² tn The pronominal element is masculine plural; the leaders are addressed.

² tn Or “basic principles,” “elemental things,” or “elemental spirits.” Some interpreters take this as a reference to supernatural powers who controlled nature and/or human fate.

² tn Grk “the elements of the beginning of the oracles of God.”

¹ tn See the note on the phrase “elemental spirits” in 2:8.

³ sn Customs that are not lawful for us to accept or practice. Ironically, the charges are similar to those made against Jesus in Luke 23:2, where Jews argued he was “twisting” their customs. The charge has three elements: (1) a racial element (Jewish); (2) a social element (unlawful); and (3) a traditional element (not their customs).

⁵ tn “Yet” has been supplied to show the contrastive element present in the context.

² tn “Yet” is supplied to show the contrastive element present in the context.

¹ tc The ancient versions typically avoid the conditional element of v. 17.

³ tn Here “and” has been supplied between the last two elements in the series in keeping with English style.

⁴ tn The imperfect verb “will pass” may also be a jussive, continuing the element of request: “let the cup pass…”

² tn Grk “and to Smyrna.” For stylistic reasons the conjunction καί (kai) and the preposition εἰς (eis) have not been translated before the remaining elements of the list. In lists with more than two elements contemporary English generally does not repeat the conjunction except between the next to last and last elements.

¹ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.

³ tn It is probable that the ὑμῖν (humin) applies to both elements of the greeting, i.e., to both grace and peace.

² sn This comparison is somewhat awkward to express in English, but it reflects an important element in the argument of Hebrews: the superiority of Jesus Christ.

¹ tn “And” is supplied here as a matter of English style, which normally inserts “and” between the last two elements of a list or series.

² tn Or “hardship,” “damage.” BDAG 1022 s.v. ὕβρις 3 states, “fig. hardship, disaster, damage caused by the elements…w. ζημία Ac 27:10.”

² tn This could mean “before [his disciples],” but that is slightly more awkward, requiring an elided element (the disciples) to be supplied.

² tn Grk “and picked up.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because contemporary English normally places a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series.

⁵ tn This term is often translated in the singular, looking specifically to the forerunner role, but the plural suggests the many elements in that salvation.

¹ tn Heb “The voice of my beloved!” The exclamation קוֹל (qol, “Listen!”) is an introductory exclamatory particle used to emphasize excitement and the element of surprise.