19:2 because his judgments are true and just. 5
For he has judged 6 the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality,
and has avenged the blood of his servants 7 poured out by her own hands!” 8
32:42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood,
and my sword will devour flesh –
the blood of the slaughtered and captured,
the chief 9 of the enemy’s leaders!’”
18:47 The one true God 10 completely vindicates me; 11
he makes nations submit to me. 12
94:1 O Lord, the God who avenges!
O God who avenges, reveal your splendor! 14
26:21 For look, the Lord is coming out of the place where he lives, 15
to punish the sin of those who live on the earth.
The earth will display the blood shed on it;
it will no longer cover up its slain. 16
1 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
2 tn Grk “voice, saying”; the participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated here.
3 tn The expression ἕως πότε (ews pote) was translated “how long.” Cf. BDAG 423 s.v. ἕως 1.b.γ.
4 tn The Greek term here is δεσπότης (despoths; see L&N 37.63).
5 tn Compare the similar phrase in Rev 16:7.
6 tn Or “has punished.” See BDAG 568 s.v. κρίνω 5.b.α, describing the OT background which involves both the vindication of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty.
7 tn See the note on the word “servants” in 1:1.
8 tn Grk “from her hand” (referring to her responsibility in causing the blood of God’s followers to be shed).
9 tn Or “head” (the same Hebrew word can mean “head” in the sense of “leader, chieftain” or “head” in the sense of body part).
10 tn Heb “the God.” See v. 32.
11 tn Heb “is the one who grants vengeance to me.” The plural form of the noun indicates degree here, suggesting complete vengeance or vindication.
12 tn Heb “he subdues nations beneath me.” On the meaning of the verb דָּבַר (davar, “subdue,” a homonym of דָּבַר, davar, “speak”), see HALOT 209-10 s.v. I דבר. See also Ps 47:3 and 2 Chr 22:10. 2 Sam 22:48 reads “and [is the one who] brings down nations beneath me.”
13 sn Psalm 94. The psalmist asks God to judge the wicked and affirms his confidence in God’s justice.
14 tn Heb “shine forth” (see Pss 50:2; 80:1).
15 tn Heb “out of his place” (so KJV, ASV).
16 sn This implies that rampant bloodshed is one of the reasons for divine judgment. See the note at 24:5.
17 sn The expression the wisdom of God is a personification of an attribute of God that refers to his wise will.
18 tn Or “that this generation may be charged with”; or “the blood of all the prophets… may be required from this generation.” This is a warning of judgment. These people are responsible for the shedding of prophetic blood.
19 tn Or “foundation.” However, this does not suggest a time to the modern reader.
20 tn The order of the clauses in this complicated sentence has been rearranged to simplify it for the modern reader.
21 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
22 sn The prayers have to do with the righteous who cry out to him to receive justice. The context assumes the righteous are persecuted.
23 tn The emphatic particles in this sentence indicate that God will indeed give justice to the righteous.
24 sn The issue of delay has produced a whole host of views for this verse. (1) Does this assume provision to endure in the meantime? Or (2) does it mean God restricts the level of persecution until he comes? Either view is possible.
25 tn Some argue this should be translated “suddenly.” When vindication comes it will be quick. But the more natural meaning is “soon.” God will not forget his elect and will respond to them. It may be that this verse has a prophetic perspective. In light of the eternity that comes, vindication is soon.
26 sn Will he find faith on earth? The Son of Man is looking for those who continue to believe in him, despite the wait.