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exile, place of suffering

This expression is an idiom. As such it has a meaning that extends beyond the literal, word-for-word translation. Literal meaning: E•mek is ‘valley.’ Ha is the definite article ‘the.’ Ba•cha is the name of an ancient tree that once grew in Israel....

special people (chosen)

This phrase appears three unique times in the Bible (one verse appears twice with the same wording in Deuteronomy 7:6 and in 14:2). It singles out Israel as God’s chosen people. Being an ‘am se•gu•la’ does not mean smothered with gifts and ‘Fringe Benefits.’ On the...

completely failed

This expression is an idiom. As such it has a meaning that extends beyond the literal, word-for-word translation. Literal meaning: a•la is a verb that has many meanings. In this context, it means ‘came up with,’ ‘resulted in.’ To•hu is a Biblical word that describes...

an eye for an eye

This retaliatory law appears in slightly various meanings and limitations. An eye for an eye, or the “law” of retaliation, is the principle that a person who has injured another person is penalized to a similar degree; or in softer interpretations, the...

mark of Cain

This expression is an idiom. As such it could have a meaning that extends beyond the literal, word-for-word translation. Literal meaning: ‘ot’ is either a sign, a mark, or a letter (character). Ka•yin is the name of the first Biblical murderer, Cain. Ot Ka•yin then is...