4:3a
Then: The word Then in the Berean Standard Bible translates the Hebrew conjunction w-. Here it introduces another event which will happen for the LORD’s people on the day when he comes. Many English versions translate it as “and” or “then” or omit it. Others use a time phrase. For example:
On the day when I act, you will overcome the wicked. (Good News Translation)
Use the option that is most natural in your language for this context.
you will trample the wicked: The Hebrew phrase which the Berean Standard Bible translates as you will trample the wicked literally means that the righteous people will walk on those who are wicked. They will press or crush them with their feet. This is a symbol which may refer to two different customs of that time:
(a) When people made wine, they walked on the grapes, crushing them with their feet in a “winepress.” In the Bible, this process is used as a symbol for God’s judgement. For example: “the winepress of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:19).
(b) When people conquered their enemies, they often made the enemies lie down so that they could put their feet on the enemies’ necks. That was a symbol of complete victory.
In this verse the expression symbolizes that the LORD will give the righteous people complete victory over the wicked. There are several options for translation:
• Translate literally. For example:
you will trample those who are evil. (Contemporary English Version)
• Translate the meaning of the symbol directly. For example:
you will overcome the wicked. (Good News Translation)
• Use a simile. For example:
you will triumph over the wicked, as though you were walking on them.
Use an option which is appropriate for your language.
the wicked: The Hebrew word which the Berean Standard Bible translates as wicked is the plural form of the same word which was used in 3:18. See the notes on 3:18a and 4:1b. In these verses the LORD referred to the same group of people, that is, those who did evil.
4:3b
for: The Hebrew connector ki which the Berean Standard Bible translates as for introduces a clause which adds details to explain 4:3a. Here are some ways that English versions have translated it:
you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet… (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Then you will crush the wicked like ashes under your feet… (New Century Version)
Use a natural connection in your language for this context.
they will be ashes under the soles of your feet: The Hebrew word which the Berean Standard Bible translates as ashes can mean either “ashes” or “dust:”
(1) It refers to ashes. It adds to the idea of 4:1, which states that evildoers will be completely burnt. Then the righteous will trample on their ashes. In that way they participate symbolically in their punishment.
(2) It refers to dust. It symbolizes the complete humiliation and defeat of the wicked.
(Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004), Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
Either option is acceptable, and you should use the one that communicates best in your language.
The Hebrew expression which the Berean Standard Bible translates as they will be ashes under the soles of your feet is a metaphor. Here are some translation possibilities:
• Translate literally. For example:
they will be ashes under the soles of your feet. (New International Version)
• Use a simile without stating its meaning. For example:
for they will be like ashes under the soles of your feet. (NET Bible)
• Translate the meaning of the symbol and then use a simile. For example:
You will triumph over them as completely as though they were ashes under your feet.
Be sure to use an option which will connect naturally with your translation of 4:3a.
under the soles of your feet: This reference to a specific part of the foot makes the word picture more vivid in Hebrew. In some languages it may be more natural to make the reference general. For example:
like ashes under your feet. (New Century Version)
4:3c
on the day I am preparing: This is the same phrase as in 3:17c. Try to translate it in the same way here.
4:3d
says the LORD of Hosts: See the note on 3:1f.
the LORD of Hosts: See the note on 3:1f.
General Comment on 4:3a–d
In some languages it may be more natural to re-order some of the information in this verse. For example:
3c When I come to bring justice, 3a you will trample those who are evil, 3b as though they were ashes under your feet. 3d I, the Lord All-Powerful, have spoken! (Contemporary English Version)
Paragraph 4:4
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