Paragraph 6:15–17
6:15a
the kings of the earth: This phrase refers to the chief rulers of every nation on earth. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
rulers of nations
-or-
top/supreme leaders everywhere
nobles: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as nobles is literally “great men” (as in the Revised Standard Version). This word probably refers to important leaders, but not the chief/top rulers. Other ways to translate this word are:
rulers (Good News Translation)
-or-
governors (New Jerusalem Bible)
the commanders: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the commanders refers to military leaders. Use the usual word that people call the top rank of military leaders of your country. The word should be able to refer to any nation’s military leaders.
6:15b
the rich: This phrase refers to people who have great wealth. For example:
the rich people (New Jerusalem Bible)
the mighty: This phrase refers to people who have great political power or influence. For example:
the men of influence (New Jerusalem Bible)
slave: A slave is a person who belongs to his owner, called his master. A slave has to obey his master. He is not free to leave his master. Other ways to translate this word are:
forced laborers
-or-
those subjected to a master
free man: A free man is a person who is not a slave. A free person can work in exchange for money for anyone who needs him. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
free workers
-or-
those who rule their own lives
6:15c
caves: A cave is a large hole which goes deep into a hillside. Here these caves are big enough for people to enter them. Some languages may not have a word for caves. If that is true in your language, use a word referring to a good hiding place underground. For example:
holes
rocks: Here, this word refers to rocks big enough to hide behind. For example:
boulders
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