said, "Certainly, this man was innocent. He was the Son of God."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2600, H2643, H5352, H5355, H5356, H6662, H6663, H8535, G53, G121, G172, G185, G338, G1342, G2513

Forms Found in the English ULB:

declared innocent, guiltless, innocence, innocent

intercede

Related Ideas:

intercession, petition

Definition:

The terms "intercede" and "intercession" refer to making requests to someone on behalf of another person. In the Bible this usually refers to praying for other people.

• The expressions "make intercession for" and "intercede for" mean to make requests to God for the benefit of other people.
• The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, that is, he prays to God for us.
• A person intercedes for other people by making requests for them to someone in authority.

Translation Suggestions:

• Other ways to translate "intercede" could include "plead for" or "urge (someone) to do something (for someone else)."
• The noun "intercessions" could be translated as "appeals" or "requests" or "urgent prayers."
• The phrase "make intercession for" could be translated as "make requests for the benefit of" or "make an appeal on behalf of" or "ask God to help" or "appeal to God to bless (someone)."

(See also: pray)

Bible References:

• Hebrews 07:25-26
• Isaiah 53:12
• Jeremiah 29:6-7
• Romans 08:26-27
• Romans 08:33-34

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6293, H6419, G1783, G1793, G5241

Forms Found in the English ULB:

intercede, intercedes, interceding, intercession, petition, petitions

Israel

Related Ideas:

Israelite

Facts:

The term "Israel" is the name that God gave to Jacob. It means "he struggles with God."

• The descendants of Jacob became known as the "people of Israel" or the "nation of Israel" or the "Israelites."
• God formed his covenant with the people of Israel. They were his chosen people.
• The nation of Israel consisted of twelve tribes.
• Soon after King Solomon died, Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the southern kingdom, called "Judah," and the northern kingdom, called "Israel."
• Often the term "Israel" can be translated as "the people of Israel" or "the nation of Israel," depending on the context.

(See also: Jacob, kingdom of Israel, Judah, nation, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 10:01
• 1 Kings 08:02
• Acts 02:36
• Acts 07:24
• Acts 13:23
• John 01:49-51
• Luke 24:21
• Mark 12:29
• Matthew 02:06
• Matthew 27:09
• Philippians 03:4-5

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 08:15 The descendants of the twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel.
• 09:03 The Egyptians forced the Israelites to build many buildings and even whole cities.
• 09:05 A certain Israelite woman gave birth to a baby boy.
• 10:01 They said, "This is what the God of Israel says, 'Let my people go!'"
• 14:12 But despite all this, the people of __Israel __ complained and grumbled against God and against Moses.
• 15:09 God fought for Israel that day. He caused the Amorites to be confused and he sent large hailstones that killed many of the Amorites.
• 15:12 After this battle, God gave each tribe of __Israel __ its own section of the Promised Land. Then God gave Israel peace along all its borders.
• 16:16 So God punished __Israel __ again for worshiping idols.
• 43:06 "Men of Israel, Jesus was a man who did many mighty signs and wonders by the power of God, as you have seen and already know."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3478, H3479, H3481, H3482, G935, G2474, G2475

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Israel, Israel's, Israelite, Israelite's, Israelites, Israelites'

jealous

Related Ideas:

jealousy

Definition:

The terms "jealous" and "jealousy" refer to a strong desire to protect the purity of a relationship. They can also refer to a strong desire to keep possession of something or someone.

• These terms are often used to describe the angry feeling that a person has toward a spouse who has been unfaithful in their marriage.
• When used in the Bible, these terms often refer to God's strong desire for his people to remain pure and unstained by sin.
• God is also "jealous" for his name, desiring that it be treated with honor and reverence.
• Another meaning of jealous involves being angry that someone else is successful or more popular. This is close in meaning to the word "envious."

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate "jealous" could include "strong protective desire" or "possessive desire."
• The term "jealousy" could be translated as "strong protective feeling" or "possessive feeling."
• When talking about God, make sure the translation of these terms does not give a negative meaning of being resentful of someone else.
• In the context of people's wrong feelings of anger toward toward other people who are more successful, the terms "envious" and "envy" could be used. But these terms should not be used for God.

(See also: envy)

Bible References:

• 2 Corinthians 12:20
• Deuteronomy 05:09
• Exodus 20:05
• Ezekiel 36:05
• Joshua 24:19
• Nahum 01:2-3
• Romans 13:13

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7065, H7067, H7068, H7072, G2205, G2206, G3863

Forms Found in the English ULB:

jealous, jealousy

Jesus

Related Ideas:

the Lord Jesus

Facts:

Jesus is God's Son. The name "Jesus" means "Yahweh saves."

• In a miraculous way, the Holy Spirit caused the eternal Son of God to be born as a human being. His mother was told by an angel to call him "Jesus" because he was destined to save people from their sins.
• Jesus did many miracles that revealed that he is God and that he is the Christ, or the Messiah.

Translation Suggestions:

• In many languages "Jesus" is spelled in a way that keeps the sounds or spelling as close to the original as possible. For example, "Jesu," "Jezus," "Yesus", and "Hesu" are some of the ways that this name is translated into different languages.
• Also consider how this names are spelled in a nearby local or national language.

(Translation suggestions: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-names)

(See also: Christ, God, God the Father, high priest, kingdom of God, Mary, Savior, Son of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 06:11
• 1 John 02:02
• 1 John 04:15
• 1 Timothy 01:02
• 2 Peter 01:02
• 2 Thessalonians 02:15
• 2 Timothy 01:10
• Acts 02:23
• Acts 05:30
• Acts 10:36
• Hebrews 09:14
• Hebrews 10:22
• Luke 24:20
• Matthew 01:21
• Matthew 04:03
• Philippians 02:05
• Philippians 02:10
• Philippians 04:21-23
• Revelation 01:06

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 22:04 The angel said, "You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You are to name him Jesus and he will be the Messiah."
• 23:02 "Name him Jesus (which means, 'Yahweh saves'), because he will save the people from their sins."
• 24:07 So John baptized him (Jesus), even though Jesus had never sinned.
• 24:09 There is only one God. But John heard God the Father speak, and saw Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit when he baptized Jesus.
• 25:08 Jesus did not give in to Satan's temptations, so Satan left him.
• 26:08 Then Jesus went throughout the region of Galilee, and large crowds came to him. They brought many people who were sick or handicapped, including those who could not see, walk, hear, or speak, and Jesus healed them.
• 31:03 Then Jesus finished praying and went to the disciples. He walked on top of the water across the lake toward their boat!
• 38:02 He (Judas) knew that the Jewish leaders denied that Jesus was the Messiah and that they were plotting to kill him.
• 40:08 Through his death, Jesus opened a way for people to come to God.
• 42:11 Then Jesus was taken up to heaven, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Jesus sat down at the right hand of God to rule over all things.
• 50:17 Jesus and his people will live on the new earth, and he will reign forever over everything that exists. He will wipe away every tear and there will be no more suffering, sadness, crying, evil, pain, or death. Jesus will rule his kingdom with peace and justice, and he will be with his people forever.

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2424

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jesus, the Lord Jesus

Jew

Related Ideas:

Jewish, person of Judah

Facts:

Jews are people who are descendants of Abraham's grandson Jacob. The word "Jew" comes from the word "Judah."

• People began to call the Israelites "Jews" after they returned to Judah from their exile in Babylon.
• Jesus the Messiah was Jewish. However, the Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus and demanded that he be killed.
• Often the phrase "the Jews" refers to the leaders of the Jews, not all the Jewish people. In those contexts, some translations add "leaders of" to make this clear.

(See also: Abraham, Jacob, Israel, Babylon, Jewish leaders)

Bible References:

• Acts 02:05
• Acts 10:28
• Acts 14:5-7
• Colossians 03:11
• John 02:14
• Matthew 28:15

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 20:11 The Israelites were now called Jews and most of them had lived their whole lives in Babylon.
• 20:12 So, after seventy years in exile, a small group of Jews returned to the city of Jerusalem in Judah.
• 37:10 Many of the Jews believed in Jesus because of this miracle.
• 37:11 But the religious leaders of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered together to plan how they could kill Jesus and Lazarus.
• 40:02 Pilate commanded that they write, "King of the Jews" on a sign and put it on the cross above Jesus' head.
• 46:06 Right away, Saul began preaching to the Jews in Damascus, saying, "Jesus is the Son of God!"

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3054, H3061, H3062, H3064, H3066, G2450, G2451, G2452, G2453

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jew, Jewish, Jews, Jews', a person of Judah, the language of Judah, the people of Judah

judge

Related Ideas:

act of judging, consider, decide, decision, give justice, give judgment, judgment, judgment seat

Definition:

The terms "judge" and "judgment" often refer to making a decision about whether something is morally right or wrong.

• The "judgment of God" often refers to his decision to condemn something or someone as sinful.
• God's judgment usually includes punishing people for their sin.
• The term "judge" can also mean "condemn." God instructs his people not to judge each other in this way.
• Another meaning is "arbitrate between" or "judge between," as in deciding which person is right in a dispute between them.
• In some contexts, God's "judgments" are what he has decided is right and just. They are similar to his decrees, laws, or precepts.
• "Judgment" can refer to the ability to make decisions. A person with "sound judgment" is wise, able to make good decisions, while a person who lacks "judgment" does not have the wisdom to make wise decisions.
• The "judgment seat" is a place where a judge sits while he listens to testimonies and gives his decision.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, ways to translate to "judge" could include to "decide" or to "condemn" or to "punish" or to "decree."
• The term "judgment" could be translated as "punishment" or "decision" or "opinion" or "verdict" or "decree" or "condemnation."
• In some contexts, the phrase "in the judgment" could also be translated as "on judgment day" or "during the time when God judges people."

(See also: decree, judge, judgment day, just, law, law)

Bible References:

• 1 John 04:17
• 1 Kings 03:09
• Acts 10:42-43
• Isaiah 03:14
• James 02:04
• Luke 06:37
• Micah 03:9-11
• Psalm 054:01

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 19:16 The prophets warned the people that if they did not stop doing evil and start obeying God, then God would judge them as guilty, and he would punish them.
• 21:08 A king is someone who rules over a kingdom and judges the people. The Messiah would come would be the perfect king who would sit on the throne of his ancestor David. He would reign over the whole world forever, and who would always judge honestly and make the right decisions.
• 39:04 The high priest tore his clothes in anger and shouted to the other religious leaders, "We do not need any more witnesses! You have heard him say that he is the Son of God. What is your judgment?"
• 50:14 But God will judge everyone who does not believe in Jesus. He will throw them into hell, where they will weep and grind their teeth in anguish forever.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H148, H430, H1777, H1778, H1779, H1781, H1782, H2664, H2713, H2742, H2803, H2940, H3198, H4406, H4941, H6414, H6416, H6417, H6419, H6485, H7081, H7378, H7379, H7663, H7760, H8196, H8199, H8201, G350, G968, G1097, G1106, G1252, G1341, G1345, G1348, G1380, G1492, G2233, G2917, G2919, G2920, G2922, G2923, G4997, G5272

Forms Found in the English ULB:

acts of judgment, consider, considered, considering, decide, decided, decided on, decision, give justice, giving judgment, have decided, insightful decisions, judge, judged, judges, judging, judgment, judgment seat, judgments, renders judgment, will judge

judgment day

Related Ideas:

day of judgment

Definition:

The term"judgment day" refers to a future time when God will judge every person.

• God has made his Son, Jesus Christ, the judge of all people.
• On judgment day, Christ will judge people on the basis of his righteous character.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could also be translated as "judgment time" since it could refer to more than one day.
• Other ways to translate this term could include "the end time when God will judge all people."
• Some translations capitalize this term to show that it is the name of a special day or time: "Judgment Day" or "Judgment Time."

(See also: judge, Jesus, heaven, hell)

Bible References:

• Luke 10:12
• Luke 11:31
• Luke 11:32
• Matthew 10:14-15
• Matthew 12:36-37

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3117, H6486, G2250, G2920

Forms Found in the English ULB:

day of judgment, judgment day, that day

justice

Related Ideas:

honest, injustice, just, justification, justify, maintain someone's rights, vindicate, vindication

Definition:

"Just" and "justice" refer to treating people fairly according to God's laws. Human laws that reflect God's standard of right behavior toward others are also just.

• To be "just" is to act in a fair and right way toward others. It also implies honesty and integrity to do what is morally right in God's eyes.
• To act "justly" means to treat people in a way that is right, good, and proper according to God's laws.
• To receive "justice" means to be treated fairly under the law, either being protected by the law or being punished for breaking the law.
• Sometimes the term "just" has the broader meaning of "righteous" or "following God's laws."
• To "vindicate" someone whom others have accused of wrongdoing is to show that he has actually done what is right.

The terms "unjust" and "unjustly" refer to treating people in an unfair and often harmful manner.

• An "injustice" is something bad that is done to someone that the person did not deserve. It refers to treating people unfairly.
• Injustice also means that some people are treated badly while others are treated well.
• Someone who is acting in an unjust way is being "partial" or "prejudiced" because he is not treating people equally.

The terms "justify" and "justification" refer to causing a guilty person to be righteous. Only God can truly justify people.

• When God justifies people, he forgives their sins and makes it as though they have no sin. He justifies sinners who repent and trust in Jesus to save them from their sins.
• "Justification" refers to what God does when he forgives a person's sins and declares that person to be righteous in his sight.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, other ways to translate "just" could include "morally right" or "fair."

• The term "justice" could be translated as "fair treatment" or "deserved consequences."

• To "act justly" could be translated as "treat fairly" or "behave in a just way."

• In some contexts, "just" could be translated as "righteous" or "upright."

• Depending on the context, "unjust" could also be translated as "unfair" or "partial" or "unrighteous."

• The phrase "the unjust" could be translated as "the unjust ones" or "unjust people" or "people who treat others unfairly" or "unrighteous people" or "people who disobey God."

• The term "unjustly" could be translated as, "in an unfair manner" or "wrongly" or "unfairly."

• Ways to translate "injustice" could include, "wrong treatment" or "unfair treatment" or "acting unfairly." (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#figs-abstractnouns)

• Other ways to translate "justify" could include "declare (someone) to be righteous" or "cause (someone) to be righteous."

• The term "justification" could be translated as "being declared righteous" or "becoming righteous" or "causing people to be righteous."

• The phrase "resulting in justification" could be translated as "so that God justified many people" or "which resulted in God causing people to be righteous."

• The phrase "for our justification" could be translated as "in order that we could be made righteous by God."

(See also: forgive, guilt, judge, righteous)

Bible References:

• Genesis 44:16
• 1 Chronicles 18:14
• Isaiah 04:3-4
• Jeremiah 22:03
• Ezekiel 18:16-17
• Micah 03:8
• Matthew 05:43-45
• Matthew 11:19
• Matthew 23:23-24
• Luke 18:03
• Luke 18:08
• Luke 18:13-14
• Luke 21:20-22
• Luke 23:41
• Acts 13:38-39
• Acts 28:04
• Romans 04:1-3
• Galatians 03:6-9
• Galatians 03:11
• Galatians 05:3-4
• Titus 03:6-7
• Hebrews 06:10
• James 02:24
• Revelation 15:3-4

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 17:09 David ruled with justice and faithfulness for many years, and God blessed him.
• 18:13 Some of these kings (of Judah) were good men who ruled justly and worshiped God.
• 19:16 They (the prophets) all told the people to stop worshiping idols and to start showing justice and mercy to others.
• 50:17 Jesus will rule his kingdom with peace and justice, and he will be with his people forever.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H205, H2555, H3476, H3477, H4941, H5766, H5767, H6415, H6662, H6663, H6664, H6666, H8003, H8199, H8636, G91, G93, G94, G95, G1342, G1343, G1344, G1345, G1346, G1347, G1556, G1557, G1738, G2118, G2920

Forms Found in the English ULB:

desire for justice, dishonest, honest, injustice, injustices, just, justice, justification, justified, justifies, justify, justly, maintain ... rights, unjust, unjustly, vindicate, vindicated, vindication

King of the Jews

Definition:

The term "King of the Jews" is a title that refers to Jesus, the Messiah.

• The first time the Bible records this title is when it was used by the wise men who traveled to Bethlehem looking for the baby who was "King of the Jews."
• The angel revealed to Mary that her son, a descendant of King David, would be a king whose reign would last forever.
• Before Jesus was crucified, Roman soldiers mockingly called Jesus "King of the Jews." This title was also written on a piece of wood and nailed to the top of Jesus' cross.
• Jesus truly is the King of the Jews and the king over all creation.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "King of the Jews" could also be translated as "king over the Jews" or "king who rules over the Jews" or "supreme ruler of the Jews."
• Check to see how the phrase "king of" is translated in other places in the translation.

(See also: descendant, Jew, Jesus, king, kingdom, kingdom of God, wise men)

Bible References:

• Luke 23:03
• Luke 23:38
• Matthew 02:02
• Matthew 27:11
• Matthew 27:35-37

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 23:09 Some time later, wise men from countries far to the east saw an unusual star in the sky. They realized it meant a new king of the Jews was born.
• 39:09 Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
• 39:12 The Roman soldiers whipped Jesus and put a royal robe and a crown made of thorns on him. Then they mocked him by saying, "Look, the King of the Jews!"
• 40:02 Pilate commanded that they write, "King of the Jews" on a sign and put it on the cross above Jesus' head.

Word Data:

• Strong's: G935, G2453

Forms Found in the English ULB:

King of the Jews, king of the Jews

kingdom of God

Related Ideas:

kingdom of Christ and God, kingdom of heaven

Definition:

The terms "kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" both refer to God's rule and authority over his people and over all creation.

• The Jews often used the term "heaven" to refer to God, to avoid saying his name directly. (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#figs-metonymy)
• In the New Testament book that Matthew wrote, he referred to God's kingdom as "the kingdom of heaven," probably because he was writing primarily for a Jewish audience.
• The kingdom of God refers to God ruling people spiritually as well as ruling over the physical world.
• The Old Testament prophets said that God would send the Messiah to rule with righteousness. Jesus, the Son of God, is the Messiah who will rule over God's kingdom forever.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "kingdom of God" can be translated as "God's rule (as king)" or "when God reigns as king" or "God's rule over everything."
• The term "kingdom of heaven" could also be translated as "God's rule from heaven as king" or "God in heaven reigning" or "heaven's reign" or "heaven ruling over everything." If it is not possible to translate this simply and clearly, the phrase "kingdom of God" could be translated instead.
• Some translators may prefer to capitalize "Heaven" to show that it refers to God. Others may include a note in the text, such as "kingdom of heaven (that is, 'kingdom of God')."
• A footnote at the bottom of the page of a printed Bible may also be used to explain the meaning of "heaven" in this expression.

(See also: God, heaven, king, kingdom, King of the Jews, reign)

Bible References:

• 2 Thessalonians 01:05
• Acts 08:12-13
• Acts 28:23
• Colossians 04:11
• John 03:03
• Luke 07:28
• Luke 10:09
• Luke 12:31-32
• Matthew 03:02
• Matthew 04:17
• Matthew 05:10
• Romans 14:17

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 24:02 He (John) preached to them, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of God is near!"
• 28:06 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "It is extremely hard for rich people to enter into the kingdom of God! Yes, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
• 29:02 Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants."
• 34:01 Jesus told many other stories about the kingdom of God. For example, he said, "The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that someone planted in his field."
• 34:03 Jesus told another story, "The kingdom of God is like yeast that a woman mixes into some bread dough until it spreads throughout the dough."
• 34:04 "The kingdom of God is also like hidden treasure that someone hid in a field.. Another man found the treasure and then buried it again."
• 34:05 "The kingdom of God is also like a perfect pearl of great value."
• 42:09 He proved to his disciples in many ways that he was alive, and he taught them about the kingdom of God.
• 49:05 Jesus said that the kingdom of God is more valuable than anything else in the world.
• 50:02 When Jesus was living on earth he said, "My disciples will preach the good news about the kingdom of God to people everywhere in the world, and then the end will come."

Word Data:

• Strong's: G932, G2316, G3772

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kingdom of Christ and God, kingdom of God, kingdom of heaven

lamb

Related Ideas:

Lamb of God

Definition:

The term "lamb" refers to a young sheep. Sheep are four-legged animals with thick, woolly hair, used for sacrifices to God. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins.

• These animals are easily led astray and need protecting. God compares human beings to sheep.
• God instructed his people to sacrifice physically perfect sheep and lambs to him.
• Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" who was sacrificed to pay for people's sins. He was a perfect, unblemished sacrifice because he was completely without sin.

Translation Suggestions:

• If sheep are known in the language area, the name for their young should be used to translate the terms "lamb" and "Lamb of God."
• "Lamb of God" could be translated as "God's (sacrificial) Lamb," or "Lamb sacrificed to God" or "(sacrificial) Lamb from God."
• If sheep are not known, this term could be translated as "a young sheep" with a footnote that describes what sheep are like. The note could also compare sheep and lambs to an animal from that area that lives in herds, that is timid and defenseless, and that often wanders away.
• Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation of a nearby local or national language.

(See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: sheep, shepherd)

Bible References:

• 2 Samuel 12:03
• Ezra 08:35-36
• Isaiah 66:3
• Jeremiah 11:19
• John 01:29
• John 01:36
• Leviticus 14:21-23
• Leviticus 17:1-4
• Luke 10:03
• Revelation 15:3-4

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 05:07 As Abraham and Isaac walked to the place of the sacrifice Isaac asked, "Father, we have wood for the sacrifice, but where is the lamb?"
• 11:02 God provided a way to save the firstborn son of anyone who believed in him. Each family had to choose a perfect lamb or goat and kill it.
• 24:06 The next day, Jesus came to be baptized by John. When John saw him, he said, "Look! There is the Lamb of God who will take away the sin of the world."
• 45:08 He read, "They led him like a lamb to be killed, and as a lamb is silent, he did not say a word.
• 48:08 When God told Abraham to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice, God provided a lamb for the sacrifice instead of his son, Isaac. We all deserve to die for our sins! But God provided Jesus, the Lamb of God, as a sacrifice to die in our place.
• 48:09 When God sent the last plague on Egypt, he told each Israelite family to kill a perfect lamb and spread its blood around the tops and sides of their door frames.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3532, H3535, H3733, H3775, H6251, H7716, G721, G2316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lamb, Lamb of God, lamb, lambs

lament

Related Ideas:

dirge, lamentation

Definition:

The terms "lament" and "lamentation" refer to a strong expression of mourning, sorrow, or grief.

• Sometimes this includes deep regret for sin, or compassion for people who have experienced disaster.
• A lamentation could include moaning, weeping, or wailing.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term to "lament" could be translated as to "deeply mourn" or to "wail in grief" or to "be sorrowful."
• A "lamentation" (or a "lament") could be translated as "loud wailing and weeping" or "deep sorrow" or "sorrowful sobbing" or "mournful moaning."
• A "dirge" is a song that people sing at a funeral because they are sad that someone they love has died.

Bible References:

• Amos 08:9-10
• Ezekiel 32:1-2
• Jeremiah 22:18
• Job 27:15-17
• Lamentations 02:05
• Lamentations 02:08
• Micah 02:04
• Psalm 102:1-2
• Zechariah 11:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H56, H578, H592, H1058, H2201, H5091, H5092, H5594, H6969, H7015, G2354, G2870, G2875

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dirge, lament, lamentation, lamentations, lamented, lamenting, laments, sing dirges

last day

Related Ideas:

last times, latter days

Definition:

The term "last days" or "latter days" refers generally to the time period at the end of the current age.

• This time period will have an unknown duration.
• The "last days" are a time of judgment upon those who have turned away from God.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "last days" can also be translated as "final days" or "end times."
• In some contexts, this could be translated as "end of the world" or "when this world ends."

(See also: day of the Lord, judge, turn, world)

Bible References:

• 2 Peter 03:3-4
• Daniel 10:14-15
• Hebrews 01:02
• Isaiah 02:02
• James 05:03
• Jeremiah 23:19-20
• John 11:24-26
• Micah 04:1

Word Data:

• Strong's: H319, H3117, G2078, G2250

Forms Found in the English ULB:

last day, last days, last times, latter days

law of Moses

Related Ideas:

God's law, book of Moses, book of the law, expert in the law, law of God, law of Yahweh, law of the Lord, the law

Definition:

All these terms refer to the commandments and instructions that God gave Moses for the Israelites to obey. The terms "law" and "God's law" are also used more generally to refer to everything God wants his people to obey.

• Depending on the context, the "law" can refer to:

• the Ten Commandments that God wrote on stone tablets for the Israelites

• all the laws given to Moses

• the first five books of the Old Testament

• the entire Old Testament (also referred to as "scriptures" in the New Testament).

• all of God's instructions and will

• The phrase "the law and the prophets" is used in the New Testament to refer to the Hebrew scriptures (or "Old Testament")

Translation Suggestions:

• These terms could be translated using the plural, "laws," since they refer to many instructions.
• The "law of Moses" could be translated as "the laws that God told Moses to give to the Israelites."
• Depending on the context, "the law of Moses" could also be translated as "the law that God told to Moses" or "God's laws that Moses wrote down" or "the laws that God told Moses to give to the Israelites."
• Ways to translate "the law" or "law of God" or "God's laws" could include "laws from God" or "God's commands" or "laws that God gave" or "everything that God commands" or "all of God's instructions."
• The phrase "law of Yahweh" could also be translated as "Yahweh's laws" or "laws that Yahweh said to obey" or "laws from Yahweh" or "things Yahweh commanded."
• There were people in the Bible who were experts in the Law of Moses, they were called "lawyers."

(See also: instruct, Moses, Ten Commandments, lawful, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• Acts 15:06
• Daniel 09:13
• Exodus 28:42-43
• Ezra 07:25-26
• Galatians 02:15
• Luke 24:44
• Matthew 05:18
• Nehemiah 10:29
• Romans 03:20

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 13:07 God also gave many other laws and rules to follow. If the people obeyed these laws, God promised that he would bless and protect them. If they disobeyed them, God would punish them.
• 13:09 Anyone who disobeyed God's law could bring an animal to the altar in front of the Tent of Meeting as a sacrifice to God.
• 15:13 Then Joshua reminded the people of their obligation to obey the covenant that God had made with the Israelites at Sinai. The people promised to remain faithful to God and follow his laws.
• 16:01 After Joshua died, the Israelites disobeyed God and did not drive out the rest of the Canaanites or obey God's laws.
• 21:05 In the New Covenant, God would write his law on the people's hearts, the people would know God personally, they would be his people, and God would forgive their sins.
• 27:01 Jesus answered, "What is written in God's law?"
• 28:01 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me 'good?' There is only one who is good, and that is God. But if you want to have eternal life, obey God's laws."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H430, H1881, H1882, H2706, H3068, H4687, H4872, H4941, H8451, G976, G2316, G3544, G3551, G3565

Forms Found in the English ULB:

God's law, book of Moses, book of the law, expert in the law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of the Lord, the law, the law of God, your law

life

Related Ideas:

alive, come to life, conduct, exist, fresh, life-giving, lifetime, live, revive, survive, survivor

Definition:

All these terms refer to being physically alive, not dead. They are also used figuratively to refer to being alive spiritually. The following discusses what is meant by "physical life" and "spiritual life."

1. Physical life

• Physical life is the presence of the spirit in the body. God breathed life into Adam's body, and he became a living being.
• A "life" can also refer to an individual person as in "a life was saved".
• Sometimes the word "life" refers to the experience of living as in, "his life was enjoyable."
• It can also refer to a person's lifespan, as in the expression, "the end of his life."
• The term "living" may refer to being physically alive, as in "my mother is still living." It may also refer to dwelling somewhere as in, "they were living in the city."
• In the Bible, the concept of "life" is often contrasted with the concept of "death."
• To "revive" is for someone who is dead or almost dead to live again, or to take something or someone who is dead or almost dead and make him live again.
• A person who "survives" has almost died for some reason but is still alive.
• The same Hebrew words can be translated "fresh" water or "living" water.
• Things that are "lifeless" either have never been alive or were once alive but are now dead.
• The way a person "conducts" himself or his life is the way he lives his life, most importantly the morally good or bad things he does.

2. Spiritual life

• A person has spiritual life when he believes in Jesus. God gives that person a transformed life with the Holy Spirit living in him.
• This life is also called "eternal life" to indicate that it does not end.
• The opposite of spiritual life is spiritual death, which means being separated from God and experiencing eternal punishment.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "life" can be translated as "existence" or "person" or "soul" or "being" or "experience."
• Depending on the context, the term "live" could be translated by "dwell" or "reside" or "exist."
• The expression "end of his life" could be translated as "when he stopped living."
• The expression "spared their lives' could be translated as "allowed them to live" or "did not kill them."
• The expression "they risked their lives" could be translated as "they put themselves in danger" or "they did something that could have killed them."
• Depending on the context, the expression "give life" could also be translated as "cause to live" or "give eternal life" or "cause to live eternally." The word "life-giving" can be translated as "something that causes to live" or "something that gives life."

(See also: death, everlasting)

Bible References:

• 2 Peter 01:03
• Acts 10:42
• Genesis 02:07
• Genesis 07:22
• Hebrews 10:20
• Jeremiah 44:02
• John 01:04
• Judges 02:18
• Luke 12:23
• Matthew 07:14

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 01:10 So God took some dirt, formed it into a man, and breathed life into him.
• 03:01 After a long time, many people were __living __ in the world.
• 08:13 When Joseph's brothers returned home and told their father, Jacob, that Joseph was still alive, he was very happy.
• 17:09 However, toward the end of his [David's] life he sinned terribly before God.
• 27:01 One day, an expert in the Jewish law came to Jesus to test him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
• 35:05 Jesus replied, "I am the Resurrection and the Life."
• 44:05 "You are the ones who told the Roman governor to kill Jesus. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2416, H2417, H2418, H2421, H2425, H2465, H2673, H3351, H3824, H3885, H4241, H5315, H5397, H5564, H6106, H7611, H8141, H8300, G326, G386, G390, G895, G979, G980, G981, G982, G1127, G1236, G1514, G2198, G2222, G2225, G2227, G2450, G3118, G4176, G4684, G4748, G4763, G4800, G4806, G5171, G5225, G5590

Forms Found in the English ULB:

alive, come to life, conduct, conducted, existed, fresh, keep ... alive, life, life-giving, lifeless, lifetime, live, lived, lives, living, revive, revived, survive, survived, survivor, survivors

lord

Related Ideas:

landowner, Lord, master, master of the house, mistress, owner, owner of a house, sir

Definition:

The term "lord" refers to someone who has ownership or authority over other people.

• This word is sometimes translated as "master" when addressing Jesus or when referring to someone who owns slaves.
• Some English versions translate this as "sir" in contexts where someone is politely addressing someone of higher status.

When "Lord" is capitalized, it is a title that refers to God. (Note, however, that when it is used as a form of addressing someone or it occurs at the beginning of a sentence it may be capitalized and have the meaning of "sir" or "master.")

• In the Old Testament, this term is also used in expressions such as "Lord God Almighty" or "Lord Yahweh" or "Yahweh our Lord."
• In the New Testament, the apostles used this term in expressions such as "Lord Jesus" and "Lord Jesus Christ," which communicate that Jesus is God.
• The term "Lord" in the New Testament is also used alone as a direct reference to God, especially in quotations from the Old Testament. For example, the Old Testament text has "Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh" and the New Testament text has "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
• In the ULB and UDB, the title "Lord" is only used to translate the actual Hebrew and Greek words that mean "Lord." It is never used as a translation of God's name (Yahweh), as is done in many translations.

Translation Suggestions:

Translating "lord":

• • The term "lord" can be translated with the equivalent of "master" when it refers to a person who owns slaves. It can also be used by a servant to address the person he works for.
• When it refers to Jesus, if the context shows that the speaker sees him as a religious teacher, it can be translated with a respectful address for a religious teacher, such as "master."
• If the person addressing Jesus does not know him, "lord" could be translated with a respectful form of address such as "sir." This translation would also be used for other contexts in which a polite form of address to a man is called for.

Translating "Lord":

• When referring to God the Father or to Jesus, this term is considered a title, written as "Lord" (capitalized) in English.
• In the appropriate contexts, many translations capitalize the first letter of this term to make it clear to the reader that this is a title referring to God.
• When "Lord" refers to Jesus Christ (the Son of God), it should be translated with the same word that is used for "Lord" when it refers to God the Father. Or if it is translated with different words, both words should express the same degree of honor.
• Some languages translate "Lord" as "Master" or "Ruler" or some other term that communicates ownership or supreme rule.
• For places in the New Testament where there is a quote from the Old Testament, the term "Lord God" could be used to make it clear that this is a reference to God.

(See also: God, Jesus, ruler, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• Genesis 39:02
• Joshua 03:9-11
• Psalms 086:15-17
• Jeremiah 27:04
• Lamentations 02:02
• Ezekiel 18:29
• Daniel 09:09
• Daniel 09:17-19
• Malachi 03:01
• Matthew 07:21-23
• Luke 01:30-33
• Luke 16:13
• Romans 06:23
• Ephesians 06:9
• Philippians 02:9-11
• Colossians 03:23
• Hebrews 12:14
• James 02:01
• 1 Peter 01:03
• Jude 01:05
• Revelation 15:04

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 25:05 But Jesus replied to Satan by quoting from the Scriptures. He said, "In God's word, he commands his people, 'Do not test the Lord your God.'"
• 25:07 Jesus replied, "Get away from me, Satan! In God's word he commands his people, 'Worship only the Lord your God and only serve him.'"
• 26:03 This is the year of the Lord's favor.
• 27:02 The law expert replied that God's law says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind."
• 31:05 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Master, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water"
• 43:09 "But know for certain that God has caused Jesus to become both Lord and Messiah!"
• 47:03 By means of this demon she predicted the future for people, she made a lot of money for her masters as a fortuneteller.
• 47:11 Paul answered, "Believe in Jesus, the Master, and you and your family will be saved."

Word Data:

• Strong's: H113, H136, H1167, H1376, H1404, H4756, H5633, H7218, H7980, H8323, G1203, G2634, G2961, G2962, G3617

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lord, Lord's, landowner, lord, lord's, lords, master, master of the house, master's, masters, mistress, owner, owner of a house, sir, sirs

Lord Yahweh

Related Ideas:

Yahweh God

Facts:

In the Old Testament, "Lord Yahweh" is frequently used to refer to the one true God.

• The term "Lord" is a divine title and "Yahweh" is God's personal name.
• "Yahweh" is also often combined with the term "God" to form "Yahweh God."

Translation Suggestions:

• If some form of "Yahweh" is used for the translation of God's personal name, the terms "Lord Yahweh" and "Yahweh God" can be translated literally. Also consider how the term "Lord" is translated in other contexts when referring to God.
• Some languages put titles after the name and would translate this as "Yahweh Lord." Consider what is natural in the project language: should the title "Lord" come before or after "Yahweh"?
• "Yahweh God" could also be rendered as "God who is called Yahweh" or "God who is the Living One" or "I am, who is God."
• If the translation follows the tradition of rendering "Yahweh" as "Lord" or "LORD," the term "Lord Yahweh" could be translated as "Lord God" or "God who is the Lord." Other possible translations could be, "Master LORD" or "God the LORD."
• The term "Lord Yahweh" should not be rendered as "Lord LORD" because readers may not notice the difference in letter size that has traditionally been used to distinguish these two words and it would look very strange.

(Translation suggestions: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-names)

(See also: God, lord, Lord, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 04:3-4
• 2 Samuel 07:21-23
• Deuteronomy 03:23-25
• Ezekiel 39:25-27
• Ezekiel 45:18
• Jeremiah 44:26
• Judges 06:22
• Micah 01:2-4

Word Data:

• Strong's: H136, H3068

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lord Yahweh, Yahweh God

Lord's Supper

Definition:

The term "Lord's Supper" was used by the apostle Paul to refer to the Passover meal that Jesus ate with his disciples on the night he was arrested by the Jewish leaders.

• During this meal, Jesus broke the Passover bread into pieces and called it his body, which would soon be beaten and killed.
• He called the cup of wine his blood, which would soon be spilled out as he died as a sacrifice for sin.
• Jesus commanded that as often as his followers shared this meal together, they should remember his death and resurrection.
• In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul also further established the Lord's Supper as a regular practice for believers in Jesus.
• Churches today often use the term "communion" to refer to the Lord's Supper. The term "Last Supper" is also sometimes used.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could also be translated as "the Lord's meal" or "the meal of our Lord Jesus" or "the meal in memory of the Lord Jesus."

(See also: Passover)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 11:20
• 1 Corinthians 11:25-26

Word Data:

• Strong's: G1173, G2960

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lord's Supper

love

Related Ideas:

brotherly love

Definition:

To love another person is to care for that person and do things that will benefit him. There are different meanings for "love" some languages may express using different words:

1. The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do. God himself is love and is the source of true love.

• Jesus showed this kind of love by sacrificing his life in order to rescue us from sin and death. He also taught his followers to love others sacrificially.
• When people love others with this kind of love, they act in ways that show they are thinking of what will cause the others to thrive. This kind of love especially includes forgiving others.
• In the ULB, the word "love" refers to this kind of sacrificial love, unless a Translation Note indicates a different meaning.

2. Another word in the New Testament refers to brotherly love, or love for a friend or family member.

• This term refers to natural human love between friends or relatives.
• The term can also be used in such contexts as, "They love to sit in the most important seats at a banquet." This means that they "like very much" or "greatly desire" to do that.

3. The word "love" can also refer to romantic love between a man and a woman.

4. In the figurative expression "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated," the term "loved" refers to God's choosing of Jacob to be in a covenant relationship with him. This could also be translated as "chosen." Although Esau was also blessed by God, he wasn't given the privilege of being in the covenant. The term "hated" is used figuratively here to mean "rejected" or "not chosen."

Translation Suggestions:

• Unless indicated otherwise in a Translation Note, the word "love" in the ULB refers to the kind of sacrificial love that comes from God.
• Some languages may have a special word for the kind of unselfish, sacrificial love that God has. Ways to translate this might include, "devoted, faithful caring" or "care for unselfishly" or "love from God." Make sure that the word used to translate God's love can include giving up one's own interests to benefit others and loving others no matter what they do.
• Sometimes the English word "love" describes the deep caring that people have for friends and family members. Some languages might translate this with a word or phrase that means, "like very much" or "care for" or "have strong affection for."
• In contexts where the word "love" is used to express a strong preference for something, this could be translated by "strongly prefer" or "like very much" or "greatly desire."
• Some languages may also have a separate word that refers to romantic or sexual love between a husband and wife.
• Many languages must express "love" as an action. So for example, they might translate "love is patient, love is kind" as, "when a person loves someone, he is patient with him and kind to him."

(See also: covenant, death, sacrifice, save, sin)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 13:07
• 1 John 03:02
• 1 Thessalonians 04:10
• Galatians 05:23
• Genesis 29:18
• Isaiah 56:06
• Jeremiah 02:02
• John 03:16
• Matthew 10:37
• Nehemiah 09:32-34
• Philippians 01:09
• Song of Solomon 01:02

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 27:02 The law expert replied that God's law says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself."
• 33:08 "The thorny ground is a person who hears God's word, but, as time passes, the cares, riches, and pleasures of life choke out his love for God."
• 36:05 As Peter was talking, a bright cloud came down on top of them and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son whom I love."
• 39:10 "Everyone who loves the truth listens to me."
• 47:01 She (Lydia) loved and worshiped God.
• 48:01 When God created the world, everything was perfect. There was no sin. Adam and Eve loved each other, and they loved God.
• 49:03 He (Jesus) taught that you need to love other people the same way you love yourself.
• 49:04 He (Jesus) also taught that you need to love God more than you love anything else, including your wealth.
• 49:07 Jesus taught that God loves sinners very much.
• 49:09 But God loved everyone in the world so much that he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in Jesus will not be punished for his sins, but will live with God forever.
• 49:13 God loves you and wants you to believe in Jesus so he can have a close relationship with you.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H157, H158, H159, H160, H1730, H2245, H2532, H2617, H2836, H3039, H4261, H5689, H5690, H7355, H7356, H7453, H7474, G25, G26, G5360, G5361, G5362, G5363, G5365, G5367, G5368, G5369, G5377, G5383, G5388

Forms Found in the English ULB:

brotherly love, love, loved, loves, loving

majesty

Related Ideas:

great, greatness, magnificent, majestic

Definition:

The term "majesty" refers to greatness and splendor, often in relation to the qualities of a king.

• In the Bible, "majesty" frequently refers to the greatness of God, who is the supreme King over the universe.
• "Your Majesty" is a way of addressing a king.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could be translated as "kingly greatness" or "royal splendor."
• "Your Majesty" could be translated as something like "your Highness" or "your Excellency" or using a natural way of addressing a ruler in the target language.
• To be "great" is to be more famous or powerful or good than most people. Great kings are more powerful than most other kings. Great people are good or famous or powerful, but they do not have to be kings.
• "Magnificent" deeds are deeds worthy of a king or a great person or divine being.

(See also: king)

Bible References:

• 2 Peter 01:16-18
• Daniel 04:36
• Isaiah 02:10
• Jude 01:25
• Micah 05:04

Word Data:

• Strong's: H117, H1347, H1348, H1419, H1420, H1431, H1923, H1926, H1935, H4768, H7227, H7229, H7238, H7613, H7690, G3168, G3169, G3172, G3173

Forms Found in the English ULB:

great, greater, greatest, greatness, magnificent, majestic, majesty

manna

Definition:

Manna was a white, grain-like food that God provided for the Israelites to eat during the 40 years of living in the wilderness after they left Egypt.

• Manna looked like white flakes which appeared each morning on the ground under the dew. It tasted sweet, like honey.
• The Israelites gathered the manna flakes every day except on the Sabbath.
• On the day before the Sabbath, God told the Israelites to gather twice the amount of manna so they wouldn't have to gather it on their day of rest.
• The word "manna" means "what is it?"
• In the Bible, manna is also referred to as "bread from heaven" and "grain from heaven."

Translation Suggestions

• Other ways to translate this term could include "thin white flakes of food" or "food from heaven."
• Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language. (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-unknown)

(See also: bread, desert, grain, heaven, Sabbath)

Bible References:

• Deuteronomy 08:3
• Exodus 16:27
• Hebrews 09:3-5
• John 06:30-31
• Joshua 05:12

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4478, G3131

Forms Found in the English ULB:

manna

mercy

Related Ideas:

kindness, merciful, spare

Definition:

The terms "mercy" and "merciful" refer to helping people who are in need, especially when they are in a lowly or humbled condition.

• The term "mercy" can also include the meaning of not punishing people for something they have done wrong.
• A powerful person such as a king is described as "merciful" when he treats people kindly instead of harming them.
• To "be merciful" or "spare" someone who has done wrong to another means to forgive that person.
• An evil person who "spares" those who have done nothing wrong does not do the same wrong to them that he has done to others.
• We show mercy when we help people who are in great need.
• God is merciful to us, and he wants us to be merciful to others.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "mercy" could be translated as "kindness" or "compassion" or "pity."
• The term "merciful" could be translated as "showing pity" or "being kind to" or "forgiving."
• To "show mercy to" or "have mercy on" could be translated as "treat kindly" or "be compassionate toward."

(See also: compassion, forgive)

Bible References:

• 1 Peter 01:3-5
• 1 Timothy 01:13
• Daniel 09:17
• Exodus 34:06
• Genesis 19:16
• Hebrews 10:28-29
• James 02:13
• Luke 06:35-36
• Matthew 09:27
• Philippians 02:25-27
• Psalms 041:4-6
• Romans 12:01

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 19:16 They (the prophets) all told the people to stop worshiping idols and to start showing justice and mercy to others.
• 19:17 He (Jeremiah) sank down into the mud that was in the bottom of the well, but then the king had mercy on him and ordered his servants to pull Jeremiah out of the well before he died.
• 20:12 The Persian Empire was strong but merciful to the people it conquered.
• 27:11 Then Jesus asked the law expert, "What do you think? Which one of the three men was a neighbor to the man who was robbed and beaten?" He replied, "The one who was merciful to him."
• 32:11 But Jesus said to him, "No, I want you to go home and tell your friends and family about everything that God has done for you and how he has had mercy on you."
• 34:09 "But the tax collector stood far away from the religious ruler, did not even look up to heaven. Instead, he pounded on his chest and prayed, 'God, please be merciful to me because I am a sinner.'"

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2550, H2551, H2603, H2604, H2617, H3722, H7349, H7355, H7356, H7359, H8467, G1653, G1655, G1656, G2433, G2436, G3628, G3629, G4698, G5363, G5544

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kindness, mercies, merciful, mercy, spare, spared, spares, tender mercy

minister

Related Ideas:

attend to someone's needs, care for, mission, offer as a priest, perform the service, provide for others' needs, tend

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "ministry" refers to serving others by teaching them about God and caring for their spiritual needs.

• In the Old Testament, the priests would "minister" to God in the temple by offering sacrifices to him.
• Their "ministry" also included taking care of the temple and offering prayers to God on behalf of the people.
• The job of "ministering" to people can include serving them spiritually by teaching them about God.
• It can also refer to serving people in physical ways, such as caring for the sick and providing food for the poor.

Translation Suggestions:

• In the context of ministering to people, to "minister" could also be translated as to "serve" or to "care for" or to "meet the needs of."
• When referring to ministering in the temple, the term "minister" could be translated as "serve God in the temple" or "offer sacrifices to God for the people."
• In the context of ministering to God, this could be translated as "serve," "perform the service," or "work for God."
• The phrase "ministered to" could also be translated as "took care of" or "provided for" or "helped."

(See also: serve, sacrifice)

Bible References:

• 2 Samuel 20:23-26
• Acts 06:04
• Acts 21:17-19

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2729, H6485, H7462, G1247, G1248, G1249, G2418, G2999, G3008, G3009, G5256

Forms Found in the English ULB:

attend to ... needs, attending to ... needs, care for, carrying out, minister, ministers, ministries, ministry, mission, offer as a priest, perform ... service, performed ... service, provided for ... needs, tending, to minister

miracle

Related Ideas:

miraculous

Definition:

A "miracle" is something amazing that is not possible unless God causes it to happen.

• Examples of miracles that Jesus did include calming a storm and healing a blind man.
• Miracles are sometimes called "wonders" because they cause people to be filled with wonder or amazement.
• The term "wonder" can also refer more generally to amazing displays of God's power, such as when he created the heavens and the earth.
• Miracles can also be called "signs" because they are used as indicators or evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
• Some miracles were God's acts of redemption, such as when he rescued the Israelites from being slaves in Egypt and when he protected Daniel from being hurt by lions.
• Other wonders were God's acts of judgment, such as when he sent a worldwide flood in Noah's time and when he brought terrible plagues on the land of Egypt during the time of Moses.
• Many of God's miracles were the physical healings of sick people or bringing dead people back to life.
• God's power was shown in Jesus when he healed people, calmed storms, walked on water, and raised people from the dead. These were all miracles.
• God also enabled the prophets and the apostles to perform miracles of healing and other things that were only possible through God's power.

Translation Suggestions:

• Possible translations of "miracles" or "wonders" could include "impossible things that God does" or "powerful works of God" or "amazing acts of God."
• The frequent expression "signs and wonders" could be translated as "proofs and miracles" or "miraculous works that prove God's power" or "amazing miracles that show how great God is."
• Note that this meaning of a miraculous sign is different from a sign that gives proof or evidence for something. The two can be related.

(See also: power, prophet, apostle, sign)

Bible References:

• 2 Thessalonians 02:8-10
• Acts 04:17
• Acts 04:22
• Daniel 04:1-3
• Deuteronomy 13:01
• Exodus 03:19-22
• John 02:11
• Matthew 13:58

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 16:08 Gideon asked God for two signs so he could be sure that God would use him to save Israel.
• 19:14 God did many miracles through Elisha.
• 37:10 Many of the Jews believed in Jesus because of this miracle.
• 43:06 "Men of Israel, Jesus was a man who did many mighty signs and wonders by the power of God, as you have seen and already know."
• 49:02 Jesus did many miracles that prove he is God. He walked on water, calmed storms, healed many sick people, drove out demons, raised the dead to life, and turned five loaves of bread and two small fish into enough food for over 5,000 people.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4159, H6381, H6382, G1411, G1605, G4592, G5059

Forms Found in the English ULB:

miracle, miracles, miraculous

Most High

Facts:

The term "Most High" is a title for God. It refers to his greatness or authority.

• The meaning of this term is similar to the meaning of "Sovereign" or "Supreme."
• The word "high" in this title does not refer to physical height or distance. It refers to greatness.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term can also be translated as "Most High God" or "Most Supreme being" or "God Most High" or "Greatest One" or "Supreme One" or "God, who is Greater than all."
• If a word like "high" is used, make sure it does not refer to being physically high or tall.

(See also: God)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:47-50
• Acts 16:16-18
• Daniel 04:17-18
• Deuteronomy 32:7-8
• Genesis 14:17-18
• Hebrews 07:1-3
• Hosea 07:16
• Lamentations 03:35
• Luke 01:32

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5945, G5310

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Most High

myrrh

Definition:

Myrrh is an oil or spice that is made from the resin of a myrrh tree that grows in Africa and Asia. It is related to frankincense.

• Myrrh was also used to make incense, perfume, and medicine, and to prepare dead bodies for burial.
• Myrrh was one of the gifts that the learned men gave to Jesus when he was born.
• Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh in order to ease the pain when he was crucified.

(See also: frankincense, learned men)

Bible References:

• Exodus 30:22-25
• Genesis 37:25-26
• John 11:1-2
• Mark 15:23
• Matthew 02:11-12

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3910, H4753, G3464, G4666, G4669

Forms Found in the English ULB:

myrrh

name

Related Ideas:

fame, nameless, notorious, reputation

Definition:

In the Bible, the word "name" was used in several figurative ways.

• In some contexts, "name" could refer to a person's reputation, as in "let us make a name for ourselves."
• The term "name" could also refer to the memory of something. For example, "cut off the names of the idols" means to destroy those idols so that they are no longer remembered or worshiped.
• Speaking "in the name of God" meant speaking with his power and authority, or as his representative.
• The "name" of someone could refer to the entire person, as in "there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." (See: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#figs-metonymy)
• People who are "nameless" are unimportant, so few people know about them or care about them.
• A person who is "notorious" is one who has a reputation for evil or foolishness.

Translation Suggestions:

• An expression like "his good name" could be translated as "his good reputation."
• Doing something "in the name of" could be translated as "with the authority of" or "with the permission of" or "as the representative of" that person.
• The expression "make a name for ourselves" could be translated "cause many people to know about us" or "make people think we are very important."
• The expression "call his name" could be translated as "name him" or "give him the name."
• The expression "those who love your name" could be translated as "those who love you."
• The expression "cut off the names of idols" could be translated as "get rid of pagan idols so that they are not even remembered" or "cause people to stop worshiping false gods" or "completely destroy all idols so that people no longer even think about them."

(See also: call)

Bible References:

• 1 John 02:12
• 2 Timothy 02:19
• Acts 04:07
• Acts 04:12
• Acts 09:27
• Genesis 12:02
• Genesis 35:10
• Matthew 18:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5344, H7761, H8034, H8036, G2028, G2564, G3140, G3141, G3686, G3687, G5122

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fame, name, name's, named, nameless, names, notorious, reputation

Nazirite

Related Ideas:

Nazirite vow

Facts:

The term "Nazirite" refers to a person who has taken a "Nazirite vow." Mostly men took this vow, but women could also take it.

• A person who took the Nazirite vow agreed to not have any food or drink made from grapes for period that had been agreed upon for the fulfillment of the vow. During this period he was also not to get his hair cut and not go near a dead body.
• When the required length of time had passed, and the vow had been fulfilled, the Nazirite would go to the priest and provide an offering. This would include the cutting and burning of his hair. All other restrictions would also be removed.
• Samson is a well-known man in the Old Testament who was under the Nazirite vow.
• The angel announcing John the Baptist's birth told Zechariah that his son would not drink strong drink, which may indicate that John was under the Nazirite vow.
• According to a passage in the book of Acts the apostle Paul may also have at one time taken this vow, according to one passage in the book of Acts.

(Translation suggestions: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-names)

(See also: John (the Baptist), sacrifice, Samson, vow, Zechariah (OT))

Bible References:

• Acts 18:18-19
• Amos 02:11-12
• Judges 13:05
• Numbers 06:1-4

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5139

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nazirite, Nazirite vow, Nazirites

parable

Related Ideas:

hard question, lesson, riddle

Definition:

The term "parable" usually refers to a short story or object lesson that is used to explain or teach a moral truth. It can also refer to a saying that is difficult to understand and about which the hearer will have to think carefully before he can understand what the speaker is teaching.

• Jesus used parables to teach his disciples. Although he also told parables to the crowds of people, he did not always explain the parable.
• Jesus used parables to reveal truth to his disciples and to hide the truth from people like the Pharisees who did not believe in him.
• The prophet Nathan told David a parable to show the king his terrible sin.
• The story of the Good Samaritan is an example of a parable that is a story. Jesus' comparison of old and new wineskins is an example of a parable that was an object lesson to help the disciples understand Jesus' teachings.
• A "riddle" is a type of "hard question." The one who asks a hard question does not know the correct answer, but he hopes the hearer can answer correctly. The one who asks a riddle does not want the hearer to be able to answer the question correctly.

Translation Suggestions

• The word "parable" can be translated as "illustration".

(See also: Samaria)

Bible References:

• Proverbs 01:06
• Luke 05:36
• Luke 06:39
• Luke 08:04
• Luke 08:9-10
• Mark 04:01
• Matthew 13:03
• Matthew 13:10
• Matthew 13:13

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1819, H2420, H4426, H4912, G3850, G3942

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hard questions, lesson, parable, parables, riddle, riddles

Passover

Facts:

The "Passover" is the name of a religious festival that the Jews celebrate every year, to remember how God rescued their ancestors, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt.

• The name of this festival comes from the fact that God "passed over" the houses of the Israelites and did not kill their sons when he killed the firstborn sons of the Egyptians.
• The Passover celebration includes a special meal of a perfect lamb that they have killed and roasted, as well as bread made without yeast. These foods remind them of the meal that the Israelites ate the night before they escaped from Egypt.
• God told the Israelites to eat this meal every year in order to remember and celebrate how God "passed over" their houses and how he set them free from slavery in Egypt.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "Passover" could be translated by combining the words "pass" and "over" or another combination of words that has this meaning.
• It is helpful if the name of this festival has a clear connection to the words used to explain what the angel of the Lord did in passing by the houses of the Israelites and sparing their sons.

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 05:07
• 2 Chronicles 30:13-15
• 2 Kings 23:23
• Deuteronomy 16:02
• Exodus 12:26-28
• Ezra 06:21-22
• John 13:01
• Joshua 05:10-11
• Leviticus 23:4-6
• Numbers 09:03

Examples from the Bible stories:

• 12:14 God commanded the Israelites to remember his victory over the Egyptians and their deliverance from slavery by celebrating the Passover every year.
• 38:01 Every year, the Jews celebrated the Passover. This was a celebration of how God had saved their ancestors from slavery in Egypt many centuries earlier.
• 38:04 Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples.
• 48:09 When God saw the blood, he passed over their houses and did not kill their firstborn sons. This event is called the Passover.
• 48:10 Jesus is our Passover Lamb. He was perfect and sinless and was killed at the time of the Passover celebration.

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6453, G3957

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Passover

pastor

Definition:

The term "pastor" is literally the same word as "shepherd." It is used as a title for someone who is the spiritual leader for a group of believers.

• In English Bible versions, "pastor" only occurs one time, in the book of Ephesians. It is the same word as is translated as "shepherd" elsewhere.
• In some languages, the word for "pastor" is the same as the word for "shepherd."
• It is also the same word as is used to refer to Jesus as the "good Shepherd."

Translation Suggestions:

• It is best to translate this term with the word for "shepherd" in the project language.
• Other ways to translate this term could include "spiritual shepherd" or "shepherding Christian leader."

(See also: shepherd, sheep)

Bible References:

• Ephesians 04:11-13

Word Data:

• Strong's: G4166

Forms Found in the English ULB:

pastor, pastors

Pentecost

Related Ideas:

Festival of Weeks

Facts:

The "Festival of Weeks" was a Jewish festival that took place fifty days after Passover. It was later referred to as "Pentecost."

• The Feast of Weeks was seven weeks (fifty days) after the Feast of Firstfruits. In the New Testament times, this festival was called "Pentecost" which has "fifty" as part of its meaning.
• The Festival of Weeks was held to celebrate the beginning of the grain harvest. It was also a time to remember when God first gave the Law to the Israelites on the tablets of stone given to Moses.
• In the New Testament, the Day of Pentecost is especially significant because it was when the believers of Jesus received the Holy Spirit in a new way.

(Translation suggestions: https://read.bibletranslationtools.org/u/WA-Catalog/en_tm/jit.html#translate-names)

(See also: festival, firstfruits, harvest, Holy Spirit, raise)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 08:12-13
• Acts 02:01
• Acts 20:15-16
• Deuteronomy 16:16-17
• Numbers 28:26

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2282, H7620, G4005

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Festival of Weeks, Pentecost

people of God

Related Ideas:

God's people, people for God's possession