9:7 Now 1 the locusts looked like horses equipped for battle. On 2 their heads were something like crowns similar to gold, 3 and their faces looked like men’s 4 faces.
“Woe, woe, O great city –
dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet clothing, 5
and adorned with gold, 6 precious stones, and pearls –
1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the introduction of the description of the locusts, which is somewhat parenthetical in the narrative.
2 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
3 tn The translation attempts to bring out the double uncertainty in this clause in the Greek text, involving both the form (ὡς στέφανοι, Jw" stefanoi, “like crowns”) and the material (ὅμοιοι χρυσῷ, {omoioi crusw, “similar to gold”).
4 tn Or “human faces.” The Greek term ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpos) is often used in a generic sense, referring to both men and women. However, because “women’s hair” in the next clause suggests a possible gender distinction here, “men’s” was retained.
5 tn The word “clothing” is supplied to clarify that the words “purple” and “scarlet” refer to cloth or garments rather than colors.
6 tn Grk “gilded with gold” (an instance of semantic reinforcement, see L&N 49.29).