Revelation 13 (BHT-ATN)

+1:1Divine necessity is implied by the verb used here (see translation and notes at Mt 16:21, Jn 3:15; UBSHS [Re], 12).+1:1Cf Lk 21:31.+1:1Or happen soon, or happen suddenly.+1:1Or messenger.+1:2Cf NLT.+1:2Or word.+1:3Or and pay close attention to.+1:4Cf Ex 3:14 (LXX). See NET Bible Notes, Re 1:4, for a solid explanation of the rough grammar here (ie, John is not wanting to alter the divine name). See also Wallace, Grammar, 62.+1:4Or from the seven spirits. Cf CJB, HCSB footnote, NIV footnote, NLT. An allusion to Is 11:2-3 (LXX).+1:5Cf Ps 89:38. The nominative case is being used in apposition to the genitive here to preserve the titles from the OT (see Wallace, Grammar, 62). In other words, the grammar here is intentionally violated for the sake of theological connection to the OT.+1:5Cf Ps 89:27; Re 17:14, 19:16.+1:5Cf NET.+1:6Cf Ex 19:6; Ml 1:11; Jn 4:21-24; Rm 12:1-2, 15:16; 1 Th 1:3; 1 Pt 2:9; Heb 13:15.+1:7Dn 7:13 (LXX)+1:7Or even.+1:7Or of the earth. Cf Zc 12:10-14. The Greek word that is used here can mean “land,” “earth,” “ground,” or “region,” depending on the context. So throughout Revelation.+1:7Zc 12:10-14+1:9Lit your brother and fellow-sharer. Cf Php 1:7.+1:9IT (see UBSHS [Re], 25). Cf Ac 14:22; Rm 8:17; Php 3:10-11; Re 11:15, 12:10.+1:9Cf, eg, Rm 8:17; Php 3:10-11.+1:10Lit I became in the Spirit. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 28). The entrance into a state signaled by the verb here is difficult to convey in natural English without an ME. Hence the rendering here. Cf CEV, TEV.+1:10Lit I heard behind me a great voice like a trumpet. In English, “voice” is typically used for intelligible messages, while trumpets make “sound.” Hence the rendering here. Cf UBSHS (Re), 28.+1:11Or in a book.+1:12Lit to see the voice that was speaking with me. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:13Or among the lampstands.+1:13Dn 7:13+1:13Lit girded about at the chest with a golden sash. Cf ISV, NIV, NLT.+1:15Lit [was] like the sound/voice of many waters. ME(OTB)/IT (see BDAG, 1071, sv φωνή 1; ESS [Re 1-11], 36; UBSHS [Re], 31). Cf CJB, ESV, NET, NIV; ISV, NCV, NET, NLT, TEV at Ezk 43:2; NCV, NIV, NLT, NRSV at Ps 93:4.+1:16Lit And his face was like the sun shining in its power. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 32). Cf HCSB, ISV, NET, TEV.+1:18Lit Hades. ME(OTB). Hades is the Greek word used in the LXX for Sheol, the abode of the dead (see, eg, Ps 6:6 in the LXX).+1:19Lit the things that are. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 34).+1:19Lit destined to happen after these things. ME. Cf NIV. “These things” are referring to “the things that are,” and therefore “after these things” is referring to future occurrences.+1:20Or angels.+2:1Or angel.+2:2Here the pronoun is singular because Jesus is speaking to the assembly as a whole.+2:3Lit And you have patient endurance. ME. Cf ESV, NRSV, RSV.+2:3Or for the sake of my name.+2:4Cf Ac 19:17-20.+2:6Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, NRSV.+2:7Lit He who has an ear, let him hear. ME(I/F) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:15).+2:7Or Eden, or Paradise. ME(OTB) (see BDAG, 761, sv παράδεισος 1; NASB Dic, #3857; LEH LXX Lex, sv παράδεισος; ANLEX, 294, sv παράδεισος 1; UBSHS [Re], 44). In the LXX, this was the word used for the Garden of Eden.+2:7Cf Gn 2:8-9; Ezk 47:12; Re 22:1-2.+2:8Or angel.+2:9Lit but are not. ME (see translation and notes at Rm 2:25-29, Ga 6:16, and Re 3:9). Cf NCV; Re 3:9. Cf also Lv 26:41; Dt 10:16, 30:6; Ps 32:2, 73:1; Jr 4:4, 9:25; Jn 1:47; Ac 7:51, 14:2, 17:5; Rm 2:17-29; 15:31; Re 2:2, 3:9. In both the Old and New Testaments, a “true Israelite/Jew” is a Jew who is circumcised outwardly (see Gn 17) and circumcised inwardly (ie, on the inside he is free of deceit, repentant, loyal to God, etc), while a “false Jew/Israelite” is a Jew who is circumcised outwardly but full of wickedness and deceit inwardly (cf Lv 26:41; Dt 10:16, 30:6; Ps 32:2, 73:1; Jr 4:4, 9:25; Jn 1:47; Ac 7:51, 14:2, 17:5; Rm 2:17-29; 15:31). Thus, for a “Jew” to “not be a Jew” simply means that a Jewish person (or Gentile proselyte; cf Mt 23:15), though circumcised outwardly, is still uncircumcised of heart (cf Re 2:2 and 3:2, where the same language is used in context to discriminating the true [authentic] from the false [inauthentic]). In Smyrna and Asia more widely, this uncircumcision of heart (cf Ac 5:17, 17:5) sometimes manifested itself in slander and persecution of followers of the Messiah (eg Ac 19:33), both Jew and Gentile (cf Ac 19:17). (It is worth noting here that in the book of Acts, Jewish persecution against believers was most often instigated by Jewish leaders and those influenced by them [see ESV footnotes at Ac 9:23, 13:50, 17:5, 18:12]; in fact, prior to Acts 10, every example of persecution we see involves Jews persecuting other Jews!) That some Jews had uncircumcised hearts, however, does not mean that God has abandoned the Jewish people and his covenant promises to Israel (see Rm 9-11)! Nor does it mean that the Jewish people are any more inherently vile or wicked than Gentiles! We all deserve the Lake of Fire, and it is by the blood of Jesus alone that any of us are spared such punishment.+2:10Lit for ten days. ME. “In apocalyptic literature ten days stands for a short, limited amount of time” ( UBSHS [Re], 48; cf BDAG, 216, sv δέκα). Cf Gn 24:55, Dn 1:12-14.+2:11Lit He who has an ear, let him hear. ME(I/F) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:15).+2:12Or angel.+2:13Lit in the days of. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, TEV.+2:13Lit was killed at you. ME (see BDAG, 757, sv παρά B.1.b.β.). Cf CJB, NCV, NET NIV.+2:14Lit ˢyou have there. ME. Cf NET at v 15; TEV. The singular pronoun is addressing the assembly as a whole.+2:14An allusion to Nu 25.+2:15Lit ˢyou too have. ME. Cf NET; TEV at v 14. The singular pronoun is addressing the assembly as a whole.+2:16Or soon, or without delay, or quickly. So throughout Revelation. Cf NLT.+2:16Lit them.+2:17Cf Ex 16:32-34; Jr 3:15-17; Jn 6:31-41; Heb 9:4. See also 2 Mac 2:4-8.+2:17The “white stone” here most likely means either (1) a vote of acquittal (see BDAG, 1098, sv ψῆφος 1; cf Ac 26:10); or (2) admission to the Messianic feast as guests with special privileges (see ANLEX, 414, sv ψῆφος 3; JNTC, Re 2:17).+2:17Lit and on the stone.+2:17Cf Is 62:2, 65:15 (LXX).+2:18Or angel.+2:19Or are more than.+2:19Lit that your last works are more than/excel the first. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 58). Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, TEV.+2:20Lit She teaches and deceives. The coordinated verbs are interpreted as a hendiadys (ie, the expression of a unified concept by means of coordination). This is reflected in the translation. Cf NCV, NET, NIV, TEV.+2:21Lit to repent of. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 59). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+2:22Lit throw her onto a bed. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.152; UBSHS [Re], 59).+2:22Cf Dt 28:22, 29:22; 32:39;1 Sm 2:6, 25:38; 2 Sm 24:16; 2 Ki 19:35; 2 Ch 21:11-20; Ps 106:15; Hs 6:1; Ac 5:1-11, 13:8-12, 12:23.+2:23Lit her children. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 36.40; NET Bible Notes, Re 2:23). Cf NCV, NET, TEV.+2:23Lit will kill with death. ME. In this context, “death” means a deadly pestilence or plague (see BDAG, 443, sv θάνατος 3; L-N, 23.158; NET Bible Notes, Re 2:23).+2:24Or experienced.+2:24The genitive here is interpreted as the Lord’s evaluation of, and indignation towards, the teachings and practices taught by Jezebel, rather than as a self-designated description (following Vincent; see Vincent, Word Studies, 2:457). This is reflected in the translation.+2:24Or burden. Cf Ac 15:28.+2:26Lit the deeds of me. The genitive here is a subjective genitive, and ἔργα ( erga) approximates “commands” in meaning (see BDAG, 390, sv ἔργον 1.c.β.; UBSHS [Re], 63). Cf CJB, NCV, TEV here; NCV, NET, NIV, TEV at Jn 6:28. Here Jesus is stressing the things that he commands his disciples to do, in contrast to the things that Jezebel commands her disciples to do (v 20, 22, 24).+2:27Ps 2:9 (LXX). Cf Nu 24:17; Ps 149; Is 11:14; Zc 14:17-19.+2:28As the context makes clear, the morning star, usually identified with Venus (see, eg, BDAG, 147, sv ἀστήρ; L-N, 1.33; UBSHS [Re], 64), represents governmental authority granted in context to the commencement of the new “Day,” ie, the Messianic Kingdom to be established at Jesus’ return (see note at 2 Pt 2:19). Cf Gn 1:14-19 (“rule/govern” the night); Nu 24:17; Jb 9:9, 38:32; Ps 19:1-6, 84:11; Is 40:25-26, 60:1-2; Dn 7:27, 12:3; Ml 4:2; Mt 13:43; Lk 1:78; Rm 10:14-18, 13:11-12; 2 Pt 1:19; Re 20:4, 22:16. Jesus will be the chief ruler in the coming Kingdom as “the Bright Morning Star” (Re 22:16). Cf FSB, Re 2:28.+2:29Lit He who has an ear, let him hear. ME(I/F) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:15).+3:1Or angel.+3:1Or the seven spirits.+3:1Lit name. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, NET, NIV, TEV.+3:3Lit how, or what. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 68). Cf BRCL.+3:3Lit at what hour. ME. Cf ISV, NIV, TEV.+3:3Or upon.+3:4Lit names. ME (see BDAG, 714, sv ὄνομα 2; UBSHS [Re], 68).+3:4Cf NCV, TEV.+3:5Or in the same way.+3:5Cf Ex 32:32-3; Ps 69:28; Dn 7:10, 12:1; Php 4:3; Re 20:12.+3:5Lit openly acknowledge his name. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 70). Cf translation and notes at Mt 10:32-33.+3:5Cf Mt 10:32-33.+3:6Lit He who has an ear, let him hear. ME(I/F) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:15).+3:7Or angel.+3:7Or the True One, or the Dependable One.+3:8Cf 2 Co 11:23-33, 12:7-10.+3:8Or word, or message.+3:8Cf Jn 14:15; Mt 10:24-33.+3:9Lit cause/produce/bring about some from among. ME(OTB). A partitive idea is implied in the prepositional phrase here, ie, “a part/portion out from among...,” or “some out from among...” (see JFB, Commentary, Re 3:9; Robertson, Word Pictures, Re 3:9). The theme of God calling forth and creating a believing Jewish remnant out from the unbelieving nation as a whole, especially in context to Israel’s dispersion among the Gentiles, is a prominent theme in Scripture (see, eg, Lv 26:33; Dt 4:25-27, 28:64, 32:21; Ne 1:8; Ps 44:11; Is 4:2-6, 10:22, 11:11-16, 28:5; Jr 9:16, 23:3, 31:2, 31:35-37; Ezk 12:15-16, 20:35-44, 22:15-16; Mic 4:6-8, 7:18-20; Ho 1:6-2:23; Am 9:9-10; Zp 2:7-11; Zc 7:14, 8:1-8, 13:7-9; Mt 25:31-40; Jn 6:37-40, 8:31-59, 10:1-18; Rm 9-11). Here δίδωμι ( didōmi) is functioning in its causative sense (see BDAG, 242, sv 4; DBL Greek, #1443.2; L-N, 13.128). While many translations rightly treat both δίδωμι and ποιέω ( poieō) causatively here, it is unfortunate that most of them seem to assume simple redundancy (“stylistic variation” [ NET Bible Notes, Re 3:9]), and thus don’t connect the first verb with the partitive idea.+3:9Lit but are not. ME (see translation and notes at Rm 2:25-29; Ga 6:16; Re 2:9).+3:9Lit and are not, but are false/are lying/deal falsely. ME(OTB) (see translation and notes at Rm 2:25-29; Ga 6:16; Re 2:9). Cf NCV; NIV at Re 21:27. Here, falsehood should be understood covenantally, that is, in its well-attested OT sense of “unfaithfulness” (“false to,” “acting falsely towards,” “dealing falsely with,” which often involves false/empty verbal pronouncements with respect to God [eg, Is 29:13]), in contrast to God’s own faithfulness and truthfulness (cf v 7 above). For this usage of ψεύδομαι ( pseudomai), see, eg, the LXX at Lv 6:2 (middle voice, “dealt falsely” [Brenton]), Jsh 24:27 (middle voice, “deal falsely with the Lord my God” [Brenton]; cf the NIV’s translation of the MT), Jb 31:28 (middle voice; translations of the MT include “been false to God” [ESV, NET, NRSV, RSV], “denied God” [HCSB, NASB], and “been unfaithful to” [NCV, NIV]). Cf also Jm 3:14 (see esp ESV, NRSV, RSV), and Heb 6:18 (see esp ISV, NRSV, RSV).+3:9Cf Gn 35:5-7, 43:26, 44:14, 45:7. In the story of Joseph, God took Jacob’s younger son, deprived him of his own strength and refined him through suffering in Egypt, and then used him to preserve his older brothers, who were driven to Egypt by means of a God-ordained crisis. The door God opened for Joseph was opened in an unusual and sovereign way, and could not be reversed. Only when the older brothers finally got to Egypt in the time of crisis did they realize that Joseph was their brother. In the same way, the assembly in Philadelphia (and the type of believers she represents) has been emptied of her own strength and refined through suffering, and thus the younger son (the “one new man,” comprised of both Jews and Gentiles “in Messiah”), becomes the instrument God will use to preserve a remnant from among the older brother (Israel, the “firstborn son” [Ex 4:22]) in context to a time of great crisis (v 10; cf Jr 30:6-7).+3:9Or acknowledge.+3:9Lit that I have loved you. ME(OTB) (see NET Bible Notes, Ml 1:2-3; translation and notes at Jn 17:23 and Rm 9:13). Cf Dt 7:7, 10:15; Lk 9:35; Ac 10:44-48, 15:14, 22:21-22, 28:28; Rm 8:26-20, 11:28-32; Eph 1:4; Col 3:12; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:19-20; Re 17:14. The point here is not that the Gentiles are chosen in place of Israel, but that God has chosen a remnant from among the Gentiles (see Rm 11:22-25) and joined them to the believing remnant of Jews (see Rm 11:5) as one body, and has appointed this body for a certain task in relation to the older brother who has yet to believe (like Joseph and his brothers; cf Rm 10:19, 11:11-12).+3:10Or word, or message.+3:10Or through, or from, or out from the midst of. In this context, τηρέω ( tēreō) is clearly being used in the sense of “protect,” and therefore “hour” is being used to refer not strictly to the time itself, but to the dangers that will characterize that time (cf, eg, Jn 17:15). In English, we don’t usually speak of protection from “time.” The meaning here is protection from harm during the time of trial (see UBSHS [Re], 75; cf NAB, NJB, TNT). This phrase does not mean that God’s people are separated in heaven by means of a completely unanticipated “pretribulation rapture,” but that certain churches like Philadelphia will experience protection similar to what Lot and his family experienced when Sodom and Gomorroh were about to be destroyed (Gn 19:1-29); or when the people of Israel experienced God’s protection in Goshen during the Exodus events (Ex 8:22, 9:26); or when Noah and his family found protection in the ark as the storm raged around them. Cf Is 26:20-21.+3:10Lit the hour. ME (see ANLEX, 415, sv ὥρα 2).+3:10Cf Ge 19:1-29.+3:10Or upon the whole inhabited earth.+3:10Or the inhabitants of the land. γῆ ( gē) can refer either to the earth more broadly conceived, or to the land of Israel itself (cf, eg, Re 1:7).+3:11Or quickly, or soon, or without delay. Re 16:15 indicates that ταχύς ( tachus) here is most likely meant to be understood in the sense of swiftly/suddenly (cf the NLT at Re 2:16; UBSHS [2 Pt], 104). Cf Is 60:22; Hab 2:3-4; Lk 18:6-8; Heb 10:37; 2 Pt 3:2.+3:12Cf Ps 15:1-2, 16:11, 17:15, 24:3-4, 27:4, 52:8, 65:4, 84:10.+3:12Cf Is 60:14, 62:2-4.+3:13Lit He who has an ear, let him hear. ME(I/F) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:15).+3:14Or angel.+3:14Or the ruler, or the source.+3:15Lit hot or cold. Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+3:18When applied to metals, the Greek word used here, πυρόω ( puroō), means to purify/refine by making red hot with fire (see ANLEX, 340, sv 1.b.; BDAG, 899, sv 2; BSL, Re 3:18, sv; DBL Greek, #4792.4; L-N, 79.72). Since Jesus starts off this letter with a rebuke concerning lukewarmness, and then follows this with a description of the dross that needs to be removed, both aspects have been included in translation here.+3:18Cf Lk 12:13-21, 16:9-13; Ti 6:6-10, 17-19; Re 2:9.+3:18Or exposed publicly (see BDAG, 1088, sv φανερόω 1). Cf Ezk 16:37-39.+3:19Cf Heb 12:1-14.+3:20Lit enter to him. ME (see ESS [Re 1-11], 114; NET Bible Notes, Re 3:20; cf Ac 11:3). Cf NET.+3:21Or right. IT. Cf Phps.+3:22Lit He who has an ear, let him hear. ME(I/F) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:15).+4:1Lit I saw. ME (see ESS [Re 1-11], 116; UBSHS [Re], 86; translation and notes at Jn 8:56). Cf REB, TEV.+4:1Lit behold. Cf CJB, NIV.+4:1Lit the earlier voice which I heard like a trumpet. See note at Re 1:10 (the same applies here).+4:2Lit I became in the Spirit. ME (see translation and note at Re 1:10). Cf TEV.+4:3Lit was like in sight/appearance to a jasper stone and carnelian. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 88). Cf Ex 24:10; Is 6:1-5; Ezk 1:26-27.+4:3Lit was like in sight/appearance to an emerald. ME (see ESS [Re 1-11], 121; M-M, #4664; UBSHS [Re], 88).+4:4Lit and on the thrones.+4:4Lit and on their heads. ME. Cf TEV.+4:5Or lamps.+4:5Or the seven spirits. See note at Re 1:4. Cf Is 11:2-3 (LXX).+4:6Or a sea, or a lake.+4:6Or as clear.+4:6Or as ice.+4:6Or In the middle of each side of the throne, or In the midst of the throne and around the throne. Following the lead of the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Re], 91).+4:8Cf Is 6:2.+4:8Lit around and within. ME (see ESS [Re 1-11], 126; UBSHS [Re], 92). Cf NIV.+5:1Lit written inside and on the outside. ME (see NET Bible Notes, Re 5:1; UBSHS [Re], 96). Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, REB, TEV. Cf also Ezk 2:9-10.+5:2Lit with a loud voice.+5:2L it Who is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals? ME (see BDAG, 606, sv λύω; UBSHS [Re], 98). Cf NCV, NLT, NIV, TEV.+5:3Lit under the earth/ground. ME (OTB) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:23, Rm 8:38, Php 2:10; UBSHS [Php], 63; UBSHS [Re], 98). Cf Lk 8:31, 16:19-31; Rm 10:7; 1 Pt 3:19; 2 Pt 2:4; Jud 6; Re 9:1, 20:1.+5:3As the context makes clear (cf ἄξιος [ axios] in vv 2 and 4), δύναμαι ( dunamai) in this context means to be “unable” in the sense of not being fit or qualified (see UBSHS [Re], 98).+5:3Or read it. Lit see it. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 98). Cf CEV, NAB, NLT.+5:4Or bitterly, or intensely.+5:5Cf Is 11:1, 10; Re 22:16.+5:5Lit able. ME (see note at “fit” in v 3).+5:6Lit I saw among/in the middle of the throne and of the four living beings and among/in the middle of the elders. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 101).+5:6Lit standing like/as though it had been slaughtered. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 101). Cf REB; Caird (see ESS [Re 1-11], 137). As is pointed out in the NET Bible Notes (see NET Bible Notes, Re 5:6), ὡς ( hōs) is being used here simply to signal what the lamb looked like, not to call the actual fact of sacrifice into question.+5:6Lit which. The antecedent (see UBSHS [Re], 101) has been restated in translation for clarity.+5:6Or the seven spirits. See note at Re 1:4. Cf Is 11:2-3 (LXX).+5:6Cf 2 Ch 16:9; Jb 28:24; Ps 11:4, 33:11; Zc 1:9, 3:6-10.+5:7Lit he, or it.+5:8Lit which. The antecedent (see UBSHS [Re], 101) has been restated in translation for clarity.+5:8Lit the holy ones/saints.+5:9Cf NET.+5:9Or tongue.+5:11Lit And their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. ME (see ANLEX, 267, sv μυριάς 2; BDAG, 661, sv μυριάς 2; L-N, 60.8; UBSHS [Re], 105).+5:13Or in the sky.+5:13Lit under the earth/ground. ME (OTB) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:23, Rm 8:38, Php 2:10; UBSHS [Php], 63; UBSHS [Re], 98). Cf Lk 8:31, 16:19-31; Rm 10:7; 1 Pt 3:19; 2 Pt 2:4; Jud 6; Re 9:1, 20:1.+6:1Lit saying as with a voice of thunder. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 109).+6:2Cf Zc 6:1-8.+6:2Lit and the one sitting on it.+6:2Cf Gn 10:9.+6:2Lit he.+6:2Cf Is 40:22-24; Dn 2:20-21, 4:17, 7:19-22; Re 17:1-6.+6:3Lit he.+6:5Lit he.+6:5Lit and the one sitting on it having a yoke/crossbar/lever of balance in his hand. ME(H)/IT (see ANLEX, 186, sv ζυγός; L-N, 6.214; UBSHS [Re], 112).+6:6Lit And I heard as it were a voice in the center/midst of the four living creatures. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Re], 112).+6:6Lit A choenix of wheat for a denarius, and three choenixes of barley for a denarius. ME(H)/IT (see translation and note at Mt 18:24; ESS [Re 1-11], 153; NET Bible Notes, Re 6:6; UBSHS [Re], 113).+6:6Or You are not to harm the oil and the wine. Cf TEV. Here, effect/produce is most likely being used metonymically for cause/source (see BDAG, 313, sv ἔλαιον 2; Ibid, 701, sv οἶνος 3; UBSHS [Jl], 113). Cf Jl 1:10-11.+6:7Lit he.+6:8Lit Hades. ME(OTB). Hades is the Greek word used in the LXX for Sheol, the abode of the dead (see, eg, Ps 6:6 in the LXX).+6:8Lit by death. ME. In this context, “death” means a deadly pestilence or plague (see BDAG, 443, sv θάνατος 3; L-N, 23.158; NET Bible Notes, Re 2:23).+6:8Lit by the beasts of the earth. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 114).+6:9Lit he.+6:9Or at the foot of the altar, or underneath the altar. In this context, ὑποκάτω ( hupokatō) most likely means “at the foot/base of” (see ANLEX, 392, sv; LEH LXX Lex, sv; UBSHS [Re], 115). Cf Ex 29:12; Lv 4:7, 17:11; Php 2:17; Ti 4:6.+6:10Cf Ps 6:3, 13:1–2; 35:17; Is 6:11; Zc 1:12.+6:10Or condemn [them], or sit in judgment, or administer justice. Lit judge. Cf REB.+6:10Lit and avenge our blood from those who dwell on the earth? ME (see BDAG, 298, sv ἐκ 6.b.; UBSHS [Re], 116). Cf ISV, NCV, NLT, TEV.+6:11Cf Gn 15:15; Jb 3:13; Is 57:1-2; Dn 12:13; Php 1:23; Re 14:13.+6:11Lit until their fellow-slaves and their brothers and sisters who were destined/going to be killed as they also was brought to [numerical] completion. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Re], 117). Cf CJB, NET, NLT, TEV.+6:12Lit he.+6:13Or the stars in the sky.+6:13Lit as a fig tree throws the unripe/early figs on it. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 118). Cf NCV, NLT, NIV, TEV.+6:13Cf Is 13:10; Ezk 32:7-8; Jl 2:31; Am 8:9; Mt 24:29-30; Mk 13:24-26; Lk 21:25-28.+6:14Or Heaven.+6:14IT. Since the sky is described as being “split apart,” it means both sides of the “split” are rolling back like a scroll (see Thomas et al in ESS [Re 1-11], 166).+6:14Cf Ps 46; Is 24.+6:15Lit and every slave and freeman. Cf CJB, TEV.+6:15Lit the rocks of the mountains. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 120). Cf RNAB.+6:15Cf Jg 6:2; Is 2:6-22; Jr 49:30.+6:16Lit Fall over us! ME (see UBSHS [Re], 120; translation and notes at Lk 22:30).+6:16Lit from the face. ME(I/F/OTB) (see FSB, Ezk 14:8; UBSHS [Lv], 266). Cf, eg, Lv 17:10, 20:1-6, 26:17; Ps 34:15-16; Ezk 4:1-7, 14:7-8, 21:1-3; Am 9:4.+6:17Or survive. Lit stand. ME(OTB). Cf ISV, NET, NLT. In this context, ἵστημι ( histēmai) means “to endure,” or to “survive” (see BSL, Re 6:17, sv; UBSHS [Re], 121). Cf, eg, Na 1:6; Ml 3:2.+7:1Cf Jr 49:36; Dn 7:2; Ezk 37:9; Zc 6:5.+7:1Or upon the earth.+7:2Lit from the rising of the sun. ME (see BDAG, 74, sv ἀνατολή 2.a.; UBSHS [Re], 122). Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, LEB, NIV, NKJB, TEV.+7:2Lit And he cried out/shouted in a loud voice...saying.+7:2Or earth.+7:3Cf Ezk 9:4-6.+7:4Lit sons. ME (see L-N, 11.58).+7:9Lit behold. EFE (see note at Mt 2:9).+7:9Lit which to number no one was able. ME. Cf CJB, NLT.+7:14Lit out of the great affliction/tribulation. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 129).+7:15Cf Ps 27:5; 31:20; 61:4; Is 4:2-6, 25:4; Re 21:3.+7:16An allusion to Is 49:10.+7:17Maintaining consistency in translation with Re 5:6 (see translation and notes there).+7:17Cf Ps 23:2; Is 49:10; Jr 2:13.+7:17An allusion to Is 25:8.+8:1Lit he.+8:2Cf Mt 18:10, Lk 1:19.+8:3Lit a firepan/censer made of gold. ME(OTB/H) (see ANLEX, 246, sv λιβανωτός; L-N, 6.138; UBSHS [Re], 134).+8:3Lit the holy ones/saints.+8:3Cf, eg, Ex 30:1-8.+8:4Lit the holy ones/saints.+8:5Cf Ezk 10:1-2.+8:5Cf Is 29:6; Ezk 38:19; Zc 14:5; Re 6:12, 11:19, 16:18.+8:7Cf Gn 19:24-25; Ex 7:20, 9:13-35; Jsh 10:11; Jb 38:22; Ps 11:6, 18:12-13, 78:47-48, 105:32, 148:8; Is 28:2, 30:30; Ezk 38:22; Hg 2:17; 2 Pt 2-3; Re 16:21.+8:7Or at the land.+8:7Lit And the third part of the earth was burned up, and the third part of the trees was burned up, and all the green grass/herbage was burned up. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 137)+8:8Cf Ex 7:14-25; Ps 105:29; Jr 51:25; Re 16:3.+8:9Lit And the third part of the creatures that are in the sea, those having life, died, and the third part of the ships were destroyed. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 138).+8:10Or from the sky.+8:10Cf Ex 7:14-24; Hab 3:8; Re 16:4.+8:11Lit The name of the star was called “Wormwood,” and the third part of the waters became into wormwood. ME (see L-N, 79.43; UBSHS [Re], 138-9).+8:11Lit And many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter. ME. Cf NCV, NET, NLT.+8:12Or the length of time that they provided light was reduced by a third. Lit the third part of them was darkened. ME (see ESS [Re 1-11], 191). Cf Ex 10:21–29; Isa 13:10; Jl 2:31; Am 8:9. Cf also ASV, CJB, HCSB, LEB, NASB, NET, NKJV, NLT at Zc 14:6-7.+8:13Lit I heard one eagle flying in mid-heaven, saying with a loud voice. ME (see L-N, 1.10; UBSHS [Re], 140).+8:13Or of the land.+8:13Lit Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels, which are about to be blown/trumpeted. ME/IT (see ANLEX, 287, sv οὐαί 2; DBL Greek, #4026; L-N, 22.9; UBSHS [Re], 141). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV. The mismatch in languages here is obvious.+9:1Or from the sky. Cf Jb 38:7; Is 14:12; Lk 10:18, 21:25-28; Jud 13; Re 8:10, 12:1-17.+9:1Or it.+9:1Cf Lk 8:31; Rm 10:7.+9:2Or door. IT (see ESS [Re 1-11], 195; UBSHS [Re], 142).+9:2Lit smoke ascended out of the shaft. ME (see L-N, 1.37; UBSHS [Re 1-11], 141).+9:2Cf Gn 19:28; Ex 19:8.+9:2Lit smoke ascended out of the shaft like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the shaft. ME (see L-N, 1.7, 1.37; UBSHS [Re], 143).+9:3Or upon the earth. Cf Ex 10:1-20; Dt 28:28; 2 Ch 7:13; Ps 78:46, 105:34; Jl 1:4, 2:25; Am 4:9.+9:3Lit And authority was given to them, like the scorpions of the earth have authority. ME (see BDAG, sv ἐξουσία 2; ESS [Re 1-11], 195; L-N, 20.69; UBSHS [Re], 143).+9:4Lit grass/plants/herbage of the earth. Maintaining consistency in translation with Re 8:7 (see translation and notes there).+9:5Lit they.+9:5Lit kill them.+9:6Lit And in those days. ME. Cf TEV. This is referring to the five months mentioned in v 5.+9:6Lit people will seek death, but will not find it. ME (see L-N, 25.9).+9:8Cf Jl 1:6.+9:9Lit the sound of their wings was like the sound of many chariots with horses [or chariots of many horses] running into battle. ME(H)/IT (see UBSHS [Re], 147). Cf CJB, ESV, NASB, HCSB, KJV, NLT, NKJV, NRSV, RSV, TEV at Na 3:2. Cf Jl 2:5.+9:10Lit And they have tails like scorpions, and/indeed/namely stingers. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 148).+9:10Or power.+9:11IT (see ANLEX, 28-9, sv Ἀβαδδών; L-N, 93.2; UBSHS [Re], 148). Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+9:12Lit Behold, still two woes are coming after these things. ME. Cf CJB, NIV, TEV.+9:14Cf Dn 2:20-23; Is 7:20, 8:5-8, 10:5-12.+9:16Lit I heard their number. ME. Cf ISV.+9:17Lit And this is how I saw the horses in the vision and the ones sitting on them. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, TEV.+9:18Lit their.+9:19Lit For their tails were like serpents, having heads. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 153).+9:20Lit were not killed by. ME. Cf ISV.+9:20Lit from the works of their hands. ME(OTB) (see UBSHS [Re], 154). Cf Dt 4:28; Ps 115:4–7, 135:15–17.+9:21Lit or their thefts. Cf CJB, NCV, NET, TEV.+10:1Or from the sky.+10:1Or a rainbow, or a halo.+10:2Lit he.+10:3Lit cried out with a great voice just as a lion roars. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Re], 157). Cf, eg, Ho 11:10; Am 3:8.+10:3Cf Jn 12:28-29.+10:4Lit You are to seal up. ME (see BDAG, sv σφραγίζω 2; UBSHS [Re], 158).+10:6Or heaven.+10:6Or the earth.+10:6Lit the sky and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it. ME. Cf NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+10:7Lit days.+10:7Or destined to blow his trumpet. Lit But in the days of the sounding/blast/voice of the seventh angel, when he is going to/destined to/about to blow [the trumpet]. Cf Lv 23:23-32, 25:9; Is 27:13; Mt 24:31; 1 Co 15:52; 1 Th 4:16; Re 11:15.+10:7Cf Ps 40:9; Is 40-66 (see esp 40:9, 52:7); Jl 2:32 (LXX); Dn 12:1-4; Lk 24:44-45; Rm 16:25-27; Ga 3:8; Eph 3:5; 1 Pt 1:10-12; 2 Pt 1:19-21.+10:9Cf Ezk 2:8-3:3.+10:10Lit ate. ME. Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+10:11Or against.+11:1Lit was given a reed like a rod. ME (see L-N, 6.213; UBSHS [Re], 164). Cf REB.+11:1Lit and the worshipers. ME. Technically, “worshipers” is included as one of the direct objects here. However, in English we don’t usually say something like “measuring worshipers.” As verse 2 makes clear (cf HCSB, LEB, NASB, and NIV there), the meaning here is that the people worshiping at the sanctuary and altar are to be included in the boundary that is being measured off (see UBSHS [Re], 165).+11:2Lit the outside court of the sanctuary. ME (see BDAG, 150, sv αὐλή 1). Cf NIV, NLT, TEV.+11:2Cf Lk 21:24.+11:3Cf Ml 4.+11:4Lit these men/ones.+11:4An allusion to Zc 4:1-14.+11:5Lit them.+11:5Cf 2 Ki 1.+11:6Lit these ones/men.+11:6Cf Gn 8:2; Dt 11:17; 1Ki 8:35, 17:1, 18:1; 2Ch 6:26; 7:13; Lk 4:25; Jm 5:17.+11:6Cf Ex 4:9, 7:17–21; Rv 8:8, 16:4.+11:6Or the land.+11:7Lit When they have completed/finished their testimony. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 170). Cf CJB, NCV, TEV.+11:8Cf Is 1:9, 10; 3:9; Jr 23:14; Ezk 16:46-49.+11:8Cf Ezk 23:1-27.+11:9Or tongue.+11:10Or of the earth.+11:10Lit had tormented. Cf NCV, TEV.+11:10Lit upon the inhabitants of the earth/land. Cf NLT.+11:11Lit in/into them.+11:11Lit they.+11:12Lit they. Cf NCV, TEV.+11:12Or into the sky.+11:12Cf 2 Ki 2:11; Ac 1:9.+11:13Lit hour. ME. Cf HCSB, ISV, NET, NLT, NRSV, TEV.+11:17Lit taken. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 176). Cf CEV, NCV.+11:18Or The nations.+11:18Or both the lowly and the powerful.+11:18Or the earth. The brunt of God’s wrath at this point is directed primarily against the Gentile armies that have been trying to destroy the Jews (cf, eg, Dt 32:35-43; Ps 83; Is 10:12, 10:20-27, 17:14, 29:1-8, 30:27-33, 31:4-9, 34:1-8, 40, 54:7-8, 63:1-9; Ezk 38-39; Dn 12:1-7; Hab 2-3; Jl 3; Zc 12-14; Mt 25:31-46; 2 Th 2:8; Re 19:11-20:6).+12:1Or in heaven.+12:1Or a large, or a great.+12:1This is an allusion to the constellation Virgo (for further discussion about God using the constellations to communicate to the inhabitants of the earth, see the series “The Gospel in the Stars” at www.danieltrainingnetwork.org; some information about this particular constellation is also included in a children’s book on the DTN website entitled The Heavens Declare).+12:1Cf Gn 37:9-11.+12:3Or in heaven.+12:3Or fierce.+12:3This is most likely an allusion to the constellation Draco (for further discussion about God using the constellations to communicate to the inhabitants of the earth, see the series “The Gospel in the Stars” at www.danieltrainingnetwork.org; some information about this particular constellation is also included in a children’s book on the DTN website entitled The Heavens Declare).+12:4Or a third of the stars of heaven. This is most likely an allusion to the constellation Ursa Minor (the Little Dipper, or Little Bear; for further discussion about God using the constellations to communicate to the inhabitants of the earth, see the series “The Gospel in the Stars” at www.danieltrainingnetwork.org; some information about this particular constellation is also included in a children’s book on the DTN website entitled The Heavens Declare). The proportion of stars in the Little Bear is about one-third when contrasted with the Big Bear (ie, the “two-thirds”). The Little Bear probably represents Jewish believers, and the Big Bear Gentile believers, who together form one body.+12:4Cf Dn 8.+12:5Lit she.+12:5Lit to a son, a male. Following the lead of the UBSHS in translation (see UBSHS [Re], 183). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+12:5Ps 2:9 (LXX)+12:6Lit where she has there a place prepared from God. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Re], 184).+12:6Cf Is 35.+12:7Lit the angels of him. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 184).+12:8Cf NAB.+12:8Lit nor was a place found for them any longer in heaven. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 185). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, NIV, TEV.+12:9Or the whole inhabited earth.+12:10Lit Now/at last became.... ME/IT (see translation and notes at Jn 12:31, 13:31, 16:5). Cf NLT; REB.+12:10Or salvation.+12:10Cf Dn 2:44; Re 11:15-17, 20.+12:10Cf Jb 1-2.+12:11Or word.+12:11Or the message, the testimony they had faithfully proclaimed. Lit the word of the testimony of them. The first genitive here has been interpreted as functioning appositionally, and the second genitive has been interpreted as a subjective genitive. This is reflected in the translation. Since martyrs are being referred to here, the verbal information compressed in the second genitive is mostly likely the same as that which is explicitly stated at Re 6:9 (see translation and notes there). The next line seems to confirm this as well.+12:11Lit did not love their lives to the point of death. ME (see UBSHS [Re], 188). Cf NCV, NET, NIV, NLT.+12:12Or land.+12:14Or large.+12:14In ancient depictions of Virgo, she is usually portrayed with two large wings on her back (for further discussion about God using the constellations to communicate to the inhabitants of the earth, see the series “The Gospel in the Stars” at www.danieltrainingnetwork.org; some information about this particular constellation is also included in a children’s book on the DTN website entitled The Heavens Declare). Cf Ex 19:4; Dt 32:11.+12:14Lit to her place. ME/IT (see note at v 6 above).+12:14Dn 7:25; 12:7+12:14ME(OTB)/IT (see NET Bible Notes, Re 12:14; UBSHS [Re], 190). cf NCV, TEV.+12:14Cf Re 11:2-3, 12:6.+12:14Lit away from the face of the serpent. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 85.26; UBSHS [Re], 190). Cf NIV, REB.+12:15Cf NCV.+12:15Lit water like a river/flood. ME. Cf NLT, TEV. This is most likely referring to Gentile armies (cf, eg, Ps 124; Is 8:6-8, 17:12-13; Jr 46:8; Dn 7:3, 9:26, 11:40-45; Zc 12-14; Re 13-14). ὕδωρ ὡς ποταμόν ( hudōr hōs potamon) is in a DFE (see BART Display), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+12:15Here, the purpose/intent of the ἵνα ( hina) clause and the potentiality of the subjunctive mood are signaled in translation with “hoping.” Cf, eg, NET here; NCV, REB at Rm 1:13.+12:16Or earth, or land.+12:16Lit and the earth opened its mouth. Koine Greek often uses parataxis in places where English may prefer hypotaxis, and/or when some sort of hypotactic relationship is implied (see BDAG, 494, sv καί 1.b.β.-ζ.; BDF, §471; Wallace, Grammar, 19; NET Bible Notes, Mk 10:28). Cf ISV, NIV, NLT.+12:17Lit was angry because/at/over the woman. ME.+12:17Here, τῶν λοιπῶν ( meta tōn loipōn) is referring to the gleanings/remainder of the sheaf of wheat in Virgo’s hand (cf the MT and LXX at Lv 23:22).+12:17Virgo holds a sheaf of wheat in her left hand. The seeds of wheat in the sheaf trickle off into the Milky Way, which has so many stars that they cannot be counted (for further discussion about God using the constellations to communicate to the inhabitants of the earth, see the series “The Gospel in the Stars” at www.danieltrainingnetwork.org; some information about this particular constellation is also included in a children’s book on the DTN website entitled The Heavens Declare). Cf Ge 15.+13:1Lit he/it.+13:2Cf Dn 7.+13:2Lit on it.+13:3Lit its.+13:3Or land, or region.+13:4Cf Ex 15:11; Ps 35:10, 113:5.+13:4Lit And who is able to wage war with it? ME (see UBSHS [Re], 196).+13:5Lit it.+13:5Dn 7:8+13:6Lit And it opened its mouth. ME. Cf NCV, TEV.+13:7Lit it.+13:7Lit the holy ones/saints.+13:7Cf Dn 7:21-22, 8:9-26.+13:8Or land, or region.+13:8Or anyone whose name was not written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world. Re 17:8 suggests that “from the foundation of the world” is most likely meant to be read with “written.” Some propose 1 Pt 1:19-20 as a parallel in favor of the interpretation reflected in the alternative translation in the footnote (see, eg, interpretation 1 in ESS [Re 12-22], 43). While is 1 Pt 1:19-20 is similar, it is worth pointing out that πρὸ [ pro], rather than ἀπὸ [ apo], is used there. See also NET Bible Notes, Re 13:8.+13:9Lit If anyone has an ear, let him hear. ME(I/F) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:15).+13:10Cf Jr 15:2, 43:11.+13:10Cf Re 6:11.+13:10Lit Here is the endurance and the faithfulness of the saints/holy ones. ME (see BDAG, 1101, sv ὧδε 2; UBSHS [Re], 200). Cf ESV, HCSB, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+13:11Or earth, or ground. The contrast here is with “sea” at 13:1.+13:12Lit it.+13:12Or in its presence. BDAG categorizes ἐνώπιον ( enōpion) under “special uses” here (see BDAG, 342, sv 4.b.). Cf HCSB, ISV, NET, NIV, NRSV.+13:12Or the land, or the region.+13:13Cf Dn 8; 2 Th 2:9.+13:13Or the land, or the ground.+13:13Or from heaven. ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ( ek tou ouranou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a comma has been used to give this element extra focus and stress.+13:13Lit before men/people. ME. The meaning of ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ( enōpion tōn anthrōpōn) here appromixates ἐν αὐτοῖς ( en autois) at Jn 15:24 and ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν ( emprosthen autō) at Jn 12:37 (see translation and notes at those places). Cf NCV, NLT, NIV, TEV.+13:14Or of the land, or of the region.+13:14Or in the presence of.+13:14IT. Cf ISV. NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+13:14Cf 2 Th 2:11.+13:14Lit the inhabitants of the earth/land.+13:14Cf Dn 3.+13:15Lit it.+13:15Lit who refused to worship the image of the beast. Cf NIV, NLT, TEV.+13:16Lit it.+13:16Or the lowly and the powerful.+13:16Or a brand.+13:17Lit made it that anyone not be able to buy or sell, except the one having the mark. ME. Cf NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+13:18Lit The one who has a mind/understanding/insight. In my opinion, “mind” is better here, since understanding is the goal of the exhortation. The phrase is similar to “he who has an ear, let him hear” (see, eg, translation and notes at Re 2:7).+13:18Or he must figure out the meaning of the beast’s number. Lit he must calculate/interpret the number of the beast. ME(H) (see FSB, Re 13:8; L-N, 32.15, 60.4; Vincent, Word Studies, 2:531; UBSHS [Re], 205).+13:18Lit it.