OET interlinear REV 19:1

19:1a

After this: The Greek word that the BSB translates as this is literally “these (things).” It refers to what John had already seen and heard. This clause introduces a new scene in heaven. For example:

After those things

After that

I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude: This clause probably indicates that John only heard the shouting. He did not see who made this sound. So he described what he thought it sounded like. For example:

I heard what seemed to be the great sound of a huge crowd (NJB)

the roar of a great multitude: The Greek is literally “a great voice/sound of a large crowd.” The crowd said the words of 19:1b–2d together.

great multitude: John did not say whether this great multitude consisted of angels, people, or both.Some scholars say it refers to angels and some say it refers to believers. The crowd said about believers, “He has avenged the blood of His servants” (19:2d), and “His bride has made herself ready” (19:7d). It seems more natural for angels to say this than believers. But the crowd in 19:6–8 could be different from the crowd in 19:1–2. So the crowd in 19:1–2 could be believers. The text is not clear if they are different or not. Your translation should allow this phrase to refer to either people or angels, or both.

heaven: Here the word heaven refers to the place where God lives.

19:1b

shouting: The Greek word that the BSB translates as shouting is literally “saying.” The BSB uses the word shouting because John indicated it was loud (19:1a). Use the verb that is natural in your language to describe people talking loudly.

Hallelujah: This Hebrew word means “praise Yah(weh).” Yahweh is God’s name based on Exodus 3:14. The word occurs often in Psalms 113–118. For example, see Psalm 113:1, where the BSB translates it as “Praise the Lord.” Other ways to translate this word are:

• Spell the Hebrew word as people in your language would say it. People in your area may already use this word. For example:

  Alleluia (NJB) You may then want to explain the meaning of the word in a footnote. An example footnote is:

  This Hebrew word means “praise Yah(weh).” Yahweh is God’s name based on Exodus 3:14.

  This Hebrew word means “praise God.”

• Translate only the meaning of this word. For example:

  Praise God! (GNT)

  Let us praise God!

19:1c

Salvation and glory and power belong to our God: There is a textual issue in 19:1c: (1) Early Greek manuscripts have the text power (BSB, RSV, NIV, GNT, NJB, NASB, NLT, GW, CEV, NET, NABRE, REB, ESV, NCV). (2) A few later Greek manuscripts have the text honor and power (KJV only). It is recommended that you follow option (1), because the UBS Greek NT supports it. The Greek phrase is literally “Salvation and glory and power of our God.” It acknowledges God’s Salvation and glory and power. God has saved his people, and he has glory and power. Other ways to translate this clause are:

Our(incl) God has brought us salvation! Our God has glory and power!

Let us acknowledge our God who is glorious, who is powerful, and who saved his people

Salvation: This word refers to rescuing someone from hell, death, harm, or danger. Here God has rescued his people from Babylon. The word Salvation is a noun that refers to an event. In some languages it is more natural to use a verb here. For example:

saving/freeing by God of his people

for God to save mankind/us(incl)

saving from death

See how you translated this word in 7:10 or 12:10.

glory: This word refers to brightness. It symbolizes greatness, power, splendor, and majesty. Other ways to translate this word are:

splendor

radiance

In some languages it is more natural to translate this noun as an adjective. For example:

Our(incl) God is glorious!

See how you translated this word in 4:9.

power: This word refers to the ability to cause things to happen. It does not refer only to physical strength. In some languages it will be more natural to translate this word as an adjective. For example:

Our(incl) God is powerful!