The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary
plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson
Bible Lesson Study Aid | This week's: This particular webpage was first posted Saturday, 2/27/99, at 7:45 pm (USA Eastern time). | Next week's: This study aid is usually available by Saturday morning, 8 days before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated. It becomes "This week's Bible Lesson study aid" late Sunday evening or early Monday morning (USA Eastern time), 1 full week before the Sunday by which the corresponding Bible Lesson is dated.
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Acknowledgements of the Bible versions and footnotes regularly used on this Webpage:
KJV w/Strong# (From the ABS Reference Bible CDROM, published by the American Bible Society. Used by permission.) Verse numbers are enclosed in { }. Strong's numbers are enclosed in < > and identify the Hebrew or Greek words from which the KJV words were translated. For a list of study aids that are keyed to Strong's number system, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/strongs.htm. (Strong's numbers do not necessarily represent the Hebrew and Greek words that were in the original texts, only those texts from which the KJV was translated.)
Some of the KJV (and NKJV) texts significantly differ from reliable modern versions, which are translated from today's more correct approximation of "the original texts." {See S&H 24:4.} For more details, browse: "Why the King James Version differs with modern versions" at http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-mod.htm.
NRSV (New Revised Standard Version, Copyright, 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.)
TEV (Today's English Version, Copyright 1976, 1992, American Bible Society, also known as the Good News Bible. Used by permission. All rights reserved.) The full paragraph is included on this webpage to help you read the emboldened Bible Lesson texts in the original author's intended context.
Footnotes: cross-references and textual and exegetical commentary. Cross-references are mostly the result of original research done by Robert Nguyen Cramer [RNC], but a few came either from American Bible Society resources or from The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, by R.A. Torrey. All commentary was done by RNC, unless otherwise noted. Some additional resources used in the preparation of this Webpage are described in the bibliography.
KJV w/Strong# - {15} Ye [are] blessed <01288> of the LORD <03068> which made <06213> heaven <08064> and earth <0776>.
NRSV - 15 May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
TEV - "The One True God" - 9 Trust in the LORD, you people of Israel. He helps you and protects you. 10 Trust in the LORD, you priests of God. He helps you and protects you. 11 Trust in the LORD, all you that worship him. He helps you and protects you. 12 The LORD remembers us and will bless us; he will bless the people of Israel and all the priests of God. 13 He will bless everyone who honors him, the great and the small alike. 14 May the LORD give you children -- you and your descendants! 15 May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth!
KJV w/Strong# - {1} In the beginning <07225> God <0430> created <01254> the heaven <08064> and the earth <0776>. {2} And the earth <0776> was without <08414> form <08414>, and void <0922>; and darkness <02822> [was] upon the face <06440> of the deep <08415>. And the Spirit <07307> of God <0430> moved <07363> upon the face <06440> of the waters <04325>. {3} And God <0430> said <0559>, Let there be light <0216>: and there was light <0216>. {4} And God <0430> saw <07200> the light <0216>, that [it was] good <02896>: and God <0430> divided <0914> the light <0216> from the darkness <02822>.
{25} And God <0430> made <06213> the beast <02416> of the earth <0776> after his kind <04327>, and cattle <0929> after their kind <04327>, and every <03605> thing that creepeth <07431> upon the earth <0127> after his kind <04327>: and God <0430> saw <07200> that [it was] good <02896>. {26} And God <0430> said <0559>, Let us make <06213> man <0120> in our image <06754>, after our likeness <01823>: and let them have dominion <07287> over the fish <01710> of the sea <03220>, and over the fowl <05775> of the air <08064>, and over the cattle <0929>, and over all <03605> the earth <0776>, and over every <03605> creeping <07431> thing that creepeth <07430> upon the earth <0776>. {27} So God <0430> created <01254> man <0120> in his [own] image <06754>, in the image <06754> of God <0430> created <01254> he him; male <02145> and female <05347> created <01254> he them. {28} And God <0430> blessed <01288> them, and God <0430> said <0559> unto them, Be fruitful <06509>, and multiply <07235>, and replenish <04390> the earth <0776>, and subdue <03533> it:..
{31} And God <0430> saw <07200> every <03605> thing that he had made <06213>, and, behold <02009>, [it was] very <03966> good <02896>...
NRSV - 1 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.
25 God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." 27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it;...
31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good...
TEV - "The Story of Creation" - 1 In the beginning, when God created the universe, 2 the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the power of God was moving over the water. 3 Then God commanded, "Let there be light" -- and light appeared. 4 God was pleased with what he saw. Then he separated the light from the darkness, 5 and he named the light "Day" and the darkness "Night." Evening passed and morning came -- that was the first day.
20 Then God commanded, "Let the water be filled with many kinds of living beings, and let the air be filled with birds." 21 So God created the great sea monsters, all kinds of creatures that live in the water, and all kinds of birds. And God was pleased with what he saw. 22 He blessed them all and told the creatures that live in the water to reproduce and to fill the sea, and he told the birds to increase in number. 23 Evening passed and morning came -- that was the fifth day. 24 Then God commanded, "Let the earth produce all kinds of animal life: domestic and wild, large and small" -- and it was done. 25 So God made them all, and he was pleased with what he saw. 26 Then God said, "And now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small." 27 So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female, 28 blessed them, and said, "Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, and all the wild animals. 29 I have provided all kinds of grain and all kinds of fruit for you to eat; 30 but for all the wild animals and for all the birds I have provided grass and leafy plants for food" -- and it was done. 31 God looked at everything he had made, and he was very pleased. Evening passed and morning came -- that was the sixth day.
<B1> Jeremiah 31
KJV w/Strong# - {3} The LORD <03068> hath appeared <07200> of old <07350> unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved <0157> thee with an everlasting <05769> love <0160>: therefore with lovingkindness <02617> have I drawn <04900> thee.
NRSV - 3 the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
TEV - "Israel's Return Home" - 2 In the desert I showed mercy to those people who had escaped death. When the people of Israel longed for rest, 3 I appeared to them from far away. People of Israel, I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love. 4 Once again I will rebuild you. Once again you will take up your tambourines and dance joyfully. 5 Once again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria, and those who plant them will eat what the vineyards produce. 6 Yes, the time is coming when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, "Let's go up to Zion, to the LORD our God."
KJV w/Strong# - {1} O LORD <03068> our Lord <0113>, how <04100> excellent <0117> [is] thy name <08034> in all <03605> the earth <0776>! who <0834> hast set <05414> thy glory <01935> above <05921> the heavens <08064>.
{3} When <03588> I consider <07200> thy heavens <08064>, the work <04639> of thy fingers <0676>, the moon <03394> and the stars <03556>, which <0834> thou hast ordained <03559>; {4} What <04100> is man <0582>, that thou art mindful <02142> of him? and the son <01121> of man <0120>, that thou visitest <06485> him? {5} For thou hast made him a little <04592> lower <02637> than the angels <0430>, and hast crowned <05849> him with glory <03519> and honour <01926>. {6} Thou madest him to have dominion <04910> over the works <04639> of thy hands <03027>; thou hast put <07896> all <03605> [things] under <08478> his feet <07272>:
NRSV - 1 O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; 4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? 5 Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. 6 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet,
TEV - "God's Glory and Man's Dignity" - 1 O LORD, our Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world! Your praise reaches up to the heavens; 2 it is sung by children and babies. You are safe and secure from all your enemies; you stop anyone who opposes you. 3 When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places -- 4 what is man, that you think of him; mere man, that you care for him? 5 Yet you made him inferior only to yourself; you crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You appointed him ruler over everything you made; you placed him over all creation: 7 sheep and cattle, and the wild animals too; 8 the birds and the fish and the creatures in the seas.
KJV w/Strong# - {8} Oh that [men] would praise <03034> the LORD <03068> [for] his goodness <02617>, and [for] his wonderful <06381> works to the children <01121> of men <0120>! {9} For he satisfieth <07646> the longing <08264> soul <05315>, and filleth <04390> the hungry <07456> soul <05315> with goodness <02896>.
NRSV - 8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. 9 For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.
TEV - "In Praise of God's Goodness" - 4 Some wandered in the trackless desert and could not find their way to a city to live in. 5 They were hungry and thirsty and had given up all hope. 6 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight road to a city where they could live. 8 They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them. 9 He satisfies those who are thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
KJV w/Strong# - {11} The LORD <03068> will give <05414> strength <05797> unto his people <05971>; the LORD <03068> will bless <01288> his people <05971> with peace <07965>.
NRSV - 11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
TEV - "The Voice of the LORD in the Storm" - 7 The voice of the LORD makes the lightning flash. 8 His voice makes the desert shake; he shakes the desert of Kadesh. 9 The LORD's voice shakes the oaks and strips the leaves from the trees while everyone in his Temple shouts, "Glory to God!" 10 The LORD rules over the deep waters; he rules as king forever. 11 The LORD gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Behold <1492>, what <4217> manner <4217> of love <26> the Father <3962> hath bestowed <1325> upon us, that we should be called <2564> the sons <5043> of God <2316>: therefore <5124> the world <2889> knoweth <1097> us not, because <3754> it knew <1097> him not. {2} Beloved <27>, now <3568> are we the sons <5043> of God <2316>, and it doth not yet <3768> appear <5319> what <5101> we shall be: but we know <1492> that, when <1437> he shall appear <5319>, we shall be like <3664> him; for we shall see <3700> him as he is. {3} And every <3956> man that hath <2192> this <5026> hope <1680> in him purifieth <48> himself <1438>, even <2531> as he is pure <53>.
NRSV - 1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3 And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
TEV - "Children of God" - 1 See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children -- and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God. 2 My dear friends, we are now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure.
<B6> Proverbs 10
KJV w/Strong# - {22} The blessing <01293> of the LORD <03068>, it maketh rich <06238>, and he addeth <03254> no <03808> sorrow <06089> with it.
{28} The hope <08431> of the righteous <06662> [shall be] gladness <08057>:...
NRSV - 22 The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
28 The hope of the righteous ends in gladness,...
TEV - "Solomon's Proverbs" - 20 A good man's words are like pure silver; a wicked man's ideas are worthless. 21 A good man's words will benefit many people, but you can kill yourself with stupidity. 22 It is the LORD's blessing that makes you wealthy. Hard work can make you no richer. 23 It is foolish to enjoy doing wrong. Intelligent people take pleasure in wisdom. 24 The righteous get what they want, but the wicked will get what they fear most. 25 Storms come, and the wicked are blown away, but honest people are always safe. 26 Never get a lazy man to do something for you; he will be as irritating as vinegar on your teeth or smoke in your eyes. 27 Obey the LORD, and you will live longer. The wicked die before their time. 28 The hopes of good men lead to joy, but wicked people can look forward to nothing. 29 The LORD protects honest people, but destroys those who do wrong. 30 Righteous people will always have security, but the wicked will not survive in the land. 31 Righteous people speak wisdom, but the tongue that speaks evil will be stopped. 32 Righteous people know the kind thing to say, but the wicked are always saying things that hurt.
KJV w/Strong# - {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>. {18} Of his own will <1014> begat <616> he us with the word <3056> of truth <225>, that we should be a kind <5100> of firstfruits <536> of his creatures <2938>.
NRSV - 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. 18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
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.
KJV w/Strong# - {14} For as many <3745> as are led <71> by the Spirit <4151> of God <2316>, they are the sons <5207> of God <2316>. {15} For ye have not received <2983> the spirit <4151> of bondage <1397> again <3825> to fear <5401>; but ye have received <2983> the Spirit <4151> of adoption <5206>, whereby <3739> we cry <2896>, Abba <5>, Father <3962>. {16} The Spirit <4151> itself <846> beareth <4828> witness <4828> with our spirit <4151>, that we are the children <5043> of God <2316>: {17} And if <1487> children <5043>, then <2531> heirs <2818>; heirs <2818> of God <2316>, and joint-heirs <4789> with Christ <5547>;...
{28} And we know <1492> that all <3956> things work <4903> together <4903> for good <18> to them that love <25> God <2316>, to them who are the called <2822> according <2596> to [his] purpose <4286>.
NRSV - 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ...
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
TEV - "The Conflict in Man" - 12 So then, my brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. 13 For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. 14 Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's sons. 15 For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, "Father! my Father!" 16 God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children. 17 Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share Christ's suffering, we will also share his glory.
"The Future Glory" - 28 We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. 29 Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many brothers. 30 And so those whom God set apart, he called; and those he called, he put right with himself, and he shared his glory with them.
<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.
{12} The LORD <03068> hath been mindful <02142> of us: he will bless <01288> [us]; he will bless <01288> the house <01004> of Israel <03478>;...
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.
12 The LORD has been mindful of us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel;...
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.
9 Trust in the LORD, you people of Israel. He helps you and protects you. 10 Trust in the LORD, you priests of God. He helps you and protects you. 11 Trust in the LORD, all you that worship him. He helps you and protects you. 12 The LORD remembers us and will bless us; he will bless the people of Israel and all the priests of God. 13 He will bless everyone who honors him, the great and the small alike. 14 May the LORD give you children -- you and your descendants! 15 May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth!
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Now <1161> concerning <4012> spiritual <4152> [gifts], brethren <80>, I would <2309> not have you ignorant <50>.
{4} Now <1161> there are diversities <1243> of gifts <5486>, but the same <846> Spirit <4151>. {5} And there are differences <1243> of administrations <1248>, but the same <846> Lord <2962>. {6} And there are diversities <1243> of operations <1755>, but it is the same <846> God <2316> which <3588> worketh <1754> all <3956> in all <3956>. {7} But the manifestation <5321> of the Spirit <4151> is given <1325> to every <1538> man <1538> to profit <4851> withal. {8} For to one <3303> is given <1325> by the Spirit <4151> the word <3056> of wisdom <4678>; to another <243> the word <3056> of knowledge <1108> by the same <846> Spirit <4151>; {9} To another <2087> faith <4102> by the same <846> Spirit <4151>; to another <243> the gifts <5486> of healing <2386> by the same <846> Spirit <4151>; {10} To another <243> the working <1755> of miracles <1411>; to another <243> prophecy <4394>; to another <243> discerning <1253> of spirits <4151>; to another <2087> [divers] kinds <1085> of tongues <1100>; to another <243> the interpretation <2058> of tongues <1100>: {11} But all <3956> these <5023> worketh <1754> that one <1520> and the selfsame <846> Spirit <4151>, dividing <1244> to every <1538> man <1538> severally <2398> as he will <1014>.
NRSV - 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
TEV - "Gifts from the Holy Spirit" - 1 Now, concerning what you wrote about the gifts from the Holy Spirit. I want you to know the truth about them, my brothers. 2 You know that while you were still heathen, you were led astray in many ways to the worship of lifeless idols. 3 I want you to know that no one who is led by God's Spirit can say "A curse on Jesus!" and no one can confess "Jesus is Lord," unless he is guided by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. 5 There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. 6 There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service. 7 The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all. 8 The Spirit gives one person a message full of wisdom, while to another person the same Spirit gives a message full of knowledge. 9 One and the same Spirit gives faith to one person, while to another person he gives the power to heal. 10 The Spirit gives one person the power to work miracles; to another, the gift of speaking God's message; and to yet another, the ability to tell the difference between gifts that come from the Spirit and those that do not. To one person he gives the ability to speak in strange tongues, and to another he gives the ability to explain what is said. 11 But it is one and the same Spirit who does all this; as he wishes, he gives a different gift to each person.
KJV w/Strong# - {26} For ye are all <3956> the children <5207> of God <2316> by <1223> faith <4102> in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>.
NRSV - 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.
TEV - "The Purpose of the Law" - 26 It is through faith that all of you are God's sons in union with Christ Jesus. 27 You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. 28 So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free men, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised.
<B12> Matthew 4
KJV w/Strong# - {17} ...Jesus <2424> began <756> to preach <2784>, and to say <3004>, Repent <3340>: for the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is at <1448> hand <1448>.
NRSV - 17 ...Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
TEV - "Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee" - 17 From that time Jesus began to preach his message: "Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!"
KJV w/Strong# - {1} And seeing <1492> the multitudes <3793>, he went <305> up into <1519> a mountain <3735>: and when he was set <2523>, his disciples <3101> came <4334> unto him: {2} And he opened <455> his mouth <4750>, and taught <1321> them, saying <3004>, {3} Blessed <3107> [are] the poor <4434> in spirit <4151>: for theirs <846> is the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772>. {4} Blessed <3107> [are] they that mourn <3996>: for they shall be comforted <3870>. {5} Blessed <3107> [are] the meek <4239>: for they shall inherit <2816> the earth <1093>. {6} Blessed <3107> [are] they which <3588> do hunger <3983> and thirst <1372> after righteousness <1343>: for they shall be filled <5526>. {7} Blessed <3107> [are] the merciful <1655>: for they shall obtain <1653> mercy <1653>. {8} Blessed <3107> [are] the pure <2513> in heart <2588>: for they shall see <3700> God <2316>. {9} Blessed <3107> [are] the peacemakers <1518>: for they shall be called <2564> the children <5207> of God <2316>. {10} Blessed <3107> [are] they which are persecuted <1377> for righteousness <1343>' sake <1752>: for theirs <846> is the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772>.
{16} Let your <5216> light <5457> so <3779> shine <2989> before <1715> men <444>, that they may see <1492> your <5216> good <2570> works <2041>, and glorify <1392> your <5216> Father <3962> which <3588> is in heaven <3772>.
{48} Be ye therefore <3767> perfect <5046>, even <5618> as your <5216> Father <3962> which <3588> is in heaven <3772> is perfect <5046>.
NRSV - 1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
TEV - "The Sermon on the Mount" - 1 Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them:
"True Happiness" - 3 "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! 4 "Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them! 5 "Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised! 6 "Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! 7 "Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! 8 "Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God! 9 "Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children! 10 "Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
"Salt and Light" - 13 "You are like salt for all mankind. But if salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it. 14 "You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead he puts it on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.
"Love for Enemies" - 43 "You have heard that it was said, "Love your friends, hate your enemies.' 44 But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. 46 Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! 47 And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! 48 You must be perfect -- just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
<B14> Isaiah 26
KJV w/Strong# - {12} LORD <03068>, thou wilt ordain <08239> peace <07965> for us: for thou also <01571> hast wrought <06466> all <03605> our works <04639> in us.
NRSV - 12 O LORD, you will ordain peace for us, for indeed, all that we have done, you have done for us.
TEV - "God Will Give His People Victory" - 11 Your enemies do not know that you will punish them. LORD, put them to shame and let them suffer; let them suffer the punishment you have prepared. Show them how much you love your people. 12 You will give us prosperity, LORD; everything that we achieve is the result of what you do. 13 LORD our God, we have been ruled by others, but you alone are our LORD.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} Comfort <05162> ye, comfort <05162> ye my people <05971>, saith <0559> your God <0430>.
{4} Every <03605> valley <01516> shall be exalted <05375>, and every <03605> mountain <02022> and hill <01389> shall be made low <08213>: and the crooked <06121> shall be made straight <04334>, and the rough <07406> places plain <01237>:
NRSV - 1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
TEV - "Words of Hope" - 1 "Comfort my people," says our God. "Comfort them! 2 Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins." 3 A voice cries out, "Prepare in the wilderness a road for the LORD! Clear the way in the desert for our God! 4 Fill every valley; level every mountain. The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth. 5 Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind will see it. The LORD himself has promised this."
KJV w/Strong# - {18} And my people <05971> shall dwell <03427> in a peaceable <07965> habitation <05116>, and in sure <04009> dwellings <04908>, and in quiet <07600> resting <04496> places;
NRSV - 18 My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
TEV - "Judgment and Restoration" - 15 But once more God will send us his spirit. The wasteland will become fertile, and fields will produce rich crops. 16 Everywhere in the land righteousness and justice will be done. 17 Because everyone will do what is right, there will be peace and security forever. 18 God's people will be free from worries, and their homes peaceful and safe. (19 But hail will fall on the forests, and the city will be torn down.) 20 How happy everyone will be with plenty of water for the crops and safe pasture everywhere for the donkeys and cattle.
KJV w/Strong# - {17} And one <1520> of the multitude <3793> answered <611> and said <2036>, Master <1320>, I have brought <5342> unto thee my son <5207>, which hath <2192> a dumb <216> spirit <4151>; {18} And wheresoever <302> he taketh <2638> him, he teareth <4486> him: and he foameth <875>, and gnasheth <5149> with his teeth <3599>, and pineth <3583> away: and I spake <2036> to thy disciples <3101> that they should cast <1544> him out; and they could <2480> not. {19} He answereth <611> him, and saith <3004>, O faithless <571> generation <1074>, how <2193> long <2193> shall I be with you? how <2193> long <2193> shall I suffer <430> you? bring <5342> him unto me. {20} And they brought <5342> him unto him:...
{21} And he asked <1905> his father <3962>, How <4214> long <4214> is it ago since <5613> this <5124> came <1096> unto him? And he said <2036>, Of a child <3812>. {22} And ofttimes <4178> it hath cast <906> him into <1519> the fire <4442>, and into <1519> the waters <5204>, to destroy <622> him: but if thou canst <1410> do any <1536> thing, have compassion <4697> on <1909> us, and help <997> us.
{25} When Jesus <2424> saw <1492> that the people <3793> came <1998> running <1998> together <1998>, he rebuked <2008> the foul <169> spirit <4151>, saying <3004> unto him, [Thou] dumb <216> and deaf <2974> spirit <4151>, I charge <2004> thee, come <1831> out of him, and enter <1525> no <3371> more <3371> into <1519> him. {26} And [the spirit] cried <2896>, and rent <4682> him sore <4183>, and came <1831> out of him: and he was as one dead <3498>; insomuch <5620> that many <4183> said <3004>, He is dead <599>. {27} But Jesus <2424> took <2902> him by the hand <5495>, and lifted <1453> him up; and he arose <450>.
NRSV - 17 Someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so." 19 He answered them, "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me." 20 And they brought the boy to him... When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us."
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!" 26 After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand.
TEV - "Jesus Heals a Boy with an Evil Spirit" - 14 When they joined the rest of the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and some teachers of the Law arguing with them. 15 When the people saw Jesus, they were greatly surprised, and ran to him and greeted him. 16 Jesus asked his disciples, "What are you arguing with them about?" 17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, because he has an evil spirit in him and cannot talk. 18 Whenever the spirit attacks him, it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth, grits his teeth, and becomes stiff all over. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could not." 19 Jesus said to them, "How unbelieving you people are! How long must I stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy to me!" 20 They brought him to Jesus. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a fit, so that he fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 "How long has he been like this?" Jesus asked the father. "Ever since he was a child," he replied. 22 "Many times the evil spirit has tried to kill him by throwing him in the fire and into water. Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!" 23 "Yes," said Jesus, "if you yourself can! Everything is possible for the person who has faith." 24 The father at once cried out, "I do have faith, but not enough. Help me have more!" 25 Jesus noticed that the crowd was closing in on them, so he gave a command to the evil spirit. "Deaf and dumb spirit," he said, "I order you to come out of the boy and never go into him again!" 26 The spirit screamed, threw the boy into a bad fit, and came out. The boy looked like a corpse, and everyone said, "He is dead!" 27 But Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped him rise, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive the spirit out?" 29 "Only prayer can drive this kind out," answered Jesus; "nothing else can."
<B18> Psalm 23
KJV w/Strong# - {6} Surely <0389> goodness <02896> and mercy <02617> shall follow <07291> me all <03605> the days <03117> of my life <02416>: and I will dwell <03427> in the house <01004> of the LORD <03068> 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.
KJV w/Strong# - {1} And I saw <1492> a new <2537> heaven <3772> and a new <2537> earth <1093>: for the first <4413> heaven <3772> and the first <4413> earth <1093> were passed <3928> away; and there was no <3756> more <2089> sea <2281>.
{3} And I heard <191> a great <3173> voice <5456> out of heaven <3772> saying <3004>, Behold <2400>, the tabernacle <4633> of God <2316> [is] with men <444>, and he will dwell <4637> with them, and they shall be his people <2992>, and God <2316> himself <846> shall be with them, [and be] their God <2316>. {4} And God <2316> shall wipe <1813> away <1813> all <3956> tears <1144> from their eyes <3788>; and there shall be no <3756> more <2089> death <2288>, neither <3777> sorrow <3997>, nor <3777> crying <2906>, neither shall there be any <2089> more <2089> pain <4192>: for the former <4413> things are passed <565> away <565>. {5} And he that sat <2521> upon the throne <2362> said <2036>, Behold <2400>, I make <4160> all <3956> things new <2537>. And he said <3004> unto me, Write <1125>: for these <3778> words <3056> are true <228> and faithful <4103>. {6} And he said <2036> unto me, It is done <1096>. I am <1510> Alpha <1> and Omega <5598>, the beginning <746> and the end <5056>. I will give <1325> unto him that is athirst <1372> of the fountain <4077> of the water <5204> of life <2222> freely <1432>. {7} He that overcometh <3528> shall inherit <2816> all <3956> things; and I will be his God <2316>, and he shall be my son <5207>.
NRSV - 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 Then he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
TEV - "The New Heaven and the New Earth" - 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. 2 And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: "Now God's home is with mankind! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. 4 He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared." 5 Then the one who sits on the throne said, "And now I make all things new!" He also said to me, "Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted." 6 And he said, "It is done! I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it. 7 Whoever wins the victory will receive this from me: I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But cowards, traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practice magic, those who worship idols, and all liars -- the place for them is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
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