9:21a

their murder: The word murder refers to killing someone deliberately and unlawfully. All means of killing are included. In some languages it is more natural to use a verb. For example:

murdering/killing others
-or-
when they murdered people

sorcery: The word refers to doing something by supernatural means. These supernatural means are from demonic power, not from God. This sorcery could include using spells, magic potions, and contacting evil spirits. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

witchcraft (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
sorceries (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
magic arts (New International Version)

The noun sorcery refers to an event. In some languages it is more natural to use a verb. For example:

doing sorcery
-or-
when they did sorcery on others/people
-or-
practicing witchcraft (Contemporary English Version)

9:21b

sexual immorality: This phrase refers to any sexual relations that are not with one’s spouse. The noun phrase sexual immorality refers to an event. In some languages it is more natural to use a verb. For example:

committing immorality/adultery
-or-
when they sinned sexually

theft: This word refers to taking things that belong to someone else without his permission. In some languages it is more natural to use a verb. For example:

stealing
-or-
when they stole

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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