The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary


Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, June 7, 1998

plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson


Bible Lesson Study Aids: | Current week's study aid in regular font | Current week's study aid in large font | These particular webpages were first posted Monday, 5/25/98, at 3:00 am (USA East Coast Time). These are usually ready by around 11 pm on Thursday (9 days before the Sunday for which the corresponding Bible Lesson is intended). | Current week's Concord-formatted text-file of cross-references | Current week's full text of cross-references | Expect the cross-references to be ready on Fridays by around 11 pm (8 days before the Sunday for which the corresponding Bible Lesson is intended). Any of these may be updated at anytime.

When first posted more than a week early, this particular webpage is browsed by clicking on Next week's study aid in regular font or Next week's study aid in large font. The associated cross-references are found by clicking on Next week's Concord-formatted text-file of cross-references or Next week's full text of cross-references. These only become "This week's" on early Sunday morning, US Eastern time.

How can this Webpage and the Concord text file be helpful to you? This Bible study aid is intended to provide optional resources for the study of the weekly Bible Lesson. To find out more about this page and about the necessary Bible Lesson resources, click here.

Does this Website have any denominational or organizational affliliation? No, the BibleTexts Website is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by any church or any other organization; however, the individual solely responsible for this Website is a very active church member and is united in very genuine and meaningful fellowship with Christians of all denominations.

Acknowledgements of the Bible versions and footnotes used on this Webpage:


<GT> Ecclesiastes 3

KJV w/Strong# - {11} He hath made <06213> every <03605> [thing] beautiful <03303> in his time <06256>:...

NRSV - 11 He has made everything suitable for its time;...

TEV - "A Time for Everything" - 9 What do we gain from all our work? 10 I know the heavy burdens that God has laid on us. 11 He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does. 12 So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. 13 All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift. 14 I know that everything God does will last forever. You can't add anything to it or take anything away from it. And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of him. 15 Whatever happens or can happen has already happened before. God makes the same thing happen again and again.


<RR1> Psalm 89

KJV w/Strong# - {6} For who <04310> in the heaven <07834> can be compared <06186> unto the LORD <03068>? [who] among the sons <01121> of the mighty <0410> can be likened <01819> unto the LORD <03068>?

{11} The heavens <08064> [are] thine, the earth <0776> also <0637> [is] thine: [as for] the world <08398> and the fulness <04393> thereof, thou hast founded <03245> them. {12} The north <06828> and the south <03225> thou hast created <01254> them: Tabor <08396> and Hermon <02768> shall rejoice <07442> in thy name <08034>. {13} Thou hast a mighty <01369> arm <02220>: strong <05810> is thy hand <03225>, [and] high <07311> is thy right <03225> hand <03225>.

NRSV - 6 For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD,

11 The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it -- you have founded them. 12 The north and the south -- you created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name. 13 You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand, high your right hand.

TEV - "A Hymn in Time of National Trouble" - 5 The heavens sing of the wonderful things you do; the holy ones sing of your faithfulness, LORD. 6 No one in heaven is like you, LORD; none of the heavenly beings is your equal. 7 You are feared in the council of the holy ones; they all stand in awe of you.

11 Heaven is yours, the earth also; you made the world and everything in it. 12 You created the north and the south; Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon sing to you for joy. 13 How powerful you are! How great is your strength! 14 Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice; love and faithfulness are shown in all you do.


<RR2> Psalm 48

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Great <01419> [is] the LORD <03068>, and greatly <03966> to be praised <01984> in the city <05892> of our God <0430>, [in] the mountain <02022> of his holiness <06944>. {2} Beautiful <03303> for situation <05131>, the joy <04885> of the whole <03605> earth <0776>, [is] mount <02022> Zion <06726>, [on] the sides <03411> of the north <06828>, the city <07151> of the great <07227> King <04428>. {3} God <0430> is known <03045> in her palaces <0759> for a refuge <04869>.

{8} As we have heard <08085>, so <03651> have we seen <07200> in the city <05892> of the LORD <03068> of hosts <06635>, in the city <05892> of our God <0430>: God <0430> will establish <03559> it for ever <05769>.

{10} According to thy name <08034>, O God <0430>, so <03651> [is] thy praise <08416> unto the ends <07099> of the earth <0776>: thy right <03225> hand <03225> is full <04390> of righteousness <06664>.

NRSV - 1 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. 3 Within its citadels God has shown himself a sure defense.

8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God establishes forever.

10 Your name, O God, like your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with victory.

TEV - "Zion, the City of God" - 1 The LORD is great and is to be highly praised in the city of our God, on his sacred hill. 2 Zion, the mountain of God, is high and beautiful; the city of the great king brings joy to all the world. 3 God has shown that there is safety with him inside the fortresses of the city. 4 The kings gathered together and came to attack Mount Zion. 5 But when they saw it, they were amazed; they were afraid and ran away. 6 There they were seized with fear and anguish, like a woman about to bear a child, 7 like ships tossing in a furious storm. 8 We have heard what God has done, and now we have seen it in the city of our God, the LORD Almighty; he will keep the city safe forever. 9 Inside your Temple, O God, we think of your constant love. 10 You are praised by people everywhere, and your fame extends over all the earth. You rule with justice; 11 let the people of Zion be glad! You give right judgments; let there be joy in the cities of Judah! 12 People of God, walk around Zion and count the towers; 13 take notice of the walls and examine the fortresses, so that you may tell the next generation: 14 "This God is our God forever and ever; he will lead us for all time to come."


[********** 1 **********]

<B1> Psalm 148

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Praise <01984> ye the LORD <03050>. Praise <01984> ye the LORD <03068> from the heavens <08064>: praise <01984> him in the heights <04791>. {2} Praise <01984> ye him, all <03605> his angels <04397>: praise <01984> ye him, all <03605> his hosts <06635>.

{5} Let them praise <01984> the name <08034> of the LORD <03068>: for he commanded <06680>, and they were created <01254>.

{10} Beasts <02416>, and all <03605> cattle <0929>; creeping <07431> things, and flying <03671> fowl <06833>: {11} Kings <04428> of the earth <0776>, and all <03605> people <03816>; princes <08269>, and all <03605> judges <08199> of the earth <0776>:

{13} Let them praise <01984> the name <08034> of the LORD <03068>: for his name <08034> alone <0905> is excellent <07682>; his glory <01935> [is] above <04791> the earth <0776> and heaven <08064>.

NRSV - 1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.

10 Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.

TEV - "A Call for the Universe to Praise God" - 1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from heaven, you that live in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels, all his heavenly armies. 3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, shining stars. 4 Praise him, highest heavens, and the waters above the sky. 5 Let them all praise the name of the LORD! He commanded, and they were created; 6 by his command they were fixed in their places forever, and they cannot disobey. 7 Praise the LORD from the earth, sea monsters and all ocean depths; 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, strong winds that obey his command. 9 Praise him, hills and mountains, fruit trees and forests; 10 all animals, tame and wild, reptiles and birds. 11 Praise him, kings and all peoples, princes and all other rulers; 12 girls and young men, old people and children too. 13 Let them all praise the name of the LORD! His name is greater than all others; his glory is above earth and heaven. 14 He made his nation strong, so that all his people praise him -- the people of Israel, so dear to him. Praise the LORD!


<B2> Isaiah 40

KJV w/Strong# - {13} Who <04310> hath directed <08505> the Spirit <07307> of the LORD <03068>, or [being] his counsellor <06098> hath taught <03045> him? {14} With whom <04310> took he counsel <03289>, and [who] instructed <0995> him, and taught <03925> him in the path <0734> of judgment <04941>, and taught <03925> him knowledge <01847>, and shewed <03045> to him the way <01870> of understanding <08394>?

{25} To whom <04310> then will ye liken <01819> me, or shall I be equal <07737>? saith <0559> the Holy <06918> One. {26} Lift <05375> up your eyes <05869> on high <04791>, and behold <07200> who <04310> hath created <01254> these <0428> [things], that bringeth <03318> out their host <06635> by number <04557>: he calleth <07121> them all <03605> by names <08034> by the greatness <07230> of his might <0202>, for that [he is] strong <0533> in power <03581>; not one <0376> faileth <05737>.

NRSV - 13 Who has directed the spirit of the LORD, or as his counselor has instructed him? 14 Whom did he consult for his enlightenment, and who taught him the path of justice? Who taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?

25 To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing.

TEV - "Israel's Incomparable God" - 12 Can anyone measure the ocean by handfuls or measure the sky with his hands? Can anyone hold the soil of the earth in a cup or weigh the mountains and hills on scales? 13 Can anyone tell the LORD what to do? Who can teach him or give him advice? 14 With whom does God consult in order to know and understand and to learn how things should be done?

25 To whom can the holy God be compared? Is there anyone else like him? 26 Look up at the sky! Who created the stars you see? The one who leads them out like an army, he knows how many there are and calls each one by name! His power is so great -- not one of them is ever missing!


<B3> Isaiah 41

KJV w/Strong# - {19} I will plant <05414> in the wilderness <04057> the cedar <0730>, the shittah <07848> tree <06086>, and the myrtle <01918>, and the oil <08081> tree <06086>; I will set <07760> in the desert <06160> the fir <01265> tree, [and] the pine <08410>, and the box <08391> tree together <03162>: {20} That they may see <07200>, and know <03045>, and consider <07760>, and understand <07919> together <03162>, that the hand <03027> of the LORD <03068> hath done <06213> this <02063>, and the Holy <06918> One of Israel <03478> hath created <01254> it.

NRSV - 19 I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, 20 so that all may see and know, all may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.

TEV - "God's Assurance to Israel" - 17 "When my people in their need look for water, when their throats are dry with thirst, then I, the LORD, will answer their prayer; I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. 18 I will make rivers flow among barren hills and springs of water run in the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water and the dry land into flowing springs. 19 I will make cedars grow in the desert, and acacias and myrtles and olive trees. Forests will grow in barren land, forests of pine and juniper and cypress. 20 People will see this and know that I, the LORD, have done it. They will come to understand that Israel's holy God has made it happen."


[********** 2 **********]

<B4> Job 33

KJV w/Strong# - {4} The Spirit <07307> of God <0410> hath made <06213> me, and the breath <05397> of the Almighty <07706> hath given me life <02421>.

NRSV - 4 The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

TEV - "The Speeches of Elihu" - 1 And now, Job, listen carefully to all that I have to say. 2 I am ready to say what's on my mind. 3 All my words are sincere, and I am speaking the truth. 4 God's spirit made me and gave me life. 5 Answer me if you can. Prepare your arguments. 6 You and I are the same in God's sight, both of us were formed from clay. 7 So you have no reason to fear me; I will not overpower you.


<B5> Isaiah 42

KJV w/Strong# - {5} Thus <03541> saith <0559> God <0410> the LORD <03068>, he that created <01254> the heavens <08064>, and stretched <05186> them out; he that spread <07554> forth the earth <0776>, and that which cometh <06631> out of it; he that giveth <05414> breath <05397> unto the people <05971> upon it, and spirit <07307> to them that walk <01980> therein:

{8} I [am] the LORD <03068>: that [is] my name <08034>: and my glory <03519> will I not give <05414> to another <0312>, neither my praise <08416> to graven <06456> images.

NRSV - 5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it:

8 I am the LORD, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols.

TEV - "The LORD's Servant" - 5 God created the heavens and stretched them out; he fashioned the earth and all that lives there; he gave life and breath to all its people. And now the LORD God says to his servant, 6 "I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. 7 You will open the eyes of the blind and set free those who sit in dark prisons. 8 "I alone am the LORD your God. No other god may share my glory; I will not let idols share my praise. 9 The things I predicted have now come true. Now I will tell you of new things even before they begin to happen."


<B6> Isaiah 29

KJV w/Strong# - {16} Surely <0518> your turning <02017> of things upside down shall be esteemed <02803> as the potter's <03335> clay <02563>: for shall the work <04639> say <0559> of him that made <06213> it, He made <06213> me not? or shall the thing framed <03336> say <0559> of him that framed <03335> it, He had no <03808> understanding <0995>?

{22} Therefore <03651> thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, who <0834> redeemed <06299> Abraham <085>, concerning <0413> the house <01004> of Jacob <03290>, Jacob <03290> shall not now <06258> be ashamed <0954>, neither <03808> shall his face <06440> now <06258> wax pale <02357>. {23} But when <03588> he seeth <07200> his children <03206>, the work <04639> of mine hands <03027>, in the midst <07130> of him, they shall sanctify <06942> my name <08034>, and sanctify <06942> the Holy <06918> One of Jacob <03290>, and shall fear <06206> the God <0430> of Israel <03478>. {24} They also that erred <08582> in spirit <07307> shall come <03045> to understanding <0998>, and they that murmured <07279> shall learn <03925> doctrine <03948>.

NRSV - 16 You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay? Shall the thing made say of its maker, "He did not make me"; or the thing formed say of the one who formed it, "He has no understanding"?

22 Therefore thus says the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: No longer shall Jacob be ashamed, no longer shall his face grow pale. 23 For when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in his midst, they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. 24 And those who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who grumble will accept instruction.

TEV - "Hope for the Future" - 15 Those who try to hide their plans from the LORD are doomed! They carry out their schemes in secret and think no one will see them or know what they are doing. 16 They turn everything upside down. Which is more important, the potter or the clay? Can something a man has made tell him, "You didn't make me"? Or can it say to him, "You don't know what you are doing"? 17 As the saying goes, before long the dense forest will become farmland, and the farmland will go back to forest.

22 So now the LORD, the God of Israel, who rescued Abraham from trouble, says, "My people, you will not be disgraced any longer, and your faces will no longer be pale with shame. 23 When you see the children that I will give you, then you will acknowledge that I am the holy God of Israel. You will honor me and stand in awe of me. 24 Foolish people will learn to understand, and those who are always grumbling will be glad to be taught."


<B7> Isaiah 43

KJV w/Strong# - {10} Ye [are] my witnesses <05707>, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>, and my servant <05650> whom <0834> I have chosen <0977>: that ye may know <03045> and believe <0539> me, and understand <0995> that I [am] he: before <06440> me there was no <03808> God <0410> formed <03335>, neither <03808> shall there be after <0310> me.

{21} This <02098> people <05971> have I formed <03335> for myself; they shall shew <05608> forth my praise <08416>.

NRSV - 10 You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.

21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.

TEV - "Israel Is the LORD's Witness" - 10 "People of Israel, you are my witnesses; I chose you to be my servant, so that you would know me and believe in me and understand that I am the only God. Besides me there is no other god; there never was and never will be. 11 "I alone am the LORD, the only one who can save you. 12 I predicted what would happen, and then I came to your aid. No foreign god has ever done this; you are my witnesses. 13 I am God and always will be. No one can escape from my power; no one can change what I do."

"Escape from Babylon" - 18 But the LORD says, "Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. 19 Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already -- you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there. 20 Even the wild animals will honor me; jackals and ostriches will praise me when I make rivers flow in the desert to give water to my chosen people. 21 They are the people I made for myself, and they will sing my praises!"


[********** 3 **********]

<B8> Genesis 11

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And the whole <03605> earth <0776> was of one <0259> language <08193>, and of one <0259> speech <01697>. {2} And it came <01961> to pass, as they journeyed <05265> from the east <06924>, that they found <04672> a plain <01237> in the land <0776> of Shinar <08152>; and they dwelt <03427> there <08033>. {3} And they said <0559> one <0376> to another <07453>, Go <03051> to, let us make brick <03835>, and burn <08313> them throughly. And they had <01961> brick <03843> for stone <068>, and slime <02564> had <01961> they for morter <02563>. {4} And they said <0559>, Go <03051> to, let us build <01129> us a city <05892> and a tower <04026>, whose top <07218> [may reach] unto heaven <08064>; and let us make <06213> us a name <08034>, lest <06435> we be scattered <06327> abroad <06527> upon the face <06440> of the whole <03605> earth <0776>. {5} And the LORD <03068> came <03381> down <03381> to see <07200> the city <05892> and the tower <04026>, which <0834> the children <01121> of men <0120> builded <01129>. {6} And the LORD <03068> said <0559>, Behold <02005>, the people <05971> [is] one <0259>, and they have all <03605> one <0259> language <08193>; and this <02088> they begin <02490> to do <06213>: and now <06258> nothing will be restrained <01219> from them, which they have imagined <02161> to do <06213>. {7} Go <03051> to, let us go <03381> down <03381>, and there <08033> confound <01101> their language <08193>, that they may not understand <08085> one <0376> another's <07453> speech <08193>. {8} So the LORD <03068> scattered <06327> them abroad <06527> from thence <08033> upon the face <06440> of all <03605> the earth <0776>: and they left <02308> off to build <01129> the city <05892>. {9} Therefore is the name <08034> of it called <07121> Babel <0894>; ...

NRSV - 1 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." 5 The LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. 6 And the LORD said, "Look, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another's speech." 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore it was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

TEV - "The Tower of Babylon" - 1 At first, the people of the whole world had only one language and used the same words. 2 As they wandered about in the East, they came to a plain in Babylonia and settled there. 3 They said to one another, "Come on! Let's make bricks and bake them hard." So they had bricks to build with and tar to hold them together. 4 They said, "Now let's build a city with a tower that reaches the sky, so that we can make a name for ourselves and not be scattered all over the earth." 5 Then the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which those men had built, 6 and he said, "Now then, these are all one people and they speak one language; this is just the beginning of what they are going to do. Soon they will be able to do anything they want! 7 Let us go down and mix up their language so that they will not understand each other." 8 So the LORD scattered them all over the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 The city was called Babylon, because there the LORD mixed up the language of all the people, and from there he scattered them all over the earth.


<B9> Psalm 115

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Not unto us, O LORD <03068>, not unto us, but unto thy name <08034> give glory <03519>, for thy mercy <02617>, [and] for thy truth's <0571> sake.

NRSV - 1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.

TEV - "The One True God" - 1 To you alone, O LORD, to you alone, and not to us, must glory be given because of your constant love and faithfulness.


[********** 4 **********]

<B10> Exodus 15

KJV w/Strong# - {11} Who <04310> [is] like <03644> unto thee, O LORD <03068>, among the gods <0410>? who <04310> [is] like <03644> thee, glorious <0142> in holiness <06944>, fearful <03372> [in] praises <08416>, doing <06213> wonders <06382>?

{13} Thou in thy mercy <02617> hast led <05148> forth the people <05971> [which] thou hast redeemed <01350>: thou hast guided <05095> [them] in thy strength <05797> unto thy holy <06944> habitation <05116>.

{17} Thou shalt bring <0935> them in, and plant <05193> them in the mountain <02022> of thine inheritance <05159>, [in] the place <04349>, O LORD <03068>, [which] thou hast made <06466> for thee to dwell <03427> in, [in] the Sanctuary <04720>, O Lord <03068>, [which] thy hands <03027> have established <03559>.

NRSV - 11 "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders?

13 "In your steadfast love you led the people whom you redeemed; you guided them by your strength to your holy abode.

17 You brought them in and planted them on the mountain of your own possession, the place, O LORD, that you made your abode, the sanctuary, O LORD, that your hands have established.

TEV - "The Song of Moses" - 11 "LORD, who among the gods is like you? Who is like you, wonderful in holiness? Who can work miracles and mighty acts like yours? 12 You stretched out your right hand, and the earth swallowed our enemies. 13 Faithful to your promise, you led the people you had rescued; by your strength you guided them to your sacred land. 14 The nations have heard, and they tremble with fear; the Philistines are seized with terror. 15 The leaders of Edom are terrified; Moab's mighty men are trembling; the people of Canaan lose their courage. 16 Terror and dread fall upon them. They see your strength, O LORD, and stand helpless with fear until your people have marched past -- the people you set free from slavery. 17 You bring them in and plant them on your mountain, the place that you, LORD, have chosen for your home, the Temple that you yourself have built. 18 You, LORD, will be king forever and ever."


<B11> Psalm 132

KJV w/Strong# - {13} For the LORD <03068> hath chosen <0977> Zion <06726>; he hath desired <0183> [it] for his habitation <04186>. {14} This [is] my rest <04496> for ever <05703>: here <06311> will I dwell <03427>; for I have desired <0183> it. {15} I will abundantly <01288> bless <01288> her provision <06718>:...

NRSV - 13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his habitation: 14 "This is my resting place forever; here I will reside, for I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless its provisions;...

TEV - "In Praise of the Temple" - 13 The LORD has chosen Zion; he wants to make it his home: 14 "This is where I will live forever; this is where I want to rule. 15 I will richly provide Zion with all she needs; I will satisfy her poor with food. 16 I will bless her priests in all they do, and her people will sing and shout for joy. 17 Here I will make one of David's descendants a great king; here I will preserve the rule of my chosen king. 18 I will cover his enemies with shame, but his kingdom will prosper and flourish."


<B12> Psalm 135

KJV w/Strong# - {13} Thy name <08034>, O LORD <03068>, [endureth] for ever <05769>; [and] thy memorial <02143>, O LORD <03068>, throughout all generations <01755>.

NRSV - 13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever, your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.

TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 8 In Egypt he killed all the first- born of men and animals alike. 9 There he performed miracles and wonders to punish the king and all his officials. 10 He destroyed many nations and killed powerful kings: 11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, Og, king of Bashan, and all the kings in Canaan. 12 He gave their lands to his people; he gave them to Israel. 13 LORD, you will always be proclaimed as God; all generations will remember you. 14 The LORD will defend his people; he will take pity on his servants.


<B13> Psalm 90

KJV w/Strong# - {16} Let thy work <06467> appear <07200> unto thy servants <05650>, and thy glory <01926> unto their children <01121>. {17} And let the beauty <05278> of the LORD <03068> our God <0430> be upon us: and establish <03559> thou the work <04639> of our hands <03027> upon us; yea, the work <04639> of our hands <03027> establish <03559> thou it.

NRSV - 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" - 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!


<B14> Ephesians 3

KJV w/Strong# - {20} Now <1161> unto him that is able <1410> to do <4160> exceeding <5228> abundantly <4053> above <5228> all <3956> that we ask <154> or <2228> think <3539>, according <2596> to the power <1411> that worketh <1754> in us, {21} Unto him [be] glory <1391> in the church <1577> by Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> throughout <1519> all <3956> ages <1074>, world <165> without end <165>...

NRSV - 20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever...

TEV - "The Love of Christ" - 20 To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of: 21 to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen.


[********** 5 **********]

<B15> Galatians 4

KJV w/Strong# - {4} ...when <3753> the fulness <4138> of the time <5550> was come <2064>, God <2316> sent <1821> forth <1821> his Son <5207>, made <1096> of a woman <1135>, made <1096> under <5259> the law <3551>, {5} To redeem <1805> them that were under <5259> the law <3551>, that we might receive <618> the adoption <5206> of sons <5206>. {6} And because <3754> ye are sons <5207>, God <2316> hath sent <1821> forth <1821> the Spirit <4151> of his Son <5207> into <1519> your <5216> hearts <2588>, crying <2896>, Abba <5>, Father <3962>.

NRSV - 4 ...when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6 And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

TEV - "The Purpose of the Law" - 1 But now to continue -- the son who will receive his father's property is treated just like a slave while he is young, even though he really owns everything. 2 While he is young, there are men who take care of him and manage his affairs until the time set by his father. 3 In the same way, we too were slaves of the ruling spirits of the universe before we reached spiritual maturity. 4 But when the right time finally came, God sent his own Son. He came as the son of a human mother and lived under the Jewish Law, 5 to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might become God's sons. 6 To show that you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, "Father, my Father." 7 So then, you are no longer a slave but a son. And since you are his son, God will give you all that he has for his sons.


<B16> Luke 8

KJV w/Strong# - {40} And it came <1096> to pass, that, when <3588> Jesus <2424> was returned <5290>, the people <3793> [gladly] received <588> him: for they were all <3956> waiting <4328> for him.

NRSV - 40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.

TEV - "Jairus' Daughter and the Woman Who Touched Jesus' Cloak" - 40 When Jesus returned to the other side of the lake, the people welcomed him, because they had all been waiting for him. 41 Then a man named Jairus arrived; he was an official in the local synagogue. He threw himself down at Jesus' feet and begged him to go to his home, 42 because his only daughter, who was twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went along, the people were crowding him from every side.


<B17> Luke 14

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And it came <1096> to pass, as he went <2064> into <1519> the house <3624> of one <5100> of the chief <758> Pharisees <5330> to eat <5315> bread <740> on the sabbath <4521> day, that they watched <3906> him. {2} And, behold <2400>, there was a certain <5100> man <444> before <1715> him which had the dropsy <5203>. {3} And Jesus <2424> answering <611> spake <2036> unto the lawyers <3544> and Pharisees <5330>, saying <3004>, Is it lawful <1832> to heal <2323> on the sabbath <4521> day? {4} And they held <2270> their peace <2270>. And he took <1949> [him], and healed <2323> him, and let him go <630>; {5} And answered <611> them, saying <2036>, Which <5101> of you shall have an ass <3688> or <2228> an ox <1016> fallen <1706> into <1519> a pit <5421>, and will not straightway <2112> pull <385> him out on <1722> the sabbath <4521> day <2250>? {6} And they could <2480> not answer <470> him again <470> to these <5023> things.

NRSV - 1 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. 2 Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, "Is it lawful to cure people on the sabbath, or not?" 4 But they were silent. So Jesus took him and healed him, and sent him away. 5 Then he said to them, "If one of you has a child or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a sabbath day?" 6 And they could not reply to this.

TEV - "Jesus Heals a Sick Man" - 1 One Sabbath Jesus went to eat a meal at the home of one of the leading Pharisees; and people were watching Jesus closely. 2 A man whose legs and arms were swollen came to Jesus, 3 and Jesus spoke up and asked the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees, "Does our Law allow healing on the Sabbath or not?" 4 But they would not say a thing. Jesus took the man, healed him, and sent him away. 5 Then he said to them, "If any one of you had a son or an ox that happened to fall in a well on a Sabbath, would you not pull him out at once on the Sabbath itself?" 6 But they were not able to answer him about this.


<B18> James 1

KJV w/Strong# - {16} Do not err <4105>, my beloved <27> brethren <80>. {17} Every <3956> good <18> gift <1394> and every <3956> perfect <5046> gift <1394> is from above <509>, and cometh down <2597> from the Father <3962> of lights <5457>, with whom <3739> is no <3756> variableness <3883>, neither <2228> shadow <644> of turning <5157>.

NRSV - 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved. 17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

TEV - "Testing and Tempting" - 16 Do not be deceived, my dear brothers! 17 Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. 18 By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures.


[********** 6 **********]

<B19> Isaiah 28

KJV w/Strong# - {16} Therefore <03651> thus <03541> saith <0559> the Lord <0136> GOD <03069>, Behold <02005>, I lay in Zion <06726> for a foundation <03248> a stone <068>, a tried <0976> stone <068>, a precious <03368> corner <06438> [stone], a sure <03245> foundation <04143>: he that believeth <0539> shall not make haste <02363>.

NRSV - 16 therefore thus says the Lord GOD, See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: "One who trusts will not panic."

TEV - "A Cornerstone for Zion" - 16 This, now, is what the Sovereign LORD says: "I am placing in Zion a foundation that is firm and strong. In it I am putting a solid cornerstone on which are written the words, "Faith that is firm is also patient.' 17 Justice will be the measuring line for the foundation, and honesty will be its plumb line." Hailstorms will sweep away all the lies you depend on, and floods will destroy your security. 18 The treaty you have made with death will be abolished, and your agreement with the world of the dead will be canceled. When disaster sweeps down, you will be overcome. 19 It will strike you again and again, morning after morning. You will have to bear it day and night. Each new message from God will bring new terror!


<B20> Isaiah 65

KJV w/Strong# - {17} For, behold <02005>, I create <01254> new <02319> heavens <08064> and a new <02319> earth <0776>: and the former <07223> shall not be remembered <02142>, nor <03808> come <05927> into <05921> mind <03820>. {18} But be ye glad <07796> and rejoice <01523> for ever <05703> [in that] which <0834> I create <01254>: for, behold <02005>, I create <01254> Jerusalem <03389> a rejoicing <01525>, and her people <05971> a joy <04885>.

NRSV - 17 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.

TEV - "The New Creation" - 17 The LORD says, "I am making a new earth and new heavens. The events of the past will be completely forgotten. 18 Be glad and rejoice forever in what I create. The new Jerusalem I make will be full of joy, and her people will be happy. 19 I myself will be filled with joy because of Jerusalem and her people. There will be no weeping there, no calling for help. 20 Babies will no longer die in infancy, and all people will live out their life span. Those who live to be a hundred will be considered young. To die before that would be a sign that I had punished them.


<B21> Revelations 21

KJV w/Strong# - {9} And there came <2064> unto me one <1520> of the seven <2033> angels <32> which <3588> had <2192> the seven <2033> vials <5357> full <1073> of the seven <2033> last <2078> plagues <4127>, and talked <2980> with me, saying <3004>, Come <1204> hither <1204>, I will shew <1166> thee the bride <3565>, the Lamb's <721> wife <1135>. {10} And he carried <667> me away <667> in the spirit <4151> to a great <3173> and high <5308> mountain <3735>, and shewed <1166> me that great <3173> city <4172>, the holy <40> Jerusalem <2419>, descending <2597> out of heaven <3772> from God <2316>, {11} Having <2192> the glory <1391> of God <2316>:...

{23} And the city <4172> had <2192> no <3756> need <5532> of the sun <2246>, neither <3761> of the moon <4582>, to shine <5316> in it: for the glory <1391> of God <2316> did lighten <5461> it, and the Lamb <721> [is] the light <3088> thereof <846>. {24} And the nations <1484> of them which are saved <4982> shall walk <4043> in the light <5457> of it: and the kings <935> of the earth <1093> do bring <5342> their glory <1391> and honour <5092> into <1519> it. {25} And the gates <4440> of it shall not be shut <2808> at all <3364> by day <2250>: for there shall be no <3756> night <3571> there <1563>. {26} And they shall bring <5342> the glory <1391> and honour <5092> of the nations <1484> into <1519> it.

NRSV - 9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." 10 And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It has the glory of God...

23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 Its gates will never be shut by day -- and there will be no night there. 26 People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.

TEV - "The New Jerusalem" - 9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came to me and said, "Come, and I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb." 10 The Spirit took control of me, and the angel carried me to the top of a very high mountain. He showed me Jerusalem, the Holy City, coming down out of heaven from God 11 and shining with the glory of God. The city shone like a precious stone, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates and with twelve angels in charge of the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of the people of Israel. 13 There were three gates on each side: three on the east, three on the south, three on the north, and three on the west.

22 I did not see a temple in the city, because its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. 23 The city has no need of the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God shines on it, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The peoples of the world will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their wealth into it. 25 The gates of the city will stand open all day; they will never be closed, because there will be no night there. 26 The greatness and the wealth of the nations will be brought into the city. 27 But nothing that is impure will enter the city, nor anyone who does shameful things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of the living will enter the city.


LINKS TO SOME OTHER USEFUL BIBLE-LESSON-RELATED WEB PAGES

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS COMMENTARY (such as a/r=alternate rendering, c/m=changed meaning since KJV translation, omit=omit wording not found in the Hebrew or Greek texts from which the KJV was translated but not in the original Hebrew or Greek texts, add=add wording that was omitted from the KJV's Hebrew or Greek texts but were found in the original Hebrew or Greek texts). Also other information about this commentary. (http://www.bibletexts.com/abbrev.htm)

BIBLETEXTS HOMEPAGE - This is the homepage for the entire BibleTexts Website. (http://www.bibletexts.com)

BIBLETEXTS ONLINE BIBLE COMMENTARY - THE UNABRIDGED EDITION (http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm)

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF BIBLE RESEARCH MATERIALS - This is a listing and description of 200 of the biblical resources used for this commentary. (http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr.htm)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - HISTORICAL INSIGHTS - This is a link to a Webpage that lists articles from early issues of the Christian Science periodical -- articles that give insights on how Mary Baker Eddy and early Bible Lesson Committee members viewed the Bible Lessons. (http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/bl.htm)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - OFFICIAL WEBPAGE - This is a link to an official Webpage that describes and gives textual and audio examples of the actual Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons. (http://168.203.8.7/GV/CSPS/Quarterly.html)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - ESSENTIAL STUDY MATERIALS - This is a link to a webpage describing the essential Bible Lesson study materials (theBible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and the Christian Science Quarterly) and how to obtain them, as well as how to obtain some optional Bible Lesson study aids. (http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-components.htm)

CHURCHES OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, AND READING ROOMS - OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF LISTINGS - This is an official Website listing all of the churches, societies, and Reading Rooms listed in The Christian Science Journal. (http://168.203.8.11/Church.qry?function=form)

DAILY RELIGIOUS ARTICLE from today's issue of The Christian Science Monitor. (http://www.csmonitor.com/todays_paper/graphical/today/home/relarticle.1.html)

STRONG'S-BASED BIBLE STUDY AIDS - This is a Webpage that describes various  Bible study aids that are keyed to the Strong's number system. These materials will enable you to use the above "KJV/Strong's" texts and <numbers> to explore the actual meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words from which the English wording was translated. (http://www.bibletexts.com/strongs.htm)

TOPICAL INDEX OF CROSS-REFERENCES AND COMMENTARIES (http://www.bibletexts.com/topical.htm)

WHY THE KING JAMES VERSION DIFFERS WITH MODERN VERSIONS? This thoroughly researched document addresses in detail three topics: Part 1. The King James Version and its dependence on the Textus Receptus; Part 2. Descriptions of four significant Bible study aids used by this website; Part 3. The importance of the original texts to Mary Baker Eddy, and the use of non-KJV Bible versions in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy (from at least 1881) and in the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons (from 1890-1914). (http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-mod.htm)

EMAIL THE BIBLETEXTS WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR - You are welcome to email comments and/or recommendations to the BibleTexts website administrator. (support@bibletexts.com)


Copyright 1996-1998 Robert Nguyen Cramer, PO Box 5613, Newark, DE 19714-5613, USA