Translation and Transliteration: I begin by presenting the verse in its source language—such as Greek (e.g., Septuagint) or Ethiopic Ge’ez (e.g., Jubilees)—alongside its transliteration, followed by a translation into modern English in both a literal and a smoothed version for balance. For example, in 2 Timothy 2:7, the Greek νόει ὃ λέγω· δώσει γάρ σοι ὁ Κύριος σύνεσιν ἐν πᾶσιν (transliterated as noei ho legō; dōsei gar soi ho Kyrios synesin en pasin) is translated as "Engage your mind with what I am saying, for the Lord will grant you understanding in all things," after analyzing νοέω ("to perceive") and σύνεσις ("understanding/insight"). This verse became a foundational motivation for my translation work, emphasizing deep engagement with the text.

Term Analysis: Key terms are broken down with transliterations, grammatical forms, and meanings (e.g., νόει, noei, imperative of noeō, "to perceive"; σύνεσιν, synesin, "understanding/insight"). Related terms, like νοῦς (G3563, "mind"), are referenced, and idiomatic adjustments are explained, such as shifting "place your heart" to "focus your mind" in Jubilees.

Cross-References: Extensive cross-references are included from both Old and New Testaments, as well as extra-biblical sources like 1 Enoch or the Dead Sea Scrolls, to provide context. For instance, angelic mediation in Jubilees is linked to Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19, and Hebrews 2:2.

Theological Reflection: Commentary in the form of theological reflection explores themes such as divine justice, redemption, covenantal promises, and Messianic foreshadowing in the LXX; for example, in Genesis 4:8-10, the terms φωνὴ ("voice") and αἵματος ("blood") are discussed in relation to justice and retribution, with cross-references highlighting the contrast between Abel’s blood crying for retribution, while Jesus’ blood speaks a better word than Abel’s because His blood offers forgiveness rather than retribution, as seen in Hebrews 12:24.

Context and Insights: The verse’s context within its chapter is addressed, connecting it to surrounding themes (e.g., Paul’s metaphors in 2 Timothy 2:3-6), and theological or structural insights are highlighted.

Formatting: Notes are formatted consistently, using underscores for references because e-Sword Bible software requires this format (e.g., Exo_1:1), and are organized into clear sections like "Key Greek Words and Meaning" or "Grammatical Considerations," often with bullet points for readability.

Conclusion: Each note ends with a conclusion summarizing the verse’s significance. For example, the conclusion for 2 Timothy 2:7 states:

Paul instructs Timothy, 'Engage your mind with what I am saying, for the Lord will grant you understanding in all things.' 

Since Paul’s letters are the word of God, this command extends to the entire Bible—urging deep engagement with the text, not passive reading (in one eyeball and out the other). Proper translation requires this approach, connecting themes (connecting the dots), structure, and context, and God faithfully fulfills His promise of understanding through this process."