# the word of Yahweh came

This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in [Haggai 1:1](./01.md). AT: "Yahweh gave a message" or "Yawheh spoke this message" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

# by the hand of Haggai

Here the word "hand" refers to Haggai himself. Yahweh used Haggai as the agent to deliver his command. See how you translated this in [Haggai 1:1](./01.md). AT: "through Haggai" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

# Is it a time for you ... ruined?

Yahweh is rebuking the people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "Now is not the time for you ... ruined." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# this house

the temple of Yahweh

# but cannot get drunk

There is not enough wine to satisfy the people's thirst and not nearly enough for drunkenness. The reader should understand that the text is not calling drunkenness a good thing.

# the wage earner earns money only to put it into a bag full of holes

Not earning enough money to buy necessary goods is spoken of as if the person were losing the money that falls out through holes in the money bag. AT: "the money the worker earns is gone before he finishes buying everything he needs" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])