# Connecting Statement:

A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and cruel treatment. This metaphor is continued in this verses. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 10:4](../10/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])

# I will add to your yoke

"I will make your yoke heavier." A yoke is a metaphor for labor. Alternate translation: "I will force you to work harder" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])

# I will punish you with scorpions

Possible meanings are that 1) "scorpions" is a metaphor for any kind of painful punishment. Alternate translation: "I will punish you much more harshly" or 2) "scorpions" is a metaphor for whips with sharp metal barbs at the end. Alternate translation: "I will punish you with whips that have sharp pieces of metal at the ends" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])