A Bible Lesson study aid

For Sunday, May 21, 2000, including excerpts from BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary,

with 3 Bible versions' texts, plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson.

This webpage includes links to textual commentary and to glossary articles that describe people, places, terms, and books of the Bible. To access those links, just click on "[To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]." To use the Sunday School preparation aid, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-tw-ss.htm.


NOTE REGARDING "THE BIBLE" AND THE 3 BIBLE VERSIONS USED HERE: The original Hebrew and Greek texts are what actually constitute "the Bible." All other versions, whether in English or in Chinese or in Aramaic, whether produced in 384 A.D. or in 1611 A.D. or in 1996 A.D., are merely translations indirectly derived from those original Hebrew and Greek texts. The BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm provides verse-by-verse textual corrections that are based upon the most current knowledge of those original Hebrew and Greek texts. Most of those corrections are relevant only to the KJV, because most modern versions such as the NRSV and the TEV were translated from Hebrew and Greek texts that are much more consistent with "the original texts" than those Hebrew and Greek texts from which the 1611 KJV was translated. In the KJV most of the substantive errors are due to the faulty Hebrew and Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. (See S&H 139:15.) For more details on these issues, you can browse http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-tr.htm.

Wherever there are substantial differences between the wording of the KJV and the NRSV, the NRSV should be considered as more accurately representing the wording of the original texts. Of the three English language Bible versions used below (the KJV, the NRSV, and the TEV), the NRSV gives the best word-for-word representation of the wording of original texts, and the TEV gives the best phrase-by-phrase representation of the originally intended meaning of original texts.


| KJV = King James Version | NRSV = New Revised Standard Version | TEV = Today's English Version |

<GT> Psalm 23 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

NRSV - 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.

TEV - "The LORD Our Shepherd" - 5 You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim. 6 I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live.


<RR1> Psalm 90 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. 17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

NRSV - 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

16 Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands -- O prosper the work of our hands!

TEV - "Of God and Man" - 1 O Lord, you have always been our home. 2 Before you created the hills or brought the world into being, you were eternally God, and will be God forever.

13 How much longer will your anger last? Have pity, O LORD, on your servants! 14 Fill us each morning with your constant love, so that we may sing and be glad all our life. 15 Give us now as much happiness as the sadness you gave us during all our years of misery. 16 Let us, your servants, see your mighty deeds; let our descendants see your glorious might. 17 LORD our God, may your blessings be with us. Give us success in all we do!


<RR2> Psalm 71 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

NRSV - 3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

21 You will increase my honor, and comfort me once again.

23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have rescued.

TEV - "An Old Man's Prayer" - 1 LORD, I have come to you for protection; never let me be defeated! 2 Because you are righteous, help me and rescue me. Listen to me and save me! 3 Be my secure shelter and a strong fortress to protect me; you are my refuge and defense.

17 You have taught me ever since I was young, and I still tell of your wonderful acts. 18 Now that I am old and my hair is gray, do not abandon me, O God! Be with me while I proclaim your power and might to all generations to come. 19 Your righteousness, God, reaches the skies. You have done great things; there is no one like you. 20 You have sent troubles and suffering on me, but you will restore my strength; you will keep me from the grave. 21 You will make me greater than ever; you will comfort me again. 22 I will indeed praise you with the harp; I will praise your faithfulness, my God. On my harp I will play hymns to you, the Holy One of Israel. 23 I will shout for joy as I play for you; with my whole being I will sing because you have saved me. 24 I will speak of your righteousness all day long, because those who tried to harm me have been defeated and disgraced.


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<B1> 1 Kings 8 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: 23 And he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:

27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee;...

NRSV - 22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. 23 He said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart,

27 "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you,...

TEV - "Solomon's Prayer" - 22 Then in the presence of the people Solomon went and stood in front of the altar, where he raised his arms 23 and prayed, "LORD God of Israel, there is no god like you in heaven above or on earth below! You keep your covenant with your people and show them your love when they live in wholehearted obedience to you. 24 You have kept the promise you made to my father David; today every word has been fulfilled. 25 And now, LORD God of Israel, I pray that you will also keep the other promise you made to my father when you told him that there would always be one of his descendants ruling as king of Israel, provided they obeyed you as carefully as he did. 26 So now, O God of Israel, let everything come true that you promised to my father David, your servant. 27 "But can you, O God, really live on earth? Not even all of heaven is large enough to hold you, so how can this Temple that I have built be large enough? 28 LORD my God, I am your servant. Listen to my prayer, and grant the requests I make to you today. 29 Watch over this Temple day and night, this place where you have chosen to be worshiped. Hear me when I face this Temple and pray. 30 Hear my prayers and the prayers of your people when they face this place and pray. In your home in heaven hear us and forgive us. 31 "When a person is accused of wronging another and is brought to your altar in this Temple to take an oath that he is innocent, 32 O LORD, listen in heaven and judge your servants. Punish the guilty one as he deserves, and acquit the one who is innocent.


<B2> Psalm 104 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

NRSV - 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty,

TEV - "In Praise of the Creator" - 1 Praise the LORD, my soul! O LORD, my God, how great you are! You are clothed with majesty and glory; 2 you cover yourself with light. You have spread out the heavens like a tent 3 and built your home on the waters above. You use the clouds as your chariot and ride on the wings of the wind. 4 You use the winds as your messengers and flashes of lightning as your servants.


<B3> Psalm 84 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. 3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. 4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee...

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

NRSV - 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.

5 Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed. 10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.

TEV - "Longing for God's House" - 1 How I love your Temple, LORD Almighty! 2 How I want to be there! I long to be in the LORD's Temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrows have built a nest, and the swallows have their own home; they keep their young near your altars, LORD Almighty, my king and my God. 4 How happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you. 5 How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion. 6 As they pass through the dry valley of Baca, it becomes a place of springs; the autumn rain fills it with pools. 7 They grow stronger as they go; they will see the God of gods on Zion. 8 Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty. Listen, O God of Jacob! 9 Bless our king, O God, the king you have chosen. 10 One day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand anywhere else; I would rather stand at the gate of the house of my God than live in the homes of the wicked. 11 The LORD is our protector and glorious king, blessing us with kindness and honor. He does not refuse any good thing to those who do what is right. 12 LORD Almighty, how happy are those who trust in you!


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<B4> Proverbs 23 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?...

NRSV - 5 When your eyes light upon it, it is gone;...

TEV - "...7..." - 4 Be wise enough not to wear yourself out trying to get rich. 5 Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle.


<B5> Isaiah 52 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city:...

2 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

NRSV - 1 Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion! Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city;...

2 Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter Zion!

TEV - "God Will Rescue Jerusalem" - 1 Jerusalem, be strong and great again! Holy city of God, clothe yourself with splendor! The heathen will never enter your gates again. 2 Shake yourself free, Jerusalem! Rise from the dust and sit on your throne! Undo the chains that bind you, captive people of Zion!


<B6> Isaiah 26 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 8 Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

NRSV - 8 In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and your renown are the soul's desire.

TEV - "God Will Give His People Victory" - 7 LORD, you make the path smooth for good men; the road they travel is level. 8 We follow your will and put our hope in you; you are all that we desire. 9 At night I long for you with all my heart; when you judge the earth and its people, they will all learn what justice is. 10 Even though you are kind to wicked men, they never learn to do what is right. Even here in a land of righteous people they still do wrong; they refuse to recognize your greatness.


<B7> 1 Corinthians 2 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 9 ...as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

NRSV - 9 ...as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him" -- 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God's except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.

TEV - "God's Wisdom" - 9 However, as the scripture says, "What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him." 10 But it was to us that God made known his secret by means of his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, even the hidden depths of God's purposes. 11 It is only a person's own spirit within him that knows all about him; in the same way, only God's Spirit knows all about God. 12 We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us.


<B8> Acts 17 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

NRSV - 28 For "In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "For we too are his offspring.'

TEV - "In Athens" - 26 From one man he created all races of mankind and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. 27 He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us; 28 as someone has said, "In him we live and move and exist.' It is as some of your poets have said, "We too are his children.' 29 Since we are God's children, we should not suppose that his nature is anything like an image of gold or silver or stone, shaped by the art and skill of man. 30 God has overlooked the times when people did not know him, but now he commands all of them everywhere to turn away from their evil ways.


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<B9> Ezekiel 18 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying, 2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? 3 As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. 4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine:…

NRSV - 1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, "The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge"? 3 As I live, says the Lord GOD, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. 4 Know that all lives are mine; the life of the parent as well as the life of the child is mine:...

TEV - "Individual Responsibility" - 1 The LORD spoke to me 2 and said, "What is this proverb people keep repeating in the land of Israel? "The parents ate the sour grapes, But the children got the sour taste.' 3 "As surely as I am the living God," says the Sovereign LORD, "you will not repeat this proverb in Israel any more. 4 The life of every person belongs to me, the life of the parent as well as that of the child. The person who sins is the one who will die.


<B10> Psalm 91 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

NRSV - 1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,

9 Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, 10 no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.

TEV - "God Our Protector" - 1 Whoever goes to the LORD for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, 2 can say to him, "You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust." 3 He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. 4 He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you. 5 You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day 6 or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight.

9 You have made the LORD your defender, the Most High your protector, 10 and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. 11 God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones. 13 You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes.


<B11> Psalm 16 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord:…

5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

NRSV - 2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord;..."

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.

TEV - "A Prayer of Confidence" - 1 Protect me, O God; I trust in you for safety. 2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; all the good things I have come from you." 3 How excellent are the LORD's faithful people! My greatest pleasure is to be with them. 4 Those who rush to other gods bring many troubles on themselves. I will not take part in their sacrifices; I will not worship their gods. 5 You, LORD, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands. 6 How wonderful are your gifts to me; how good they are!


<B12> Acts 2 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

NRSV - 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.

TEV - "Peter's Message" - 26 And so I am filled with gladness, and my words are full of joy. And I, mortal though I am, will rest assured in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me in the world of the dead; you will not allow your faithful servant to rot in the grave. 28 You have shown me the paths that lead to life, and your presence will fill me with joy.'


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<B13> Psalm 18 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.

28 For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

NRSV - 1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.

28 It is you who light my lamp; the LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.

TEV - "David's Song of Victory" - 1 How I love you, LORD! You are my defender. 2 The LORD is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe. 3 I call to the LORD, and he saves me from my enemies. Praise the LORD!

25 O LORD, you are faithful to those who are faithful to you; completely good to those who are perfect. 26 You are pure to those who are pure, but hostile to those who are wicked. 27 You save those who are humble, but you humble those who are proud. 28 O LORD, you give me light; you dispel my darkness. 29 You give me strength to attack my enemies and power to overcome their defenses.


<B14> Psalm 119 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

NRSV - 73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

TEV - "The Justice of the Law of the LORD" - 73 You created me, and you keep me safe; give me understanding, so that I may learn your laws. 74 Those who honor you will be glad when they see me, because I trust in your promise. 75 I know that your judgments are righteous, LORD, and that you punished me because you are faithful. 76 Let your constant love comfort me, as you have promised me, your servant. 77 Have mercy on me, and I will live because I take pleasure in your law. 78 May the proud be ashamed for falsely accusing me; as for me, I will meditate on your instructions.


<B15> Mark 6 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

NRSV - 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

TEV - "Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men" - 33 Many people, however, saw them leave and knew at once who they were; so they went from all the towns and ran ahead by land and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his disciples. 34 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things. 35 When it was getting late, his disciples came to him and said, "It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. 36 Send the people away, and let them go to the nearby farms and villages in order to buy themselves something to eat."


<B16> Luke 18 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. 37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. 42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

NRSV - 35 As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38 Then he shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 39 Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 40 Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 41 "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me see again." 42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has saved you." 43 Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.

TEV - "Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar" - 35 As Jesus was coming near Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the road, begging. 36 When he heard the crowd passing by, he asked, "What is this?" 37 "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by," they told him. 38 He cried out, "Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!" 39 The people in front scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, "Son of David! Have mercy on me!" 40 So Jesus stopped and ordered the blind man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 "What do you want me to do for you?" "Sir," he answered, "I want to see again." 42 Jesus said to him, "Then see! Your faith has made you well." 43 At once he was able to see, and he followed Jesus, giving thanks to God. When the crowd saw it, they all praised God.


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<B17> Leviticus 11 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 44 For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy:…

NRSV - 44 For I am the LORD your God; sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy....

TEV - "Animals That May Be Eaten" - 39 If any animal that may be eaten dies, anyone who touches it will be unclean until evening. 40 And if anyone eats any part of the animal, he must wash his clothes, but he will still be unclean until evening; anyone who carries the dead body must wash his clothes, but he will still be unclean until evening. 41 You must not eat any of the small animals that move on the ground, 42 whether they crawl, or walk on four legs, or have many legs. 43 Do not make yourselves unclean by eating any of these. 44 I am the LORD your God, and you must keep yourselves holy, because I am holy. 45 I am the LORD who brought you out of Egypt so that I could be your God. You must be holy, because I am holy.


<B18> 2 Corinthians 6 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God;…

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

NRSV - 14 Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness?

16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God;...

17 Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

TEV - "Warning against Pagan Influences" - 14 Do not try to work together as equals with unbelievers, for it cannot be done. How can right and wrong be partners? How can light and darkness live together? 15 How can Christ and the Devil agree? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 How can God's temple come to terms with pagan idols? For we are the temple of the living God! As God himself has said, "I will make my home with my people and live among them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people." 17 And so the Lord says, "You must leave them and separate yourselves from them. Have nothing to do with what is unclean, and I will accept you. 18 I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."


<B19> Romans 13 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 14 …put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

NRSV - 14 ...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

TEV - "Duties toward One Another" - 11 You must do this, because you know that the time has come for you to wake up from your sleep. For the moment when we will be saved is closer now than it was when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. 13 Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day -- no orgies or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy.14 But take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires.


<B20> Romans 12 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

NRSV - 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect.

TEV - "Life in God's Service" - 1 So then, my brothers, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. 2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God -- what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.


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<B21> Deuteronomy 33 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 12 …The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.

NRSV - 12 Of Benjamin he said: The beloved of the LORD rests in safety -- the High God surrounds him all day long -- the beloved rests between his shoulders.

TEV - "Moses Blesses the Tribes of Israel" - 10 They will teach your people to obey your Law; They will offer sacrifices on your altar. 11 LORD, help their tribe to grow strong; Be pleased with what they do. Crush all their enemies; Let them never rise again." 12 About the tribe of Benjamin he said: "This is the tribe the LORD loves and protects; He guards them all the day long, And he dwells in their midst."


<B22> Isaiah 30 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 15 For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:…

NRSV - 15 For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength...

TEV - "The Disobedient People" - 15 The Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says to the people, "Come back and quietly trust in me. Then you will be strong and secure." But you refuse to do it. 16 Instead, you plan to escape from your enemies by riding fast horses. And you are right -- escape is what you will have to do! You think your horses are fast enough, but those who pursue you will be faster! 17 A thousand of you will run away when you see one enemy soldier, and five soldiers will be enough to make you all run away. Nothing will be left of your army except a lonely flagpole on the top of a hill. 18 And yet the LORD is waiting to be merciful to you. He is ready to take pity on you because he always does what is right. Happy are those who put their trust in the LORD.


<B23> Isaiah 33 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 20 Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.

24 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.

NRSV - 20 Look on Zion, the city of our appointed festivals! Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, an immovable tent, whose stakes will never be pulled up, and none of whose ropes will be broken.

24 And no inhabitant will say, "I am sick"; the people who live there will be forgiven their iniquity.

TEV - "The Glorious Future" - 17 Once again you will see a king ruling in splendor over a land that stretches in all directions. 18 Your old fears of foreign tax collectors and spies will be only a memory. 19 You will no longer see any arrogant foreigners who speak a language that you can't understand. 20 Look at Zion, the city where we celebrate our religious festivals. Look at Jerusalem! What a safe place it will be to live in! It will be like a tent that is never moved, whose pegs are never pulled up and whose ropes never break. 21 The LORD will show us his glory. We will live beside broad rivers and streams, but hostile ships will not sail on them. 22...23 All the rigging on those ships is useless; the sails cannot be spread! We will seize all the wealth of enemy armies, and there will be so much that even lame men can get a share. The LORD himself will be our king; he will rule over us and protect us. 24 No one who lives in our land will ever again complain of being sick, and all sins will be forgiven.


<B24> Isaiah 60 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. 19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

NRSV - 18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. 19 The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.

21 Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever. They are the shoot that I planted, the work of my hands, so that I might be glorified.

TEV - "The Future Glory of Jerusalem" - 17 "I will bring you gold instead of bronze, Silver and bronze instead of iron and wood, And iron instead of stone. Your rulers will no longer oppress you; I will make them rule with justice and peace. 18 The sounds of violence will be heard no more; Destruction will not shatter your country again. I will protect and defend you like a wall; You will praise me because I have saved you. 19 "No longer will the sun be your light by day Or the moon be your light by night; I, the LORD, will be your eternal light; The light of my glory will shine on you. 20 Your days of grief will come to an end. I, the LORD, will be your eternal light, More lasting than the sun and moon. 21 Your people will all do what is right, And will possess the land forever. I planted them, I made them, To reveal my greatness to all.


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