20:2a–b

seized: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as seized means “arrested,” “took hold of,” or “captured.” For example:

grabbed (New Century Version)
-or-
overpowered (God’s Word)

the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan: These phrases describe the same being in four different ways. Translate these phrases so that they describe the same being. For example:

Satan, also named the dragon, the ancient serpent, or the devil
-or-
He chained the dragon…. It is that old snake, who is also known as the devil and Satan. (Contemporary English Version)

dragon: This word refers to a mythical creature something like a huge lizard. This creature was often thought of as breathing fire and having wings. They are usually considered to be much larger than people. Dragons were usually considered to be fierce and dangerous. See how you translated this word in 12:3 or 16:13, or see the notes and illustration at 12:3.

ancient serpent: The word ancient indicates that the serpent lived long ago. He has continued to live from then to today. Now he has lived a very long time. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

serpent of that time long ago
-or-
serpent of ancient times

See how you translated this phrase in 12:9.

serpent: This is another way to say “snake” in English.

who is the devil and Satan: This clause tells the reader more about the phrase “that ancient serpent.” In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that there are other ancient serpents and only this one is the devil and Satan. If that is true in your language, translate this clause so that it tells more about that ancient serpent. For example:

⌊namely,⌋ the devil, or Satan

devil: The Greek word here means “slanderer.” A slanderer is someone who says false things about someone to try to ruin that person’s reputation, name, or status. This word is used like a title for the leader of evil spirits, Satan. Make it clear that this word is used like a title:

Devil (Good News Translation)

Some ways to translate devil are:

• Use a local name or idiom that refers to the chief of all demons. For example:

Barking One

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

leader of the evil spirits
-or-
spirit enemy of God

• Translate its meaning. For example:

Slanderer

• Use the major language word. If people are not familiar with the meaning of this word, explain it in a footnote. An example footnote is:

The word “devil” in Greek means “slanderer.”

See how you translated this word in 2:10 or 12:9.

Satan: The word Satan is the Hebrew name of the leader of all the evil spirits. The Hebrew word means “enemy” or “opponent.” It is used as a proper name in the New Testament. This name in Greek is spelled Satanas. So you should also spell the name in your language like the Greek or the major language version. See how you translated this word in 2:9 or 12:9.

20:2c

bound him for a thousand years: This phrase indicates that Satan would remain tied with the chain for a thousand years. Other ways to translate this clause are:

bound him as a prisoner for a thousand years
-or-
The angel chained up the serpent for 1,000 years. (God’s Word)

bound: This word refers to tying/restraining Satan with the chain to prevent escape. For example:

tied him up (New Century Version)

for a thousand years: The thousand years begin at this time. Immediately after tying Satan, the angel threw him into the Abyss (20:3a). Your translation should indicate that the thousand years begin at this time.

a thousand: The Greek phrase uses the number word as the Berean Standard Bible does. There are several ways to translate this meaning:

• Use number words. For example:

one thousand

• Use numerals. For example:

1,000

• Use number words or phrase for “thousand” from the major language. For example:

one tausen

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