2:23a

Then I will strike her children dead: The phrase strike…dead means “kill.” For example:

I will kill her children (God’s Word)

These verses do not say how the children would be killed. In some languages, the way the person was killed must be included. If that is true in your language, translate this clause so that it allows as general a meaning as possible.

her children: This phrase refers figuratively to adults who followed Jezebel’s teachings. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to actual children of Jezebel. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

her children ⌊namely, her followers⌋
-or-
her followers (Good News Translation)

• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

The word “children” here refers to those who followed Jezebel’s teachings.

2:23b

and: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as and sometimes introduces a result. Other ways to translate this word are:

This will teach (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Then (New International Version)
-or-
From that

In some languages it is necessary or more natural to allow the context to imply the connection and not translate this word.

all the churches: This phrase indicates that the churches will learn that Jesus searches hearts and minds because they would hear what happened to Jezebel’s followers.

In some languages it is necessary to say that the believers in the churches will know. For example:

⌊people/believers in⌋ all the churches
-or-

⌊believers⌋ wherever they gather
-or-

⌊God’s people in⌋ all places

searches minds and hearts: The Greek words are literally “searches the hearts and kidneys.” These two organs of the body (“hearts” and “kidneys”) in Greek refer figuratively to the true desires and thoughts of a person. This phrase indicates that Jesus knows what a person truly desires and what a person truly thinks.

In some languages different organs are used to refer figuratively to true desires and thoughts. For example:

searches livers and brains

In some languages non-figurative words or phrases are used. For example:

knows everyone’s thoughts and wishes (Good News Translation)
-or-
examines desires/intentions and thoughts

2:23c

I will repay each of you according to your deeds: This clause indicates that Jesus will reward good deeds and punish bad deeds. Other ways to translate this clause are:

I will give to each of you as your works deserve. (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
I will reward each of you for what you have done. (God’s Word)

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